Discovery

Hi,

The word most commonly spoken in Chiang Rai this weekend is ‘Cold’.  Sunday we had a significant drop in temperature that left us doubling up on warm clothes again.  This morning we were reminded of the cold spell in Culver City during our recent visit.  The whole region is going through history-making cold.  Brrr.  It’s nothing like what is happening on the eastern part of the U.S., but this is new to most people in this part of the world.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Just My Imagination (Runnin’ Away With Me) by The Temptations.  It’s ‘Easy Monday’ time:  “If you see me walking down the street, and I start to cry each time we meet.  __ __ __, __ __ __.  Make believe that you don’t see the tears, just let me grieve in private ‘cause each time I see you, I break down and cry.  And __ __ __ (don’t stop)…”  Hint:  The singer is not over a breakup and does not wish to see her ex.  Oh, made famous by a woman who had numerous hits and knows the way to a city in California.

Sunday was Daku’s 7th birthday.  He didn’t have a cake, but he got a rawhide bone that didn’t last long.  He received birthday greetings from friends from around the world.  Some of his fans sent photo-greetings from their dogs.  We didn’t realize we were living with a celebrity.  

On our last outing at Chivit Tamma Da this tree trunk caught my eye.  

All day Sunday it looked like rain.  Just as we were preparing to go out to dinner it began.  It was a light rain, but very cold.  We joined Stephan and Claire at Le Meridien Resort for Italian food at La Flavola.  In the past, they have prepared a special meal to accommodate my dietary needs.  This time I ordered straight from the menu, much to their surprise.  As is usually the case, we covered lots of topics in our conversations, and had a great time. 

There is a large part of life that is lived outside in tropical and semi-tropical parts of the world.  Outdoor dining is very normal.  The Healthy Market, many coffee shops, and the evening markets are all outside.  During dinner we pondered what it must be like to have to work outside in these drastically cold temps.  

 

We live in a rather thick-walled house with windows and doors that are fairly tight.  It’s cold in our house even though we have space heaters in a few rooms.  The people who live in little wooden houses with sheet-metal roofs are having a really rough time in this cold.  Some folks spend the evening around a fire for warmth, but ultimately go inside and sleep on a mat on the cold ground.  There is a whole range of living conditions here, from very traditional to very modern.  The nights are in the low 40F range in the lower areas, and much colder in the hills.  Current forecasts are calling for a slight warming trend the closer we get to the weekend.  

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,

                         Danny

“The greatest discovery of my generation

is that human beings can alter their lives

by altering their attitudes of mind.”

~William James