Adventures In Thailand

Monday, July 8, 2013

Choice

Hi,

We've had a busy weekend here in SoCal. Lots of lunches and coffee. Week two is about to begin, with more of the same.

It would appear that 'Old School Friday' was a stumper. The song was "Sha-Boom" by The Chords. You deserve an 'Easy Monday' that is truly easy. "I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, I've got the month of may. I guess you say what can make me feel this way? __ __, talking 'bout __ __." Hints: (555)

On Friday we went to Altadena and picked up my mom, then drove to Alhambra for a nice Thai lunch with her and our friend Debby. At one point the server asked us how we knew how to speak Thai. When we told her we lived in Thailand her face lit up. She is from Nan and is here studying. That opened up a whole conversation at the table about learning languages and the teaching of a second language. We learned and laughed. We got back to Culver City just in time to greet Mr. Lag.

Saturday we had lunch with Bruce and Danielle, the couple who stayed with us on their Asian adventure. They showed us photos from their trip and we saw places we want to go in the future. Hmm.

Dinner with the Valley Cousins was fun. Nowell, Jenny and Chaz met us at East Wind and we got caught up on all the news. Sunday we had another Cousin lunch with Martha and her daughters, back at the same restaurant.

In between all these visits there was shopping for essentials and things we can't get in Thailand. It's too bad that weight is such an issue when traveling or we'd end up with a lot more cool things. (555)

I'm actually enjoying all the relatively polite driving here on the Westside. No one turns in front of me, there are no motorbikes going the wrong way on the side of the road, and cars actually stop when traffic lights turn red. There are also many sights that we just don't see here. Like this photo from the archives. Notice how organized they are.

Cows on a mission

This morning we will drive out to the Malibu mountains to visit our dear friend Blue, who lives on a horse ranch. We're looking forward to the beauty of the landscape.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"Choosing to live your life by your own choice is the
greatest freedom you will ever have."
~Shad Helmstetter

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Friday, July 5, 2013

Friday Funnies

Hi,

I hope that those of you in the US had a safe and sane 4th of July. We went into the world in the morning, and had a very relaxed afternoon and evening around the house.

The 'Zany Day' song was "Yakety Yack" by The Coasters. 'Old School Friday' goes way back this week. Remember this?

"Oh, life could be a dream (__ __) if I could take you up in paradise up above (__ __), if you would tell me I'm the only one you love. Live could be a dream sweetheart. (Hello, hello again, __ __ and hopin' we meet again)" Hint: The title is two words that actually make a sound that isn't really a word, but a sound. Get it?

We spent the morning visiting two spots that are always on our list of things to do when we visit. The first place was Target, one of my favorite places to go just to see what's available. Then we went to Ross, which is usually a good spot for shopping. We didn't find anything special, but there are two more stores to hit (555).

All of our favorites have been eliminated at Wimbledon so we've lost some interest, at least on the womens side. There are still more matches with the men and we'll try to catch those. It's a Formula One weekend and I'm guessing I can get Mr. August to record it for us. I was amazed at the technology that has evolved with the control of a TV. Jeff was able to go on his phone and tell me the channel for SpeedTV. He told me he can control the DirecTV box from his phone. I would really have fun with that in Thailand.

The photo for today is one of my favorite Chiang Rai choppers. A nice modern take on old school concept.

Our dinner was a BBQ affair on the patio, with turkey burgers, veggies and chips. August grilled chicken and we feasted. After that, as the sun went down, we had a fireworks show, sort of, in the driveway. They had a pack of fountains and things that went bang, and August was our official lighter of fuses. In the background was the sound of all the other fireworks going off all around. It sounded like a war zone, a constant rumble of explosions. From the upstairs bedroom we could see some 'real' fireworks displays in the night sky. Since we usually don't visit this time of year this was a treat.

Tomorrow we go to Altadena and take my mother to lunch. We have one weekend in town so it's going to be a busy one.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Prepare to laugh.

Peace,

Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Nurture

Hi,

The weather in Culver City was cool, then warm, then cool. I found myself wearing layers this morning, not something I've done since our last visit here in the winter. Just another adjustment to make.

It's nice to know that cultured songs like our 'Zany Day' tune are still remembered. Many of you knew this one.

"Don't you give me no dirty looks, your father's hip, he knows what cooks. Just tell your hoodlum friends outside, you ain't got time to take a ride. __ __ (don't talk back)." Hint: The title refers to the sound made by a teen complaining about chores.

I am turning on the wipers in the car less and less. Everything is reversed on the steering column so when I think I'm signaling for a turn, and the wipers come on, I am reminded of where I am and which hand is supposed to be working. It's crazy. The good thing is that the urge to drive on the 'wrong side' of the street is pretty much gone. (555)

Today was doctor day. Lisa saw the two docs that fixed the back problem before and it looks like things are going to be much better for the rest of the stay.

Someone in the neighborhood where we stay has been practicing setting off their fireworks. Reminded me a bit of what it's like in Chiang Rai when there's a holiday. Actually, there doesn't even have to be a holiday. There is something about things that make loud noises that attracts people and makes them want to hear it again. One thunderous boom is not enough. At least here it all fades away the day after the 4th of July. In Chiang Rai they set things off until they're gone, and that can take a week or longer.

The dogs, Peaches and Lola, had a visit from the dog grooming van today. They came out looking all trimmed and pretty. Peaches is sporting a patriotic bandana and seems to like it. They will need lots of love and comforting tomorrow night when the bombs burst in air. I know many people who are not leaving their pets alone because they get so freaked out. We can totally relate.

At the airport in Chiang Rai there is a shop that sells various local treats. Everything from coffee to dried fruit. While having coffee before our first flight I noticed that they had green mangos for sale. Hmm, just the thing to wake up your mouth on a morning flight. They are very sour, and very popular.

Mango Time?

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go

any higher than you think."
~Benjamin Disraeli

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Heart

Hi,

It looks like we may have brought some cooler, humid weather with us from the middle of the Pacific. Today was much cooler weather than what we heard about. I'm not complaining a bit, although I did bring a lot of hot weather clothes.

Oh well, there's a stash of warm stuff left over from the winter trips.

This week's 'Easy Monday' song was "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts. That means it's time for another edition of the 'Zany Day' song. "Take out the papers and the trash, or you don't get no spendin' cash. If you don't scrub that kitchen floor, you ain't gonna rock and roll no more. __ __ (don't talk back)" Hint: Another easy one from our resident zany R&B group about life as a teenager. The two words in the title may not be in Webster's, but we get it.

The first thing I usually do in a rental car is check out the buttons on the radio. Not only does it give clues to the previous driver, or the 'car cleaners', but it gets me back in touch with 'western music'. It looks like we may have to keep the Nissan that we were given, but there is always a bright side. The radio, on most stations, tells you who is singing and the name of the song. That is so cool. In Thailand I have to record bits of songs into my phone, then go to Boomerang Music at Central Plaza, play the clip and hope they know the song. Whew. The problem with my system, and Fat FM 93, is that they play stuff that's not on the street yet. By the end of this trip I'll have a whole new collection of tunes to look for on iTunes, all thanks to the American car radio, made in Japan. (555)

Our traveling back and forth has established a few rituals. On the first day provisions must be acquired. You know, food for the fridge, a stop at Trader Joe's, and Sav-on (CVS). We did all that and then lunched at Emerald Thai. It's always good to see Khun Nid and Khun Joe.

Another thing that has been learned, accepted, and indulged is the fact that when Mr. Lag says sleep, you sleep. We know to set aside time for this and just let it happen. Fighting it only makes it worse (555).

While we were in Bangkok, waiting to leave Thailand, we hung out in the EVA Airline lounge. Here I am, trying to find something I can eat. Most of it was an unknown entity, so I ate some cookies I brought along from Bobby Bo.

There must be something....

It's time for Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue,
but the parent of all other virtues."
~Cicero

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Young

Hi,

Well, we are here (as opposed to there). The travel began at 10:40am on Thai Monday and ended in Los Angeles at 11pm, Los Angeles Monday. It wasn't all flying, but there is a certain amount of waiting that comes with travel.

The 'Easy Monday' tune got lots of play in some of your minds. Here more of this tune that fits the season.

"Sweet days of summer, the jasmine's in bloom. July is dressed up and playing her tune, and I come home from a hard days work and you're waiting there, not a care in the world. __ __, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine of my mind. (repeat last line) Clue: It was written and recorded by two guys from the L.A. area. Light, almost folksy production.

On this trip we took Thai Airways from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Because they are part of the Star Alliance along with EVA Airlines, we were able to check our bags all the way to LAX. That meant we didn't have to roll our bags around during our layover (interesting term) in Bangkok.

Today's photo was taken at Central Plaza in Chiang Rai on Sunday. There were rows of chairs set up in front of the poster and my deduction is that this concert will be shown on the big screen in the mall area. Looks like it was a nice cultural event for the north of Thailand.

Palo Alto meets Chiang Rai

It's very late and we just got a knock at the door. I didn't need to look to know who it was. It was none other than our old friend Mr. Lag, here to pay us a visit for a few days (555).

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"It takes a very long time

to become young."

~Picasso

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, July 1, 2013

Touch

Hi,

Coming to you today from the EVA lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan Intl. Airport. We're on our way to the USA and this is our second 'lounge sit' of the trip.

'Old School Friday' was a tribute to heat waves. It was "Summer In the City" by The Lovin' Spoonful. Here's an 'Easy Monday' tune full of wishful thinking: "See the curtains hangin' in the window in the evenin' on a Friday night. A little light a-shinin' through the window lets me know everything is alright. __ __ makes me feel fine, blowing though the jasmine of my mind..." Hint: Really? This is so easy it hurts.

Saturday was full of errands in preparation for this trip. We began the packing process, which starts with that time-worn ritual of 'what shall I wear?' This time we certainly didn't have to pack any warm clothes (555). I keep telling myself the dry heat will be refreshing.

Sunday morning I was on my way to Big C from Makro when I spotted some new street art on the highway. The light was red so I snapped this for an example of a growing trend here.

Concrete Canvas

Many years ago there was a film titled 'On Any Sunday' that covered all the various activities of motorcycle enthusiasts. Chiang Rai could be a spot for a new version of this movie. Sunday morning we saw about 20 dirt bike riders meeting by the Pink Bridge for a day in the dirt. The number gets much larger than that according to a friend. In the late afternoon I was downtown getting chicken burgers when a chopper with a very long front end came chugging by. A few minutes later another appeared. On my way home I saw a long line of Harleys and Hondas streaming around a corner. Boot's boyfriend Rudy told us that every Sunday there are motorcycle rides. Different groups based on types and size of machines hit the streets and go someplace. There you have it, Chiang Rai on two wheels.

This morning the dogs knew something was up when I didn't take them out to play. They have these clocks in their heads and they know when things are supposed to happen. Hmm. We will miss them a bunch.

If you would like to contact us by phone while we're in town, here are the numbers:

Danny: (310) 494-1179 Lisa: (310) 227- 2351 Just think, you won't have to adjust for the time difference, unless you're in Thailand, or New Zealand, or Denmark or.....

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"If you touch one thing with deep awareness,

you touch everything."

~Thich Nhat Hahn

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style