Adventures In Thailand

Monday, August 13, 2012

Hidden

Hi,

In between the rain we had a very nice weekend. Mother's Day was celebrated in big style in Chiang Rai and The Olympics are over. Oh, and we saw a meteor.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "A Thousand Miles Away" by The Heartbeats. Maybe 'Easy Monday' will feel better on your memory. "Diamond life, lover boy. He moves in space with minimum waste and maximum joy. City lights and business nights, when you require streetcar desire for higher heights... No need to ask, he's a __ __ (repeat 3x)." Clues: A title in two words describing someone, by a singer with one name.

Saturday morning we took our dirty, mud-splashed little car to get washed. The sky looked promising, with no imminent threat of rain so we figured it was safe. We hung out at Doi Chaang during the wash. The woman who runs the carwash has a new compressor device for cleaning engine compartments and she really tried to convince us to get it done next time. Over and over, she said the same things. Don't you just love that?

Down on Bus Station street things were very busy. I guess that people returning and leaving for Mother's Day had something to do with it. We were going to make some other stops, but the traffic was building up and home sounded pretty good.

There seems to be a weather pattern now where the afternoon brings a mini-storm and then rain overnight. Saturday we got the afternoon part, and it dried out in time for Walking Street. Of course, it could have been different downtown.

Sunday, Boot went off with her friend Kwang to the temple and then to spend the day with Kwang's family. Tatt had to go to school and work on a science project. That meant that we had the house to ourselves, or should I say we shared it with the dogs. We got caught up on lots of Olympic events that had been recorded overnight, and tried to stay sort of current with the 'live' broadcast. The whole thing has been exhausting, what with all the stretching, running, jumping, controversy, and waiting for results. (555) Time to start saving up for that 2016 vacation in Rio.

We went to the Night Bazaar for our Sunday dinner. As we were walking toward the exit street we spotted fireworks in the sky. It seemed to be the end of the show. As we were traveling down Clock Tower Street the traffic just stopped. It took a block to figure out that is was a police control, letting cars out of the school field where the fireworks show had been held. This was something new and I must make a note to avoid it next year.

A few minutes after midnight we went outside and stood in the driveway, looking up. Suddenly, we got a good view of a meteor streaking across the sky. Things were looking up, literally. We waited for more but our necks got tired so we went inside. One good meteor is good enough.

We're getting better at moving fast to capture things we see on the street. Today, while returning from the vegetable market Lisa was able to snap this motorbike towing a cart full of produce.

Fresh Veggies

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon,

and the truth."

~Buddha

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Friday, August 10, 2012

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Let me just say that we didn't have to water the yard today. After last night's storm and today's lunchtime downpour, things are pretty wet. We had lunch with a friend and drove out to the countryside.

That 'Zany Day' song was "School Days" by Chuck Berry. Get ready 'cause here comes 'Old School Friday'. This one should be easy, maybe even for 'the kids' out there: You're __ __ __ __, but I still have your love to remember you by. Oh my darling, dry your eyes. Daddy's coming home soon." Hint: In some cases you milage may very. Just a heartbeat away...

Today our friend Atom came over for lunch. We had fun talking about Thai and Korean soap operas. We don't watch them, though I've seen a few episodes while waiting in various shops. It brought back a memory of when we went to Chiang Mai a few years ago and happened to go to the Night Bazaar on the final night of a long-running Thai soap. Everyone on the street was glued to a screen, watching the final conclusion. Young men were watching on cellphones, women were huddled around small TV screens and it was being shown in all the bars. The vendors were not interested in the shoppers at all.

This afternoon I went out to New Life Foundation for my weekly visit. On my way back to town I noticed women carrying bowls and baskets. They had been collecting alms to take to their temples in honor of Mother Day which will be celebrated on August 12. It is the day that Thai people honor Queen Sirikit's birthday, and also pay tribute to mothers. She is considered the mother of all Thai people, and is loved for her benevolence and good will. Her picture is all over town, and in temples there will be candle lighting ceremonies wishing her long life. Tatt told us that today at school they assembled and sang a song in her honor. It is also a time when people who live away from their mothers will return home to visit and give thanks.

When I returned to Chiang Rai I stopped off at the 'Salon' and had my Mohawk narrowed a bit. They're still getting used to cutting my hair, but with a little more 'training' I think we can find the groove. Next time I'll be sure to take my earphones for the wait. Today I overdosed on Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Oh my.

There is a recycling center a few villages from us and every now and then we see trucks full of cardboard or plastic bottles. Today I came upon a Samlor that was loaded down with cans and other objects. It must have been a heavy load because the man who was peddling was going very slow.

Samlor with a load

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now it's time for the 'Funnies'.

Peace,

Danny

Small Town Sheriff

In one small rural town the sheriff also fulfilled the role of the
town's veterinarian. One night the phone rang. The sheriff's wife
answered.

An agitated voice inquired, "Is your husband there?"

"Well, do you need him as the sheriff or the vet?" the wife asked.

"Both," came the reply. "We can't get our dog's mouth open, and
there's a burglar in it!"

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Flow

Hi,

We had one of those will it or won't it days. A sprinkle here, a dark cloud there, and a sunny afternoon for a swim. Just after dinner we got another storm. It's been two hours and it's still going strong.

'Easy Monday' was good to some of you. You remembered "Help Me Rhonda" by The Beach Boys. 'Zany Day' is next:

"Up in the mornin' and out to school. The teacher is teachin' the Golden Rule. American history and practical math, you studyin' hard and hopin' to pass. Workin' your fingers right down to the bone, and the guy behind you won't leave you alone." Hint: It's by an early R&R icon who played a guitar like ringin' a bell. This in not a typical summertime song.

Today I was reminded of a few more reasons I like where we live. There are lots of trees and birds. It's nice to walk out and hear the sounds of nature. We also get to hear traditional music sometimes, coming from our only neighbor. This is the time of the year when the dragonflies emerge and hover like clouds. A friend told us that they eat mosquito larvae so I guess that's a good thing. They also think that the pool is theirs, diving down to take tiny drinks of water. Sometimes when we're in the pool they approach as if we are on their turf. The Butterflies are not as territorial, but seem to be in abundance right now.

Here's a photo of something you don't see everyday. It's a mature tree being moved somewhere for planting. We saw some giants at the nursery and watched them load one on a truck. Very interesting.

Since we stocked up on chicken over the weekend, we haven't had to make so many trips to Makro. I don't mind going, but the drive is crazy during the highway reconstruction. It seems odd to me that they would begin a major road rebuild in the middle of the rainy season. I'm no expert, but when it's dry you can work more days, dry the concrete and finish in a shorter period of time. Don't get me started on planning ahead in Thailand.

Tonight's rain storm is interrupting our Olympic viewing. The signal just went away, which is not unusual in a big storm. Not cool Mr. Weather. I have recorded many events, but they're showing equestrian show jumping in HD and that would be a treat. Today we watched a man lift 509 lbs over his head. We also, briefly, watched some large women hurl spears into the air, and some larger men twirl a steel ball on a wire into the air. I couldn't resist. My guess is that a long time ago they used to throw an actual sledge hammer and it evolved. The synchro swimming was amazing. I can't imagine being upside down in the water while doing an intricate routine with my legs, in perfect timing with another person. The level of physical conditioning is beyond my comprehension.

Thailand sent 37 athletes to the Olympics. So far there has been one silver medal awarded in women's weightlifting. We were watching that event and saw the 'history' as it happened. Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of support for those competing but that may change in the future.

Tomorrow the sun will shine, the streets will be dry and we will run errands and do things. Hmm, quite a prediction.

Looks like a Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"If you can't fight

and you can't flee......
flow."

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Seek

Hi,

Today was one of those days when we wanted it to rain a little to water the yard. I guess you don't miss the rain 'til the lawn gets dry. (555) We had another quiet day at the Big Brown House.

How cool that some of you remembered the 'Easy Monday' song. Here's the second verse of this plea for help:

"She was gonna be my wife and I was gonna be her man. But she let another guy come between us and it ruined our plan. Well, __ you caught my eye (caught my eye) and I can give you lotsa reasons why, you gotta __ __ __, help me get her out of my heart. Hint: California girls in T-Birds know when the surf's up. That should tell you the group. The rest is easy.

One of the things that I like about living on what is, for the time being, the edge of town is that there are still aspects of traditional life everywhere we look. It is still possible to watch people pick edible leaves from bushes along the roadside. There are many familiar faces that walk or bicycle around the neighborhood, and there are characters that seem like they are from another era, like the old woman who always has a big stick in one hand and a bag over her shoulder. She covers a lot of territory and seems to be self-sufficient. The people who live down the road from us have primitive dwellings hidden from traffic and they seem to be content. Amazing Thailand.

I now know the difference between a kayak and a canoe and have great respect for the rowers of both. Last night the question came up as to why the 'Steeple Chase' is called that. I think it should be called 'Hurdle and Splash' since that's basically what happens. We've been doing pretty well at catching the events that we're interested in even though there is no schedule to refer to. There are up to seven channels to keep tabs on at any given time and often we'll end up watching something that wasn't in the plan. I still have little interest in handball, field hockey, and I can only watch bits of the indoor cycling. There is a great interest in badminton and table tennis in Asia, so they broadcast all of the matches. Hmm. Tonight we finally get to see some synchronized swimming. What? Yeah, it's pretty cool when you realize what they're doing. Hmm, do swimmers sweat in the water?

There was another amazing float in the parade last Saturday that I thought you might enjoy seeing. Remember, all of the major elements are made from carved wax.

A Coiled Dragon

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us

the tranquility and happiness we all seek."

~The Dalai Lama

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, August 6, 2012

Heart

Hi,

Our weekend weather in Chiang Rai was a combo of rainy and dry. Today it was bright and cloudy with no rain.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Land of 1000 Dances" by Wilson Pickett. It's time for 'Easy Monday' again:

"Well, since she put me down I've been out doin' in my head. Come in late at night and in the mornin' just lay in bed. Well, __ you look so fine, and I know it wouldn't take much time for you to __ __ __, help me get her out of my heart.

Hint: By a SoCal group that liked surf, sand, and cars. They're pleading for some relief.

Saturday morning we went on a little adventure with our friend Natty and her brother. We rode with them in their new pick-up truck to see some property south of town. On the way back we stopped at a new building that I had noticed, and wondered about. It's an OTOP store and it was done in a very modern way with products representing many areas of Chiang Rai. Everything from packaged food to clothing, with many items geared toward tourists.

On our visit to the low key OTOP gathering last week I managed to get a photo of a motorbike accessory that is gaining popularity. I don't know what to call it, but I suppose it can keep you kind of dry and would surely block the sun. This model even has a windshield wiper.

We spent much of the afternoon catching up on our Olympic viewing. There was a surprise rain storm that we thought was just an hour, but when we went out in the morning it was apparent that it had rained all night.

Sunday morning we had a meeting at the house with the brother of Khun Kwang, the woman who helps Boot with the housework. He does various kinds of construction and came to give us an estimate on putting in paving stones by our kitchen. After drawing a picture of what we wanted, and conversations in English, Thai, and Akha we came to an understanding. Later we followed him to the nursery and picked out the tiles they will use. Actually, they're not tiles but concrete squares that are textured to look like brown wood. Work won't begin for two weeks since he can only work on Sundays and next week is Mother Day. I'll tell you more about that later in the week.

Sunday evening we went to the Night Bazaar for dinner. We hadn't been for a few weeks and it was nice to see some of our friends. Many of them hadn't had a dry evening for some time. Our friend Too, who makes craft-style jewelry had a new canvas awning for his stall. He got tired of dealing with sheets of plastic, which is what most of them use.

Today was a mellow day. Gary and Jago came over for a play-date and stayed for an hour. The dogs had a great time. Jago is still a puppy and has boundless energy. He and Daku ran around playing what looked like a combination of tag and hide and seek. When BamBam first came out she did her territorial chase thing. Jago galloped around the yard with BamBam hot on his heels. Daku kept trying to run interference for Jago. Once BamBam was scolded she calmed down and tolerated Jago. He kept trying to get her to play but she just ignored him. While Daku was taking a break on the porch, Jago went over and nudged his face and then put a paw around his neck. It was one of those special moments. Daku was so worn out that he went upstairs and crashed.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see,

and knows what the mind cannot understand."
~Robert Valett

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style