Adventures In Thailand

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Can Do

Hi,

Wednesday ini Chiang Rai means it's massage day. It was also 'Pool Guy' day, new 'Screen Guy', and the return of Khun Mahn and his skills. We had pool guests in the afternoon and and an unwanted 'concert' this evening.

Our 'Easy Monday' song was "19th Nervous Breakdown" by the unstoppable Rolling Stones. If you knew that one, maybe you know the 'Zany Day' tune as well. "I've been running hot, you got me ticking gonna blow my top. If you __ __ __, if you __ __ __ I'll never stop, never stop, never stop... You make a grown man cry (x2)..." Hint: If you noticed a pattern here, you're right. Tune is about setting something/someone in motion.

When I returned from my massage this morning, things were really jumping at the Big Brown House. The Pool Guy had his work cut out for him after the big storm. The water was full of leaves and things, and there was a cloudy look to it all. By the time he was finished the water looked pretty good.

The backdoor to my studio room had a lot of water on the floor as a result of the horizontal rain so we asked Khun Mahn if he could make a new door. The present one has tiny holes and cracks that let the water seep down to the floor. He filled most of it with silicon and brought in a new Screen Guy to build us a better outer door. The laminate flooring will have to be replaced and we're thinking about using tile for the entry.

This afternoon, our friends Kwan and David came over for a swim. David and I hung out in the pool, talking about everything from coffee to UK business practices. He's been researching the business aspects of opening a coffee shop in Scotland and it was very interesting. While we were in the water there was a very loud, percussive explosion. Kwan mentioned that there is a big rock quarry north of us and that might be the source. That would explain a lot of big bangs we've heard in the past. They ended up staying for dinner and we had lots of fun eating and discussing food. We learned about two places we have to check out that make some traditional dishes without the 'spice'.

Meanwhile, across the river, there is a major concert going on and it's a little loud. The band is good, but a little distracting (555). They lucked out on the weather since this is the first evening without rain in about 5 days. Play on.

Today's photo is the dancer and the musician from the art exhibit.

Thai Dancer

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"Don't let what you cannot do
interfere with what you can do."
~John Wooden

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

To Live

Hi,

Today we mourned a tree, retrieved some artwork, lunched with friends, and had more rain. Things are returning to normal. (555)

It appears that 'Easy Monday' is easy for some. If you're still trying to figure it out, here's the second part of the second verse. "Your mother, who neglected you owes a million dollars tax, and you father's still perfecting ways of making sealing wax. You better stop, and look around. Here it comes (x3) Here comes your __ __ __." Clue: If you'd had 18 of these, you probably know what to expect. Ready?

It's tough to wake up and realize that things that happened in the night were real. The big tree in the front yard is really down. We have no way of knowing how fast the wind was blowing, but it felt like a hurricane. The house was shaking and it sounded like a train was coming through. When I took Daku out this morning we were both a little surprised to see this very large green thing on the lawn. While the tree and the horizontal rain were highlights of the evening, we also had a little Earthquake at 3:15am. Daku and I slept through it, but Lisa and Boot felt it. Crazy times. Here's a photo of Lisa with the tree, for perspective.

'Oh no'

We drove up the highway to Rajabhat University to pick up one of Lisa's cast acrylic prints that had been on display. Along the way we stopped at Art Bridge for a quick peak inside. There is so much to see, we're going to have to set aside a morning and just hang out. As we drove through the campus at Rajabhat, we realized just how beautiful it is. There are elevation changes, tree covered streets, a large lake, and some interesting schools of study. This morning we passed the School of the Study of Tourism. We were successful in retrieving the artwork and plan to go back to the campus and visit a few spots.

It's hard to be so close to Makro and not pick up the things that will be needed later in the week. Today we bought something that warranted a trip to the 'promotion counter' for yet another bottle of Coke. We have a collection of the giant bottles that we're starting to give away. Hmm.

Yesterday we heard someone answer their phone and it started up an old conversation. Most Thai people say 'Hello' when they answer their phones. I asked a friend about this years ago and she told me it started with the instruction manual for the phones. They go through the actions to answer the phone and after you push the 'talk' button you say 'Hello'. Most of the people doing this speak no English, yet they answer the phone with 'Hello'. One of those things that make you go 'Hmm'.

We had lunch at Doi Chaang with our friends Beth and Tawee. Tawee is the Thailand Director of The Sold Project. They are expecting their first child in a month and will be leaving for Chiang Mai this week. They used to live in Chiang Mai so we had a bunch to talk about since we were just there. They told us about the progress on the second building at the Resource Center for the community served by the Sold project. We learned about well water from Tawee. There are two kinds of water one can get from the ground: Surface water and Deep water. Here in Thailand, the shallow wells produce a redish colored water. It isn't until the drilling goes through the stone shelf that the clear water is found. That explains why Khun Mahn had to get a different driller to come and go deep for the clear water. The adventure continues.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else."
~Emily Dickinson

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, May 6, 2013

Appreciation

Hi,

The Chiang Mai weekend was a wonderful experience. We had great weather, a wonderful hotel, and attended a unique art exhibit opening. It rained at night so we didn't have to deal with it at all. Chiang Rai had a big storm while we were gone.

The 'Old School Friday' tune was "Sitting On The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding. 'Easy Monday' should be a snap.

"You're the kind of person you meet at certain dismal dull affairs. Center of a crowd, talking much too loud, running up and down the stairs. Well, it seem to me that you have seen to much in too few years. And though you've tried, you just can't hide, your eyes are edged with tears. You better stop, look around, here it comes, here it comes... Here it comes your __ __ __." Hint: The band is currently on tour in the US. They've been at it for 50 years. The first word of the title is actually a number.

Saturday we had breakfast in the little garden coffee shop. As I read the menu, they had me at 'Mango Waffles'. The air was fresh as a result of the overnight rain and all the greenery and orchids were a perfect background. Below, is a photo taken from the second floor, looking down into the 'garden' area.

Where's Waldo?

Our morning adventure began at Thapae Gate, near the middle of town. There is a used bookstore that Lisa likes, so that was our starting point. The Tuk-Tuk let us off around the corner, where we were promptly distracted by a shop with silk shirts and cotton dresses. We finally got to the bookstore and while Lisa browsed, I stood outside and watch as a man weighed his collection of recycled plastic and metal that he had picked up the night before. I don't go into the bookstore because it has strong cat 'vibes', that could have ruined the morning for me.

We strolled down a street that was full of shops of every kind. There were things for tourists as well as collectors of antiques. It always takes a few hours to get used to the fact that there are a lot more travelers and expats in Chiang Mai. Even though this is technically the 'Low Season', there were a lot of different languages heard on the street. It also should be noted that English is spoken by Thais more in Chiang Mai than in Chiang Rai.

The 116 Art Gallery where we were going in the evening was right down the street from our hotel. When we told the women at the desk where we were going, they had their driver take us to the gallery in the courtesy Tuk-Tuk. The artist was 'presented' by a woman who is a Senator and spoke very clear English. We only knew one other couple, but it was a friendly crowd. After the ribbon was cut, a young woman sitting on the floor, played music on a traditional instrument that looks like an autoharp but is 'hammered' with tiny mallets. While she played, another woman danced with a small bowl of flower petals. It was a traditional style and she would toss the petals into the air. We were mesmerized for the duration of her dance. We met several American expats, and Lisa had a productive visit with the owner of the gallery after everyone had left. We may be taking the show on the road again in the Fall.

While we were having a grand time in Chiang Mai, the wind and rain were tearing things up in Chiang Rai. When we returned Sunday evening there was a tree down, branches and bushes bent, and lots of plant parts in the pool. Boot had kept us updated on some of it, but seeing takes it to another level. This evening we're having another big wind and rain storm. So far we've just lost another big beautiful tree that we really liked. The wind seems to have died down so it may be safe to go outside, though I don't know why I'd do that. (555)

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"Appreciation is a wonderful thing;
It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well."
~Voltaire

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

www.gratidude.blogspot.com

Friday, May 3, 2013

Friday Funnies

Hi,

Today we traveled over the mountains and through the valleys to the big city of Chiang Mai. Let the games begin.

This week's 'Zany Day' song was "King of the Road" by Roger Miller. Onward to a classic 'Old School Friday' tune.

"Sitting in the morning sun, I'll be sitting when the evening comes. Watching the ships roll in, and I watch'em roll away again. __ __ __ __ __ __ __, watching the tide roll away. I'm just __ __ __ __ __ __ __ wasting time."

Now that we have metered taxis in Chiang Rai, it presents certain problems when trying to get one to our house. When we give them our address, or rather, when Boot gives them our address, she tells them we live at Namlat, Soi 1. Namlat is the name of the village. Our address is 'Maefarluang Road, Soi 1. There is also a 'Namlat, Soi 1. Drivers get lost, call Boot and they go around the address like an Abbot and Costello routine. This morning was no different. We could see the frustration on the drivers face when he arrived. Once in the cab we breathed a sigh of relief and rode to the bus station. It turned out that the bus we chose was not the usual one that we use. It was not an express, but still made the trip in three hours. In Chiang Mai, we were going to upgrade our tickets but the lines were chaotic. Maybe tomorrow.

We are staying at a boutique hotel called 'Shewe Wana' (Shee Wee). It's a very tranquil, garden centered, mini-resort with 'Nature in the City' as their tag line. Our room is like being in a little cabin in the mountains. Getting to our room requires walking along a little path lined with thick foliage, orchids and a small swimming pool. We have free WiFi, simple appointments, and a typically hard bed. The staff is very helpful, calling cabs and telling us the cost, giving us cards so we can get back to the hotel, and generally caring about our stay.

Our first Chiang Mai adventure was the obligatory trip to Central Airport, a giant mall that is designed to get you disoriented so you see more stores. Every time we visit this place we get turned around. Hat's off to the designers. (555) In the course of our wandering we came across a chain store that sells 'Rock style' clothing. The photo tells the story. It's the band 'Big Ass' dressed by the store.

Big Ass Photo

Tomorrow will be a real 'Vacation Day' for us. There will be no 6:30am alarm, no Makro run, just a leisurely day seeing some sights, a little shopping, and the art exhibit in the evening.

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

Peace,

Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Author

Hi,

It looks like the weather patterns have changed for us here in the north. Today was the same as yesterday, but on a smaller scale. It was nice to walk out to a bright, blue sky this morning. The only drawback to the rain is the fact that it cools the pool.

Our 'Zany Day' song seems to be a mystery to most of you. When you see the title you will say, 'Aw, I knew that'.

"Third boxcar, midnight train, destination Bangor, Maine. Old worn out suit and shoes, I don't pay no union dues...

I'm a man of means by no means, __ __ __ __." Clue: As my brother put it: This guy is domicile challenged.

Chiang Rai has an abundance of restaurants. It was a source of wonder until last night. Our friend Bob explained that eating out every night is a common practice. It is often cheaper to eat traditional Thai food out, rather than cook at home. There are rows of restaurants right next to each other and they are all thriving. Some families have several that they operate.

This morning we went to the bank to deal with the 'eaten' ATM card. Once the business was done we moved down the highway to tackle Big C. It was unusually crowded for a Thursday morning, and I think part of that was due to back-to-school shopping. As the time draws closer for school to start, a little monogram booth is set up near the check-out area. From what I can tell, you buy your child a blank uniform shirt and then have their name and the school name sewn above the pocket. The machine is pretty slick, with spools of thread in various colors and a keyboard for inputing the text.

We got the air/con drama settled today and have moved back upstairs. It really was like moving, considering all the things we use in the course of a day. The trips up and down the stairs were not something I wish to do again any time soon. On the other project front, Khun Mahn came today and finished the basic work on the well and now all the faucets around the yard draw their water from the well. Ha, just in time for the rain to water everything. It will still make a big difference in the long run though.

Tomorrow we take the bus to Chiang Mai. We will be there until Sunday. Our friend Cornelis has an exhibit opening at a fairly new gallery and we're going to support him and check the place out. Saturday, during the day we will have no agenda so we will just take things as they come. We may see some tourist thing we've never seen, or we might go shopping for a few 'big city' items. It will be a mini-vacation of sorts.

Today's photo is a panorama shot of the view as you enter the main doors of Art Bridge. The blue glow in center is the entrance to the main gallery.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"If you want your life to be a magnificent story,
then begin by realizing that you are the author;
and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page."
~Mark Houlahan

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Dance

Hi,

This has been an amazing day in Chiang Rai. We've been through three seasons, and a ton of weirdness at the Big Brown House.

It looks like the 'Easy Monday' song slipped by most of you. The tune was "Rocket Man" by Elton John. 'Zany Day' is next and it's a change of pace as we visit the 'country'. "Trailer for sale or rent, rooms for let fifty cents. No phone, no pool, no pets, I ain't got no cigarettes. Ah but, two hours pushing broom buys an eight by twelve four bit room. I'm a man of means by no means __ __ __ __." Clue: This could have the subtitle 'A Hobo's Guide'.

This morning the sky was looking like another hot day was coming. When I came out of my massage at 10:30am the heat was overwhelming. When I got home Khun Mahn was working on the new pump, connecting tubing and smiling. A little later the upstairs air/con started dripping water. We were scheduled for servicing tomorrow but it couldn't wait. That meant that after lunch we had to move downstairs to the guest room.

By the time we got settled in our new 'bedroom' it was time to get ready for our 2pm coffee meeting at Doi Chaang. Our meeting went well and we have a new friend in the financial industry. As we were leaving, the sky got cloudy and the wind began to blow. We stopped at an ATM but it was out of order. At the second ATM it 'ate' the card and then announced that it was out of order. What? When we got home Khun Mahn was gone and so was the flow of water to our house. The wind had blown the clouds away, and it was still very hot.

Late afternoon I looked out and it was starting to rain. It was a light rain that shifted gears and then came down heavy. We were now in our second season of the day; hot and rainy. We had plans to go to Art Bridge for the opening dinner of the restaurant. Just before we left, Khun Man arrived with his helper and began connecting the pipe he forgot. The rain had stopped as we drove north on the highway, and it looked like we'd have a nice evening by the river.

When we arrived at Art Bridge we were greeted by some of the senior members of the art community. We were enjoying the smoke-tainted sunset glowing in the west when the wind began again. Then the rain came and we experienced the third season of the day; a monsoon. It was a horizontal wind that brought rain blowing in our faces, glasses falling over and lettuce sliding across the table. Someone commented that it was Songkran again. It didn't last long, the kitchen crew cleaned up the water, and we settled down to more food and conversation. The whole complex is evolving every day and it looks like it's going to become a center for art and dining. I'll have more photos this week, but the first one is part of the dinner crowd for the 'trial food testing'.

The day ended with our returning home to water flowing from the faucets, and no more rain for the moment. It's been a weird, but wonderful day.

Time for Wacky Wednesday,

Peace,

Danny

"Dance to the music of your heart and
the audience will surely applaud."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style