Hi,
I'm back from a warm weekend. We witnessed a 'hang out', I went on a lakeside excursion, we attended a birthday party, and Chinese New Year was festive in some quarters.
In case you missed it, the 'Old School Friday' song was "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb. The 'Easy Monday' song will also be easy (555). "I was born in a cross-fire hurricane. And I howled at my ma in the driving rain. But it's all right now, in fact, it's a gas. But it's all right now, I'm __ __ __, it's a gas, gas, gas." Clue: The title is a nick-name for the singer, from a band that is now very old.
Friday evening we went to what we now know is the 'Indian Bar' (not the 'India Bar'). Quite often the last consonant of an English word will not be pronounced and that was the case in identifying the bar. So, it's a small place with lots of posters and carvings of Native American head-dresses, old photos of tribal dances and an array of motorcycle club stuff. There was a young man singing in English and playing the guitar, but the volume level was such that everyone was sitting in the parking lot. There were small tables and chairs near the door and it was clear that this was the common practice. Two young women were holding baby rabbits, petting them, and the four of us made up the rest of the clientele. The 'bar' is owned by a young woman from Holland. The 'Indian Bar' in Chiang Rai, Thailand owned by a woman from Holland. Hmm. As the evening progressed it was clear that this would not be a repeat adventure. Everyone was speaking Dutch, drinking beer and smoking. Not the most comfortable situation so we called it a night after about 45 minutes.
Saturday afternoon our artist friend Em came over. He showed us a couple of his songs that he'd written and then he invited me to go with him to a big lake south of town. On the way to the lake we went to his house and I got to see a bunch of his art. The house is behind his family's home and he built it himself.
When we got to the lake I discovered that we were at a wake-board training camp. At first it just looked like a little cabana style bar with surf boards and photos on the walls. There were about 10 young men on their way out and they all greeted Em with big smiles. As we sat in a shelter by the water and a motorboat pulled one of the guys onto the lake, a man came to meet Em. He explained that most of the group were from France and Switzerland and were here to train for the coming season of competition. We sat for a long time, and as the sun set I realized Em was waiting for them to finish their training session. A few of the guys came and started playing around with the guitars, 'jamming' as they called it. We finally left around 7pm. During the course of the afternoon I met an American who has a surfboard export business in Thailand and sells mostly to Europe and South Africa. The wakeboard guys were testing one of his products. A Australian expat told me his life story, and I met some kids who live by the lake and it's their playground.
This year Chinese New Year did not seem as loud in terms of fireworks. There were lots of signs of celebration around town and today we even saw a big crew of Lion Dancers making the round of businesses. The tradition is to set off firecrackers at the doorway of a business to chase away the evil spirits and ensure prosperity. The character in red, fans the smoke to chase the spirits. They did this ritual up and down Clock Tower street.
Lions bring in the New Year
Today we had lunch with our friend Rachel, the American director of The Sold Project. She's been in Thailand working with the local staff and traveling. It was good to get updates on the program and see photos from the elephant experience the children had at Anantara.
This evening we went to a birthday party for Gary, Jago's 'dad'. They served turkey as the main dish so we were delighted. There were lots of people we know so it was very comfortable. We hadn't seen Jago in a long time and he was excited to see us. Although we're three years apart, Gary and I have a little bond since our birthdays are a day apart. He's on the 11th and I'm on the 12th. Oh yeah, it's almost my birthday.
On your Monday (my Tuesday) I will be celebrating 7 decades in human form. (555)
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
what I have been able to achieve,
but that which I have been able to overcome."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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