Hi,
The weather here has been hot and humid. Chiang Rai is now in full Songkran spirit with water being tossed and flower shirts everywhere. We went to an opening of a new project on Saturday, and watched the Grand Prix on Sunday.
The 'Old School' song was "Young Love" as sung by Tab Hunter. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday', and a silly song.
"Matty told Hatty, about a thing she saw. Had two big horns, and a wooly jaw. __ __, __ __ (repeat) Clue: This mega hit from '65 was about dancing. There's also a reference to an animal. Some thought the whole thing was a sham. It's easy.
Saturday evening we picked up our friend Atom and went to the opening of Prataap Jai, a community center operated by our friends Caty and Amber. It means 'To make an impression on the heart'. It's going to be a place where Thais and foreigners come together to learn art, yoga, music and dance. There was a huge crowd for the event and we met new people, and saw lots of friends. The center is in a four level shop house, and they had an art exhibit for the opening. There was also live music and lots of food and drink. We stayed for awhile and then went to Doi Chaang for a little hanging out. It was a great evening.
Sunday we did Big C, which was full of people getting their Songkran supplies. I got to see the true spirit of the holiday as I watched a mother lift her small daughter so she could sprinkle water on a statue of The Buddha. Later two older kids came to the table and did the same.
Today we went to the airport to try to transfer a ticket that we hadn't used. We're going to Bangkok in May for the opening of Khun Sompong's exhibit at the National Gallery. We have our hotel reservations booked and now we have our flights. The ticket we were trying to transfer had expired. What? Anyway, the first weekend in May we'll be in the big city.
The water tossing has begun in the villages. Kids with buckets waiting for cars and motorbikes like animals waiting for prey. The car got hit by a few in my afternoon travels. The key is to keep the windows closed. (Ha)
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Nothing can dim the light which shines from within."
~Maya Angelou
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
It was a quiet day on the compound. Overcast sky and more humid heat kept us inside all day. Lisa helped a friend with some written English and finished another print. The pool is not 'ready' yet.
The 'Summer of Love' song was "When I Was Young" by Eric Burdon & The Animals. 'Old School Friday' is next. Does this tune ring any bells? "They say for every boy and girl there's just one love in this whole world and I know I've found mine. The heavenly touch of your embrace, tells me no one could take your place, ever in my heart.
__ __, first love filled with true devotion..." Clue: This '57 hit was by a matinee idol of the time. The theme has a connection with our 'Summer' song. Hmm.
Today was laid-back Friday around here. Nothing special, just reading, visiting with the dogs, and hanging out. After lunch our friend Khun Sompong, from 9 Art Gallery, came over to review some work Lisa had done for him. He's having a major art exhibition at the National Gallery in Bangkok in May, and he had a biography that was translated from Thai to English. Lisa did some 'polishing' and today was the day to go over it together. We plan to go to Bangkok for the opening of his show next month.
On the way to the New Life Foundation I pass a series of signs indicating a place called 'Happy City'. Before I knew anything about it, I thought it was just a cute name a village gave itself. I have since discovered that it's a major building project by a Korean developer. There will be golf courses and a big housing development. The entire northern region is entering a new phase. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.
I can hear the thumping of a bass guitar in the distance. That can mean only one thing; it's show time at the fairgrounds. We're in for a week long celebration of Songkran. The official start is next Wednesday, but why waste a weekend? Party on.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.
Peace,
Danny
More English Translations:
In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
Outside a Paris dress shop:
Dresses for street walking.
In a Rhodes tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute
customers in strict rotation.
In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the
opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby
be used for this purpose.
In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon
having a good time.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
In a Swiss mountain inn:
Special today -- no ice cream.
In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner if dressed
as a man.
In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them in all directions.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
It was a quiet day on the compound. Overcast sky and more humid heat kept us inside all day. Lisa helped a friend with some written English and finished another print. The pool is not 'ready' yet.
The 'Summer of Love' song was "When I Was Young" by Eric Burdon & The Animals. 'Old School Friday' is next. Does this tune ring any bells? "They say for every boy and girl there's just one love in this whole world and I know I've found mine. The heavenly touch of your embrace, tells me no one could take your place, ever in my heart.
__ __, first love filled with true devotion..." Clue: This '57 hit was by a matinee idol of the time. The theme has a connection with our 'Summer' song. Hmm.
Today was laid-back Friday around here. Nothing special, just reading, visiting with the dogs, and hanging out. After lunch our friend Khun Sompong, from 9 Art Gallery, came over to review some work Lisa had done for him. He's having a major art exhibition at the National Gallery in Bangkok in May, and he had a biography that was translated from Thai to English. Lisa did some 'polishing' and today was the day to go over it together. We plan to go to Bangkok for the opening of his show next month.
On the way to the New Life Foundation I pass a series of signs indicating a place called 'Happy City'. Before I knew anything about it, I thought it was just a cute name a village gave itself. I have since discovered that it's a major building project by a Korean developer. There will be golf courses and a big housing development. The entire northern region is entering a new phase. It will be interesting to see how it all comes together.
I can hear the thumping of a bass guitar in the distance. That can mean only one thing; it's show time at the fairgrounds. We're in for a week long celebration of Songkran. The official start is next Wednesday, but why waste a weekend? Party on.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.
Peace,
Danny
More English Translations:
In a Bangkok dry cleaner's:
Drop your trousers here for best results.
Outside a Paris dress shop:
Dresses for street walking.
In a Rhodes tailor shop:
Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute
customers in strict rotation.
In a Zurich hotel:
Because of the impropriety of entertaining guests of the
opposite sex in the bedroom, it is suggested that the lobby
be used for this purpose.
In a Rome laundry:
Ladies, leave your clothes here and spend the afternoon
having a good time.
Advertisement for donkey rides in Thailand:
Would you like to ride on your own ass?
In a Swiss mountain inn:
Special today -- no ice cream.
In a Bangkok temple:
It is forbidden to enter a woman even a foreigner if dressed
as a man.
In a Tokyo bar:
Special cocktails for the ladies with nuts.
In a Copenhagen airline ticket office:
We take your bags and send them in all directions.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Part
Hi,
Chiang Rai had a hot, overcast day that ended in rain in parts of town this evening. We went to the market this morning, had lunch in town with a friend, and the pool is getting warmer.
Well, it looks like a few of you remembered this tune. The 'Summer of Love' brought us some deep thoughts.
"My faith was so much stronger then. I believed in my fellow men. I was really so much older then, __ __ __ __."
Hint: What's the opposite of old? This group did not want to be misunderstood, even though they acted like animals.
We hadn't been to the market lately, but we needed some material for another 'bed cover' for the dogs. After getting the perfect parking place next to the entrance we strolled into the main aisle just to look around. There were lots of people at the gold counter, buying gifts for the Songkran holiday. There seemed to be a lot of activity in general. We found the material we were looking for and now we have to take it out to Khun Gahn for sewing.
Our lunch date was with our good friend Atom. We picked her up at work and went to the Vietnamese restaurant that we like. It was a fun time catching up on things in our lives. The restaurant is operated by an artist we know.
This afternoon I drove out to the New Life Foundation. On my way home, as I passed through a village, there was a bunch of kids already throwing water on cars in the Songkran tradition. They were a little early but it was a hot day.
I went into town this evening just as we heard thunder in the distance. There were a few drops on the windshield, but not really rain. An hour later I called Lisa to say I was coming home. She told me there had been a brief, intense downpour. The car was wet but the ground was dry. Two blocks north the street was wet. The rain just fell in selected places. What?
Today the pool was up to 82 degrees. The water level is down just a little bit. Maybe tomorrow we'll stick our toes in the water and go for a swim.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"I am part of all that I have met."
~Ulysses, from Homer's 'Odyssey'
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Chiang Rai had a hot, overcast day that ended in rain in parts of town this evening. We went to the market this morning, had lunch in town with a friend, and the pool is getting warmer.
Well, it looks like a few of you remembered this tune. The 'Summer of Love' brought us some deep thoughts.
"My faith was so much stronger then. I believed in my fellow men. I was really so much older then, __ __ __ __."
Hint: What's the opposite of old? This group did not want to be misunderstood, even though they acted like animals.
We hadn't been to the market lately, but we needed some material for another 'bed cover' for the dogs. After getting the perfect parking place next to the entrance we strolled into the main aisle just to look around. There were lots of people at the gold counter, buying gifts for the Songkran holiday. There seemed to be a lot of activity in general. We found the material we were looking for and now we have to take it out to Khun Gahn for sewing.
Our lunch date was with our good friend Atom. We picked her up at work and went to the Vietnamese restaurant that we like. It was a fun time catching up on things in our lives. The restaurant is operated by an artist we know.
This afternoon I drove out to the New Life Foundation. On my way home, as I passed through a village, there was a bunch of kids already throwing water on cars in the Songkran tradition. They were a little early but it was a hot day.
I went into town this evening just as we heard thunder in the distance. There were a few drops on the windshield, but not really rain. An hour later I called Lisa to say I was coming home. She told me there had been a brief, intense downpour. The car was wet but the ground was dry. Two blocks north the street was wet. The rain just fell in selected places. What?
Today the pool was up to 82 degrees. The water level is down just a little bit. Maybe tomorrow we'll stick our toes in the water and go for a swim.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"I am part of all that I have met."
~Ulysses, from Homer's 'Odyssey'
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Miracle
Hi,
Today was a different kind of day here in Chiang Rai. It started with an overcast sky and a muggy feeling that became an afternoon rain. It always happens right before Songkran.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "War" by Edwin Starr. Barry noted that The Temptations recorded it first, then the label Starr was signed to was bought by Motown and Starr did it for the hit. Hmm. 'Summer of Love' can mean only one thing, we're going back to '67 for a song some will remember. It's from a group from 'over there'.
"The rooms were so much colder then, my father was a soldier then, and times were very hard __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __." Hint: It's a song of reflection on earlier times in the singers life. The group was a singer and a band.
This morning I ran a few errands while Lisa tried out a new hair guy. It's always fun to experience morning on the boulevard. A simple conversation with the watch guy, discovering that he and his family will be in town for the holiday. At the pharmacy they not only will close for Songkran, they'll be going on a vacation in May. Every year the couple who own the warehouse take a tour type vacation to somewhere in this part of the world.
Traffic during the day is pretty mellow since most of the schools are on a break. I'm working on learning new alternate routes for when things start to get busy. There is a giant building under construction across from the government hospital and once it's completed, it will create more traffic on a street we use. Chiang Rai is still small enough to get across town in ten minutes.
This afternoon the wind started blowing. This is the usual sign that rain is coming. At first there was just a light sprinkle that lasted just a few minutes. Then more wind and then a downpour. It's good to get rain in this area since it's been so dry. By contrast, the south has had too much rain and there has been serious flooding in many areas. We'll settle for an occasional rain like today.
Today was one of those mellow days. There's excitement on the horizon, but for now we're just enjoying what is.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The miracle is not to walk on water,
but to walk with love on earth -
as if your feet are kissing the ground."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today was a different kind of day here in Chiang Rai. It started with an overcast sky and a muggy feeling that became an afternoon rain. It always happens right before Songkran.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "War" by Edwin Starr. Barry noted that The Temptations recorded it first, then the label Starr was signed to was bought by Motown and Starr did it for the hit. Hmm. 'Summer of Love' can mean only one thing, we're going back to '67 for a song some will remember. It's from a group from 'over there'.
"The rooms were so much colder then, my father was a soldier then, and times were very hard __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __." Hint: It's a song of reflection on earlier times in the singers life. The group was a singer and a band.
This morning I ran a few errands while Lisa tried out a new hair guy. It's always fun to experience morning on the boulevard. A simple conversation with the watch guy, discovering that he and his family will be in town for the holiday. At the pharmacy they not only will close for Songkran, they'll be going on a vacation in May. Every year the couple who own the warehouse take a tour type vacation to somewhere in this part of the world.
Traffic during the day is pretty mellow since most of the schools are on a break. I'm working on learning new alternate routes for when things start to get busy. There is a giant building under construction across from the government hospital and once it's completed, it will create more traffic on a street we use. Chiang Rai is still small enough to get across town in ten minutes.
This afternoon the wind started blowing. This is the usual sign that rain is coming. At first there was just a light sprinkle that lasted just a few minutes. Then more wind and then a downpour. It's good to get rain in this area since it's been so dry. By contrast, the south has had too much rain and there has been serious flooding in many areas. We'll settle for an occasional rain like today.
Today was one of those mellow days. There's excitement on the horizon, but for now we're just enjoying what is.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The miracle is not to walk on water,
but to walk with love on earth -
as if your feet are kissing the ground."
~Thich Nhat Hanh
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Flowers
Hi,
Today was a travel day, complete with a few twists and turns that we didn't expect. The excitement is building for the Songkran Festival next week as crowds are already enjoying hanging out by and in the river. It's so hot, the water throwing of Songkran will be welcome for some.
The 'Easy' song was recognized by the regular players. I'm sure some of you know this but are being shy. (Ha)
"__, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker. __, friend only to the undertaker. Oooh, __, it's an enemy to all mankind. The point of __ blows my mind..." Clue: The hit version of this song was actually a cover, from the same record company. 'Super Cool Points' if you know the original artist and the hit maker. If you don't know the song, you just don't know.
The plan for the morning was to leave for Mae Sai Immigration with enough time to arrive about 20 minutes before their lunch break. This would expedite the paperwork and get us out with a short wait. Ha! The best laid plans... We left with just enough time, but needed to get gas. A few minutes later we realized it was the morning we were to reserve our seats for the trip to America in July. We began looking for an internet cafe along the highway. After several stops we realized it was time to get to Mae Sai. We got there too late. "Come back after lunch, one hour." We found an internet station near the border with Burma, picked our seats, and had lunch at the big hotel. As we ate, Lisa wondered why they made so much food when no one was around to eat it. My guess was that the tour buses hadn't returned from the morning excursions. Just as we got up to leave, a huge crowd of Thai tourists poured off a bus and into the dining room. The 'High Season' may be over, but people still like to visit "The North."
We did a little sidewalk shopping to kill some time before returning to immigration. I got a couple of rechargeable LED flashlights and Lisa found a nice leather waist bag. Back at immigration I filled out a form, handed over both passports and waited for them to set things up. We took copies of things we thought they'd need, but they wanted pages we didn't expect. It always happens that we end up going to the copy booth in the driveway for more paper. There is a set-up like this at every office. Someone to make copies and someone else to take your picture. This time we had the pictures just in case, and they wanted one. We left thinking it was all done. Then Lisa noticed there was no re-entry visa in my passport. A U-turn later we were back, trying to get an explanation. The new passport requires a new re-entry stamp. The one I bought before was now void. Fill out another form, give us some money and you can come back in after you leave. Oh, thank you so much. Hmm. It's all settled now and there's nothing to do until our next check-in in May. The adventure continues.
The beach next to the bridge we cross on a daily basis has been transformed over the last week. Make-shift food stands made from bamboo and netting, tables and floating platforms for eating, and carnival machinery now 'live' on the beach. This evening there were some people in the water, others were eating on the 6'x6' platforms, and children were running around having fun. This weekend we'll probably start hearing the music from the big stage at the fairgrounds on the shore. It's the time of year when many Thais return to the villages where they grew up, to be with family. Many foreigners leave the country to avoid the burning of crop refuse that usually comes at this time, along with being annoyed with the throwing of water. We just stay and close the windows in the car and the house. It's all a part of why we're here.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"We are all flowers in the Great Spirit's garden.
We share a common root. The garden is
beautiful because it has different colors in it,
and those colors represent different
traditions and cultural backgrounds."
~Grandfather David Monongye, Hopi
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today was a travel day, complete with a few twists and turns that we didn't expect. The excitement is building for the Songkran Festival next week as crowds are already enjoying hanging out by and in the river. It's so hot, the water throwing of Songkran will be welcome for some.
The 'Easy' song was recognized by the regular players. I'm sure some of you know this but are being shy. (Ha)
"__, it ain't nothing but a heartbreaker. __, friend only to the undertaker. Oooh, __, it's an enemy to all mankind. The point of __ blows my mind..." Clue: The hit version of this song was actually a cover, from the same record company. 'Super Cool Points' if you know the original artist and the hit maker. If you don't know the song, you just don't know.
The plan for the morning was to leave for Mae Sai Immigration with enough time to arrive about 20 minutes before their lunch break. This would expedite the paperwork and get us out with a short wait. Ha! The best laid plans... We left with just enough time, but needed to get gas. A few minutes later we realized it was the morning we were to reserve our seats for the trip to America in July. We began looking for an internet cafe along the highway. After several stops we realized it was time to get to Mae Sai. We got there too late. "Come back after lunch, one hour." We found an internet station near the border with Burma, picked our seats, and had lunch at the big hotel. As we ate, Lisa wondered why they made so much food when no one was around to eat it. My guess was that the tour buses hadn't returned from the morning excursions. Just as we got up to leave, a huge crowd of Thai tourists poured off a bus and into the dining room. The 'High Season' may be over, but people still like to visit "The North."
We did a little sidewalk shopping to kill some time before returning to immigration. I got a couple of rechargeable LED flashlights and Lisa found a nice leather waist bag. Back at immigration I filled out a form, handed over both passports and waited for them to set things up. We took copies of things we thought they'd need, but they wanted pages we didn't expect. It always happens that we end up going to the copy booth in the driveway for more paper. There is a set-up like this at every office. Someone to make copies and someone else to take your picture. This time we had the pictures just in case, and they wanted one. We left thinking it was all done. Then Lisa noticed there was no re-entry visa in my passport. A U-turn later we were back, trying to get an explanation. The new passport requires a new re-entry stamp. The one I bought before was now void. Fill out another form, give us some money and you can come back in after you leave. Oh, thank you so much. Hmm. It's all settled now and there's nothing to do until our next check-in in May. The adventure continues.
The beach next to the bridge we cross on a daily basis has been transformed over the last week. Make-shift food stands made from bamboo and netting, tables and floating platforms for eating, and carnival machinery now 'live' on the beach. This evening there were some people in the water, others were eating on the 6'x6' platforms, and children were running around having fun. This weekend we'll probably start hearing the music from the big stage at the fairgrounds on the shore. It's the time of year when many Thais return to the villages where they grew up, to be with family. Many foreigners leave the country to avoid the burning of crop refuse that usually comes at this time, along with being annoyed with the throwing of water. We just stay and close the windows in the car and the house. It's all a part of why we're here.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"We are all flowers in the Great Spirit's garden.
We share a common root. The garden is
beautiful because it has different colors in it,
and those colors represent different
traditions and cultural backgrounds."
~Grandfather David Monongye, Hopi
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, April 4, 2011
Dance
Hi,
Chiang Rai's hot weather can't seem to hold us down. We had another busy weekend. An art show opening, an afternoon at a hillside cottage, dinner at the golf course, and of course Big C.
The 'Old School' song was none other than Elvis singing "Don't Be Cruel". It's time for 'Easy Monday' and I hope you all remember: "__, huh, yeah. What is it good for, absolutely nothin'..." Clue: If you really need a clue, there's a lot of it going on right now.
Saturday morning we had to be at the Rimkok Hotel at 8:30am for several ceremonies. The first one was for the memory of various deceased artists. We don't know what the time span was, but there were eight Buddhist monks seated in front of the audience, and a man who led the chants, seated off to the side. This went on for quite some time. Then there was the presentation of flowers in honor of the birthday of the oldest of the Royal Princesses. Various dignitaries came forward and were handed a bouquet that they placed on a special table. After that some of the artists that were teachers were honored with framed certificates. Then we went upstairs in the hotel, to a large room where more things were handed out and finally, the formal presentation of all of the artwork to a representative of the Provincial Government. It was now time for group pictures of all the artists. Some of the students who participated were given awards for their work, and it was all over.
The evening art opening was held at a place called Rai Maefarluang. It is a beautiful park with a big lake and many very large, old trees. Rai Maefarluang has a permanent installation all about the history of the teak tree. It's very interesting. The artist is an expat from Denmark that we've known for quite some time. He makes collages out of cut-out pictures. Imagine houses pieced together to create a pattern. There was a very large turnout for the event, and he even had the string quartet from the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra playing in the lobby. We had lots of great visits with many friends. One of the highlights was a dramatic photographic portrait of the artist done by our friend Chalit.
Sunday morning we went to Big C for shopping. As I suspected, even with the opening of Central Plaza, folks were still shopping at Big C. The place was humming with people. There are some who questioned the wisdom of putting up a mall across the highway, but lower prices will always attract shoppers.
We got a call from Jaffee asking if we'd like to go up to the cottage of Khun Wim. We'd heard a lot about him from our new friend Bron. She stays in one of the cottages that he rents out. We agreed to go up for a visit and then go to dinner. We followed Jaffee up the main road near our house. It wasn't as far as I thought it would be. We turned onto a dirt road wide enough for one vehicle and went up a hill to a cluster of little houses in the woods. It was like being transported into the mountains. Khun Wim speaks very good English and has a sophistication that caught us by surprise. He used to work for the government, training farmers in new ways to grow new crops. It was part of the program instituted by the Princess Mother years ago to get rid of the opium cultivation. He's also a collector of guitars. He brought out a custom made number that he designed and had made out of Thai woods. We had a fun time and I ended up jamming with a young friend of his who plays in a band. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of Khun Wim in the future.
We left the 'party' and went to the old airport golf course for dinner. While we waited for our order, we fooled around with the new billiard table that had recently been installed. Just some silly fun. The food was good and we had one end of the place to ourselves so it was nice.
Today we went to town and got the car washed, had coffee, and bought a new Thai flag for the front of the house. Tomorrow we'll go to Mae Sai to extend my visa, now that I have a new passport.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Dance to the music of your heart and
the audience will surely applaud."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Chiang Rai's hot weather can't seem to hold us down. We had another busy weekend. An art show opening, an afternoon at a hillside cottage, dinner at the golf course, and of course Big C.
The 'Old School' song was none other than Elvis singing "Don't Be Cruel". It's time for 'Easy Monday' and I hope you all remember: "__, huh, yeah. What is it good for, absolutely nothin'..." Clue: If you really need a clue, there's a lot of it going on right now.
Saturday morning we had to be at the Rimkok Hotel at 8:30am for several ceremonies. The first one was for the memory of various deceased artists. We don't know what the time span was, but there were eight Buddhist monks seated in front of the audience, and a man who led the chants, seated off to the side. This went on for quite some time. Then there was the presentation of flowers in honor of the birthday of the oldest of the Royal Princesses. Various dignitaries came forward and were handed a bouquet that they placed on a special table. After that some of the artists that were teachers were honored with framed certificates. Then we went upstairs in the hotel, to a large room where more things were handed out and finally, the formal presentation of all of the artwork to a representative of the Provincial Government. It was now time for group pictures of all the artists. Some of the students who participated were given awards for their work, and it was all over.
The evening art opening was held at a place called Rai Maefarluang. It is a beautiful park with a big lake and many very large, old trees. Rai Maefarluang has a permanent installation all about the history of the teak tree. It's very interesting. The artist is an expat from Denmark that we've known for quite some time. He makes collages out of cut-out pictures. Imagine houses pieced together to create a pattern. There was a very large turnout for the event, and he even had the string quartet from the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra playing in the lobby. We had lots of great visits with many friends. One of the highlights was a dramatic photographic portrait of the artist done by our friend Chalit.
Sunday morning we went to Big C for shopping. As I suspected, even with the opening of Central Plaza, folks were still shopping at Big C. The place was humming with people. There are some who questioned the wisdom of putting up a mall across the highway, but lower prices will always attract shoppers.
We got a call from Jaffee asking if we'd like to go up to the cottage of Khun Wim. We'd heard a lot about him from our new friend Bron. She stays in one of the cottages that he rents out. We agreed to go up for a visit and then go to dinner. We followed Jaffee up the main road near our house. It wasn't as far as I thought it would be. We turned onto a dirt road wide enough for one vehicle and went up a hill to a cluster of little houses in the woods. It was like being transported into the mountains. Khun Wim speaks very good English and has a sophistication that caught us by surprise. He used to work for the government, training farmers in new ways to grow new crops. It was part of the program instituted by the Princess Mother years ago to get rid of the opium cultivation. He's also a collector of guitars. He brought out a custom made number that he designed and had made out of Thai woods. We had a fun time and I ended up jamming with a young friend of his who plays in a band. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of Khun Wim in the future.
We left the 'party' and went to the old airport golf course for dinner. While we waited for our order, we fooled around with the new billiard table that had recently been installed. Just some silly fun. The food was good and we had one end of the place to ourselves so it was nice.
Today we went to town and got the car washed, had coffee, and bought a new Thai flag for the front of the house. Tomorrow we'll go to Mae Sai to extend my visa, now that I have a new passport.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Dance to the music of your heart and
the audience will surely applaud."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
It was a warm, busy day in Chiang Rai. We just returned from the opening of an art exhibition. Stay tuned and I'll start from the beginning.
'Summer of Love' was filled with "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues. 'Old School Friday' goes to 1956:
"You know I can be found, sitting home all alone. If you can't come around, at least please telephone. __ __ __ to a heart that's true." Hint: It would be mean to give too many clues on this one. Let's just say the singer rocked the jailhouse and leave it at that.
This morning Boot went to Ban Du to work with her former mother-in-law selling lottery tickets. Lisa worked on the finishing touches to her print for the '100 Artists' project. We went back to Central Plaza for lunch. After cruising all the eating places we settled on Sizzler. On our way to the restaurant I noticed that CAT (our former internet provider) was having an opening of their outlet in the mall. Pictures were being taken with key players and I noticed my friend Nucha standing in the pose. We made eye contact and I waved. That's when he broke from the pose and came out to invite us to come be in the picture. I kept saying how we weren't customers anymore. One of the women who I dealt with at the office came over and wouldn't take no for an answer. She kept saying 'Thai tradition', so we stood there with a bunch of people from CAT and had our picture taken. As we left, they gave us a gift, which turned out to be a coffee mug.
While we were eating our lunch at a window table watching the mall traffic, a couple passed by and the woman smiled and nodded to us. We couldn't place her until we realized it was probably a friend of Boot's that we met briefly at the house. Just as we'd finished our meal, our friend Jaa walked by. We saw each other and she came in and we had a visit.
After lunch it was time for Lisa to go back to the Rimkok for the final 'work day'. A few hours later I went to the hotel to pick her up and we looked at all the work that had been created this week. It's hard to believe that some of the pieces were created in just a few days. We went back to the house for a short time and then returned to the hotel for the closing dinner. Lisa made lots of new friends this week, shared the process she uses, and learned things from other artists. Tomorrow we'll go back in the morning for a ceremony for various artists that have died, and then another ceremony closing the project and giving the art to the government building.
The dinner at the Rimkok was still going when we left. We wanted to go to the opening of an exhibit at a new gallery in town that was showing eight artists who were also at the Rimkok project. We went to Doi Chaang for coffee and then drove down to the gallery. When we arrived, there were people standing in the street, crowded around for the opening ceremony. The energy was high, since many in the crowd were friends of the artists. Part of the opening included a glee club from the new Chiang Rai International School. The kids sang something, we don't know what it was, but they did it well, and stayed for the show. The presenter of the exhibit was the director of the school. Lisa knew the artists from the week, and past shows at 9 Art Gallery, but we'd never seen their work. This was a great evening of discovery and connection.
Tomorrow night we will attend another art opening at the Rai Maefarluang Gallery, which is set in a government compound that is like a big park. This has really been an 'Art Week' for us.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for more 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
More Funny English Notices
In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the
chambermaid.
In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox
monastery:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and
Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except
Thursday.
In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the
boots of ascension.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
It was a warm, busy day in Chiang Rai. We just returned from the opening of an art exhibition. Stay tuned and I'll start from the beginning.
'Summer of Love' was filled with "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues. 'Old School Friday' goes to 1956:
"You know I can be found, sitting home all alone. If you can't come around, at least please telephone. __ __ __ to a heart that's true." Hint: It would be mean to give too many clues on this one. Let's just say the singer rocked the jailhouse and leave it at that.
This morning Boot went to Ban Du to work with her former mother-in-law selling lottery tickets. Lisa worked on the finishing touches to her print for the '100 Artists' project. We went back to Central Plaza for lunch. After cruising all the eating places we settled on Sizzler. On our way to the restaurant I noticed that CAT (our former internet provider) was having an opening of their outlet in the mall. Pictures were being taken with key players and I noticed my friend Nucha standing in the pose. We made eye contact and I waved. That's when he broke from the pose and came out to invite us to come be in the picture. I kept saying how we weren't customers anymore. One of the women who I dealt with at the office came over and wouldn't take no for an answer. She kept saying 'Thai tradition', so we stood there with a bunch of people from CAT and had our picture taken. As we left, they gave us a gift, which turned out to be a coffee mug.
While we were eating our lunch at a window table watching the mall traffic, a couple passed by and the woman smiled and nodded to us. We couldn't place her until we realized it was probably a friend of Boot's that we met briefly at the house. Just as we'd finished our meal, our friend Jaa walked by. We saw each other and she came in and we had a visit.
After lunch it was time for Lisa to go back to the Rimkok for the final 'work day'. A few hours later I went to the hotel to pick her up and we looked at all the work that had been created this week. It's hard to believe that some of the pieces were created in just a few days. We went back to the house for a short time and then returned to the hotel for the closing dinner. Lisa made lots of new friends this week, shared the process she uses, and learned things from other artists. Tomorrow we'll go back in the morning for a ceremony for various artists that have died, and then another ceremony closing the project and giving the art to the government building.
The dinner at the Rimkok was still going when we left. We wanted to go to the opening of an exhibit at a new gallery in town that was showing eight artists who were also at the Rimkok project. We went to Doi Chaang for coffee and then drove down to the gallery. When we arrived, there were people standing in the street, crowded around for the opening ceremony. The energy was high, since many in the crowd were friends of the artists. Part of the opening included a glee club from the new Chiang Rai International School. The kids sang something, we don't know what it was, but they did it well, and stayed for the show. The presenter of the exhibit was the director of the school. Lisa knew the artists from the week, and past shows at 9 Art Gallery, but we'd never seen their work. This was a great evening of discovery and connection.
Tomorrow night we will attend another art opening at the Rai Maefarluang Gallery, which is set in a government compound that is like a big park. This has really been an 'Art Week' for us.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for more 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
More Funny English Notices
In a Yugoslavian hotel:
The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the
chambermaid.
In a Japanese hotel:
You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.
In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox
monastery:
You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and
Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except
Thursday.
In an Austrian hotel catering to skiers:
Not to perambulate the corridors in the hours of repose in the
boots of ascension.
On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:
Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
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