Hi,
Chiang Rai is back in the pattern of very warm days and cold nights. We’re still waiting for those warm nights that will help the pool heat up. (Sigh)
The ‘Old School Friday’ tune was “Save The Last Dance For Me” by The Drifters. That means it’s time for ‘Easy Monday’, and something you might know. “Hey, have you ever tried, really reaching out for the other side? I may be climbing on rainbows, but baby here goes. Dreams are for those who sleep, life is for us to keep. And if you’re wondering what this song is leading to, I’d like to __ __ __ __.” Hint: Sung by a group who’s name is something you use to make toast. The singer is stating his intentions. It’s from the early 70s.
Saturday was an interesting day. We dropped Cat at the orthodontist office to get her braces adjusted and went to the Talat (the main central market). It was 10am and the place was jammed with shoppers. One thing that was very evident was the coming of the Chinese New Year on February 19. There is one stall that always has an assortment of things related to Chinese cultural practices, but this time of year they go all out. There were large lanterns, banners, and loads of fireworks for sale. They also have a stock of paper replicas of things to burn in honor of the ancestors. Everything from iPhones to small cars, to items of clothing. The color ‘red’ was all through the Talat. In a few days the fireworks will begin going off and that will last probably until after the 19th.
In the evening, while Lisa worked on the little elephant, Blue and I went out with the intention of going to the opening of the Dark Star Community Building opening. The traffic was very intense, not only because it was Saturday night and Walking Street was going on, but it was Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated here with much enthusiasm. At the big high school near us there was a music concert, down the street there were many people gathered to watch the Clock Tower light show, and then there was the traffic trying to get to Walking Street.
Due to some misdirection, we never found the building and went home. We’ll try and find it in the daytime when the streets are friendlier.
There is a roving dog pack that is currently doing their thing in our neighborhood. Last night they were barking and howling, giving their own concert to everyone around. They will leave soon and harass another part of the village.
The little vegetable farm behind our house has a ‘shack’ where they keep supplies and have their meals during the day. I noticed that they have a Spirit House next to the shack and decided to take a photo. These little ‘houses’ on pedestals are all over Thailand. You can see them in front of businesses, hotels, farms, and especially homes. Their purpose is to provide an appealing shelter for the spirits, or celestial beings who would otherwise reside in the heavens. This comes from the ancient practice of Animism, which is still a big part of the Thai culture today. When we intended to buy our property we were encouraged to go to the land and talk to the spirits of the land and let them know that we would take good care of it and live good lives. We often see people praying in front of the Spirit House in front of their business. Offerings are brought and placed on the house as a way of paying respects. It might be in the form of flowers, incense, or food and drink. Today’s photo is the Spirit House for the little farm. It’s just to the left of the shack. I have added a close-up of a typical house also.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
“The important thing is this:
to be able at any moment,
to sacrifice what we are for
what we could become.”
~Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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