Hi,
Chiang Rai saw temps around 98F today and it felt like a lot more. When it's that hot and the air is still it just cooks whatever is outside. We got cooked.
The 'Zany Day' song seems to have baffled many of you, but a few got it. We'll skip to the last verse and put an end to all the zaniness. "Now we're doing a hundred and twenty, as fast as I could go. The Rambler pulled along side of me as if we were going slow. The fellow rolled down his window and yelled for me to hear, 'Hey, buddy, how can I get the car out of second gear!' __ __! __ __, his horn went __ __ __." Clue: The group was named after a bunch who lived in a mansion and there was a magazine involved. The title is still so easy there's not much else to say without giving it away. __ __!
In our travels around town we noticed a lot of activity on the grounds where the Friday Farmer's Market is held. It was all in preparation for the celebration of the birthday of, as they say in Thailand, "The Auspicious Occassion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 5th cycle Birthday Anniversary". A 'cycle' is 12 years, so the Princes is 60 years old this year. She is loved by the people of Thailand for her tireless work helping the poor and promoting education in all areas.
Living in a relatively small town means that there's a greater chance that people you know know people you know. Such is the case with Luka and Ghan, the parents of Lin, who is working for us. Ghan has a cousin who works for The Sold Project, and is also friends with Nurse Pay, our friend at the hospital. And so it goes. Another reason to be cordial to everyone you meet.
Today's photo was taken at Overbrook Hospital. Occasionally, local musicians play in an area between the two main buildings. The group playing in the photo was a typical village ensemble, pure amateur old school. Sometimes the groups are very tight and it's a pleasant distraction for visitors to the hospital. Just another one of those cultural things that I enjoy.
Here in Thailand the writing of checks is a very foreign thing. Credit cards are gaining popularity, but there are still a lot of folks who know better and just use cash. We have learned that many merchants in other cities use bank transfers as a way for people to pay for goods and services. When we buy something from an out-of-town vendor, we go to our ATM, punch in the appropriate numbers and the money is transferred from our account to theirs. We also get a digital and paper record of the transaction. Sweet.
The Thai Kitchen is almost done. Now we just need someone who wants to live in the back house and use it for their meals. The search continues for full-time help, but with many friends offering to help us find someone, we will get what we need.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"You have to dream before
your dreams can come true."
~Abdul Kalam
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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