Hi,
We had an amazing three days here in Chiang Rai. Two parties and a visit from the Governor of the Province. There was also a bunch of rain but you knew that.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Long Tall Sally" by Little Richard. Here's an easy one for 'Easy Monday': "I was alone, I took a ride I didn't know what I would find there. Another road where maybe I could see another kind of mind there. Ooh, then I suddenly see you. Ooh, did I tell you I need you? Every single day of my life..." Hint: The title is in seven (7) words and it's by four lads from Liverpool.
Our weekend activities began with a wine/Sprite-tasting party on Saturday night at Le Meridien Resort. We spent most of the evening sharing a little table with a couple from Australia who were celebrating their one year anniversary. We had a great time talking, sharing and laughing about all sorts of things. I learned that the game that's known as 'football' in America is called 'Gridiron' in Australia. That's because they have their own game called Australian Rules Football. It was also fun to meet some fellow Formula One fans and talk about that. We'll probably communicate with them through email even after they leave Thailand.
Sunday we went into town to pick up some things for the Moon Festival party we would be attending in the evening. We kept an eye on the sky in hopes that the clouds would blow away and give us a good view of the moon in the night sky. It didn't look promising as the day wore on, but we had hope. On our way to Khun Jaffee's house the traffic stopped and I had a chance to look around. I noticed a tiny little pick-up truck parked on the sidewalk, with shelves in the bed. The first thing that caught my eye was a row of beer bottles on the top shelf. Below that there were large jars with brown liquid in them. Just as the light changed I saw a drink being served. It was a 'mobile bar'. Amazing.
The party was small, but the guests were all very interesting and we learned a lot of new things about the area. One of the couples there moved to the area recently from Chiang Mai. The husband is the head of a newly formed district (like a county) north of Chiang Rai. His wife works for the Red Cross and her family owns three elephant camps around the Chiang Mai area. There was a lot to talk about with them. This new district is isolated and very self-sufficient. She told me they don't even have a 7-11. They're trying to keep it in it's pristine form, but invite travelers to come and experience this way of life. Sounds interesting. We also talked with a travel publisher, and a photographer. We never did see the moon but Jaffee did serve Moon Cakes. His mother is Chinese and he told us stories of when he was a child and the things his mom would do on this holiday.
Today there was excitement in the air all day. Our friend Natty and her friend Natoi had arranged for the Governor to come to our house to look at Lisa's artwork. He and his secretary arrived a little after three and Lisa took them on a tour of the house. In her studio she showed him how the process works and then presented him with a small print. He spoke a little English and that helped, even though we had Natty to interpret when necessary. He also liked the T-shirt prints and invited Lisa to display them at Walking Street in a place of honor in front of his official residence. After he left we had a meeting to work out some details. Everyone is very excited about the results of the day. The Adventure continues.
Lisa and the Governor
Have A Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"The Place to improve the world
is first through one's own heart and hands."~Robert M. Persig
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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