Hi,
We just got back from the NB. It's about 10:45 at night on Tuesday. Kristy arrived this afternoon. When we got back to the house, Boot presented her with a little Jasmine garland that she'd picked up on her way to the house this morning. I think it made Kristy feel very welcome.
After a nap, we had one of Boot's great fish dinners and headed out into the streets. It was fun, taking someone around and watching their eyes as they discovered new things. After a tour of the NB we went over and caught Freddie at the Wiang Inn. We're back home and we're beat.
Tomorrow we go on tour. First we'll go up to the top of Buffalo Hill and look out on the city. It's a great perspective from up there. Then we'll go down to Wat Rong Khun. One of Kristy's friends told her she just had to see the place, and ironically, it was at the top of our list.
We'll return to the house for lunch and then travel north, to the Golden Triangle, the Opium Museum and Mai Sei (at the border with Burma) It will be a long afternoon, but worth it.
"You just call on me brother, when you need a hand, we all need somebody to __ __..." Hint: I don't think you need one.
Have a Happy Tuesday and I'll fill you in on our travels tomorrow.
Peace,
Danny
"However many holy words you read,
However many you speak,
What good will they do you
If you do not act upon them?"
~Buddha
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Life
Hi,
And, we're back. What a nice weekend. Hope you had the same. The weather here is wonderful. We're in that time of year when it's not too hot and not too cold.
Quite a few of you remembered the theme from "Shaft", by Issac Hayes. Here's another one from the same era:
"__ __ __ When you're not strong I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on..." Hint: This tune became a bit of an anthem, and even inspired a movie title. The singer was careful to avoid singing 'I know' on this one. (Ha)
We're kind of excited around here. Our friend Kristy arrives tomorrow afternoon for a five day visit. It's our first opportunity to play tour guide and show off our new country. We haven't done many touristy things since we've been here. So, we're going to hit some of the high points of Northern Thailand. There will, of course, be lots of pictures during the week.
I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but it's been like the 4th of July around here for several weeks. Fireworks of all kinds are being set off every night. Big ones, little ones, whistling ones and hissing ones. It's all a lead-up to the Loi Kratong Festival that begins on Wednesday. Remember the Friendship Festival banner (on Flickr)? Well, for a week, everyone will converge on a portion of the Mae Kok river, near the property we're looking at, to set little floral arrangements with candles, on the river. The purpose is to pay tribute to the water and ask forgiveness for harming the water. I suspect that the visual will be something to behold. Imagine a river, filled with flowers and flame, slowly moving along. Some put offerings of food on the arrangements, some put money. Boot told us that sometime kids wait downstream and take the money. Hmm. The tradition was to make the whole thing with a base made from a coconut shell, but now a lot are made with foam. (not good for the river) Anyway, we'll be there.
Today we went to Bangkok Bank and opened a new account. It was Monday morning and the place was full of people, patiently waiting for their place at one of the windows. We didn't have to wait as long since we were dealing with a new account, but it still took a while. Some, who had been there when we arrived, were still waiting when we left. No one was complaining. Amazing. The system works.
There's a flock of birds that come to the yard every evening, like clockwork, and create a chirping frenzy. And then it stops, and then it starts. After while they either leave, or go to sleep. We haven't figured that out yet. Boot thinks they stay here, leave for the day and then come home in the evening. That'll work. We all trip on it every day.
Have a Fantastic Week. Today's quote is from my dear friend Brenda.
Peace,
Danny
"Life is so short and it is all about grace and gratitude isn't it?"
~Brenda
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
And, we're back. What a nice weekend. Hope you had the same. The weather here is wonderful. We're in that time of year when it's not too hot and not too cold.
Quite a few of you remembered the theme from "Shaft", by Issac Hayes. Here's another one from the same era:
"__ __ __ When you're not strong I'll be your friend I'll help you carry on..." Hint: This tune became a bit of an anthem, and even inspired a movie title. The singer was careful to avoid singing 'I know' on this one. (Ha)
We're kind of excited around here. Our friend Kristy arrives tomorrow afternoon for a five day visit. It's our first opportunity to play tour guide and show off our new country. We haven't done many touristy things since we've been here. So, we're going to hit some of the high points of Northern Thailand. There will, of course, be lots of pictures during the week.
I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but it's been like the 4th of July around here for several weeks. Fireworks of all kinds are being set off every night. Big ones, little ones, whistling ones and hissing ones. It's all a lead-up to the Loi Kratong Festival that begins on Wednesday. Remember the Friendship Festival banner (on Flickr)? Well, for a week, everyone will converge on a portion of the Mae Kok river, near the property we're looking at, to set little floral arrangements with candles, on the river. The purpose is to pay tribute to the water and ask forgiveness for harming the water. I suspect that the visual will be something to behold. Imagine a river, filled with flowers and flame, slowly moving along. Some put offerings of food on the arrangements, some put money. Boot told us that sometime kids wait downstream and take the money. Hmm. The tradition was to make the whole thing with a base made from a coconut shell, but now a lot are made with foam. (not good for the river) Anyway, we'll be there.
Today we went to Bangkok Bank and opened a new account. It was Monday morning and the place was full of people, patiently waiting for their place at one of the windows. We didn't have to wait as long since we were dealing with a new account, but it still took a while. Some, who had been there when we arrived, were still waiting when we left. No one was complaining. Amazing. The system works.
There's a flock of birds that come to the yard every evening, like clockwork, and create a chirping frenzy. And then it stops, and then it starts. After while they either leave, or go to sleep. We haven't figured that out yet. Boot thinks they stay here, leave for the day and then come home in the evening. That'll work. We all trip on it every day.
Have a Fantastic Week. Today's quote is from my dear friend Brenda.
Peace,
Danny
"Life is so short and it is all about grace and gratitude isn't it?"
~Brenda
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Friday, November 16, 2007
Friday Funnies
Hi,
I'm so relieved to see that recall is intact. A bunch of you knew "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. Lane sent this:
Time After Time" was a single by singer Cyndi Lauper the second from her She's so Unusual album, and it reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts on June 9, 1984. The song was at #1 for two weeks and to date is her second highest charting and most commercially successful single worldwide after "Girls Just want to Have Fun". "Time After Time" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 1985 grammy Awards. The ballad is considered a classic of the 1980's and is still played frequently on adult contemporary radio.
"Time After Time" has been covered, either in live performance or on a recording, by at least 120 different artists across a broad spectrum of genres, including Blaque(on Blaque, 1999),Eva Cassidy, Allison Crowe,Miles Davis, (on Your'e under Arrest, 1985),Dilana,Distant Soundz Dilana, Distant Soundz, DJ Sammy, Dover, Everything But the Girl, Eddie Money and Juice Newton (as a duet). So now you know. One of my favorite covers is the Miles Davis one mentioned above.
"Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man? (__) Can ya dig it?" Hint: It was the main theme for a movie of the same name. Early 70s when a new genre of film was 'labeled'. Another line in the song ends with 'shut yo mouth'.
Today we went over to Big C for some basic shopping and a larger mattress for the guest room. The young woman in the mattress department greats us with a big smile and a little laughter these days. I guess she knows what she's in for. We go through a certain communication dance, and it all works out. We found what we were looking for. Also, I found a pendent I'd been looking for. It's of Jatukam Rammatape, who is a Buddhist angel from the Thai tradition. What caught my attention was the fact that he is often depicted as very black, with gold pants. How could I not be intrigued? Anyway, there's a place in Big C that had the size I wanted, and offered to paint it. I'll take a picture.
Tonight we went to the "Happiness Street Health Economic Corridor, Chiang Rai, Fair". I know, it's a mouthful. It was also a street full. Boot told us about it and suggested that we go. I'm glad we did, it was a very interesting cultural experience. The street was closed off and there were booths and tables set up so it was like a NB. Lots of school kids manning tables, selling crafts for organizations. There was a traditional dance exhibition, a DJ who had things rockin', a pair of Lanna singers who included us in their lyrics, a traditional instrumental group, a drum/gong group, and last but not least, a country/western quartet. There was enough food to feed everybody there and have some left over. We had a hard time leaving because there were hip-hop dancers performing in front of the DJ and it was a wall of humanity. We got around it and ran into another wall at the aerobic dance performance. Next year, bigger street.
Next week begins the 'Friendship Festival' at the river. We'll take you with us as we float flowers and candles on the river. Should be quite a sight.
Well, it's time for the 'Funnies' and a wish for you to have a Fun WeekEnd.
Peace,
Danny
PS Check out the Flickr site this weekend.
Truisms
Dickson's Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are
removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes
out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a
replacement.
One good turn gets most of the blankets.
An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.
ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
It's not hard to meet expenses, they're everywhere.
Jury -- Twelve people who determine which client has the better lawyer.
If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word
you say, talk in your sleep.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
I'm so relieved to see that recall is intact. A bunch of you knew "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper. Lane sent this:
Time After Time" was a single by singer Cyndi Lauper the second from her She's so Unusual album, and it reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts on June 9, 1984. The song was at #1 for two weeks and to date is her second highest charting and most commercially successful single worldwide after "Girls Just want to Have Fun". "Time After Time" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 1985 grammy Awards. The ballad is considered a classic of the 1980's and is still played frequently on adult contemporary radio.
"Time After Time" has been covered, either in live performance or on a recording, by at least 120 different artists across a broad spectrum of genres, including Blaque(on Blaque, 1999),Eva Cassidy, Allison Crowe,Miles Davis, (on Your'e under Arrest, 1985),Dilana,Distant Soundz Dilana, Distant Soundz, DJ Sammy, Dover, Everything But the Girl, Eddie Money and Juice Newton (as a duet). So now you know. One of my favorite covers is the Miles Davis one mentioned above.
"Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man? (__) Can ya dig it?" Hint: It was the main theme for a movie of the same name. Early 70s when a new genre of film was 'labeled'. Another line in the song ends with 'shut yo mouth'.
Today we went over to Big C for some basic shopping and a larger mattress for the guest room. The young woman in the mattress department greats us with a big smile and a little laughter these days. I guess she knows what she's in for. We go through a certain communication dance, and it all works out. We found what we were looking for. Also, I found a pendent I'd been looking for. It's of Jatukam Rammatape, who is a Buddhist angel from the Thai tradition. What caught my attention was the fact that he is often depicted as very black, with gold pants. How could I not be intrigued? Anyway, there's a place in Big C that had the size I wanted, and offered to paint it. I'll take a picture.
Tonight we went to the "Happiness Street Health Economic Corridor, Chiang Rai, Fair". I know, it's a mouthful. It was also a street full. Boot told us about it and suggested that we go. I'm glad we did, it was a very interesting cultural experience. The street was closed off and there were booths and tables set up so it was like a NB. Lots of school kids manning tables, selling crafts for organizations. There was a traditional dance exhibition, a DJ who had things rockin', a pair of Lanna singers who included us in their lyrics, a traditional instrumental group, a drum/gong group, and last but not least, a country/western quartet. There was enough food to feed everybody there and have some left over. We had a hard time leaving because there were hip-hop dancers performing in front of the DJ and it was a wall of humanity. We got around it and ran into another wall at the aerobic dance performance. Next year, bigger street.
Next week begins the 'Friendship Festival' at the river. We'll take you with us as we float flowers and candles on the river. Should be quite a sight.
Well, it's time for the 'Funnies' and a wish for you to have a Fun WeekEnd.
Peace,
Danny
PS Check out the Flickr site this weekend.
Truisms
Dickson's Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are
removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes
out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a
replacement.
One good turn gets most of the blankets.
An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other toys.
ASCII stupid question, get a stupid ANSI.
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.
It's not hard to meet expenses, they're everywhere.
Jury -- Twelve people who determine which client has the better lawyer.
If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word
you say, talk in your sleep.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Pebbles
Hi,
Well, we're back home, safe and sound. We had another speedy trip up the highway. Even with two stops to let people off, we made it in 2:45. Before we left, we went out this morning and checked out Pantip Plaza, Chiang Mai style. It's a building devoted to all things tech/IT/entertainment. Oh what fun, looking. We marveled at their fast escalators. They really zipped along. The place was just waking up when we arrived and some of the vendors had displays out, but they weren't there to take our money. I got a cooling fan for my laptop, a little flat tray with three fans in it. There's also some new software in the house. We'll see how that works.
"If you're lost you can look and you will find me, __ __ __" Hint: She wasn't so unusual, she just wanted to have fun. Think mid 80s, big hit.
Not much else is happening. Boot was here when we got home. She'd opened up the house and started dinner. Even though we were only gone for one night, it seemed like a long time. It was good to get home. I think all the walking around the NB took a toll on our legs, when you figure the day before, we went on the bike ride. Have to move into these things gradually.
Tomorrow things will return to 'normal' (Ha). We'll try to move the land verification forward, and make a few changes around here.
Have the best Thursday you've had all week.
Peace,
Danny
"We don't trip over mountains,
It's the pebbles in the road that get us."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
http://www.gratidude.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Well, we're back home, safe and sound. We had another speedy trip up the highway. Even with two stops to let people off, we made it in 2:45. Before we left, we went out this morning and checked out Pantip Plaza, Chiang Mai style. It's a building devoted to all things tech/IT/entertainment. Oh what fun, looking. We marveled at their fast escalators. They really zipped along. The place was just waking up when we arrived and some of the vendors had displays out, but they weren't there to take our money. I got a cooling fan for my laptop, a little flat tray with three fans in it. There's also some new software in the house. We'll see how that works.
"If you're lost you can look and you will find me, __ __ __" Hint: She wasn't so unusual, she just wanted to have fun. Think mid 80s, big hit.
Not much else is happening. Boot was here when we got home. She'd opened up the house and started dinner. Even though we were only gone for one night, it seemed like a long time. It was good to get home. I think all the walking around the NB took a toll on our legs, when you figure the day before, we went on the bike ride. Have to move into these things gradually.
Tomorrow things will return to 'normal' (Ha). We'll try to move the land verification forward, and make a few changes around here.
Have the best Thursday you've had all week.
Peace,
Danny
"We don't trip over mountains,
It's the pebbles in the road that get us."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
http://www.gratidude.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Heart
Hi,
I'm writing you from downtown Chiang Mai. We're at the Royal Princess, right in the middle of the NB. Very intense environment, to say the least. It must be five times as big as 'our' NB in CR. Our bus ride down was quite a trip. The 'GreenBus' is a Mercedeso-Benz and we've never been in more comfortable seats. They should be standard on airplanes. Tomorrow I'll try and get a few pics of the inside. We even had a 'hostess' who came around with bottled water and a snack after we started traveling. We watched a video of a popular TV variety show, and at the end of our journey, we were given hand wipes. The trip took just under three hours. We'll be doing this more often.
So, it would appear that some of you had your memories wiped. You couldn't remember "Goin' Out Of My Head" by Little Anthony and The Imperials. I gave you such good hints. Oh well, today you get another chance with this one:
"Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you. Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new.."
Hint: It's time some of you got one of these songs.
I'm going to be brief (he always says that) because I'm on the clock. I had to buy time on the internet. Ugh. We went to the Immigration Bureau this afternoon and got our re-entry stamp so we can come and go as we please. It took about an hour and a half, but it wasn't unpleasant. Then we walked down the street to the Central Mall, the huge place I told you about before. We strolled around, discovered things we didn't see the first two times and returned to the hotel. One interesting thing was a market inside the mall, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bakery. Hmm.
After-thoughts: On our way down here, we passed a another bus that had a motorcycle inside, in the back. While we were waiting for our room to be ready, they brought us a mixed fruit cocktail, complete with tiny pieces of all the fruit, floating on top. Yum.
It's time for a Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue,
but the parent of all other virtues."
~Cicero
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
I'm writing you from downtown Chiang Mai. We're at the Royal Princess, right in the middle of the NB. Very intense environment, to say the least. It must be five times as big as 'our' NB in CR. Our bus ride down was quite a trip. The 'GreenBus' is a Mercedeso-Benz and we've never been in more comfortable seats. They should be standard on airplanes. Tomorrow I'll try and get a few pics of the inside. We even had a 'hostess' who came around with bottled water and a snack after we started traveling. We watched a video of a popular TV variety show, and at the end of our journey, we were given hand wipes. The trip took just under three hours. We'll be doing this more often.
So, it would appear that some of you had your memories wiped. You couldn't remember "Goin' Out Of My Head" by Little Anthony and The Imperials. I gave you such good hints. Oh well, today you get another chance with this one:
"Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick and think of you. Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new.."
Hint: It's time some of you got one of these songs.
I'm going to be brief (he always says that) because I'm on the clock. I had to buy time on the internet. Ugh. We went to the Immigration Bureau this afternoon and got our re-entry stamp so we can come and go as we please. It took about an hour and a half, but it wasn't unpleasant. Then we walked down the street to the Central Mall, the huge place I told you about before. We strolled around, discovered things we didn't see the first two times and returned to the hotel. One interesting thing was a market inside the mall, complete with fresh fruits and vegetables, and a bakery. Hmm.
After-thoughts: On our way down here, we passed a another bus that had a motorcycle inside, in the back. While we were waiting for our room to be ready, they brought us a mixed fruit cocktail, complete with tiny pieces of all the fruit, floating on top. Yum.
It's time for a Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue,
but the parent of all other virtues."
~Cicero
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
People
Hi,
Every day, there's something that comes up that I want to share with you, and then I forget what it is. I need to carry our little voice recorder around and make 'notes of the day', so I don't get all feeble on you. There's so much input, some days, that it's like the head gets full. Sometimes it's new information and sometimes it's stuff generated internally.
Like right now, my minds is trying to imagine various parts of our proposed house. There will be two floors, but how to get from bottom to top. How much room between the house and the pool, and the pool and the sala. How tall should the wall be, how many plugs should I put in the studio and can I have 110 plugs installed along with 220. The mind is spinning, and I don't want it to stop. Hmm, don't worry folks, I'm OK.
"I want you to want me, I need you so badly, I can't think of anything but you... And I think I'm __ __ __ __ __ over you..." Clues: He'll shed tears on his pillow, if you don't get this. Night and day and night....
The little adventure begins tomorrow morning. Khun Sing will pick us up and take us to the bus station. Boot told us the trip takes about four hours by bus, with one stop. I'm hoping it doesn't rain. That would make it longer. We managed to find the location of the immigration office, so once we handle our business, it will be a mini vacation.
Chiang Mai is a major metropolis compared to Chiang Rai. Even though we've been there twice in the last two months, we were not totally in charge of our own agenda and someone else knew where to go. This time we're on our own. We do that well.
Oh, we went out this morning, for our first real bike ride. We rode for about half an hour, around the hood. We took a route that we walked a few weeks ago. This time it was easy. The bikes are light and balanced so it makes it fun.
Well, guess it's time to decide what to wear on the bus. (like it's a big fashion thing) Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The most important single ingredient in the formula of
success is knowing how to get along with people."
~Theodore Roosevelt
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Every day, there's something that comes up that I want to share with you, and then I forget what it is. I need to carry our little voice recorder around and make 'notes of the day', so I don't get all feeble on you. There's so much input, some days, that it's like the head gets full. Sometimes it's new information and sometimes it's stuff generated internally.
Like right now, my minds is trying to imagine various parts of our proposed house. There will be two floors, but how to get from bottom to top. How much room between the house and the pool, and the pool and the sala. How tall should the wall be, how many plugs should I put in the studio and can I have 110 plugs installed along with 220. The mind is spinning, and I don't want it to stop. Hmm, don't worry folks, I'm OK.
"I want you to want me, I need you so badly, I can't think of anything but you... And I think I'm __ __ __ __ __ over you..." Clues: He'll shed tears on his pillow, if you don't get this. Night and day and night....
The little adventure begins tomorrow morning. Khun Sing will pick us up and take us to the bus station. Boot told us the trip takes about four hours by bus, with one stop. I'm hoping it doesn't rain. That would make it longer. We managed to find the location of the immigration office, so once we handle our business, it will be a mini vacation.
Chiang Mai is a major metropolis compared to Chiang Rai. Even though we've been there twice in the last two months, we were not totally in charge of our own agenda and someone else knew where to go. This time we're on our own. We do that well.
Oh, we went out this morning, for our first real bike ride. We rode for about half an hour, around the hood. We took a route that we walked a few weeks ago. This time it was easy. The bikes are light and balanced so it makes it fun.
Well, guess it's time to decide what to wear on the bus. (like it's a big fashion thing) Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The most important single ingredient in the formula of
success is knowing how to get along with people."
~Theodore Roosevelt
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
Monday, November 12, 2007
Thinking
Hi,
I understand that you, in the U.S. are observing a holiday today. Over here, the beat goes on, but remembering is good.
Speaking of remembering, some of you remembered "Walk Like A Man" by Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons. Do you know this one? "I want you to want me I need you so badly I can't think of anything but you.." Hint: It's by a group, fronted by a 'little' guy, and he's losing his mind (so to speak).
Saturday we had lunch with our new friend Dee. Very interesting guy from England. He's been in LOS (Land of Smles) a long time. He raised a daughter by himself and teaches English at an elementary school. He's a landscape architect by profession and has been involved in the building of many houses. We got lots of good tips and information and got some great insights into the culture. At one point we were talking about the way Thai people seem to ask questions that are considered personal in the west. We're always asked our age, how much we sold our house for, what do we do, why are we here, and on and on. He explained that there's a need to know how we fit into their lives. The age thing, for instance, has to do with the level of respect we are due. Since we are older, we are given more respect than if we were the same age. It's a simplified version of a complex social structure. We talked about the land that Supat had found. Dee said he'd check it out and tell us about it on Sunday.
Sunday Dee and Supat came over and Dee had drawn a diagram of the property, and had written out points that made the land fit into our desires. The excitement level began to build. Today we went out and saw the land. It's north of town and near the Maekok River. There's a large house next door that's owned by a really nice policeman. After looking and talking about the area, the neighbor invited us to come and look at his house. It's a beautiful Thai style house with lots of wood. At one point, we entered a room that was like a shrine room, with pictures of Buddha and the King and Queen. Supat noticed a very nice medallion and asked about it. Apparently it was given to our host by the Queen. We were duly impressed. We got copies of the Chanote (the deed) and we'll have it checked out at the land office.
Earlier today we went by Fat Free and paid for our new bikes. Later, they delivered them to the house. I'm loving the service here. I got a chance to go for a quick spin before dark and I'm very happy. The bikes are from Taiwan and they're kind of a unisex style that looks like what would be called a 'girls bike' in the west. They came with a basket, a rack on the back and a bell. (ding ding)
Oh, last night we went to the Night Bazaar for a round of shopping. We also went to the bus station, which is right next door. We bought tickets for our first 'solo' road trip to Chiang Mai. Wednesday morning we're taking the V.I.P. bus (also known as the big green bus) for an overnighter. We will be going to immigration to get 're-entry permits' so when we leave in December and March, we can get back into the country. We'll stay in a hotel, visit the local NB and come back Thursday.
Now you know all our business to date. I'll be posting a picture of the new bike, the land and more motorbike shots.
Have a Wonderfilled Week.
Peace,
Danny
PS Don't forget to visit the Flickr site.
"Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
~Shakespeare
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
I understand that you, in the U.S. are observing a holiday today. Over here, the beat goes on, but remembering is good.
Speaking of remembering, some of you remembered "Walk Like A Man" by Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons. Do you know this one? "I want you to want me I need you so badly I can't think of anything but you.." Hint: It's by a group, fronted by a 'little' guy, and he's losing his mind (so to speak).
Saturday we had lunch with our new friend Dee. Very interesting guy from England. He's been in LOS (Land of Smles) a long time. He raised a daughter by himself and teaches English at an elementary school. He's a landscape architect by profession and has been involved in the building of many houses. We got lots of good tips and information and got some great insights into the culture. At one point we were talking about the way Thai people seem to ask questions that are considered personal in the west. We're always asked our age, how much we sold our house for, what do we do, why are we here, and on and on. He explained that there's a need to know how we fit into their lives. The age thing, for instance, has to do with the level of respect we are due. Since we are older, we are given more respect than if we were the same age. It's a simplified version of a complex social structure. We talked about the land that Supat had found. Dee said he'd check it out and tell us about it on Sunday.
Sunday Dee and Supat came over and Dee had drawn a diagram of the property, and had written out points that made the land fit into our desires. The excitement level began to build. Today we went out and saw the land. It's north of town and near the Maekok River. There's a large house next door that's owned by a really nice policeman. After looking and talking about the area, the neighbor invited us to come and look at his house. It's a beautiful Thai style house with lots of wood. At one point, we entered a room that was like a shrine room, with pictures of Buddha and the King and Queen. Supat noticed a very nice medallion and asked about it. Apparently it was given to our host by the Queen. We were duly impressed. We got copies of the Chanote (the deed) and we'll have it checked out at the land office.
Earlier today we went by Fat Free and paid for our new bikes. Later, they delivered them to the house. I'm loving the service here. I got a chance to go for a quick spin before dark and I'm very happy. The bikes are from Taiwan and they're kind of a unisex style that looks like what would be called a 'girls bike' in the west. They came with a basket, a rack on the back and a bell. (ding ding)
Oh, last night we went to the Night Bazaar for a round of shopping. We also went to the bus station, which is right next door. We bought tickets for our first 'solo' road trip to Chiang Mai. Wednesday morning we're taking the V.I.P. bus (also known as the big green bus) for an overnighter. We will be going to immigration to get 're-entry permits' so when we leave in December and March, we can get back into the country. We'll stay in a hotel, visit the local NB and come back Thursday.
Now you know all our business to date. I'll be posting a picture of the new bike, the land and more motorbike shots.
Have a Wonderfilled Week.
Peace,
Danny
PS Don't forget to visit the Flickr site.
"Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so."
~Shakespeare
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
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