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Hi,

The weather in Chiang Mai is always warmer than Chiang Rai.  That is not to say that it doesn’t get cold there.  We just didn’t experience it.  We did feel the cooling off that happened this evening in Chiang Rai.  

This week’s ‘Zany Day’ song has some fans out there.  At least they remembered it.  Here’s the second verse of this literary masterpiece:  “Whoa oh, __ __ __, never ever leave me, because it would grieve me, my heart told me so.”

Hint:  Don’t let giddyup fool you.  It’s not about horses, it’s about candy (555).  Really.

Today we had a few adventures.  Nothing earth-shattering, but new for us.  We had our first Uber encounter coming home from the U.S. Consulate office.  We got a ride in a little Mitsubishi Mirage, which isn’t a luxury car, but comfortable, and the woman driving was very polite and got us to our hotel for very little cash.  We’ll do it again next time we’re in Chiang Mai.  The business at the Consulate was routine, but still required the ‘routine’.  Filling out a form, paying some money, and raising my hand and swearing it was all true.  When Lisa asked if the staff would be different with the new president, she was told that there would be no changes.  Apparently the northern office is not important enough.  That’s fine with us.  Their service and concern has been pretty consistent and we like it.

At the art gallery, we were able to load all 25 pieces of art into the back of our little van.  I was surprised, Lisa was sure it would work.  With the van full of art, we went back to the mall for lunch before hitting the road.  We parked near an entrance, and asked one of the attendants to keep an eye on the van.  When Lisa offered him 100 Baht, he  looked around nervously and shook his head.  I understood what he meant and as we left him, Lisa shook his hand and the deal was struck.  Oh, those devious Westerners.  Inside, I saw a shirt on a mannequin that read: ‘Bad Influence’.  

Today’s photo was taken a Central Festival Mall.  It’s me with a display consisting of floral chickens for the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rooster.   

Having driven Highway 118 to Chiang Mai and back many times now, I have concluded that the morning drive to CM is light because most of the traffic is going towards CR for the day.  The big trucks are making deliveries and the tour vans are carrying day-trips.  The traffic feels lighter in the afternoon going towards CR because the vans are going back to the big city (CM) and the big trucks are doing the same.  There are still pockets of slow vehicles, but it’s not long parades like we see going in the opposite direction.  

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

                   Peace,

                             Danny

“We all have to live together,

so we might as well live

together happily.”

~The Dalai Lama