Adventures In Thailand

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Shame

Hi,

I won't bore you with another weather update. You already know what I'd have to say. We went to town today, twice.

This weeks' 'Zany Day' tune was quickly recognized by a few. Here's another portion that might be helpful:

"It seems I had to fight my whole life through. Some gal would giggle and I'd get red, and some guy'd laugh and I'd bust his head. I tell ya, life ain't easy for __ __ __ '__'." Clue: A sad tale of a guy growing up with the wrong name. Any more than that and I'd give it away. Oh, I might tell you for some cash.

The dogs were a little upset with us because they couldn't go out and play. Their understanding is getting better though. We think they're putting together the rain and staying inside. They are definitely creatures of habit and patterns. There are several times a day, usually before nap time and in the evening, when Daku will not settle down until I take him outside. It's become a ritual that I have accepted.

Today's supply run was to Big C. Things were pretty routine during our shopping, but got interesting at the check-out. There was a sale on juice so Lisa got six of each kind we like. That's the usual limit. The checker told us we could only take two of each. A little later she told us that another item was 'buy 2 get 1 free'. They have this customer service counter where we take our receipt and after they check it we sometimes get a 'prize'. Today we got a bunch of little bags of some snack. As we were going down the escalator I noticed a man with a camera about to take my picture. I smiled, he snapped and we laughed.

This afternoon we went back into town for a meeting with our friend Natty to discuss an art project. We met briefly and then the three of us went across town to Bliss Studio. On the way back to her family's restaurant she asked me if I found it easy to drive in Chiang Rai. I paused, Lisa laughed and I gave a polite answer. Then a motorbike in front of us came to an abrupt stop and squeezed into a parking place. Natty motioned and said, 'Like that', and we all laughed. It's nice to laugh and talk about it with a Thai person who feels the same way about some of the driving. And here I thought it was just me. (555)

After crossing the bridge toward home we realized that the road was becoming a business district. Since we moved to our house the main road has grown quite a bit. It used to be fields, fruit stands and some repair shacks. Now there is a huge government building, three multiple shophouse buildings and a used motorcycle business. It still feels like the country when we turn onto our Soi (street) though.

Our Little Country Road

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"There is no shame in not knowing;
the shame lies in not finding out."
~Russian Proverb

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Kind Words

Hi,

We had another beautiful day in Chiang Rai. Cloudy sunshine is the best way to describe it.

Congratulations to all who knew "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer. Time for another 'Zany Day' song from '69:

"My daddy left home when I was three, and he didn't leave much to ma and me... Now, I don't blame him 'cause he run and hid, but the meanest thing that he ever did was before he left, he went and named me '__'. Clue: The actual title is four (4) words. The last word is a name. It's by a legendary country singer often called the 'Man in Black'.

This morning it was my turn for a massage. As I drove through the little business district on the way to Khun Joy's shop I noticed lots of motorbikes with carts making stops to deliver quantities of either fruit or prepared food to local cart vendors. It got me thinking that there must be a lot of people working in the early hours of the day, preparing these packages. It would really be something to trace the origin of some of the stuff and see what it takes to get it to 'market'.

The big piece of land near our house has been quiet for two days. Monday was very rainy and wet so I didn't expect any activity, but today there was still nothing. This gives me hope (for the moment) that maybe it just got cleaned up to be put on the market. Chiang Rai is going through a giant growth spurt and land is at a premium. At the same time, there is a couple who have been building a shack near our house at the end of the property. Today they put some used corrugated tin on the stick frame. Maybe this will be the extent of the development for now.

When we first moved into our house people would ask 'How many people live there?'. It sometimes felt odd to tell them that just the two of us live here. Now, it's a different answer. There are four people and two dogs. With Tatt staying with us it has added an interesting twist. When he arrived he was very shy and quite polite. He still is, and it's hard to get him to join us for a conversation. If he were a tenant, he'd be perfect, but he's not. He's become part of the household and it's nice to have a young person around, even though we don't see him that much. The dogs love him and he loves them. He has a bunch of pets at his home in Rayong so he knows animals. They hang out in his room while he studies, and sometimes they play outside. On days when the timing is right and the dogs are outside they seem to know when he's due to come home. Today's photo was one of those days when they were waiting for their friend.

BamBam & Daku Waiting for Tatt

Since we've mostly hung around the house for two days we will probably be hitting the streets tomorrow for some essentials. By contrast, there are people who live here, on the top of the big mountain, and they don't come down for weeks at a time. Hmm, not quite ready for that yet. (555)

It Feels like Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground,
but a kind word is never thrown away."
~Arthur Helps

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Easy

Hi,

Today there was sunshine in Chiang Rai. There were also clouds, but you knew that. (555) The Tuesday routine was the usual stuff, with a morning massage and errands. We seem to be staying in during the afternoons.

Even readers who claim not to follow popular music knew this one. Here's the chorus for 'Easy Monday' just in case:

"Whoa, you like to think that you're immune to the stuff, oh yeah. It's close to the truth to say you can't get enough, you know you're gonna have to face it, you're __ __ __." Hint: This is so easy. You've seen the video, you've sung the song. Maybe you've lived it.

This morning the dogs didn't get to go out and play because it was raining. They seem to be getting better at understanding the deal. The rain stopped but it was time to take Lisa to her massage. Morning traffic on certain streets is probably the same as it is all over the world. It moves, it stops, and there's always someone who is a few minutes late and thinks everyone should let them through. For the most part, I am understanding that based on the way the streets are set up, there will always be something that will either slow it down or stop it within one minute of the tantrum, so why bother. We always get to where we're going without rushing and we don't seem to be late.

While Lisa was getting her massage I went to the 'Fan Guy' to see if he could fix our toaster. Typically, I left my number, but no one ever called to tell me that they couldn't fix it. I was not surprised. They call when it's fixed and they want to get paid. On my way to pick up the laptop I drove through the market. I rarely drive through the main access street in the morning and it was interesting to see the aftermath of the night before. In the evenings there are tons of food vendors selling meals and ingredients. There were piles of leftover vegetable parts and containers in the street where the carts had been last night. I guess someone comes along and scoops it all up since we never see it in the later morning hours. Hmm.

The little laptop is working and Boot is back to reading email and visiting Youtube. Today she had a notice in her email from someone wanting to be a Facebook friend. She laughed, saying she doesn't have it and doesn't want it. I think that may change over time. Looking back on when we first met her, it's pretty amazing just how much she has learned in such a short time.

By now you have figured out that I am fascinated with things that have wheels. Here in Chiang Rai there are so many variations on the theme that it's like being in a candy store. There's always some 'special' thing that has been made for a particular purpose. Today's photo fits the bill. It's a trailer with large drums mounted on it, and it's for parades. The drummers walk behind the trailer, while other players sit on the back of the truck and strike an assortment of gongs.

Drum Cart

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"The easiest thing to be in the world is you.

The most difficult thing to be
is what other people want you to be."
~Leo Buscaglia

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, September 10, 2012

Story

Hi,

The weekend was a mixed bag of sky business. We traveled to opposite sides of the city, and watched a lot of sports. It's a great way to stay dry.

'Old School Friday' was The Everly Brothers, singing "All I Have To Do Is Dream". 'Easy Monday' is next:

"Your lights are on, but you're not home. Your mind is not your own. Your heart sweats, your body shakes, another kiss is what it takes. You can't sleep, you can't eat, there's no doubt, you're in deep. Your throat is tight, you can't breathe, another kiss is all you need..." Hint: Sung by a sharp dresser and his band of models, somebody needs rehab.

Saturday morning we drove out to the southwest countryside to visit our friend Gahn, who is a seamstress. She is going to make Lisa a blouse and modify a bag for me. Her family has a pineapple farm in Ban Du, north of us. She explained that she had just returned from harvesting pineapple and that in another six months they would do it all again. Now we have a better understanding of another aspect of living/eating. When it's time to harvest, she closes her shop and all her energy goes into the crop.

On Friday I took our little PC laptop to the shop to see why it wouldn't start up. Since I don't use it, I'm not very good at troubleshooting and there is a very competent place by the market that we trust. Saturday afternoon the owner called to say that he got it running and it seemed to be OK. He wanted to keep it over the weekend, and re-check it. This is the ultimate 'customer service guy', telling me how much it costs, but adding that if something goes wrong, I can deduct the first fee from the repairs. I'll pick it up tomorrow and then Boot can get back on the internet.

Sunday morning we had to go to Makro for supplies. Even thought the highway is still under construction, we had to go. Driving north on the highway, in light rain, we were surprised to see a crew working in the rain. Traffic was moving great on our side of the road, but going south, we were looking at a long line of cars. We decided to try another route that began near Rachapat University. This was going to be pure adventure since we had no idea where we were going, except that there was a sign pointing to the airport. The airport access road is close to Makro so it's a great landmark.

My sense of direction is getting better as we live here and drive around. The road we took kept turning, but still going in the general direction we wanted. We saw little farms, lots of houses of every description, and lots of simple, rural life. When we finally turned onto what I thought might be the right road we got confirmation when we saw the airport tower and the tail of an airplane in the distance. The trip took longer than the traffic backup, but now we know what's out there. As we turned toward the highway, past the Chiang Rai United stadium, we saw a long line of vendors setting up drink stands and coolers on the side of the road. Very strange, since there was no indication that there was a football match. Hmm.

During a break in the afternoon rain I went out on our balcony and got a shot of part of the land that's going to be developed next to us. This photo gives you an idea of how close it may come to our yard. Hmm, higher wall is sounding better and better.

Encroachment

We stayed home Sunday evening and watched Formula One. There have been talks about building a racing facility in Thailand suitable for Formula One. The latest location mentioned was Chiang Mai, which is just 3 hours south of us. If they build it we will have to experience it 'live' at least once. Austin Texas is on the schedule this year. It's the first time in a long time that F1 has been in America. Who's going? (555)

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"Once we know people's stories, we feel compassion instead of judgment.

Today, practice remembering that everyone has a story."
~Mary Manin Morrissey

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Friday, September 7, 2012

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We spent the morning in the market place, watched a parade of dump-trucks, and had another big rain this afternoon.

That 'Zany Day' song was "Once In A Lifetime" by The Talking Heads. Christopher and Barry were the only ones who remembered. Bravo. This week's 'Old School Friday' should be an easy one for a lot of you. I expect lots of mail.

"When I want you in my arms, when I want you and all your charms, whenever I want you, __ __ __ __ __ __ __..."

Hint: It's by two brothers, and it's still not clear who fell asleep with Susie. They seemed to be into sleeping and dreaming, or something. It's easy.

This morning we took the dogs out a little later than usual. It seems that they should have more time after their meal before vigorous exercise. At first they were a little upset, but they settled down. The only problem with waiting to play is that it gets warmer and that makes it harder on Daku. The new plan is for a smaller breakfast and a bigger dinner. We'll see what they have to say about that. (555)

Today's adventure took us to the downtown market district. Lisa spent some time at the 'Everything Store' while I took care of some computer business. Parking the car at the market entrance is always a treat because of the 'parking guy' and the cool 'Hand Dance' he does as he guides you into your place. We went deep into the market in search of material for making blouses. Our friend at the big fabric store was very helpful. We picked up some deserts from our favorite vendor and took in the sights and smells of the market. One thing I have learned is that there are times when it's best to avert ones eyes. There are so called 'edible' things that I just don't want to see. My curiosity got the best of me today and I saw little things wiggling in a bowl that I wish I could erase from my memory.

On our way to the morning adventure we were following two young women on a motorbike. They were all dressed up for work, complete with high-heels. We have wanted to share this common sight for the longest time, and today Lisa caught this photo as they turned a corner. You just don't see this on the streets of L.A.

For five years we have only had one house next to ours. The west and the north sides have been fields and we've really enjoyed that. Now progress may be encroaching on our ideal situation. All week the parade of dump-trucks has continued to bring load after load of dirt to a big area off the north/west corner of our lot. There is a small plot of land that appears to be a 'buffer' zone between us and the new project. We keep guessing as to what it's going to be. Maybe a park, a playground, or maybe a flower farm? I'm going to ask one of our friends to go and enquire. What's really strange is the fact that the street it faces is only wide enough for one car at a time. Hmm, that has not stopped large buildings from being built in other neighborhoods. There do not seem to be any zoning preferences here. If you have the land, build what you want. If it gets too invasive we can always make our wall taller. Yes, crazy thoughts enter my mind.

This afternoon, on my ride out to New Life, I got to see the countryside east of town. There are many side roads that go into little villages and they are calling. One day we will just go out and explore life outside of the city.

This weekend is the Italian Formula One Grand Prix. If you like red, there will be an ocean of it in the stands as Ferrari fans cheer for the home team. Zoom.

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

Peace,

Danny

What A Scary Flight

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, the stewardess
announces over the intercom that "we're just waiting for the pilots."

The passengers look out the window and see two men, dressed as pilots
walking towards the plane. Both men are using guide dogs and appear to
be blind. There are murmurs among the passengers, and some believe it
is a joke.

The men board the plane and go into the cockpit. More concerned
murmurs and uneasy chuckles from the passengers. The plane taxis
normally to the runway and begins it's takeoff. As passengers look out
the window they realize they are nearing the end of the runway. The
entire passenger cabin begins screaming but the plane lifts off just
before the end of the runway. The passengers calm down and chuckle to
themselves, at this point believing that they fell for a joke.

In the cockpit, the pilot turns to his copilot and says "you know, one
day those people are gonna scream too late and we're all gonna die!"

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Learn

Hi,

Today we woke up hungry, got stuck, went to the car wash, shopped (looked) at the mall, watched the U.S. Open and an afternoon storm. It was quite a day.

So, one person wrote me with the correct answer. Christopher remembered this 'Zany Day' song. How about you?

"__ __ __ __, water flowing underground... You may ask yourself, my god, what have I done?....Same as it ever was, same as it ever was..." Hint: This is one of those songs that you either know, or you don't. Hope you do.

On a normal morning we would wake up at 6:30, go down and feed the dogs, Lisa prepares breakfast and by 7am the first part of the morning is over. Today we got up at the same time, by order of the dog, and did everything but have breakfast. We had to remain on our fast until our 8am appointment at the hospital. Oh, the hunger.

When we arrived at Overbrook Hospital, our nurse friend Pay had all of our paperwork prepared, and took us to the lab so they could draw some blood to check our cholesterol and blood sugar. We went to Work@Home bakery for breakfast after leaving our dirty little car at the carwash next door. How convenient. After picking up the car we went back to the hospital for our results. I'm happy to report that all our numbers are at acceptable levels. It's nice to know that we're keeping things together.

Our next adventure was at Robinson Department store in Central Plaza. The time has come to start looking for just the right outfit for Bangkok debut of our artist in residence. November will be here before we know it. Each line of women's clothing has it's own clerks and they have their own sense of customer service. Lisa noticed quite a variation on the theme. The apparent winner was the young woman who set up the clothes in the dressing room, unzipping and unbuttoning everything, so there was nothing to do but to put them on. After exhausting the departments at Robinson we moved into the mall. Lots of 'crazy clothes', some 'maybes', and what not to wear to an art opening. (555) I did see a T-Shirt that read 'My Soul is from the 60s'. May have to get that.

The U.S. Open tennis tournament airs overnight in Thailand so we record it for watching when it's convenient. It's nice to be able to stop play and watch the rain, or deal with the dog, or whatever. This afternoon we got a big surprise delivery of water from the sky.

Last Sunday at the party our friend Bert was taking candid photos of the guests. Here's a moment he captured when I was in deep conversation with our artist friend Em.

Rockin' the Mohawks in Chiang Rai

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"Learn to see things as they really are,

not as we imagine they are."
~Vernon Howard

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style