Hi,
The morning in Chiang Rai started out looking like it might rain, but it turned into another great day. There was early shopping, and early lunch, and a late flight. Read on.
Just in case you haven't figured it out, the 'Old Folk Crap' song was "Lemon Tree" as sung by Peter, Paul & Mary. And now for some 'Old School Friday: "__ __ __ she built fit, she got everything that Uncle John need oh baby..." Clues: Three words that are a descriptive nickname for a certain person. It rhymes with alley, and it's sung by a man who often claims he invented Rock & Roll, and taught the Beatles everything they know. Hmm.
This morning, while thinking about packing for my trip it occurred to us that the suitcase I'd be using was too small. That meant a trip to Big C for a medium size, hard-shell case. During our travels we've come to the conclusion that the new style suitcases with latches are much better than canvas with zippers. A few more stops and it was time to pack. We told Boot that we'd eat early since I had to be at the airport a little after 12noon. She misunderstood and we got called to lunch at 10:30. No problem, we were both hungry and the 'brunch' was delicious.
When I went to check in at the airport the computers were down so all the boarding passes had to be done by hand. The lines were long but it worked out. When I went into the waiting room, I noticed that the plane we'd be taking to Bangkok was not on the tarmac. Our airport is such a laid back place that usually only two planes there at the same time. Finally I heard the call that the flight was arriving, which meant we'd have to wait until they emptied the plane, and spruced it up. Once we were airborne the view was incredible. I had a window seat in front of the wing and flying above the 'weather' looked like a softer version of Alaska, complete with puffy glaciers. Fortunately, the small child with the xylophone got sleepy not long after take-off.
The contrast of leaving the airport in Chiang Rai and arriving in Bangkok is quite dramatic. So much going on, so many airplanes, so many people. After I got my bag I proceeded to the taxi stand. I got an older gentleman who spoke very good English and we had some pleasant conversations. He told me that Fridays were the worst day for traffic. It took about one hour and twenty minutes to get to my hotel. On the way I saw a giant billboard for 'The Long Beach Love Boat Club'. Thought you'd want to know. It cracked me up.
After an early dinner at the hotel I set out for Pantip Plaza. I took the Skytrain to the Chit Lom exit, and walked for a long time. I finally got there and encountered sensory overload. The place was chaotic, with music, P.A. announcements, and the sounds of people hawking their wares. I managed to get everything on the list, and even found a travel iron. I mention that because the hotels in Thailand don't have irons in the rooms. You can't even get one from housekeeping. Some of them post notices about the dangers of irons. Oh, now we're going to get safety conscious. Hmm. Something must have happened a long time ago. After my wild shopping trip, I knew I'd never make it back to the hotel with all the boxes and bags so I got a Tuk-Tuk. I haven't been in one of those in a long time. What fun? Racing through the traffic, ducking down alleys, and enjoying every minute of it. Bangkok on a Friday night is something to behold.
I'll leave you now with the 'Funnies'. Have a Wonderful WeekEnd.
Peace,
Danny
What ever happened to Proof Reading?
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Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Start
Hi,
Last night we had a major storm. The kind that makes lakes in the lawns. Catching up on the rest of the week will be today's focus. Life in Chiang Rai is moving into 'The Season' as more and more visitors are coming to town.
I must say, many of you sure do know your 'Old Folk Crap'. Let's see if the chorus of the song helps the rest of you: "__ __ very pretty and the __ flower is sweet. But the fruit of the poor __ is impossible to eat. (repeat)" Hint: That single 'blank' is the first word of the title and it would have given it away. Oh, you can always add a little sugar. (Ha)
Wednesday we had our friend Pui and her mother over for lunch. We've known her almost since the beginning of our life here. She had a stall in the Night Bazaar and we became fast friends. She's been living in Alaska where her husband Jimmy services oil reclamation machinery. They just left the Gulf, where there was lots of work to be done. We had a very nice visit, catching up on what's been happening. That evening we went to the Night Bazaar with our friend Tye to take more pictures of items she may sell. More new things are on the tables now that tourist season is approaching. Did someone say 'shopping'?
Today we went to town for a few things, including treats in the market. The weather was beautiful, but it was a 'do what you like' driving day. In the afternoon I started another series of acupuncture on my left thumb. After that we had an oil massage. Today was very relaxing, and we both felt the benefit. There is a massage school in our village that Boot discovered. We're going to check it out and see if we can get a session with some teachers.
Tomorrow morning I will fly to Bangkok for the weekend. Part of my visit will be a trip to Pantip Plaza in search of some tech gear. One can never have enough tech gear. Well, that's not really true, but it's a fun place to go. It's like a super department store and they have all the latest 'stuff' to check out.
You may have heard about the flooding that's going on in Thailand. Chiang Rai has not been affected by any of this. We're over a thousand feet about sea level, and not in the storm patterns that have produced the flooding. A lot of the problems have to do with dams overflowing. Looks like we picked the right spot.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go;
they merely determine where you start."
~Nido Qubein
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Last night we had a major storm. The kind that makes lakes in the lawns. Catching up on the rest of the week will be today's focus. Life in Chiang Rai is moving into 'The Season' as more and more visitors are coming to town.
I must say, many of you sure do know your 'Old Folk Crap'. Let's see if the chorus of the song helps the rest of you: "__ __ very pretty and the __ flower is sweet. But the fruit of the poor __ is impossible to eat. (repeat)" Hint: That single 'blank' is the first word of the title and it would have given it away. Oh, you can always add a little sugar. (Ha)
Wednesday we had our friend Pui and her mother over for lunch. We've known her almost since the beginning of our life here. She had a stall in the Night Bazaar and we became fast friends. She's been living in Alaska where her husband Jimmy services oil reclamation machinery. They just left the Gulf, where there was lots of work to be done. We had a very nice visit, catching up on what's been happening. That evening we went to the Night Bazaar with our friend Tye to take more pictures of items she may sell. More new things are on the tables now that tourist season is approaching. Did someone say 'shopping'?
Today we went to town for a few things, including treats in the market. The weather was beautiful, but it was a 'do what you like' driving day. In the afternoon I started another series of acupuncture on my left thumb. After that we had an oil massage. Today was very relaxing, and we both felt the benefit. There is a massage school in our village that Boot discovered. We're going to check it out and see if we can get a session with some teachers.
Tomorrow morning I will fly to Bangkok for the weekend. Part of my visit will be a trip to Pantip Plaza in search of some tech gear. One can never have enough tech gear. Well, that's not really true, but it's a fun place to go. It's like a super department store and they have all the latest 'stuff' to check out.
You may have heard about the flooding that's going on in Thailand. Chiang Rai has not been affected by any of this. We're over a thousand feet about sea level, and not in the storm patterns that have produced the flooding. A lot of the problems have to do with dams overflowing. Looks like we picked the right spot.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go;
they merely determine where you start."
~Nido Qubein
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Rainbow
Hi,
Our Wednesday has been sunny and warm. Today we'll finish up the weekend, and finally tell you about this week's happenings.
What a surprise to find that only two of you knew the 'Easy' song. Seth and Denny get a Silver Star for knowing "On and On" by Stephen Bishop. Oh well, 'Old Folk Crap' is here again and this time it's an easy one, I think:
"When I was just a lad of ten, my father said to me, 'Come here and take a lesson from the lovely __ __. Don't put your faith in love, my boy', my father said to me, 'I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely __ __."
Clue: Song title with two words, sung by three people, about one sad man. There's also some plant life involved. Don't blame me if it leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
The big news of the whole weekend was that Lisa gave Liz her card on Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon Liz had been to Lisa's website, and forwarded the link to her Senior Editor in Bangkok. She writes for a magazine called 'Traversing the Orient' and they want to do a piece on Lisa. Monday our friend Chalit came over with his brother and mother to do some studio photos of Lisa in her work environment. He also shot a portrait that's very nice. I guess we'll be bringing a few copies with us when we visit in December, since it's not available in the states.
Sunday evening we picked up Liz at her hotel and went to Jaffee's house. We hung out on the patio, and then he wanted to show us a cool place to eat. We followed him to the old airport area. Around a bend we came upon what looked like a drive-in. It's actually a diner called 'WCH' (World Class Hamburgers). It sits next to a 9-hole golf course, and the whole thing is owned by an American named Barry. We walked through the diner onto an area near a practice putting green. There were a number of salas with seating for four. Not far from us, at the golf course, there was a bingo game going on. When we got our menus, it was like being at a 50's diner. There were color pics of all the dishes, and lots of things I could eat. Barry came over while we were ordering and helped us. The chicken burger is outrageous. I asked for root-beer, and they brought me a can of A&W. I'll be back. Barry finally had time to come and sit at the table with us. We got his 'story' about how he came to be in Thailand with a burger joint. He's been here 10 years. It's always fascinating to hear how and why people settle in Thailand. One of the common denominators is always the Thai people.
Monday morning, while Lisa was having her photo session, I took Liz to see Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple). She's lived in Thailand for six years, but hasn't spent much time in the north. We had a great time marveling at all the work being done on the beautiful temple complex. If you still don't know about it, just Google it. There are thousands of pictures on the web.
I had told Liz about our friends at The Sold Project, and she was interested in meeting them so we set up a lunch at Aye's for Monday afternoon. We met with Deirdre and Michael, and learned even more about the project. I think it went well judging by the smiles, and exchange of cards at the end.
Get ready for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
~Dolly Parton
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Our Wednesday has been sunny and warm. Today we'll finish up the weekend, and finally tell you about this week's happenings.
What a surprise to find that only two of you knew the 'Easy' song. Seth and Denny get a Silver Star for knowing "On and On" by Stephen Bishop. Oh well, 'Old Folk Crap' is here again and this time it's an easy one, I think:
"When I was just a lad of ten, my father said to me, 'Come here and take a lesson from the lovely __ __. Don't put your faith in love, my boy', my father said to me, 'I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely __ __."
Clue: Song title with two words, sung by three people, about one sad man. There's also some plant life involved. Don't blame me if it leaves a sour taste in your mouth.
The big news of the whole weekend was that Lisa gave Liz her card on Saturday night. By Sunday afternoon Liz had been to Lisa's website, and forwarded the link to her Senior Editor in Bangkok. She writes for a magazine called 'Traversing the Orient' and they want to do a piece on Lisa. Monday our friend Chalit came over with his brother and mother to do some studio photos of Lisa in her work environment. He also shot a portrait that's very nice. I guess we'll be bringing a few copies with us when we visit in December, since it's not available in the states.
Sunday evening we picked up Liz at her hotel and went to Jaffee's house. We hung out on the patio, and then he wanted to show us a cool place to eat. We followed him to the old airport area. Around a bend we came upon what looked like a drive-in. It's actually a diner called 'WCH' (World Class Hamburgers). It sits next to a 9-hole golf course, and the whole thing is owned by an American named Barry. We walked through the diner onto an area near a practice putting green. There were a number of salas with seating for four. Not far from us, at the golf course, there was a bingo game going on. When we got our menus, it was like being at a 50's diner. There were color pics of all the dishes, and lots of things I could eat. Barry came over while we were ordering and helped us. The chicken burger is outrageous. I asked for root-beer, and they brought me a can of A&W. I'll be back. Barry finally had time to come and sit at the table with us. We got his 'story' about how he came to be in Thailand with a burger joint. He's been here 10 years. It's always fascinating to hear how and why people settle in Thailand. One of the common denominators is always the Thai people.
Monday morning, while Lisa was having her photo session, I took Liz to see Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple). She's lived in Thailand for six years, but hasn't spent much time in the north. We had a great time marveling at all the work being done on the beautiful temple complex. If you still don't know about it, just Google it. There are thousands of pictures on the web.
I had told Liz about our friends at The Sold Project, and she was interested in meeting them so we set up a lunch at Aye's for Monday afternoon. We met with Deirdre and Michael, and learned even more about the project. I think it went well judging by the smiles, and exchange of cards at the end.
Get ready for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain."
~Dolly Parton
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Believe
Hi,
Today was a variation on the weather theme. Started out foggy, then looked like a pretty day until clouds rolled in, and brought light rain in the afternoon. Today we'll pick up with Saturday and the Festival, but first, this musical interlude.
Not one response for the 'Easy Monday' song. I know, you're studying your ballots. When you're done, sing this:
"Got the sun on my shoulders, and my toes in the sand. My woman's left me for some other man. Aw, but I don't care I'll just dream and stay tan. Toss up my heart and see where it lands, __ __ __ I just keep on trying, and I smile when I feel like dying __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __." Hint: We've 'remembered' this song before. Does this mean your memory is slipping? Hmm. Three words, two of them are the same, and it's a preposition. There, that ought to do it.
Saturday morning we went out to run some errands and ended up at the car wash. Actually, we ended up at Doi Chaang Coffee while they washed the car. We had a chance to talk to Kwan, visit with Aparna, who's going to Nepal to spend a month in a monastery, and hang out with Atom. It was fun running into friends.
The evening was to begin with dinner at The Legend, with music provided by the Biggles Big Band from Amsterdam. We were a little hesitant at first, but Jaffee wanted to meet there, and he was bringing a friend from Bangkok who is a reporter. We're also friends with the general manager and it was the right thing to do. We were in for a big surprise. The hotel set up a wonderful buffet, and our table was right by the river. When Jaffee and his friend Liz arrived we hit it off from the start. After a few tough decisions at the buffet, we sat down for dinner. Then the band slowly took their places and anticipation filled the air. We had heard brief blasts from the band on Friday night from across the river. I was afraid it was going to be too loud, but it turned out fine. They were great. As the set progressed, I got to watch how they really enjoyed what they were doing. They've been on the road for weeks, and it's their second trip to Thailand. The solos were authentic, and one of the sax players I talked to afterwards, told me he had studied the styles of horn players from the Basie/Ellington era. I could hear it in his tone. The band leader was tall slender man in an orange dinner jacket. He had a big smile, a warm personality and a thick accent. Then they brought out the singer, who sang a bunch of Frank Sinatra songs. It was a decent performance, but we had the speaker for the vocal mic right next to our table. Hmm. All in all, it was a wonderful evening. We made a new friend, ate well, and heard some neat music. Life is good.
We had planned to go back to The River House to see some Thai dancing, but it rained while we were at dinner so they probably had to shorten their show. We called it a night and went home, still buzzing from the fun we had.
Tomorrow we'll visit WCH. You'll just have to come back to find out what that means.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"If you believe you can, you probably can.
If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't.
Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad."
~Denis Waitley
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today was a variation on the weather theme. Started out foggy, then looked like a pretty day until clouds rolled in, and brought light rain in the afternoon. Today we'll pick up with Saturday and the Festival, but first, this musical interlude.
Not one response for the 'Easy Monday' song. I know, you're studying your ballots. When you're done, sing this:
"Got the sun on my shoulders, and my toes in the sand. My woman's left me for some other man. Aw, but I don't care I'll just dream and stay tan. Toss up my heart and see where it lands, __ __ __ I just keep on trying, and I smile when I feel like dying __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __." Hint: We've 'remembered' this song before. Does this mean your memory is slipping? Hmm. Three words, two of them are the same, and it's a preposition. There, that ought to do it.
Saturday morning we went out to run some errands and ended up at the car wash. Actually, we ended up at Doi Chaang Coffee while they washed the car. We had a chance to talk to Kwan, visit with Aparna, who's going to Nepal to spend a month in a monastery, and hang out with Atom. It was fun running into friends.
The evening was to begin with dinner at The Legend, with music provided by the Biggles Big Band from Amsterdam. We were a little hesitant at first, but Jaffee wanted to meet there, and he was bringing a friend from Bangkok who is a reporter. We're also friends with the general manager and it was the right thing to do. We were in for a big surprise. The hotel set up a wonderful buffet, and our table was right by the river. When Jaffee and his friend Liz arrived we hit it off from the start. After a few tough decisions at the buffet, we sat down for dinner. Then the band slowly took their places and anticipation filled the air. We had heard brief blasts from the band on Friday night from across the river. I was afraid it was going to be too loud, but it turned out fine. They were great. As the set progressed, I got to watch how they really enjoyed what they were doing. They've been on the road for weeks, and it's their second trip to Thailand. The solos were authentic, and one of the sax players I talked to afterwards, told me he had studied the styles of horn players from the Basie/Ellington era. I could hear it in his tone. The band leader was tall slender man in an orange dinner jacket. He had a big smile, a warm personality and a thick accent. Then they brought out the singer, who sang a bunch of Frank Sinatra songs. It was a decent performance, but we had the speaker for the vocal mic right next to our table. Hmm. All in all, it was a wonderful evening. We made a new friend, ate well, and heard some neat music. Life is good.
We had planned to go back to The River House to see some Thai dancing, but it rained while we were at dinner so they probably had to shorten their show. We called it a night and went home, still buzzing from the fun we had.
Tomorrow we'll visit WCH. You'll just have to come back to find out what that means.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"If you believe you can, you probably can.
If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't.
Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad."
~Denis Waitley
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
Unique
Hi,
The weekend weather was very nice in Chiang Rai. We had some brief rain on Saturday night which messed with our newly washed car, but the rest of the time it was sunny and warm. We went to the Festival of Music and Art, made a new friend, had a photo shoot at the house, and I went to Wat Rong Khun. It will take a few days to tell you all about all of this so stay tuned.
That 'Old School Friday' song that was buggin' you was "Chantilly Lace" by The Big Bopper. For 'Cool Points' tell me his real name. This little challenge came from brother Denny. And now, for 'Easy Monday', name this tune:
"Down in Jamaica they got lots of pretty women. Steal you money then they break your heart. Lonesome Sue, she's in love with ol' Sam, take him from the fire into the frying pan. __ __ __, she just keeps on trying, and she smiles when she feels like crying __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __." Hint: The song title is three words, two are the same. Singers last name is the same as a chess piece. Easy.
Friday evening we started our festival tour at the Mantrini Hotel, with an exhibit of local artists. We saw lots of friends, and some interesting work. There were landscapes, and abstract works, plus some very nice music. From there we went to the Rimkok Hotel, which is near our house. They had traditional Thai dancing performed by a student group. Their costumes were beautiful, and for school kids, they did pretty good. There is no professional dance troupe in Chiang Rai. The hotel also had a unique buffet that was set up like a Lana marketplace. Our next stop was The River House. We'd never been there, but we'll probably go back. It's a beautiful hotel and the garden supplied the setting for the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra. This weekend they were celebrating their 10th anniversary. We sat with our friend Jaffee, who introduced us to Dr. Munee, a retired physician who now runs a traditionally inspired resort about 60 kilometers south of town. Our table was right in front of the orchestra so we got to see and hear everything without distraction. Most of the kids are Jr. and Sr. high school age, and they had a few alumni also sitting in. It was a great concert and the audience was very appreciative. They also did a performance on Saturday night at the Dusit Island Resort where they were joined by members of orchestras from four universities. We missed that, but there were 60 musicians playing. That was our Friday night experience. Tomorrow I'll tell you about Saturday night.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Always remember that YOU are Unique,
just like everyone else."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
The weekend weather was very nice in Chiang Rai. We had some brief rain on Saturday night which messed with our newly washed car, but the rest of the time it was sunny and warm. We went to the Festival of Music and Art, made a new friend, had a photo shoot at the house, and I went to Wat Rong Khun. It will take a few days to tell you all about all of this so stay tuned.
That 'Old School Friday' song that was buggin' you was "Chantilly Lace" by The Big Bopper. For 'Cool Points' tell me his real name. This little challenge came from brother Denny. And now, for 'Easy Monday', name this tune:
"Down in Jamaica they got lots of pretty women. Steal you money then they break your heart. Lonesome Sue, she's in love with ol' Sam, take him from the fire into the frying pan. __ __ __, she just keeps on trying, and she smiles when she feels like crying __ __ __, __ __ __, __ __ __." Hint: The song title is three words, two are the same. Singers last name is the same as a chess piece. Easy.
Friday evening we started our festival tour at the Mantrini Hotel, with an exhibit of local artists. We saw lots of friends, and some interesting work. There were landscapes, and abstract works, plus some very nice music. From there we went to the Rimkok Hotel, which is near our house. They had traditional Thai dancing performed by a student group. Their costumes were beautiful, and for school kids, they did pretty good. There is no professional dance troupe in Chiang Rai. The hotel also had a unique buffet that was set up like a Lana marketplace. Our next stop was The River House. We'd never been there, but we'll probably go back. It's a beautiful hotel and the garden supplied the setting for the Chiang Rai Youth Orchestra. This weekend they were celebrating their 10th anniversary. We sat with our friend Jaffee, who introduced us to Dr. Munee, a retired physician who now runs a traditionally inspired resort about 60 kilometers south of town. Our table was right in front of the orchestra so we got to see and hear everything without distraction. Most of the kids are Jr. and Sr. high school age, and they had a few alumni also sitting in. It was a great concert and the audience was very appreciative. They also did a performance on Saturday night at the Dusit Island Resort where they were joined by members of orchestras from four universities. We missed that, but there were 60 musicians playing. That was our Friday night experience. Tomorrow I'll tell you about Saturday night.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Always remember that YOU are Unique,
just like everyone else."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday Funnies
Hi,
We had a beautiful day here in Chiang Rai. Sunny with passing clouds. Today I went on a road trip. Tonight we go to an art exhibition. Updates on Monday.
The 'Old Folk Crap' song was "House of the Rising Sun", as sung by any number of people. Most of you thought it was by The Animals, but they were 'late to the show', since the first recording was in 1920 by Texas Alexander. The house was a brothel named after Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant (which means Rising Sun in French). Many artists have recorded the song, but Nina Simone's was the one that The Animals first heard. Now you know. Big thanks to my friend Barry for the history lesson/research. For 'Old School Friday' see if you remember this one:
"Ha, ha, ha, ha. Oh you sweet thing. Do I what? Will I what? Oh baby you know what I like. __ __ and a pretty face, and a pony tail hanging down..." Hint: It's from the late 50s, and the title in two words is kinda frilly. This singer was 'Big' but his career ended too soon.
This morning I drove north to the base of Doi Tung (Flag mountain), which is a 40 minute drive. A friend of mine from Chiang Mai was there and wanted to meet for coffee. He and his wife were staying at a mini-resort owned by his wife's sister. We sat in a cozy shaded area with lots of plants and talked of many things. I commented on how quiet it was, and he told me that the night before there were about 250 tourists in the yard, having a party. The whole area is dotted with what look like bungalow motels. Doi Tung is a visitor destination since it's where the home and gardens of the late Princess Mother are located. I'll have more to tell you about her next week. The drive was well worth the effort, and now I know about an area that was previously just a turn-off on the highway. I also drove past the starting line for the big bicycle race.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for something 'Funny'.
Peace,
Danny
"To all my friends and relatives who have sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel' letters or other promises of good luck: None of the Stuff Worked!
Could you please just send cash, chocolate, pizza, or airline tickets instead? Thank you!"
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We had a beautiful day here in Chiang Rai. Sunny with passing clouds. Today I went on a road trip. Tonight we go to an art exhibition. Updates on Monday.
The 'Old Folk Crap' song was "House of the Rising Sun", as sung by any number of people. Most of you thought it was by The Animals, but they were 'late to the show', since the first recording was in 1920 by Texas Alexander. The house was a brothel named after Madame Marianne LeSoleil Levant (which means Rising Sun in French). Many artists have recorded the song, but Nina Simone's was the one that The Animals first heard. Now you know. Big thanks to my friend Barry for the history lesson/research. For 'Old School Friday' see if you remember this one:
"Ha, ha, ha, ha. Oh you sweet thing. Do I what? Will I what? Oh baby you know what I like. __ __ and a pretty face, and a pony tail hanging down..." Hint: It's from the late 50s, and the title in two words is kinda frilly. This singer was 'Big' but his career ended too soon.
This morning I drove north to the base of Doi Tung (Flag mountain), which is a 40 minute drive. A friend of mine from Chiang Mai was there and wanted to meet for coffee. He and his wife were staying at a mini-resort owned by his wife's sister. We sat in a cozy shaded area with lots of plants and talked of many things. I commented on how quiet it was, and he told me that the night before there were about 250 tourists in the yard, having a party. The whole area is dotted with what look like bungalow motels. Doi Tung is a visitor destination since it's where the home and gardens of the late Princess Mother are located. I'll have more to tell you about her next week. The drive was well worth the effort, and now I know about an area that was previously just a turn-off on the highway. I also drove past the starting line for the big bicycle race.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for something 'Funny'.
Peace,
Danny
"To all my friends and relatives who have sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel' letters or other promises of good luck: None of the Stuff Worked!
Could you please just send cash, chocolate, pizza, or airline tickets instead? Thank you!"
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Gratitude
Hi,
Chiang Rai is still getting light rain, but it lasts for hours. Today's episode started early in the morning and lasted until about 8:30am. Nothing like other parts of Thailand. We learned a new word, I was given a new shirt, and we're back to the old story of 'too cold to swim'.
It seems that 'Old Folk Crap' day is turning into an exercise in cultural education. There's been a lot of research on this song by many of you. That's wonderful. If you haven't gotten it yet, this verse may ring a bell. I hope so.
"So mother, tell your children, not to do what I have done. And live your lives in sin and misery in the __ __ __ __ __." Clue: Most of you may know this as a 60s hit by a group from across the water. First recording was in 1920 (thanks Barry). Something about a hotel with a bad rep.
This morning we went into town. Lisa had a salon appointment, and I had a list of errands. I enjoy seeing the city doing it's thing in the morning. It's probably the same everywhere, but there's something more immediate about it here. Instead of watching delivery trucks go to the back of the supermarket, I watch a man and his wife deliver fresh vegetables to a roadside stand on their motorbike. I think that gives you an idea of what I mean. As I was crossing the bridge that leads toward home I looked over to see the level of the river. There was a monk, in his bright orange robes, standing on the muddy shore, just looking at the river. I turned my head back to the road and saw the old woman who walks up and down the road, a bag over her shoulder, and a walking stick for support.
All that was a distinct contrast to the three high-tech stores I went into looking for an item. There's a little bit of everything, new and old, fast and slow, high and low. It's never gets dull.
Our friend Tye and her family returned from a big vacation trip yesterday. She and Napa came over today and brought us gifts from the trip. Tye brought Lisa a beautiful turquoise jewelry set, and I now have a cool brown t-shirt with a burlap inset with the name of a province, in Thai. Now we have to look at a map so we understand where they went. There are many provinces in Thailand. They are like states. People assume that you know where they are, but we're clueless. If you look at a detailed map of the country you will understand.
Yesterday, while driving with Sutheera, Lisa learned a new use for a Thai word. Today she passed it on to me. When someone is driving badly they are a 'Kwai' (my spelling) which means buffalo. Makes sense to me. It's comforting to have a word to mumble to myself as I make my way through the city. (555)
The event we thought was tonight is really tomorrow night. It just means we may be doubling up on the fun a bit. That means that I'll be sending you your Friday message in my late afternoon. I'll give you a festival rundown next week.
Enjoy Your Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts
to finding peace of mind and happiness inside.
No matter what's going on outside of us,
there's always something we could be grateful for."
~Barry Neil Kaufman
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Chiang Rai is still getting light rain, but it lasts for hours. Today's episode started early in the morning and lasted until about 8:30am. Nothing like other parts of Thailand. We learned a new word, I was given a new shirt, and we're back to the old story of 'too cold to swim'.
It seems that 'Old Folk Crap' day is turning into an exercise in cultural education. There's been a lot of research on this song by many of you. That's wonderful. If you haven't gotten it yet, this verse may ring a bell. I hope so.
"So mother, tell your children, not to do what I have done. And live your lives in sin and misery in the __ __ __ __ __." Clue: Most of you may know this as a 60s hit by a group from across the water. First recording was in 1920 (thanks Barry). Something about a hotel with a bad rep.
This morning we went into town. Lisa had a salon appointment, and I had a list of errands. I enjoy seeing the city doing it's thing in the morning. It's probably the same everywhere, but there's something more immediate about it here. Instead of watching delivery trucks go to the back of the supermarket, I watch a man and his wife deliver fresh vegetables to a roadside stand on their motorbike. I think that gives you an idea of what I mean. As I was crossing the bridge that leads toward home I looked over to see the level of the river. There was a monk, in his bright orange robes, standing on the muddy shore, just looking at the river. I turned my head back to the road and saw the old woman who walks up and down the road, a bag over her shoulder, and a walking stick for support.
All that was a distinct contrast to the three high-tech stores I went into looking for an item. There's a little bit of everything, new and old, fast and slow, high and low. It's never gets dull.
Our friend Tye and her family returned from a big vacation trip yesterday. She and Napa came over today and brought us gifts from the trip. Tye brought Lisa a beautiful turquoise jewelry set, and I now have a cool brown t-shirt with a burlap inset with the name of a province, in Thai. Now we have to look at a map so we understand where they went. There are many provinces in Thailand. They are like states. People assume that you know where they are, but we're clueless. If you look at a detailed map of the country you will understand.
Yesterday, while driving with Sutheera, Lisa learned a new use for a Thai word. Today she passed it on to me. When someone is driving badly they are a 'Kwai' (my spelling) which means buffalo. Makes sense to me. It's comforting to have a word to mumble to myself as I make my way through the city. (555)
The event we thought was tonight is really tomorrow night. It just means we may be doubling up on the fun a bit. That means that I'll be sending you your Friday message in my late afternoon. I'll give you a festival rundown next week.
Enjoy Your Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts
to finding peace of mind and happiness inside.
No matter what's going on outside of us,
there's always something we could be grateful for."
~Barry Neil Kaufman
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
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