Rain

Hi,

The weather in Chiang Rai was a mixed bag over the weekend.  The days were hot and humid and the rain fell in the evenings.  Sometimes it was very localized, but it was still rain.  

The ‘Old School Friday’ song was “Family Affair” by Sly & The Family Stone.  New week, new artists, old songs, and we begin with this ‘Easy Monday’ gem:  “Hot town, __ __ __, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.  Been down, isn’t it a pity, doesn’t seem to be a shadow in the city.  All around, people lookin half dead, walking on the sidewalk, hotter than a match head.”  Hint:  This is the anthem of weather people all over the world.

The big weekend finally came.  Saturday evening was the opening of the third annual ArtBridge womens' exhibit, featuring 52 women from Thailand and beyond.  Cat came over around 4pm and joined us for the evening.  We arrived at exactly 5pm, for our 1 hour wait until the affair began.  I’m still not sure why being there that early made a difference, but we have learned to comply.  It was nice to get in a few visits before things started.  There were a few speeches, two of the artists presented their dance numbers, and Lisa gave a brief history of the group.  Then the Honored Guest gave a talk in English and cut the ribbon.  

The heat in the gallery was, at times, unbearable but the air outside was refreshing.  There is some very beautiful work in this year’s exhibition.  I learned about some of the processes that were used in their creation.  One thing that seemed to come out in the conversations was the importance of diversity, not only in the world, but in art and it’s reflection of the world.  

Today’s photo was taken at the art exhibit.  Lisa speaking at the opening about the history and importance of the womens’ group.

Sunday we lunched at Central Plaza Mall.  The Wanderer is in the process of getting a new access road and we were told that it would be better to wait until it’s completed.  At the mall we took care of a few errands after lunch.  It must have been microphone Sunday because it seemed like there were at least three mic systems running at the same time, each selling a different type of product.  It was actually a relief to leave.  It was also a relief to realize they weren’t able to sell us a small appliance, clothes, or a Triumph motorcycle.  

Natcha told us that while we were at ArtBridge Saturday night, it rained rather hard near the house.  One could do a documentary on the many weather systems of Chiang Rai (555).  Sunday night we had a hard rain for about 20 minutes, and this evening it rained again.  Welcome to the rainy season.

This morning we took Daku to the vet for a check-up.  Natcha and Gong followed us so they would know where the office is located, in case they have to take Daku in an emergency while we are away.  As soon as we walked in we saw a woman we know and Daku took to her.  She told us about her dog and we did the same.  You know, waiting room banter.  Daku’s exam was very positive.  His heart is strong and most of his blood work was good.  He needs a little more on the red side, so he and I will be sharing the same diet (not from the same bowl though).

Our afternoon included a swim and then dinner at The Hungry Wolf with our friend Nine, and more discussion about the presentation of artists to The Princess in August.  Nine invited Lisa to go as her guest.  More on this later.

Have a Great Week.

                          Peace,

                                    Danny

“Let the rain kiss you.  

Let the rain beat down upon

your head with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby.”

~Langston Hughes