Hi,
Cloudy morning, sunny afternoon, cool evening equals Chiang Rai weather. We spent the morning running around town preparing for a party. The show just started across the river, and behind our house, loud explosions continue. Oh my.
The 'Easy Monday' song was "I Feel Good" by James Brown. For '81 Wednesday' here's a song you may remember:
"Her hair is Harlow gold, her lips sweet surprise. Her hands are never cold, she's got __ __ __." Clue: This song makes reference in the title to a special feature of a movie star as a way of describing someone. Hmm, who could it be? What could it be?
Some of our friends from The Sold Project are back in Thailand so we're having a little party at our house this evening. Our guest will arrive in about 45 minutes and that explains why you're getting this so early. It would be rude of me to duck out of the festivities to ponder my laptop. (555)
This morning we had a list and a plan. First stop was the vet's for a prescription refill for BamBam. Then it was off to the downtown market for dessert treats. On the way to the treats there was a shoe stop, and on the way out we bought two packs of balloon/lanterns. All along the main aisle of the market, vendors were selling fireworks along side their usual products. Some just make noise, many send colors into the air. The place where we bought our lanterns had over 50 different kinds of fireworks. The things we got are large paper tubes with something like Sterno at one end. The other end is closed. When the little ring of burnable material creates enough hot air inside, the whole thing lifts into the air and travels for as long as the fire burns. They usually will fly off until you can't see them anymore. It is an amazing sight to see hundreds of these glowing orange objects floating upward. Tomorrow night we will witness streams rising from various villages along the horizon. It never gets old.
We left the market and went to the pharmacy, the pet supply store, and then the fruit market. When we got back home we had our vegetable drink and went back out for more stuff. At Big C we had lunch and then shopped for a few more necessities. On the way home we stopped and got bread and hung out with Jonathan the dog. One more stop and I was ready for a nap.
We're expecting about 16 people for this little gathering. That means it will probably be an inside/outside thing. I won't put on any music because it will be booming from the fairgrounds. Time for food and fun conversation.
It's time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"A wise person has something to say,
a fool has to say something."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Rules
Hi,
Chiang Rai had another perfect 'vacation day'. The morning was cool, and then it warmed to a comfortable temperature. We had a successful trip to Mae Sai, and did more shopping for basic items we need. In the background I hear the thumping of a bass, and the booming of fireworks. The party has started.
Nice to see that some of you haven't lost your touch when it comes to creative answers to 'Easy Monday' songs. (Ha)
"...And I feel nice, like sugar and spice. I feel nice, like sugar and spice. So nice, so nice, I got you. Whoa! __ __ __, I knew that I would...." Hint: Seriously, if you need a hint, it won't make a difference. If you know, you know.
We left the house at 8am for our trip to immigration. There was morning traffic for about 10 minutes and then it was clear road to the first check point. The police have two checks going each way between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai. I can understand the vehicle checks going south from the border with Burma, but going north is still a mystery. Anyway, we thought by leaving early that we'd breeze through immigration without a wait. Wrong. The room was full, but many of the people waiting were in a group. It wasn't bad, and while we waited we got some good news. On the first Saturday of each month, at Central Plaza, there will be an opportunity to do our check-in without leaving town.
Let me start this paragraph by saying that we have plenty to eat and drink, and our lives haven't really been interrupted by the flooding. The news from the Bangkok area is not good. It seems that things are going to be rough for at least a month. This means that many goods produced in Thailand are going to continue to be in short supply. We went to Tesco-Lotus and Makro on the way home. It's an eerie feeling to walk down the aisles and see empty shelves. We got more water and juice, and we'll get more things that may go away tomorrow. Meanwhile, the water just keeps moving around in Bangkok. Over 2,500 schools are flooded to some degree. People are doing what they can to help the refugees and donations are coming from many countries. It's going to be a long recovery and Thailand will lose a tourist season in the aftermath.
Around us you would never know there was a problem at all. The celebration has begun across the river, even though Loy Krathong doesn't actually take place until Thursday, which marks the 12th Full Moon of the Lunar Year. The traditional intention of the festival was to pay respects to the rivers, and to ask forgiveness for any harm done to the water. Today you will hear many reasons for the festival, including 'having fun'. At the core of it is the name: Loy means to float, and Krathong means Lotus shape. Banana leaves are the material of choice but in recent years bread dough has been used since it breaks down in the water more easily. Visit Mr. Google and you can see many photos of the various creations. We will be going to Jaffee's house to celebrate. He lives near the river so we'll all walk to the banks, float some Krathongs and then have dinner at his house. We're going to bring some balloon/lanterns to send up in the night sky. More on that tomorrow.
Tonight, after dinner, we made cookies. Actually, Lisa makes them, I just stir a lot. This makes me very happy.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively."
~Dalai Lama
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Chiang Rai had another perfect 'vacation day'. The morning was cool, and then it warmed to a comfortable temperature. We had a successful trip to Mae Sai, and did more shopping for basic items we need. In the background I hear the thumping of a bass, and the booming of fireworks. The party has started.
Nice to see that some of you haven't lost your touch when it comes to creative answers to 'Easy Monday' songs. (Ha)
"...And I feel nice, like sugar and spice. I feel nice, like sugar and spice. So nice, so nice, I got you. Whoa! __ __ __, I knew that I would...." Hint: Seriously, if you need a hint, it won't make a difference. If you know, you know.
We left the house at 8am for our trip to immigration. There was morning traffic for about 10 minutes and then it was clear road to the first check point. The police have two checks going each way between Chiang Rai and Mae Sai. I can understand the vehicle checks going south from the border with Burma, but going north is still a mystery. Anyway, we thought by leaving early that we'd breeze through immigration without a wait. Wrong. The room was full, but many of the people waiting were in a group. It wasn't bad, and while we waited we got some good news. On the first Saturday of each month, at Central Plaza, there will be an opportunity to do our check-in without leaving town.
Let me start this paragraph by saying that we have plenty to eat and drink, and our lives haven't really been interrupted by the flooding. The news from the Bangkok area is not good. It seems that things are going to be rough for at least a month. This means that many goods produced in Thailand are going to continue to be in short supply. We went to Tesco-Lotus and Makro on the way home. It's an eerie feeling to walk down the aisles and see empty shelves. We got more water and juice, and we'll get more things that may go away tomorrow. Meanwhile, the water just keeps moving around in Bangkok. Over 2,500 schools are flooded to some degree. People are doing what they can to help the refugees and donations are coming from many countries. It's going to be a long recovery and Thailand will lose a tourist season in the aftermath.
Around us you would never know there was a problem at all. The celebration has begun across the river, even though Loy Krathong doesn't actually take place until Thursday, which marks the 12th Full Moon of the Lunar Year. The traditional intention of the festival was to pay respects to the rivers, and to ask forgiveness for any harm done to the water. Today you will hear many reasons for the festival, including 'having fun'. At the core of it is the name: Loy means to float, and Krathong means Lotus shape. Banana leaves are the material of choice but in recent years bread dough has been used since it breaks down in the water more easily. Visit Mr. Google and you can see many photos of the various creations. We will be going to Jaffee's house to celebrate. He lives near the river so we'll all walk to the banks, float some Krathongs and then have dinner at his house. We're going to bring some balloon/lanterns to send up in the night sky. More on that tomorrow.
Tonight, after dinner, we made cookies. Actually, Lisa makes them, I just stir a lot. This makes me very happy.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Know the rules well, so you can break them effectively."
~Dalai Lama
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, November 7, 2011
History
Hi,
Chiang Rai, where the sky is clear and the streets are dry. Over the weekend we went to an art exhibit opening, experienced a mall full of children, and endured a ton of explosive fireworks. There's a holiday coming.
Our 'Old School Friday' song was "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters. A few of you remembered. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday. Let's see if this one rings a bell: "Whoa, __ __ __, I knew that I would now. __ __ __, I knew that I would, now. So good, so good, I got you (horns)." Clue: This one's by a man known as The Godfather of Soul, and he's telling us about his 'mood'.
Saturday afternoon I was to meet with our friend Khun Noy in order to give him some celery that we got in Chiang Mai. He and his wife Susan had not been able to find any in Chiang Rai and we all need it for our veggie drink. He called me to say he'd be a little late, due to the heavy traffic. He later explained that Prime Minister Yingluck was in town for a special ceremony in honor of Walking Street. It's been going for three years and that merits a special day. Noy also told me that he was glad he wasn't going to Central Plaza because there was a big Super Hero show for kids. Little did he know that it was also happening Sunday, the day he had to make a delivery of lettuce to Fuji restaurant. I haven't talked to him since then to find out how he did.
That evening we went to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of a show featuring six local artists. It was a wonderful show and you can see the paintings by going to this link: http://www.9artgallery.com/November 2011.html
Sunday we went to Central Plaza for lunch. When we arrived the parking lot was chaotic. We ended up in the 'new' lot that had just been paved. When we entered the mall we realized that the 'Hero show' was happening again. There was an area in front of the escalators filled with children sitting at easels, painting on t-shirts that had drawings of Doraeman, a Japanese character who is big in Thailand. In the center of the main floor was a stage and around the stage there were hundreds of children and parents jockeying for position to see the show. We went upstairs to Fuji for lunch and managed to avoid the crowd. After we finished lunch it seemed as though the crowd had doubled. It was an ocean of kids waiting for the event to start. As we were leaving, the M.C. was working the kids into a frenzy. He said something and the crowd erupted and it was deafening. We got out just in time. From the posters we gathered that there were going to be costumed characters coming out and doing routines of some kind. Central Plaza will never be the same.
We went to the Night Bazaar for our usual Sunday dinner and a little shopping. Many of the vendors are still feeling the repercussions of the Bangkok flood. There are some tourists in town, but they didn't seem to be shopping. We just hope that tour agents and foreign governments will realize that there are places to go in Thailand that are safe.
Thursday of this week marks the celebration of Loy Krathong. This is the festival where small woven Krathongs, little baskets containing a candle, flowers and sometimes coins, are placed in the river. I'll be talking more about it as it gets closer. Needless to say, it's an occasion for fireworks of all descriptions.
Tomorrow we go on a road trip to Mae Sai for our visa check-in. What's a week without a road trip?
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"One determined person can make a significant difference; a
small group of determined people can change the course of
history."
~Sonia Johnson
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Chiang Rai, where the sky is clear and the streets are dry. Over the weekend we went to an art exhibit opening, experienced a mall full of children, and endured a ton of explosive fireworks. There's a holiday coming.
Our 'Old School Friday' song was "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters. A few of you remembered. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday. Let's see if this one rings a bell: "Whoa, __ __ __, I knew that I would now. __ __ __, I knew that I would, now. So good, so good, I got you (horns)." Clue: This one's by a man known as The Godfather of Soul, and he's telling us about his 'mood'.
Saturday afternoon I was to meet with our friend Khun Noy in order to give him some celery that we got in Chiang Mai. He and his wife Susan had not been able to find any in Chiang Rai and we all need it for our veggie drink. He called me to say he'd be a little late, due to the heavy traffic. He later explained that Prime Minister Yingluck was in town for a special ceremony in honor of Walking Street. It's been going for three years and that merits a special day. Noy also told me that he was glad he wasn't going to Central Plaza because there was a big Super Hero show for kids. Little did he know that it was also happening Sunday, the day he had to make a delivery of lettuce to Fuji restaurant. I haven't talked to him since then to find out how he did.
That evening we went to 9 Art Gallery for the opening of a show featuring six local artists. It was a wonderful show and you can see the paintings by going to this link: http://www.9artgallery.com/November 2011.html
Sunday we went to Central Plaza for lunch. When we arrived the parking lot was chaotic. We ended up in the 'new' lot that had just been paved. When we entered the mall we realized that the 'Hero show' was happening again. There was an area in front of the escalators filled with children sitting at easels, painting on t-shirts that had drawings of Doraeman, a Japanese character who is big in Thailand. In the center of the main floor was a stage and around the stage there were hundreds of children and parents jockeying for position to see the show. We went upstairs to Fuji for lunch and managed to avoid the crowd. After we finished lunch it seemed as though the crowd had doubled. It was an ocean of kids waiting for the event to start. As we were leaving, the M.C. was working the kids into a frenzy. He said something and the crowd erupted and it was deafening. We got out just in time. From the posters we gathered that there were going to be costumed characters coming out and doing routines of some kind. Central Plaza will never be the same.
We went to the Night Bazaar for our usual Sunday dinner and a little shopping. Many of the vendors are still feeling the repercussions of the Bangkok flood. There are some tourists in town, but they didn't seem to be shopping. We just hope that tour agents and foreign governments will realize that there are places to go in Thailand that are safe.
Thursday of this week marks the celebration of Loy Krathong. This is the festival where small woven Krathongs, little baskets containing a candle, flowers and sometimes coins, are placed in the river. I'll be talking more about it as it gets closer. Needless to say, it's an occasion for fireworks of all descriptions.
Tomorrow we go on a road trip to Mae Sai for our visa check-in. What's a week without a road trip?
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"One determined person can make a significant difference; a
small group of determined people can change the course of
history."
~Sonia Johnson
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
We're back in Chiang Rai after a morning of walking and shopping. But first I'll finish telling you about Thursday.
The song from '81 Wednesday' was "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan. A bunch of you knew this one. Time for 'Old School Friday' and it's real easy. "She comes on like a rose, but everybody knows. She'll get you in Dutch, now you can look but you better now touch. __ __, __ __ late at night while you're sleepin' __ __ comes a-creepin' around." Hint: Another novelty smash from one of my favorite groups. Many meet her while hiking and camping. Hmm.
After lunch by the river we were strolling towards the street when Lisa noticed a large art piece hanging in the window of what we thought was a restaurant. It was actually a three story house that has become a gallery. There were pieces by about five artists. We went all the way to the top and the range of work was wide. No frills, just lots of wall space. It's an interesting approach.
A phone call and a Tuk-Tuk ride later we were at the home of our friend Mark, who has been in Thailand for about six years. He had an exhibit we saw in Chiang Mai, and he came to Lisa's last show. He wanted us to see his latest work. Before we saw his paintings, he showed us all of the bird's nests around his apartment. It isn't very often that you see nests right by a window. They keep their windows open and there were even a couple inside. That's a lot of trust on the part of the birds. Inside Mark's studio we saw his new work. We both liked it a lot. He showed us other things he's done and also work by some of his heroes. We mentioned that our next stop was a print shop and it turned out he had worked with the printer who is also an artist.
Our next adventure was across town at Chiang Mai Art Print. It's a place where artists can go to have prints and etchings made, as well as collaborate and experiment. We spent about an hour with Kitikong, the owner and mastermind behind the place. He teaches at the university, works with up-and-coming artists, and still finds time to try new processes. It was a very inspiring visit.
By now it was getting to be dinner time. Jaffee took us to a Mediterranean restaurant that he found the night before. We met the owner and had more interesting conversations with him. Lots of Chiang Mai gallery talk. The food was very good. This trip we discovered some new places to eat. We had every intention of going to the Night Bazaar that evening, but the day caught up with us.
This morning we found a few things near the hotel that fit our list of things to take back to America. We caught a Tuk-Tuk to Thapae Rd. for more strolling and shopping. So many beautiful things that were not on the list. We worked hard at not being distracted. Once we found what we were looking for we headed back to the hotel.
On our way out of town we stopped at Rim Ping Market for supplies. They feature 'Western' food and it's always fun to see what's new. News flash: they had celery. We got some for ourselves and our friends. There's an S&P connected to the store so we ate lunch there and then hit the road. Three hours later we're home. Whew.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
A Frog Story
A frog telephones the Psychic Hotline and is told, "You are going to
meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about
you."
The frog says, "This is great! Will I meet her at a party, or what?"
"No," says the psychic. "Next semester in her biology class."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We're back in Chiang Rai after a morning of walking and shopping. But first I'll finish telling you about Thursday.
The song from '81 Wednesday' was "Hey Nineteen" by Steely Dan. A bunch of you knew this one. Time for 'Old School Friday' and it's real easy. "She comes on like a rose, but everybody knows. She'll get you in Dutch, now you can look but you better now touch. __ __, __ __ late at night while you're sleepin' __ __ comes a-creepin' around." Hint: Another novelty smash from one of my favorite groups. Many meet her while hiking and camping. Hmm.
After lunch by the river we were strolling towards the street when Lisa noticed a large art piece hanging in the window of what we thought was a restaurant. It was actually a three story house that has become a gallery. There were pieces by about five artists. We went all the way to the top and the range of work was wide. No frills, just lots of wall space. It's an interesting approach.
A phone call and a Tuk-Tuk ride later we were at the home of our friend Mark, who has been in Thailand for about six years. He had an exhibit we saw in Chiang Mai, and he came to Lisa's last show. He wanted us to see his latest work. Before we saw his paintings, he showed us all of the bird's nests around his apartment. It isn't very often that you see nests right by a window. They keep their windows open and there were even a couple inside. That's a lot of trust on the part of the birds. Inside Mark's studio we saw his new work. We both liked it a lot. He showed us other things he's done and also work by some of his heroes. We mentioned that our next stop was a print shop and it turned out he had worked with the printer who is also an artist.
Our next adventure was across town at Chiang Mai Art Print. It's a place where artists can go to have prints and etchings made, as well as collaborate and experiment. We spent about an hour with Kitikong, the owner and mastermind behind the place. He teaches at the university, works with up-and-coming artists, and still finds time to try new processes. It was a very inspiring visit.
By now it was getting to be dinner time. Jaffee took us to a Mediterranean restaurant that he found the night before. We met the owner and had more interesting conversations with him. Lots of Chiang Mai gallery talk. The food was very good. This trip we discovered some new places to eat. We had every intention of going to the Night Bazaar that evening, but the day caught up with us.
This morning we found a few things near the hotel that fit our list of things to take back to America. We caught a Tuk-Tuk to Thapae Rd. for more strolling and shopping. So many beautiful things that were not on the list. We worked hard at not being distracted. Once we found what we were looking for we headed back to the hotel.
On our way out of town we stopped at Rim Ping Market for supplies. They feature 'Western' food and it's always fun to see what's new. News flash: they had celery. We got some for ourselves and our friends. There's an S&P connected to the store so we ate lunch there and then hit the road. Three hours later we're home. Whew.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
A Frog Story
A frog telephones the Psychic Hotline and is told, "You are going to
meet a beautiful young girl who will want to know everything about
you."
The frog says, "This is great! Will I meet her at a party, or what?"
"No," says the psychic. "Next semester in her biology class."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, November 3, 2011
People
Hi,
We decided to stay another day in Chiang Mai. We still hadn't done any shopping, or visited with friends. Today we rode all over town in Tuk-Tuks, went to a bookstore, two artists' studios, sat in traffic, and ate good food. The night is still young so we're headed for the Night Bazaar, if the drizzle has stopped.
I can't believe no one knows the '81' song. Maybe another verse will shake your memory. Maybe more hints.
"__ __, that's 'Retha Franklin. She don't remember The Queen of Soul. It's hard times befallen the sole survivors, she thinks I'm crazy, but I'm just growing old. __ __, no we got nothing in common. No we can't talk at all...." Hint: The group/duo that did this had dreams of being a gaucho until they hung out with the Babylon sisters and joined the glamor profession. Hmm. I guess this song is about what happens when 'older' men hang out with older teens.
This morning started with breakfast next door. Actually there's a little canal that separates our hotel and the little corner coffee shop where we always have breakfast. Today the coffee wasn't up to par and the orange juice was almost sour. Might be time to find a new morning spot. I must say that my whole-wheat French Toast was ultra delicious. Nothing like dessert for breakfast. A few months ago there was flooding in Chiang Mai. We asked the waitress about it and they didn't get water, but lots of people jammed into the place, since the Night Bazaar flooded. I guess that little canal saved them.
Jaffee wanted us to see a special hotel and meet the manager so we met at Wat Pra Sing. It's a very old temple with large grounds. After a very bumpy ride down a brick-paved street we entered the front gates. Inside was like a little city bustling with activity. The monks eat one meal a day and it must be taken before noon. Our 11 o'clock arrival meant we got to see some of the preparations. There were women dishing food into bowls, setting up trays, and getting ready to serve the monks. Inside the temple the young novices were sitting, waiting for their meal. A few senior monks were sitting near the altar, already eating. All of the energy that goes into taking care of the monks at meals is part of the practice of making merit. We'll look into this at a later date.
Our next stop was Rachamankha Hotel. It was located on a side street, a long walk from the temple. The owner is an architect and lives on the premises. His collection of antique wood, stone and metal artifacts from Loas, Burma and Thailand are featured though out the grounds. The reception area was once a Buddhist prayer hall that was going to be destroyed. He bought the whole thing, had it dismantled and then reassembled when the hotel was built. We learned a lot about various aspects of dying culture in the region, and gained new appreciation for the things we saw. Paul, our host, and manager of the hotel, took us on quite a tour of the facility and then we sat in the dining room and he looked at Lisa's art on my iPad. We had a great time there and will probably return for another visit in the future.
Another Tuk-Tuk ride transported us to Suvannabhumi Art Gallery on a narrow street near the Ping River. It turns out that we will not be showing Lisa's work since they mainly focuses on Burmese artists. The owner is from Burma and the connections and allegiances are understandable. It was then time for lunch. We stumbled upon a cool place that looked out on the river. It was the perfect spot to talk about the morning, enjoy good food and work on the plan for a show in Chiang Mai.
A lot more happened after lunch but I'll save that for tomorrow. Tune in to find out what the rest of the day had to offer.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
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
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We decided to stay another day in Chiang Mai. We still hadn't done any shopping, or visited with friends. Today we rode all over town in Tuk-Tuks, went to a bookstore, two artists' studios, sat in traffic, and ate good food. The night is still young so we're headed for the Night Bazaar, if the drizzle has stopped.
I can't believe no one knows the '81' song. Maybe another verse will shake your memory. Maybe more hints.
"__ __, that's 'Retha Franklin. She don't remember The Queen of Soul. It's hard times befallen the sole survivors, she thinks I'm crazy, but I'm just growing old. __ __, no we got nothing in common. No we can't talk at all...." Hint: The group/duo that did this had dreams of being a gaucho until they hung out with the Babylon sisters and joined the glamor profession. Hmm. I guess this song is about what happens when 'older' men hang out with older teens.
This morning started with breakfast next door. Actually there's a little canal that separates our hotel and the little corner coffee shop where we always have breakfast. Today the coffee wasn't up to par and the orange juice was almost sour. Might be time to find a new morning spot. I must say that my whole-wheat French Toast was ultra delicious. Nothing like dessert for breakfast. A few months ago there was flooding in Chiang Mai. We asked the waitress about it and they didn't get water, but lots of people jammed into the place, since the Night Bazaar flooded. I guess that little canal saved them.
Jaffee wanted us to see a special hotel and meet the manager so we met at Wat Pra Sing. It's a very old temple with large grounds. After a very bumpy ride down a brick-paved street we entered the front gates. Inside was like a little city bustling with activity. The monks eat one meal a day and it must be taken before noon. Our 11 o'clock arrival meant we got to see some of the preparations. There were women dishing food into bowls, setting up trays, and getting ready to serve the monks. Inside the temple the young novices were sitting, waiting for their meal. A few senior monks were sitting near the altar, already eating. All of the energy that goes into taking care of the monks at meals is part of the practice of making merit. We'll look into this at a later date.
Our next stop was Rachamankha Hotel. It was located on a side street, a long walk from the temple. The owner is an architect and lives on the premises. His collection of antique wood, stone and metal artifacts from Loas, Burma and Thailand are featured though out the grounds. The reception area was once a Buddhist prayer hall that was going to be destroyed. He bought the whole thing, had it dismantled and then reassembled when the hotel was built. We learned a lot about various aspects of dying culture in the region, and gained new appreciation for the things we saw. Paul, our host, and manager of the hotel, took us on quite a tour of the facility and then we sat in the dining room and he looked at Lisa's art on my iPad. We had a great time there and will probably return for another visit in the future.
Another Tuk-Tuk ride transported us to Suvannabhumi Art Gallery on a narrow street near the Ping River. It turns out that we will not be showing Lisa's work since they mainly focuses on Burmese artists. The owner is from Burma and the connections and allegiances are understandable. It was then time for lunch. We stumbled upon a cool place that looked out on the river. It was the perfect spot to talk about the morning, enjoy good food and work on the plan for a show in Chiang Mai.
A lot more happened after lunch but I'll save that for tomorrow. Tune in to find out what the rest of the day had to offer.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
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
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Trust
Hi,
Today we had a beautiful drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. We learned an alternate route, and discovered things we didn't know about.
That pesky 'Easy Monday' song that you didn't know was "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele. Oh well, it's time for another one from '81 Wednesday'. This is a song about an older guy trying to relate to a younger woman. Hmm:
"Way back when in sixty-seven, I was the dandy of Gamma Chi. Sweet things from Boston so young and willing, moved down to Scarsdale, where the hell am I? __ __, now we can't dance together, no we can't talk at all. Please take me along when you slide on down." Hint: There's a number involved.
When we picked up Jaffee for our road trip, he took us a different way to the highway. We wound through some lush countryside over rolling hills and got to see lots of village life. We entered the main road a lot farther south than I expected. Along the way we stopped for a visit at the home of an artist who has been recognized by the Provincial government. There is an official sign in front of his house. He showed us his studio which was filled with his paintings of floral landscapes. We also enjoyed his orchid collection in a mini greenhouse.
At lunch time Jaffee directed us to a fairly new roadside stop that had the latest location for World Class Hamburgers. We enjoyed fish burgers on the patio of Amazon Coffee. The owner of the whole center is a good friend of Jaffee's and we had a great time hanging out with him.
As we rolled into Chiang Mai we drove by the gallery we will visit tomorrow, and then went to see the hotel where Jaffee would stay. The traffic was starting to build up as we finally made our way to our hotel. After a brief rest we took a Tuk-Tuk to Nim Center. The driver had just recently re-painted his ride so he was very careful, even though he did some fancy weaving through the heavy traffic. We met Jaffee and had a great dinner at an outside restaurant.
It's been a wild and crazy day and we're leaving the Night Bazaar to the tourists. It's time to relax. Tomorrow we will meet with the gallery owner and see about a February exhibit.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"As I watched the seagulls, I thought:
That's the road to take.
Find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust."
~Nikos Kazantzakis
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today we had a beautiful drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. We learned an alternate route, and discovered things we didn't know about.
That pesky 'Easy Monday' song that you didn't know was "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele. Oh well, it's time for another one from '81 Wednesday'. This is a song about an older guy trying to relate to a younger woman. Hmm:
"Way back when in sixty-seven, I was the dandy of Gamma Chi. Sweet things from Boston so young and willing, moved down to Scarsdale, where the hell am I? __ __, now we can't dance together, no we can't talk at all. Please take me along when you slide on down." Hint: There's a number involved.
When we picked up Jaffee for our road trip, he took us a different way to the highway. We wound through some lush countryside over rolling hills and got to see lots of village life. We entered the main road a lot farther south than I expected. Along the way we stopped for a visit at the home of an artist who has been recognized by the Provincial government. There is an official sign in front of his house. He showed us his studio which was filled with his paintings of floral landscapes. We also enjoyed his orchid collection in a mini greenhouse.
At lunch time Jaffee directed us to a fairly new roadside stop that had the latest location for World Class Hamburgers. We enjoyed fish burgers on the patio of Amazon Coffee. The owner of the whole center is a good friend of Jaffee's and we had a great time hanging out with him.
As we rolled into Chiang Mai we drove by the gallery we will visit tomorrow, and then went to see the hotel where Jaffee would stay. The traffic was starting to build up as we finally made our way to our hotel. After a brief rest we took a Tuk-Tuk to Nim Center. The driver had just recently re-painted his ride so he was very careful, even though he did some fancy weaving through the heavy traffic. We met Jaffee and had a great dinner at an outside restaurant.
It's been a wild and crazy day and we're leaving the Night Bazaar to the tourists. It's time to relax. Tomorrow we will meet with the gallery owner and see about a February exhibit.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"As I watched the seagulls, I thought:
That's the road to take.
Find the absolute rhythm and follow it with absolute trust."
~Nikos Kazantzakis
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Drawn
Hi,
More wonderful weather was the order of the day. Chiang Rai is the place to be. No snow, no rain, just warm temps and blue skies. Today we lunched in town, had coffee by the river, and had a returning friend over for dinner.
It looks as though 'Easy Monday' wasn't so easy. Our friend Pam knows the song. Are you sure you don't know it?
"Baby, I have no story to be told, but I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn. Think of me in the depths of your despair, making a home down there, as mine sure won't be shared... We could have had it all, __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __, you had my heart inside your hands but you played it with a beat, __ __ __ __." Clue: The singer is fed up with her relationship, has finally opened her eyes. Hmm.
Today was a lottery day for Boot, which meant we had to feed ourselves. We went to Black Canyon in Central Plaza for lunch. Khun Mae, the manager was there and we had a nice visit. Lisa asked her about some items that were missing from the menu. One of them was an appetizer made of chicken wrapped in a leaf. Mae told us that they grow the leaves at her home and she would be happy to bring us some, then we can make it ourselves. (Ha) It was one of those kind gestures that makes us love this place.
This afternoon we met Jaffee at Chivit Thamma Da for a coffee/meeting. It's the place by the river that has become quite popular. We hadn't seen Jaffee since the cancellation of the Bangkok exhibit and we wanted to discuss the future events. He's been in China at a trade conference. Jaffee brought Lisa a copy of the Art & Culture section of the Bangkok Post from last week. It had a piece on Lisa's Bangkok exhibit with a photo of one of her works and a brief explanation of the process. Apparently it was too late to retract the piece before they went to press.
While we were talking he made a call to a gallery owner friend in Chiang Mai. She has agreed to a February exhibit and we'll meet her on Thursday while we're in town. Jaffee will ride down to Chiang Mai with us tomorrow.
Tonight our friend Deirdre came over for dinner. She's just returned to Thailand for a visit. We met her last year through The Sold Project. Lisa made a delicious spaghetti dinner and we did a lot of catching up. Deirdre is staying at the Resource Center which is a long motorbike ride after dark so she's spending the night at our house. BamBam remembered her and gave her one of her special greetings.
Now it's time to pack the overnight bag for the little trip tomorrow. I'll see you from 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
More wonderful weather was the order of the day. Chiang Rai is the place to be. No snow, no rain, just warm temps and blue skies. Today we lunched in town, had coffee by the river, and had a returning friend over for dinner.
It looks as though 'Easy Monday' wasn't so easy. Our friend Pam knows the song. Are you sure you don't know it?
"Baby, I have no story to be told, but I've heard one on you and I'm gonna make your head burn. Think of me in the depths of your despair, making a home down there, as mine sure won't be shared... We could have had it all, __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __, you had my heart inside your hands but you played it with a beat, __ __ __ __." Clue: The singer is fed up with her relationship, has finally opened her eyes. Hmm.
Today was a lottery day for Boot, which meant we had to feed ourselves. We went to Black Canyon in Central Plaza for lunch. Khun Mae, the manager was there and we had a nice visit. Lisa asked her about some items that were missing from the menu. One of them was an appetizer made of chicken wrapped in a leaf. Mae told us that they grow the leaves at her home and she would be happy to bring us some, then we can make it ourselves. (Ha) It was one of those kind gestures that makes us love this place.
This afternoon we met Jaffee at Chivit Thamma Da for a coffee/meeting. It's the place by the river that has become quite popular. We hadn't seen Jaffee since the cancellation of the Bangkok exhibit and we wanted to discuss the future events. He's been in China at a trade conference. Jaffee brought Lisa a copy of the Art & Culture section of the Bangkok Post from last week. It had a piece on Lisa's Bangkok exhibit with a photo of one of her works and a brief explanation of the process. Apparently it was too late to retract the piece before they went to press.
While we were talking he made a call to a gallery owner friend in Chiang Mai. She has agreed to a February exhibit and we'll meet her on Thursday while we're in town. Jaffee will ride down to Chiang Mai with us tomorrow.
Tonight our friend Deirdre came over for dinner. She's just returned to Thailand for a visit. We met her last year through The Sold Project. Lisa made a delicious spaghetti dinner and we did a lot of catching up. Deirdre is staying at the Resource Center which is a long motorbike ride after dark so she's spending the night at our house. BamBam remembered her and gave her one of her special greetings.
Now it's time to pack the overnight bag for the little trip tomorrow. I'll see you from 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
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