Hi,
We had a tiny bit of relief from the heat today. The humidity was up and there's a forecast for rain. We'll see if that happens. A couple of favorite spots were visited, a few errands run, and life is good in Chiang Rai.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "Wichita Lineman" as sung by Glen Campbell, and written by Jimmy Webb. I couldn't 'trip' back to the 'Summer of Love' without offering this signature song written to honor the Monterey Pop Festival:
"__ __ __ __ __ __, (__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __). __ __ __ __ __ __ __, you're gonna meet some gentle people there." Clue: I know it looks crazy, but it's one of the longest titles in history, I think. Had to use the blanks or you would figure it out too quickly. (Ha) So easy.
This morning Lisa and I went out and did 'leaf detail', raking up the giant leaves from across the road. The trees are looking pretty bare so it won't be long before this part of the season is over. The dogs are starting to lose interest, most of the time.
Late morning found us sipping coffee at Doi Chaang. Then we walked down to the pharmacy warehouse, and stopped at the watch guy's. We also went to the DTAC shop, which is one of the major phone carriers here. Our 'Guest phone' needed a new SIM card. There were a few moments of laughter trying to get them to give us what we needed, and also cancel the promo calls Lisa gets from them on her phone. We had lunch at Work At Home Bakery, one of Blue's favorite places. It was nice to sit in their air-conditioned meeting room. We had the place to ourselves and it was very relaxing.
By the time we got back to the house it was time for a little rest period. Jaffee came over later with the contract for the Bangkok art exhibit in November and Lisa signed it. They discussed some of the logistics that will be involved with putting on the show. So much is going on now, we may need a large wall calendar to keep up with ourselves.
When the temperatures go up, the activity at the river does the same. This afternoon there were a bunch of kids playing in the water near the bridge to our house. Lots of cars and trucks on the shore as families looked for a way to beat the heat. Tonight there will probably be bon fires and music.
This evening Boot made a wonderful dinner. After we'd finished, Lisa programed the 'Guest phone' so Blue can use speed dial to reach us and his son Ming, who is getting ready for finals at Stanford.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"You don't really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother."
~Albert Einstein
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Drawn
Hi,
Blue arrived last night, with tales of the Java Jazz Festival, the dogs remembered an old friend, and today we covered a few essential Chiang Rai bases.
Quite a few of you knew the 'Easy' song on the first day. Some of you had funny answers too. This should do it:
"I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main road. Searchin' in the sun for another overload. I hear you singin' in the wire. I can hear you through the whine, and the __ __ is still on the line." Clue: Electric wire guy is a civil servant.
Last night I got to the airport a few minutes before I thought Blue's plane was to land. People started coming out of the baggage area, but I didn't see Blue. Finally, I realized that the flight I was watching might not have been his. We get so few planes here that one can assume the wrong thing sometimes. The Air Asia flight was due at 9:15 instead of 9. It actually arrived closer to 9:30 and Blue's bag came off first, which hardly ever happens.
We sat around until late last night hearing stories about the festival, the players, and the reasons he was tired. They worked him hard, but the music was good. This year Blue worked with George Benson, George Duke, and Four Play, to name a few. Some of the shows were going on at the same time in different venues, which makes it hard to keep things straight. It's always fun to hear the behind the scenes stories.
Daku was the first dog to see Blue and he remembered him right away. A little later BamBam came out from Boot's house and actually opened the sliding screen door to the guest room with her nose. She was so happy to see Blue that she almost wiggled herself into a circle.
Today began with a massage, followed by lunch, a trip to the post office, and finally the gallery. Khun Nine told Lisa about a special gathering of artists that's taking place later this month at the Rimkok Hotel down the road from us. There will be over 100 artists present, working on pieces to be donated to the new government building. Nine made a few calls and Lisa will be participating. It should be quite an experience.
This evening we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner and looked around a little. Our friend at Sawasdee remembered Blue from the last time he ate there. We stopped and talked to Paradorn, a watercolor artist and his wife. He keeps evolving and using new techniques.
Tomorrow is the last day of Lisa's exhibit, so if you haven't been to see it, you'd better hurry on down. (555) If you live in Chiang Rai that's not a joke.
I got an email from the American Consul Service telling me that my new passport is ready to be picked up. That's at least a week earlier than expected. Now I have to pick a Tuesday or Thursday to go back to Chiang Mai.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Let yourself be silently drawn
by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray."
~Rumi
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Blue arrived last night, with tales of the Java Jazz Festival, the dogs remembered an old friend, and today we covered a few essential Chiang Rai bases.
Quite a few of you knew the 'Easy' song on the first day. Some of you had funny answers too. This should do it:
"I am a lineman for the county, and I drive the main road. Searchin' in the sun for another overload. I hear you singin' in the wire. I can hear you through the whine, and the __ __ is still on the line." Clue: Electric wire guy is a civil servant.
Last night I got to the airport a few minutes before I thought Blue's plane was to land. People started coming out of the baggage area, but I didn't see Blue. Finally, I realized that the flight I was watching might not have been his. We get so few planes here that one can assume the wrong thing sometimes. The Air Asia flight was due at 9:15 instead of 9. It actually arrived closer to 9:30 and Blue's bag came off first, which hardly ever happens.
We sat around until late last night hearing stories about the festival, the players, and the reasons he was tired. They worked him hard, but the music was good. This year Blue worked with George Benson, George Duke, and Four Play, to name a few. Some of the shows were going on at the same time in different venues, which makes it hard to keep things straight. It's always fun to hear the behind the scenes stories.
Daku was the first dog to see Blue and he remembered him right away. A little later BamBam came out from Boot's house and actually opened the sliding screen door to the guest room with her nose. She was so happy to see Blue that she almost wiggled herself into a circle.
Today began with a massage, followed by lunch, a trip to the post office, and finally the gallery. Khun Nine told Lisa about a special gathering of artists that's taking place later this month at the Rimkok Hotel down the road from us. There will be over 100 artists present, working on pieces to be donated to the new government building. Nine made a few calls and Lisa will be participating. It should be quite an experience.
This evening we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner and looked around a little. Our friend at Sawasdee remembered Blue from the last time he ate there. We stopped and talked to Paradorn, a watercolor artist and his wife. He keeps evolving and using new techniques.
Tomorrow is the last day of Lisa's exhibit, so if you haven't been to see it, you'd better hurry on down. (555) If you live in Chiang Rai that's not a joke.
I got an email from the American Consul Service telling me that my new passport is ready to be picked up. That's at least a week earlier than expected. Now I have to pick a Tuesday or Thursday to go back to Chiang Mai.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Let yourself be silently drawn
by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray."
~Rumi
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, March 7, 2011
Grow
Hi,
We had a fairly mellow weekend here in Chiang Rai. Saturday was a 'rest day', and Sunday we did something special, washed the dogs, and had dinner with friends.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Bye Bye, Love" by The Everly Brothers. 'Easy Monday' is so easy I started with the second verse. The first verse would just give it away. It's about a man, his job, and his lost love.
"I know I need a small vacation, but it don't look like rain. And if it snows that stretch down south won't stand the strain. And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time. And the __ __ is still on the line." Hint: This early hit, about a man who climbs poles, really helped this country artist with a very long career. Extra points if you know who wrote it.
The work we put in last week for the reception caught up with us on Saturday. We got up and cleared the big leaves from the front yard and then just did nothing for the rest of the day. We looked at pictures of the event, talked about the various conversations, and napped. I forgot to mention that my friend Mark and his girlfriend drove up from Chiang Mai for the evening. That was a welcome surprise. We also made contact with a woman named Bron who used to have a gallery in Australia. We're going to have coffee with her next week. Our little world just keeps getting bigger and it's wonderful.
Sunday was another hot day so we decided it was time to wash the dogs. Daku always gets his bath first since he's a handful. He doesn't like water unless he's in control of the situation. This time he was more cooperative than in the past. BamBam is used to getting baths because Boot gave her one every day when she was a puppy. She just didn't know. Now BamBam just stands perfectly still and lets it happen. Both of them get crazy after their baths. They do what I call 'lawn diving'. They run around with their noses to the ground and then lower one shoulder and just crash into the ground and roll around on their backs. Then we call them to the towels and they roll around on them and let us rub them down. It's quite a show.
In the afternoon we felt the pool and it seemed very inviting. The thermometer read 82 degrees so we suited up. It was fine up to the knees and then it felt cold. We just took a deep breath and walked in and started swimming. After a few moments it felt good. At last, we're swimming again. We went in again today but it was a little bit colder. No matter, we swam around and then sat in the sun.
Sunday evening Rachel and Kevin came over and we took them to Sawasdee Restaurant in the Night Bazaar. They've been here for a year and hadn't been there, so it was a treat for them. After dinner they showed us a stall that's run by Akha teenagers who live in the city. They're learning about dealing with the rest of the world. We had actually shopped at the stall in the past. Now we know one of the girls and it has new meaning.
Today we fixed up the guest room in preparation for our friend Blue's arrival tonight. He'll be here until the 16th, for his 'annual' visit. He just finished working at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta where he was tour manager for all of the jazz acts from the U.S.A. This is his 'cool down' time. We're excited that he's going to be here with us.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"To grow, you must be willing to let your present and future,
be totally unlike your past.
Your history is not your destiny."
~Alan Cohen
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We had a fairly mellow weekend here in Chiang Rai. Saturday was a 'rest day', and Sunday we did something special, washed the dogs, and had dinner with friends.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Bye Bye, Love" by The Everly Brothers. 'Easy Monday' is so easy I started with the second verse. The first verse would just give it away. It's about a man, his job, and his lost love.
"I know I need a small vacation, but it don't look like rain. And if it snows that stretch down south won't stand the strain. And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time. And the __ __ is still on the line." Hint: This early hit, about a man who climbs poles, really helped this country artist with a very long career. Extra points if you know who wrote it.
The work we put in last week for the reception caught up with us on Saturday. We got up and cleared the big leaves from the front yard and then just did nothing for the rest of the day. We looked at pictures of the event, talked about the various conversations, and napped. I forgot to mention that my friend Mark and his girlfriend drove up from Chiang Mai for the evening. That was a welcome surprise. We also made contact with a woman named Bron who used to have a gallery in Australia. We're going to have coffee with her next week. Our little world just keeps getting bigger and it's wonderful.
Sunday was another hot day so we decided it was time to wash the dogs. Daku always gets his bath first since he's a handful. He doesn't like water unless he's in control of the situation. This time he was more cooperative than in the past. BamBam is used to getting baths because Boot gave her one every day when she was a puppy. She just didn't know. Now BamBam just stands perfectly still and lets it happen. Both of them get crazy after their baths. They do what I call 'lawn diving'. They run around with their noses to the ground and then lower one shoulder and just crash into the ground and roll around on their backs. Then we call them to the towels and they roll around on them and let us rub them down. It's quite a show.
In the afternoon we felt the pool and it seemed very inviting. The thermometer read 82 degrees so we suited up. It was fine up to the knees and then it felt cold. We just took a deep breath and walked in and started swimming. After a few moments it felt good. At last, we're swimming again. We went in again today but it was a little bit colder. No matter, we swam around and then sat in the sun.
Sunday evening Rachel and Kevin came over and we took them to Sawasdee Restaurant in the Night Bazaar. They've been here for a year and hadn't been there, so it was a treat for them. After dinner they showed us a stall that's run by Akha teenagers who live in the city. They're learning about dealing with the rest of the world. We had actually shopped at the stall in the past. Now we know one of the girls and it has new meaning.
Today we fixed up the guest room in preparation for our friend Blue's arrival tonight. He'll be here until the 16th, for his 'annual' visit. He just finished working at the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta where he was tour manager for all of the jazz acts from the U.S.A. This is his 'cool down' time. We're excited that he's going to be here with us.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"To grow, you must be willing to let your present and future,
be totally unlike your past.
Your history is not your destiny."
~Alan Cohen
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
We just returned from the 'Encore Reception' for Lisa's art exhibit. There was a wonderful turnout and we met lots of new people. The day was all about preparation and it paid off.
Our 'Summer of Love' song was "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. Of course, you knew that. 'Old School Friday' is next and this one should be easy. "__ __ __. Bye bye, happiness. Hello loneliness. I think I'm a-gonna cry-y." Hint:
I think those lyrics pretty much give away this song by two brothers who had many hits in the late 50s.
This morning while Lisa was at the hair salon I ran a few errands. As I approached the salon to pick her up I heard a voice next door. It was a shop owner singing 'Desperado' with a Karaoke machine. Imagine my surprise. Then it stuck in my head for about an hour. I guess he was practicing for an evening performance.
We made a stop at the plastic store for plates and cups, went by the gallery, and got all the way into the carport at home and remembered more things we needed. As we crossed the bridge back into town it was determined that we might as well go to Big C since everything was there, and it would be 11am by the time we got there. The time is significant because we had to buy beer for the party and it isn't sold until then.
After lunch and a brief snooze Lisa jumped into action. She made deviled eggs, sautéed chicken sausage, and cut up fruit. I helped a bit by mashing eggs (what a chef). We ended up with a nice variety of things for our guests to have with their drinks. Then it was time to prepare ourselves, feed the dogs, and leave.
The folks at 9 Art Gallery were very helpful in setting things up. Everything was ready by the time the first guests arrived. Before we knew it the place was buzzing like it was opening night. Most of our friends that we invited showed up. Jaffee invited several of his hotel friends and people from the tourism trade and they also came. He had sent a letter to the Governor's office and they sent the Deputy Governor. There was also a camera crew from 'Chiang Rai Today' a local website we think is connected to the Provincial offices. They interviewed Lisa and Jaffee, and it should be up in a few days. I'll let you know.
It was an impressive guest list that made for some very involved conversations. There were general managers of the Dusit Island Resort, The Legend, and Bann Thai Resort. The head of one of three tourism groups was in deep discussion with the hotel people and the Deputy Governor wanted to know all about Lisa's work, and he also thanked her on behalf of the people of Chiang Rai. Our friends from The Sold Project, Rachel and Kevin connected with lots of people, and Chalit and Atom who both helped with the translations, finally met each other and spent a long time chatting. It was so cool to watch all the connections, and discoveries going on around the room. It was a good evening for everyone.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now it's time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
There was a blonde who found herself sitting next to a lawyer on an
airplane. The lawyer kept bugging the blonde, wanting her to play
a game of intelligence. Finally, the lawyer offered her 10 to 1 odds,
and said every time she could not answer one of his questions,
she owed him $5, but every time he could not answer hers, he'd give
her $50.00. The lawyer figured he could not lose, and the blonde
reluctantly accepted.
The lawyer first asked, "What is the distance between the Earth and
the nearest star?"
Without saying a word the blonde handed him $5. then she asked,
"What goes up a hill with 3 legs and comes back down the hill with 4 legs?"
Well, the lawyer looked puzzled. He took several hours, looking up
everything he could on his laptop and even placing numerous
air-to-ground phone calls trying to find the answer. Finally, angry
and frustrated, he gave up and paid the blonde $50.00
The blonde put the $50 into her purse without comment, but the lawyer
insisted, "What is the answer to your question?"
Without saying a word, the blonde handed him $5.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We just returned from the 'Encore Reception' for Lisa's art exhibit. There was a wonderful turnout and we met lots of new people. The day was all about preparation and it paid off.
Our 'Summer of Love' song was "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. Of course, you knew that. 'Old School Friday' is next and this one should be easy. "__ __ __. Bye bye, happiness. Hello loneliness. I think I'm a-gonna cry-y." Hint:
I think those lyrics pretty much give away this song by two brothers who had many hits in the late 50s.
This morning while Lisa was at the hair salon I ran a few errands. As I approached the salon to pick her up I heard a voice next door. It was a shop owner singing 'Desperado' with a Karaoke machine. Imagine my surprise. Then it stuck in my head for about an hour. I guess he was practicing for an evening performance.
We made a stop at the plastic store for plates and cups, went by the gallery, and got all the way into the carport at home and remembered more things we needed. As we crossed the bridge back into town it was determined that we might as well go to Big C since everything was there, and it would be 11am by the time we got there. The time is significant because we had to buy beer for the party and it isn't sold until then.
After lunch and a brief snooze Lisa jumped into action. She made deviled eggs, sautéed chicken sausage, and cut up fruit. I helped a bit by mashing eggs (what a chef). We ended up with a nice variety of things for our guests to have with their drinks. Then it was time to prepare ourselves, feed the dogs, and leave.
The folks at 9 Art Gallery were very helpful in setting things up. Everything was ready by the time the first guests arrived. Before we knew it the place was buzzing like it was opening night. Most of our friends that we invited showed up. Jaffee invited several of his hotel friends and people from the tourism trade and they also came. He had sent a letter to the Governor's office and they sent the Deputy Governor. There was also a camera crew from 'Chiang Rai Today' a local website we think is connected to the Provincial offices. They interviewed Lisa and Jaffee, and it should be up in a few days. I'll let you know.
It was an impressive guest list that made for some very involved conversations. There were general managers of the Dusit Island Resort, The Legend, and Bann Thai Resort. The head of one of three tourism groups was in deep discussion with the hotel people and the Deputy Governor wanted to know all about Lisa's work, and he also thanked her on behalf of the people of Chiang Rai. Our friends from The Sold Project, Rachel and Kevin connected with lots of people, and Chalit and Atom who both helped with the translations, finally met each other and spent a long time chatting. It was so cool to watch all the connections, and discoveries going on around the room. It was a good evening for everyone.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now it's time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
There was a blonde who found herself sitting next to a lawyer on an
airplane. The lawyer kept bugging the blonde, wanting her to play
a game of intelligence. Finally, the lawyer offered her 10 to 1 odds,
and said every time she could not answer one of his questions,
she owed him $5, but every time he could not answer hers, he'd give
her $50.00. The lawyer figured he could not lose, and the blonde
reluctantly accepted.
The lawyer first asked, "What is the distance between the Earth and
the nearest star?"
Without saying a word the blonde handed him $5. then she asked,
"What goes up a hill with 3 legs and comes back down the hill with 4 legs?"
Well, the lawyer looked puzzled. He took several hours, looking up
everything he could on his laptop and even placing numerous
air-to-ground phone calls trying to find the answer. Finally, angry
and frustrated, he gave up and paid the blonde $50.00
The blonde put the $50 into her purse without comment, but the lawyer
insisted, "What is the answer to your question?"
Without saying a word, the blonde handed him $5.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Boomerang
Hi,
We're back in Chiang Rai, very tired, but home. It was a busy day with a few surprises. After a couple of trips to the Consulate, we got our business taken care of, and also managed to accomplish a few more things.
Lots of mail on this 'Summer of Love' hit by the Queen of Soul. Oh, did I just give something away? Try these lyrics if you're still in doubt: "Ooo, your kisses, sweeter than honey. And guess what? So is my money. All I want you to do for me is give it to me when you get home, yeah baby. __, just a little bit..." Hint: It's had many covers, but her version was probably the monster hit that made the song iconic.
Chiang Mai is hotter than Chiang Rai. We had fairly early appointments at the U.S. Consulate office and didn't have to wait at all. The guards at the entrance are all Thai nationals now and there is less of the 'military' feeling when entering. In fact they were cheery and showed a sense of humor. You have to leave most of your belongings at the entrance, after a careful inspection. They wouldn't let Lisa take her comb in and laughed with her when she grabbed it and did a quick comb through of her hair. Inside we were told that they were short staffed and it might take an hour to add pages to Lisa passport. We told them we were pretty busy and they did it in five minutes. We have to return to Chiang Mai in a few weeks to pick up my new passport.
I called Mark, a friend of mine who lives in Chiang Mai to ask him about a used book store and he gave us directions. We got a Tuk-Tuk to the place and when we arrived Mark rode up on his bicycle. He and Lisa were talking about the book store when I got a call from the Consulate telling me that my picture was not usable. Mark knew of a photo shop that made passport pics so we walked (a long way) while Lisa bought books, and I got new pictures taken.
Since I had to return to the photo place later, we decided to get lunch. Mark gave a Tuk-Tuk driver the directions to a little place he likes and we met there and had a really nice lunch. Another friend, Robert, showed up just as we were finishing. It was one of those days. After lunch we got the pictures, and then went back to the Consulate to drop them off. Whew.
After checking out of the hotel, we drove to Rimping Market where they sell lots of Western food. They have things we just can't find in Chiang Rai, like sweet pickle relish. We also found these giant marshmallows and I couldn't resist. After coffee we hit the road for home. On our way to the highway, sitting in traffic, we saw a little grocery store with a 'bar' set up right by the sidewalk. Just a narrow box about 4 feet long with holes on top with liquor bottles in the holes. I guess people stroll by, have a shot and continue on their way. Hmm. What?
Yesterday, when I called Mark to tell him I was in town, he told me he had an art exhibit at a shop in the garment district. We had planned to walk over there anyway so it became an adventure. We went up and down many streets before we found the shop and it turned out we'd been there before. Upstairs they have a gallery and we got to see Mark's work. He's donating one third of the proceeds to an organization that helps Burmese refugee children.
It's so nice to be home, with steady internet, the dogs, and Boot. Tomorrow we have to do the final prep for the party in the evening. More about that tomorrow.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"The game of life is a game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds, and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy."
~Florence Scovel Shinn
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We're back in Chiang Rai, very tired, but home. It was a busy day with a few surprises. After a couple of trips to the Consulate, we got our business taken care of, and also managed to accomplish a few more things.
Lots of mail on this 'Summer of Love' hit by the Queen of Soul. Oh, did I just give something away? Try these lyrics if you're still in doubt: "Ooo, your kisses, sweeter than honey. And guess what? So is my money. All I want you to do for me is give it to me when you get home, yeah baby. __, just a little bit..." Hint: It's had many covers, but her version was probably the monster hit that made the song iconic.
Chiang Mai is hotter than Chiang Rai. We had fairly early appointments at the U.S. Consulate office and didn't have to wait at all. The guards at the entrance are all Thai nationals now and there is less of the 'military' feeling when entering. In fact they were cheery and showed a sense of humor. You have to leave most of your belongings at the entrance, after a careful inspection. They wouldn't let Lisa take her comb in and laughed with her when she grabbed it and did a quick comb through of her hair. Inside we were told that they were short staffed and it might take an hour to add pages to Lisa passport. We told them we were pretty busy and they did it in five minutes. We have to return to Chiang Mai in a few weeks to pick up my new passport.
I called Mark, a friend of mine who lives in Chiang Mai to ask him about a used book store and he gave us directions. We got a Tuk-Tuk to the place and when we arrived Mark rode up on his bicycle. He and Lisa were talking about the book store when I got a call from the Consulate telling me that my picture was not usable. Mark knew of a photo shop that made passport pics so we walked (a long way) while Lisa bought books, and I got new pictures taken.
Since I had to return to the photo place later, we decided to get lunch. Mark gave a Tuk-Tuk driver the directions to a little place he likes and we met there and had a really nice lunch. Another friend, Robert, showed up just as we were finishing. It was one of those days. After lunch we got the pictures, and then went back to the Consulate to drop them off. Whew.
After checking out of the hotel, we drove to Rimping Market where they sell lots of Western food. They have things we just can't find in Chiang Rai, like sweet pickle relish. We also found these giant marshmallows and I couldn't resist. After coffee we hit the road for home. On our way to the highway, sitting in traffic, we saw a little grocery store with a 'bar' set up right by the sidewalk. Just a narrow box about 4 feet long with holes on top with liquor bottles in the holes. I guess people stroll by, have a shot and continue on their way. Hmm. What?
Yesterday, when I called Mark to tell him I was in town, he told me he had an art exhibit at a shop in the garment district. We had planned to walk over there anyway so it became an adventure. We went up and down many streets before we found the shop and it turned out we'd been there before. Upstairs they have a gallery and we got to see Mark's work. He's donating one third of the proceeds to an organization that helps Burmese refugee children.
It's so nice to be home, with steady internet, the dogs, and Boot. Tomorrow we have to do the final prep for the party in the evening. More about that tomorrow.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"The game of life is a game of boomerangs.
Our thoughts, deeds, and words
return to us sooner or later,
with astounding accuracy."
~Florence Scovel Shinn
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Direction
Hi,
We've had a busy day traveling and moving around in Chiang Mai. The landscape through the valleys and mountains was pretty spectacular, even if some things are dry. The rice fields gave us carpets of green, there were flowering trees of yellow in some areas and white in others. The bougainvillea offered an assortment of colors that were brilliant.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "Ticket to Ride" by The Beatles. It's time for another visit to the 'Summer of Love' to see what was happening in '67. "What you want, baby, I got it. What you need, do you know I got it? All I'm askin' is for a little __, when you come home...." Hint: It's something everybody wants, and deserves. At one point in the song it's even spelled out for you. Hmm.
Leaving Chiang Rai in the midst of morning traffic was just a slight challenge. Once we got out of town the highway moved remarkably well. We left our maps at home, but remembered the way to our hotel so things worked out fine. When we went to check-in, our room wasn't ready so we went to an old favorite on the main street and had lunch. The owner remembered us and we had a nice reunion. He gave us a map when we asked where we could buy one.
With a little time to kill we decided to go to Pantip Plaza, the everything 'tech store' in Thailand. The place was only half occupied and it seemed odd that it would be so empty during High Season. We picked up a little speaker system that can play music from a USB memory stick, or from the computer. It's pretty cool. Not much else interested us so we went back to the hotel and checked in.
Our next adventure was Central/Airport, the giant mall. We had a few items we were looking for but didn't find a thing. We had dinner there and that was a bit disappointing as well. I guess it wasn't a shopping trip after all. (Ha)
This evening we went to the Night Bazaar and things picked up. The place was very busy with visitors from all over the world. So many languages going at the same time. Having stores that we remembered was good since we could just pass by most of the booths and look for what we wanted. We ended up having another 'dinner' at a new cafe right in the middle of the busy street. Not a bad spot for a late snack.
Now I have to go downstairs and try and send this since the 'wireless' is mostly 'less' in the room.
It really is Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Seek direction from one who's already there."
~ Zulu Saying
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We've had a busy day traveling and moving around in Chiang Mai. The landscape through the valleys and mountains was pretty spectacular, even if some things are dry. The rice fields gave us carpets of green, there were flowering trees of yellow in some areas and white in others. The bougainvillea offered an assortment of colors that were brilliant.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "Ticket to Ride" by The Beatles. It's time for another visit to the 'Summer of Love' to see what was happening in '67. "What you want, baby, I got it. What you need, do you know I got it? All I'm askin' is for a little __, when you come home...." Hint: It's something everybody wants, and deserves. At one point in the song it's even spelled out for you. Hmm.
Leaving Chiang Rai in the midst of morning traffic was just a slight challenge. Once we got out of town the highway moved remarkably well. We left our maps at home, but remembered the way to our hotel so things worked out fine. When we went to check-in, our room wasn't ready so we went to an old favorite on the main street and had lunch. The owner remembered us and we had a nice reunion. He gave us a map when we asked where we could buy one.
With a little time to kill we decided to go to Pantip Plaza, the everything 'tech store' in Thailand. The place was only half occupied and it seemed odd that it would be so empty during High Season. We picked up a little speaker system that can play music from a USB memory stick, or from the computer. It's pretty cool. Not much else interested us so we went back to the hotel and checked in.
Our next adventure was Central/Airport, the giant mall. We had a few items we were looking for but didn't find a thing. We had dinner there and that was a bit disappointing as well. I guess it wasn't a shopping trip after all. (Ha)
This evening we went to the Night Bazaar and things picked up. The place was very busy with visitors from all over the world. So many languages going at the same time. Having stores that we remembered was good since we could just pass by most of the booths and look for what we wanted. We ended up having another 'dinner' at a new cafe right in the middle of the busy street. Not a bad spot for a late snack.
Now I have to go downstairs and try and send this since the 'wireless' is mostly 'less' in the room.
It really is Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Seek direction from one who's already there."
~ Zulu Saying
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Happy
Hi,
Today was another hot one. We did our weekly shopping, and continued with preparations for the party on Friday. There is big news on this side of the world. Read on and find out.
The 'Easy Monday' song was easy for a bunch of you. If you still don't remember, here's the bridge. Sing it:
"I don't know why she's riding so high, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me. Before she gets to saying goodbye, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me.... She's got a __ __ __ but she don't care."
Clue: It's a about something you might hand a conductor on a train, or a bus driver. No, it's not money.
Boot had to go to Ban Du again today so we had lunch at Big C and did our shopping. Not only did we have our regular items, but we had a list of things for the gallery party on Friday. It's going to be an intimate gathering and should be fun.
This afternoon we got a call from Jaffee with the news that "The Neilson-Hays Library, Art Galleries" would be happy to present Lisa in a solo show in November. The Curator said that Lisa's work was stunning and she is looking forward to having the show. We're going to the big city, takin' it on the road. The gallery is well established in Bangkok and attracts a large expat audience. They are also interested in having Lisa make a presentation on the cast acrylic print process. The show will open on November 5 and be up for one month. As the time draws closer I'll have more news and information on this exciting development.
This evening we went downtown to Aye's restaurant for dinner. As we were finishing, Aye, the owner came to our table and we had a long conversation about the show at 9 Art Gallery, the party, and things going on with her business.
Now it's time to pack the bag for our overnight trip to Chiang Mai.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything, they just make the most of
everything that comes along their way."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today was another hot one. We did our weekly shopping, and continued with preparations for the party on Friday. There is big news on this side of the world. Read on and find out.
The 'Easy Monday' song was easy for a bunch of you. If you still don't remember, here's the bridge. Sing it:
"I don't know why she's riding so high, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me. Before she gets to saying goodbye, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me.... She's got a __ __ __ but she don't care."
Clue: It's a about something you might hand a conductor on a train, or a bus driver. No, it's not money.
Boot had to go to Ban Du again today so we had lunch at Big C and did our shopping. Not only did we have our regular items, but we had a list of things for the gallery party on Friday. It's going to be an intimate gathering and should be fun.
This afternoon we got a call from Jaffee with the news that "The Neilson-Hays Library, Art Galleries" would be happy to present Lisa in a solo show in November. The Curator said that Lisa's work was stunning and she is looking forward to having the show. We're going to the big city, takin' it on the road. The gallery is well established in Bangkok and attracts a large expat audience. They are also interested in having Lisa make a presentation on the cast acrylic print process. The show will open on November 5 and be up for one month. As the time draws closer I'll have more news and information on this exciting development.
This evening we went downtown to Aye's restaurant for dinner. As we were finishing, Aye, the owner came to our table and we had a long conversation about the show at 9 Art Gallery, the party, and things going on with her business.
Now it's time to pack the bag for our overnight trip to Chiang Mai.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the
best of everything, they just make the most of
everything that comes along their way."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
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