Hi,
Today was a day for following directions and wild goose chases. We learned about bamboo and birds, and tried to catch some cookies (read on).
There were quite a few responses to the 'Zany Day' tune. Here's a passage that should surely jog your memory:
"Doctor, please, some more of these. Outside the door, she took four more. What a drag it is getting old. 'Life's just much too hard today,' I hear every mother say, the pursuit of happiness is just a bore..." Hint: The title is three words, and it's a play on words. I know, it's only R&R but we like it.
The bad air is back in Chiang Rai. Today was extremely hazy and smelled of smoke. This morning we could tell it was going to be a rough one. We had an appointment to meet with our friend Siam, who prefers to be called Yai, at 11am. I had written down directions from him as best I could. When we began trying to follow them it wasn't making sense so I called him. Once we made the first turn at the right place the rest was simple. We were greeted by three dogs. The smallest was the most vocal and protective. His name is Tia and it means 'short'. Yai makes furniture using bamboo and we saw some of his new work. Each piece is an individual work of art. We sat inside and his girlfriend, who is a talented artist, joined us. Yai talked to us about bamboo and the problems we could have since we have a swimming pool. In the dry season the leaves shed and travel on the wind. The pool is not that far from where the bamboo would be planted. We may have to rethink our plan. While we were talking we heard the sound of a bird that we just love. The English name is The Greater Coucal. They are about the size of a Raven, with burnt orange wings, a dark brown body, and red eyes. We asked Yai what it's called in Thai and it sounds like: Nok Kra Bood da dang. He explained that they like to eat snakes so you will find them near rivers and canals. There are lots of them around because they smell bad to Thai people so they don't hunt them. That's good for the bird and for us. They make a 'hooting' sound that almost sounds like an ape. When several are together and they all make this sound it feels like the jungle. Near the end of our visit Tia came and lay down with his head on Lisa's feet, and his hind legs on mine. Yai told us this means he loves us. We totally dug this little dog. When we got to the car, Tia ran over and stretched out under the car. What a guy. Today's photo is a Greater Coucal sitting in a tree in our yard.
This afternoon we had to cancel our swim because of the air quality, so we went on a 'cookie hunt'. A the Chezmoi fashion show they had some delicious cookies that I could eat. I got a rough idea of where the bakery was located, but no details. Our first attempt was based on my remembering wrong. Later this afternoon we went out again with what we thought was pretty direct info. We still haven't found these cookies made by a guy named Bobby Bo. I will have to request a map for the next round.
Songkran is probably the biggest holiday in Thailand. We have many friends who do not like Songkran, and many who love it. It is a happy time, a time for cleansing and family reunions. It is also a time for traffic jams, unwanted buckets of water thrown on you, power-squirt guns, and too much drinking and driving. Those who ride motorbikes are the most vulnerable, and many just don't ride during the water tossing days. It's still a week away and it's becoming the talk of the town.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
the demand for it."
~Confucius
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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