Word

Hi,

We’ve been having warm, cloudy days; perfect weather for outdoor activities.  The forecast calls for highs in the mid to high 80s with no rain in sight.  The sports people (The Games) and the party people (Loy Krathong) will be very happy.

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “In The Still Of The Night” by The Five Satins.  Here’s an ‘Easy Monday’ for you:

“__, draw back your bow and let your arrows go, straight to my lover’s heart for me.  __, please hear my cry, and let your arrow fly, straight to my lover’s hers for me.”  Hint:  This one word title is about a mythical little angel being who has magic love arrows.  

Saturday morning my back was still bothering me so I went to Overbrook Hospital to see a doctor.  After an examination it was determined that I had a severe strain of my muscles and that my spine was still straight.  I was given two medications that will help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles.  He also told me to let it rest.

The Loy Krathong festival is in full swing across the river, although Thursday of this week is the actual designated day.  The atmosphere can be felt when we step outside at night.  Tonight Cat explained the reason for the muddy, clashing sounds.  There is a dance music stage and a concert stage.  The relentless droning bass comes from the dance stage.  The sometimes musical stuff is from the concert stage.  There is a point each evening when we’re sure there will be some nice listening, but then the throbbing bass jumps up, right in the way.  

The Games have opened and the traffic has begun.  Lots of busses and vans carrying participants and fans are converging on Chiang Rai.  The games are held every year with a different province hosting.  We have come to the conclusion that Loy Krathong was extended this year because so many visitors will be here, and they will have something more to do.  I saw a preview of the games and they showed some of the sports that are based here in Asia.  One that caught my eye was ‘Volley Futsal’, where they play beach volleyball using only the head and feet.  Let the games begin.

These Krathongs are made from dough.  After they are placed in the river, they become biodegradable.  Much better for the river than styrofoam. 

Sunday lunch was at our house.  Our friend Lisa brought bags of food from The Wanderer and we had a little feast.  She recently returned from Bangkok, where she and her business partner exhibited their new line of shoes and handbags at several shopping centers.  Lisa designs shoes using unique materials and features.  We always have a good time hanging out, discussing Thai culture and our love of dogs.  

This morning we went to The Wanderer for coffee and roti.  This was Lisa’s first trip out of the house since last Monday.  That was when I hurt my back, which meant there was no one to handle the wheelchair if we went out.  Last night we made arrangements for someone to meet us and take the chair out of the van, and put it back when we were done.  The plan worked perfectly.  Now we have a couple of other ‘dates’ where we will get help.

Tonight we had dinner with Cat and our friend Rachel, who was co-founder of The Freedom Story (formerly The Sold Project).  We got an update on the Freedom Story and learned that they received a Thai grant aimed helping the Rohingya refugees in the northern area.  It’s nice to hear that help will be available for some of the people who were forced to leave their homes in Burma.  Cat told us about a program she just got into that will involve teaching in Indonesia for one month.  She will be teaching English classes.  It’s a great opportunity to practice what she’s been learning and see another country.  There is a host family that will act as her chaperone.

Have a Great Week.

                      Peace,

                                Danny

“Wise sayings often fall on

barren ground, but a kind

word is never thrown away.”

~Arthur Helps