Hi,
After such a dramatic cold season, the heat feels like it just came out of nowhere. The mornings are still cool and it shocks the body to step out in the afternoon to the extreme heat. Oh well, at least there isn't snow on the ground or ice in the river.
The 'Easy Monday' song was supposed to be easy, bringing back memories of another time. Hmm, last verse:
"By the time we got to __ we were half a million strong, and everywhere there was song and celebration. And I dreamed I saw the bombers riding shotgun in the sky, and they were turning into butterflies above our nation. We are stardust, we are golden and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden." Clue: Upstate N.Y., USA, Mr. Yasgur scratching his head at the 'camp-out' that became a city.
This morning we went to the immigration office so Lisa could get her visa transferred into her new passport. It's like a reunion every time we go there. Lots of laughter and small talk. Today it was almost empty when we arrived. One of our 'friends' began the process and by the time he was finished, there were people waiting with numbers. We used to dread going to immigration, now it's more than OK, until a rule changes (555).
As we enter the 'burning season' it has become essential that our air filter machine is working properly. Today we went to Amway to get a replacement for one of the three filters. Shopping in the little Chiang Rai Amway store is a bit odd. It's usually empty, and there is constant questioning as to whether or not we have a member card. Once we had told them about 10 times, they got it. The last time we were there I didn't have my card and they couldn't find me in the system because my passport number had changed. That's how they keep track of us foreigners, by our number. This time I didn't have my card because, 'How often do I shop at Amway?'. It all got sorted out and we left with the filter, a new juicer, and some mango juice. Life in Chiang Rai is always different.
Tomorrow is Makka Bucha Day in Thailand. It is a National Holiday in honor of the Buddhist celebration commemorating a special full moon day when four 'auspicious' things happened. This holiday is carried out throughout the world. In today's terms, it's a day of spiritual contemplation. A day to 'cease from all evil, to do what is good, and cleanse the mind'. Many people will visit their temple and make merit by doing work or taking supplies to the monks. In the evening, devotees will join the monks in a procession around a building on the grounds carrying flowers and candles.
The entertainment at the dinner we attended in Chiang Mai was provided by a troupe of young people who are students of traditional forms of music and dance. Today's photo shows the young musicians performing. The finale of the show was a fire-dancer who twirled batons with flames on both ends. It was quite dramatic.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Success is often the result
of taking a misstep in the right
direction."
~Al Bernstein
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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