Hi,
Chiang Rai is HOT. Not as hot as it's going to get, but hot enough that everyone's talking about it. When the nights get into the mid 60s, you know that winter is definitely over. The good news is, the pool is warming up. We had a great weekend. Stay tuned.
The 'Old School' song was "There Goes My Baby" by The Drifters. Guess that one threw most of you. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday' and this one should be a cinch. "I think I'm gonna be sad, I think it's today, yeah. The girl that's driving me mad, is going away. She's got a __ __ __, she's got a __ __ __, she's got a __ __ __, but she don't care. Hint: By four lads from Liverpool, somebody's leavin' somebody. So easy.
Saturday we ran some errands and spent the evening watching American TV on the computer. We find that we're actually missing the tennis matches. There's been scattered coverage of some of them, but not the marathons we've gotten used to. We went out and picked up the big leaves in the front yard and that was a major job.
Sunday morning we drove out to Ban Din where the frame 'factory' is located. Lisa has a new piece that needs to be framed and it was good to cruise in the country. We just hung out in the afternoon, and went to the Night Bazaar for dinner. After we ate, we strolled around. We saw our friends from Connect Cafe and they had their twins with them. This is the first time we'd met them. They're a little over a year old. With a little coaxing and some warming up, I got a smile from Earn, the little girl, and a 'High Five' from Ing, the boy. One of the merchants couldn't come to the opening of the exhibit but she had sent a beautiful scrap book constructed with hand-made paper. We visited with her and she was very apologetic, and hopes to stop by and see the show later. The woman at the jewelry store also made a point of telling us she planned to go as well. Our friends in the Night Bazaar are very warm and supportive. It feels nice.
This morning we watched the Oscars 'Live' and that was fun. We've seen several of the movies so it made it more relevant. If you didn't see the end of the telecast, you missed the childrens' choir from PS 22 in New York. These kids are amazing. There are tons of videos of them on Youtube. Check them out. (Look up 'PS 22 Chorus')
This afternoon Lisa took photos of my 'head' for my new passport. It's been 10 years since we first came to Thailand and it's time for a new one. We'll go to Chiang Mai on Wednesday, visit the Consulate on Thursday morning and drive back to Chiang Rai after that.
This evening I was at Doi Chaang Coffee, which is where we always seem to meet people we know. Tonight was no exception. Khun Supat, who was the site manager for the construction of our house, was there with his friend Mr. Abdul. We had heard of Mr. Abdul for years but never met him. It was cool to finally meet him. He had sent me pictures of the progress on the house while we were on our trip to the U.S. I also saw two other friends at the coffee shop. Nothing like living in a small town to make you feel at home.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"It's not the load that gets you down, it's the way you carry it."
~Lena Horne
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
Another sunny day in Chiang Rai. We had a visa check-in, some out of town shopping, a cozy lunch, and a quiet afternoon.
Our 'Summer of Love' song was "Groovin'" by The Young Rascals. That wasn't too hard was it? Denny suggested a bonus question: When did they go from 'Young Rascals' to 'Rascals'? You have the weekend to play with Google and remember the 'Old School Friday' song. "__ __ __ __, movin' on down the line. Wonder where, wonder where, wonder where she is bound? I broke her heart and made her cry. Now I'm alone, so all alone. What can I do, what can I do? __ __ __ __ (Whoa-oh,oh,oh...)" Clue: Someone is leaving, that much is clear. Drifting away in a manner of speaking. This group ended up on the roof at one point in their long career. This is from '59.
This morning, just as Daku was about to remind me that it was time to play, Lisa remembered that we had planned to go to Mae Sai today. It was time for our 3 month check-in. We got out on the highway just in time for a little rush hour traffic, but it moved through town at a good pace. We got to Immigration at 9am and it only took a few minutes to fill out forms, and get them stamped. Next week we have to go to the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai. I have to get a new passport and Lisa needs new pages in hers. We'll go down on Wednesday morning and return Thursday sometime after our morning appointments.
There is a big Tesco/Lotus (grocery & department) store just south of Mae Sai and it's the one place we always look for 'western' things that we can't find in Chiang Rai. They also have some nice household products. We went through most of the store, looking mostly to see if there was anything new.
By the time we got back to town it was almost lunch time so we decided to eat at The River House Hotel, since it's on the way home. The small restaurant looks out onto the hotel gardens and the river. There was no one else in the place so it was like a private dinning room. It was a very enjoyable experience. When we finished eating we walked around a bit. There is a small island in the river with a wooden foot bridge from the shore. Looks like fun. I also noticed a path on the other side of the river, with what looked like a walking path. This needs investigating.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time now for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
NEW TO BASEBALL
Coming home from his Little League game, Billy swung open the front door very excited. Unable to attend the game, his father immediately wanted to know what happened. "So, how did you do son?" he asked.
"You'll never believe it!" Billy said. "I was responsible for the winning run!"
"Really? How'd you do that?"
"I dropped the ball."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Another sunny day in Chiang Rai. We had a visa check-in, some out of town shopping, a cozy lunch, and a quiet afternoon.
Our 'Summer of Love' song was "Groovin'" by The Young Rascals. That wasn't too hard was it? Denny suggested a bonus question: When did they go from 'Young Rascals' to 'Rascals'? You have the weekend to play with Google and remember the 'Old School Friday' song. "__ __ __ __, movin' on down the line. Wonder where, wonder where, wonder where she is bound? I broke her heart and made her cry. Now I'm alone, so all alone. What can I do, what can I do? __ __ __ __ (Whoa-oh,oh,oh...)" Clue: Someone is leaving, that much is clear. Drifting away in a manner of speaking. This group ended up on the roof at one point in their long career. This is from '59.
This morning, just as Daku was about to remind me that it was time to play, Lisa remembered that we had planned to go to Mae Sai today. It was time for our 3 month check-in. We got out on the highway just in time for a little rush hour traffic, but it moved through town at a good pace. We got to Immigration at 9am and it only took a few minutes to fill out forms, and get them stamped. Next week we have to go to the U.S. Consulate in Chiang Mai. I have to get a new passport and Lisa needs new pages in hers. We'll go down on Wednesday morning and return Thursday sometime after our morning appointments.
There is a big Tesco/Lotus (grocery & department) store just south of Mae Sai and it's the one place we always look for 'western' things that we can't find in Chiang Rai. They also have some nice household products. We went through most of the store, looking mostly to see if there was anything new.
By the time we got back to town it was almost lunch time so we decided to eat at The River House Hotel, since it's on the way home. The small restaurant looks out onto the hotel gardens and the river. There was no one else in the place so it was like a private dinning room. It was a very enjoyable experience. When we finished eating we walked around a bit. There is a small island in the river with a wooden foot bridge from the shore. Looks like fun. I also noticed a path on the other side of the river, with what looked like a walking path. This needs investigating.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time now for the 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
NEW TO BASEBALL
Coming home from his Little League game, Billy swung open the front door very excited. Unable to attend the game, his father immediately wanted to know what happened. "So, how did you do son?" he asked.
"You'll never believe it!" Billy said. "I was responsible for the winning run!"
"Really? How'd you do that?"
"I dropped the ball."
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Gift
Hi,
Today in Chiang Rai the temperature was reported as 90 degrees at the airport. This is the first evening that feels warm so it's safe to say that winter is over. Daku had a reluctant visit to the vet, and we had lunch in town.
The 'Summer of Love' song may have been hard to get on the first pass. This should make it really easy for you:
"__ on a Sunday afternoon. Really, couldn't get away too soon..." Hint: Seriously?
Things are shaping up for the March 4 'encore reception' at 9 Art Gallery. The invitations have been sent, and duties have been assigned. There is a slight possibility that the Governor may show up to this one.
Mr. Daku has been having trouble with his ears for quite a few weeks. The last time we took him to the vet for a follow-up visit he got some rather rough treatment and today when we pulled up in front of the building he was not pleased. We got settled in the waiting room and then he heard the voice of the doctor and got very upset. He tried to make it to the door but that wasn't going to happen. In the treatment room he tried to hide behind Lisa when the doctor came in. The actual cleaning of the ears went well, and he behaved like a good patient. We're hoping that this round of medicine and cleaning will do the trick. By the afternoon he was not shaking his head, and he played in the yard like nothing had happened.
Boot had the day off and went to Ban Du to help her former mother-in-law. That meant we had to fend for ourselves when it came to meals. We went to Siam Corner for chicken burgers, and paid the power bill at 7-11. Lisa made dinner and the dogs hung out with us. Later this evening, when Boot came home, BamBam did her little 'I'm so excited' dance and went with Boot. Daku had been upstairs sleeping but when Lisa went back up, he was doing the same dance, wanting to go to Boot's. He loves to spend time at her place in the evening. He usually falls asleep and has to be coaxed into getting up. It's become a routine. Life with the dogs.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Life is for giving and you are the gift.
It is only in freely giving yourself that you fully realize
the abundant gift you are."
~Betty Lue
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today in Chiang Rai the temperature was reported as 90 degrees at the airport. This is the first evening that feels warm so it's safe to say that winter is over. Daku had a reluctant visit to the vet, and we had lunch in town.
The 'Summer of Love' song may have been hard to get on the first pass. This should make it really easy for you:
"__ on a Sunday afternoon. Really, couldn't get away too soon..." Hint: Seriously?
Things are shaping up for the March 4 'encore reception' at 9 Art Gallery. The invitations have been sent, and duties have been assigned. There is a slight possibility that the Governor may show up to this one.
Mr. Daku has been having trouble with his ears for quite a few weeks. The last time we took him to the vet for a follow-up visit he got some rather rough treatment and today when we pulled up in front of the building he was not pleased. We got settled in the waiting room and then he heard the voice of the doctor and got very upset. He tried to make it to the door but that wasn't going to happen. In the treatment room he tried to hide behind Lisa when the doctor came in. The actual cleaning of the ears went well, and he behaved like a good patient. We're hoping that this round of medicine and cleaning will do the trick. By the afternoon he was not shaking his head, and he played in the yard like nothing had happened.
Boot had the day off and went to Ban Du to help her former mother-in-law. That meant we had to fend for ourselves when it came to meals. We went to Siam Corner for chicken burgers, and paid the power bill at 7-11. Lisa made dinner and the dogs hung out with us. Later this evening, when Boot came home, BamBam did her little 'I'm so excited' dance and went with Boot. Daku had been upstairs sleeping but when Lisa went back up, he was doing the same dance, wanting to go to Boot's. He loves to spend time at her place in the evening. He usually falls asleep and has to be coaxed into getting up. It's become a routine. Life with the dogs.
Have a Thrilling Thursday.
Peace,
Danny
"Life is for giving and you are the gift.
It is only in freely giving yourself that you fully realize
the abundant gift you are."
~Betty Lue
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Things
Hi,
We had a hot day in Chiang Rai. It's hard to know just how hot, but it was hotter than yesterday. The nights are still cool, but that's little consolation when it's blazing at 1pm. Today we solidified plans for an 'encore' reception for Lisa's art exhibit. We also did a little shopping around town.
Our 'Easy Monday' song was "Just My Imagination" by The Temptations. 'Summer of Love' also brought us some easy tunes to remember. This next one is so easy I've started with the last part, in an effort to throw you off. (Ha)
"...Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly __ ..." Clue: One word describing an activity or a state of being that is pleasurable and relaxing. It's by a group that was young at the time.
On March 4 we will be having an invitational reception at 9 Art Gallery. It will be a small gathering of close friends and members of the tourism industry here in Chiang Rai. We're trying to do it in such a way that it doesn't put too much extra work on the gallery.
We had every intention of going out shopping in the morning, before lunch. The plans got changed when the air/con repair guys showed up an hour early. The unit in our master bedroom works fine for a period of time and then starts to drip from one end. It usually means it's time for it to get a thorough cleaning. Today, when they removed the inner filter, it was really nasty. We were not surprised considering that we run it when it's smokey outside, and that happens a lot. The cost of the cleaning was minimal, which leads me to believe that we should do it more often. Hmm.
After lunch, and a brief snooze, we went into the streets of Chiang Rai. There was the visit to the gallery and then Big C. Wednesday afternoon is a good time to shop at 'The C'. Not too crowded, and plenty of parking. Boot uses a broom that is common to most Thai households. It's made from part of the palm tree and the ends of the bristles are curved and soft. It works surprisingly well considering that it's the complete opposite of the stiff broom used in the 'west'. I got her a couple last week but she wants brooms with thicker bristles and more body. It seems that some products that are all over town come from the same source. The brooms I got in the market are the same as the ones we bought today at an appliance store. At least they didn't mark up the price. The search will continue for the perfect broom.
Both of the dogs like ice cubes. Sometimes they'll get one as treat, or a reward. Daku has figured out that when I get to the end of my lunch drink, and he knows this by the sound of the slurping straw, it's time for ice. When he hears the sound he sits up and waits very close to the table. What a dog.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Things which matter most must never be
at the mercy of things that matter least."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
We had a hot day in Chiang Rai. It's hard to know just how hot, but it was hotter than yesterday. The nights are still cool, but that's little consolation when it's blazing at 1pm. Today we solidified plans for an 'encore' reception for Lisa's art exhibit. We also did a little shopping around town.
Our 'Easy Monday' song was "Just My Imagination" by The Temptations. 'Summer of Love' also brought us some easy tunes to remember. This next one is so easy I've started with the last part, in an effort to throw you off. (Ha)
"...Life would be ecstasy, you and me endlessly __ ..." Clue: One word describing an activity or a state of being that is pleasurable and relaxing. It's by a group that was young at the time.
On March 4 we will be having an invitational reception at 9 Art Gallery. It will be a small gathering of close friends and members of the tourism industry here in Chiang Rai. We're trying to do it in such a way that it doesn't put too much extra work on the gallery.
We had every intention of going out shopping in the morning, before lunch. The plans got changed when the air/con repair guys showed up an hour early. The unit in our master bedroom works fine for a period of time and then starts to drip from one end. It usually means it's time for it to get a thorough cleaning. Today, when they removed the inner filter, it was really nasty. We were not surprised considering that we run it when it's smokey outside, and that happens a lot. The cost of the cleaning was minimal, which leads me to believe that we should do it more often. Hmm.
After lunch, and a brief snooze, we went into the streets of Chiang Rai. There was the visit to the gallery and then Big C. Wednesday afternoon is a good time to shop at 'The C'. Not too crowded, and plenty of parking. Boot uses a broom that is common to most Thai households. It's made from part of the palm tree and the ends of the bristles are curved and soft. It works surprisingly well considering that it's the complete opposite of the stiff broom used in the 'west'. I got her a couple last week but she wants brooms with thicker bristles and more body. It seems that some products that are all over town come from the same source. The brooms I got in the market are the same as the ones we bought today at an appliance store. At least they didn't mark up the price. The search will continue for the perfect broom.
Both of the dogs like ice cubes. Sometimes they'll get one as treat, or a reward. Daku has figured out that when I get to the end of my lunch drink, and he knows this by the sound of the slurping straw, it's time for ice. When he hears the sound he sits up and waits very close to the table. What a dog.
Time for Wacky Wednesday.
Peace,
Danny
"Things which matter most must never be
at the mercy of things that matter least."
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Courage
Hi,
Today I have more memories of Phuket, airport drama, and the return to normal in this wonderful adventure called life.
Looks like 'Easy' was easy this week. Many of you knew the song. Some of you can't remember the group. Read on:
"Ooh, her love is heavenly. When her arms enfold me, I hear a rhapsody. But in reality, she doesn't even know me. 'Cause it was __ __ __ once again, runnin' away with me. It was __ __ __ runnin' away with me." Clue: I'm tempted to tell you the name of the group from Motor Town, but it's 'Easy Monday'.
There are many similarities between Phuket and Pattaya as far as the beach front goes. The bustling activity, the traffic, the umbrella lined beaches, and the Muay Thai kickboxing trucks. The trucks advertise the boxing matches that are held on Monday nights, and when I rode by on Friday night, there was something going on. There is a pick-up truck with a platform at roof level, and on this level there are boxers in a ring posing in their shorts and gloves. The loud-speaker blares about the champions fighting on 'Monday night, Monday night'. The 'hawkers' on the sidewalk mimic the chant with a slight chuckle, letting me know that they think it's a little over the top. The stadium where the fights are held is a sight to behold. Giant statues of boxers and a monster are bathed in multicolored flood lights. It's really hard to miss.
The island of Phuket is bigger than Singapore although Singapore has more people. This bit of trivia was offered by Khun Prirum on one of our drives. He also told me that the tourist traffic keeps growing, and they may have to enlarge the airport to accommodate the demand for flights to the island. I found it interesting that the in-flight safety announcements on certain topics were in more languages than usual. In addition to Thai and English, which are given live, there were recorded messages in Chinese, and French.
I think I might really enjoy Phuket in the off season. It's a beautiful place and I understand the desperation of seasonal commerce, but it might be a nicer experience with less pressure and less people. Hmm, guess I'm not looking for as much intensity these days. (555)
Sunday afternoon I arrived at the airport and checked in, only to find out the flight had been delayed. This was just on the verge of being a problem since I had to connect to Chiang Rai on the last flight of the evening. When we got to Bangkok I knew they had closed the check-in counter but I went anyway. They gave me a boarding pass and told me to hurry to the gate. Now you have to understand that hurrying to the gate means going through the security check, down an escalator, and then down a long corridor with moving sidewalks. With all of that distance and some unfamiliar speed-walking, I made it just as they were boarding. My bag was left at the check-in where I had to sign that I understood that it might not make the flight. It didn't. I had to return to our local airport and pick it up after the morning flight arrived on Monday. I just love our little airport. I walked up to a closed Air Asia window, the woman looked at my baggage stub, and took me over to the ticket office and found my bag. So simple and personal.
Monday morning I had a massage to help get over the whole travel thing. I think the trick to traveling well is to not be in a hurry, and to be free of worry. The weekend was a wonderful experience and I accomplished what I set out to do. That's what's important.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
~E. E. Cummings
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Today I have more memories of Phuket, airport drama, and the return to normal in this wonderful adventure called life.
Looks like 'Easy' was easy this week. Many of you knew the song. Some of you can't remember the group. Read on:
"Ooh, her love is heavenly. When her arms enfold me, I hear a rhapsody. But in reality, she doesn't even know me. 'Cause it was __ __ __ once again, runnin' away with me. It was __ __ __ runnin' away with me." Clue: I'm tempted to tell you the name of the group from Motor Town, but it's 'Easy Monday'.
There are many similarities between Phuket and Pattaya as far as the beach front goes. The bustling activity, the traffic, the umbrella lined beaches, and the Muay Thai kickboxing trucks. The trucks advertise the boxing matches that are held on Monday nights, and when I rode by on Friday night, there was something going on. There is a pick-up truck with a platform at roof level, and on this level there are boxers in a ring posing in their shorts and gloves. The loud-speaker blares about the champions fighting on 'Monday night, Monday night'. The 'hawkers' on the sidewalk mimic the chant with a slight chuckle, letting me know that they think it's a little over the top. The stadium where the fights are held is a sight to behold. Giant statues of boxers and a monster are bathed in multicolored flood lights. It's really hard to miss.
The island of Phuket is bigger than Singapore although Singapore has more people. This bit of trivia was offered by Khun Prirum on one of our drives. He also told me that the tourist traffic keeps growing, and they may have to enlarge the airport to accommodate the demand for flights to the island. I found it interesting that the in-flight safety announcements on certain topics were in more languages than usual. In addition to Thai and English, which are given live, there were recorded messages in Chinese, and French.
I think I might really enjoy Phuket in the off season. It's a beautiful place and I understand the desperation of seasonal commerce, but it might be a nicer experience with less pressure and less people. Hmm, guess I'm not looking for as much intensity these days. (555)
Sunday afternoon I arrived at the airport and checked in, only to find out the flight had been delayed. This was just on the verge of being a problem since I had to connect to Chiang Rai on the last flight of the evening. When we got to Bangkok I knew they had closed the check-in counter but I went anyway. They gave me a boarding pass and told me to hurry to the gate. Now you have to understand that hurrying to the gate means going through the security check, down an escalator, and then down a long corridor with moving sidewalks. With all of that distance and some unfamiliar speed-walking, I made it just as they were boarding. My bag was left at the check-in where I had to sign that I understood that it might not make the flight. It didn't. I had to return to our local airport and pick it up after the morning flight arrived on Monday. I just love our little airport. I walked up to a closed Air Asia window, the woman looked at my baggage stub, and took me over to the ticket office and found my bag. So simple and personal.
Monday morning I had a massage to help get over the whole travel thing. I think the trick to traveling well is to not be in a hurry, and to be free of worry. The weekend was a wonderful experience and I accomplished what I set out to do. That's what's important.
Have a Happy Tuesday.
Peace,
Danny
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."
~E. E. Cummings
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Love
Hi,
I survived the weekend in Phuket and I'm here to tell you some highlights. My homecoming welcome from Daku was over the top, and it's good to be here.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Louie Louie" by Richard Berry & The Pharaohs. Yes, The Kingsmen covered it. If only Mr. Berry had known what was to come he wouldn't have sold the rights for $750. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday'. "Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by. I say to myself, 'You're such a lucky guy.' To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true. Out of all the fellas in the world, she belongs to me. But it was __ __ __, running away with me..." Clue: It's all in his head. That's all you get, it's so easy.
The first thing I noticed, even though I knew in advance, was that the Patong district, where I spent the weekend, is very expensive. It's a tourist destination all year, but this is 'High Season' and everyone wants to get all they can. The standard price for transportation anywhere in the beach area is 200 Baht (a little over $6). They don't have any three-wheel transportation like Tuk-Tuks or Samlors, it's all tiny little trucks with open sides and a roof, or metered taxis that don't use the meters. I tried walking from my hotel to the beach but it was too hot and I wasn't sure about directions. Most of the time, for the evenings, I used a taxi driver who spoke great English and was reliable. Khun Prirum studied English in college and was quite the conversationalist. I would call him and he'd come and get me, which was great. I asked him lots of questions about Phuket and got lots of answers. When I asked him about the tables I saw by the side of the road with whisky bottles filled with gas for sale he said it was because the gas stations close at 10pm. The district is busy almost all night and the bottles of gas are mostly for the motorbikes.
Walking down the street along the beach is like running a gauntlet of 'hawkers' bidding for your attention. Every shop and stall had someone trying to sell something. There were also the taxi drivers with their relentless question:
"Where you go?". Most of what was being sold was overpriced, considering I'd seen the items in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai for far less. I suppose if one were on vacation and it was the first time you'd seen it, you buy. I guess I've become a little jaded when it comes to street commerce.
Meanwhile, the street was filled with one-way traffic consisting of tons of motorbikes, cars and trucks. Khun Prirum told me that many visitors have accidents on the motorbikes because they don't understand Thai traffic. That made perfect sense to me. There is a cultural modesty about the body that many vacationers do not respect and I can just imagine what Thai people must think of some foreigners. Guys riding motorbikes without shirts on and women walking in the beach district in bikinis don't always sit well with the locals.
The little hotel where I stayed was mostly occupied by Italian vacationers who were in town for several weeks. In the morning when I'd go downstairs for some instant coffee, I was greeted with 'Buongiorno'. Nothing like a little Italian in the south of Thailand to start your day. Max, the owner, told me he wished he had a more diverse clientele. They would gather in the lobby each morning and then head for the beach. Max said he tries to caution his guests about the strength of the sun, but they don't listen.
Saturday night I left the district and went north to the J.W. Marriott resort where my friend Clifford plays piano and sings. The place is incredibly beautiful and the piano bar lounge is open on three sides giving it a magical nighttime effect. I got a chance to hang out with Clifford for a bit and then watch him perform. What a treat.
I'll finish my tale of adventure tomorrow.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other."
~The Dalai Lama
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
I survived the weekend in Phuket and I'm here to tell you some highlights. My homecoming welcome from Daku was over the top, and it's good to be here.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Louie Louie" by Richard Berry & The Pharaohs. Yes, The Kingsmen covered it. If only Mr. Berry had known what was to come he wouldn't have sold the rights for $750. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday'. "Each day through my window I watch her as she passes by. I say to myself, 'You're such a lucky guy.' To have a girl like her is truly a dream come true. Out of all the fellas in the world, she belongs to me. But it was __ __ __, running away with me..." Clue: It's all in his head. That's all you get, it's so easy.
The first thing I noticed, even though I knew in advance, was that the Patong district, where I spent the weekend, is very expensive. It's a tourist destination all year, but this is 'High Season' and everyone wants to get all they can. The standard price for transportation anywhere in the beach area is 200 Baht (a little over $6). They don't have any three-wheel transportation like Tuk-Tuks or Samlors, it's all tiny little trucks with open sides and a roof, or metered taxis that don't use the meters. I tried walking from my hotel to the beach but it was too hot and I wasn't sure about directions. Most of the time, for the evenings, I used a taxi driver who spoke great English and was reliable. Khun Prirum studied English in college and was quite the conversationalist. I would call him and he'd come and get me, which was great. I asked him lots of questions about Phuket and got lots of answers. When I asked him about the tables I saw by the side of the road with whisky bottles filled with gas for sale he said it was because the gas stations close at 10pm. The district is busy almost all night and the bottles of gas are mostly for the motorbikes.
Walking down the street along the beach is like running a gauntlet of 'hawkers' bidding for your attention. Every shop and stall had someone trying to sell something. There were also the taxi drivers with their relentless question:
"Where you go?". Most of what was being sold was overpriced, considering I'd seen the items in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai for far less. I suppose if one were on vacation and it was the first time you'd seen it, you buy. I guess I've become a little jaded when it comes to street commerce.
Meanwhile, the street was filled with one-way traffic consisting of tons of motorbikes, cars and trucks. Khun Prirum told me that many visitors have accidents on the motorbikes because they don't understand Thai traffic. That made perfect sense to me. There is a cultural modesty about the body that many vacationers do not respect and I can just imagine what Thai people must think of some foreigners. Guys riding motorbikes without shirts on and women walking in the beach district in bikinis don't always sit well with the locals.
The little hotel where I stayed was mostly occupied by Italian vacationers who were in town for several weeks. In the morning when I'd go downstairs for some instant coffee, I was greeted with 'Buongiorno'. Nothing like a little Italian in the south of Thailand to start your day. Max, the owner, told me he wished he had a more diverse clientele. They would gather in the lobby each morning and then head for the beach. Max said he tries to caution his guests about the strength of the sun, but they don't listen.
Saturday night I left the district and went north to the J.W. Marriott resort where my friend Clifford plays piano and sings. The place is incredibly beautiful and the piano bar lounge is open on three sides giving it a magical nighttime effect. I got a chance to hang out with Clifford for a bit and then watch him perform. What a treat.
I'll finish my tale of adventure tomorrow.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other."
~The Dalai Lama
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday Funnies
Hi,
I'm here on the island of Phuket, in southern Thailand. It's been an interesting travel day. I haven't been to the area where I'll be spending most of the weekend yet, but I've seen some sights.
The 'Summer of Love' song was "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding. It's time for 'Old School Friday' and I think you know this one: "Fine little girl, she waits for me. Me catch the ship for cross the sea. Me sail the ship, all alone. Me never think me make it home. __ __ oh, oh, me gotta go (repeat)." Hint: Two words, both the same. Remember, this is 'Old School Friday' and this is from the 50s. 'Cool Points' if you give the correct answer for the artist. Clue: It's a person 'and' a group.
Today was 'Late Plane Day' for Asia Airlines. The morning flight to Bangkok was to board at 8:05am but at 8:20 the plane had not arrived. When we got to BKK we had to wait on an outside staircase until a bus came to take us to the terminal. The flight to Phuket had the same problem, no plane to board. Fortunately, it didn't cause any problems for me so I guess it's just one of those things.
The first thing that struck me on arrival in Phuket was the heat. Way hotter than Chiang Rai. After getting my suitcase I went out into the lobby area to look for the driver that would take me to my hotel. There was a gauntlet of taxi drivers that I had to wade through and then I saw a few people with hotel signs. None of them was from my hotel. A woman asked me which hotel I was going to and when I told her she pointed outside. There were at least thirty people leaning on a rail, all holding signs from different hotels. I slowly went from one end to the other until I saw my name. Whew. The trip to the hotel is about 40 minutes and the woman who drove me spoke a tiny bit of English. We had a polite conversation in both languages and then rode in silence the rest of the way. The scenery reminded me a lot of Krabi, which is also in the south. There are no Tuk-Tuks as we know them. Just motorbikes with sidecars. We passed a place called the 'Mango Saloon', and another building that had a big sign saying 'The Future', with logos for electronic products. A big sign on the door said 'For rent', which made me chuckle. The Future is for rent. (Ha)
I'm staying at Patong Suite Home, which is run by a very nice guy named Max. He's an expat from Italy and he's been here for 3 years. My little room is all I need since I won't be here much. It's on the third floor, with no elevator, and has one of those 'all in one' bathrooms where the shower is right on the wall next to the toilet. There is internet, but it's only available in the lobby. So much for late night cruising.
Speaking of cruising, Patong Beach is known for being the party capital of Asia. I'm staying off the main street where all that happens, and sticking to the hotel with my friends. I'll have more to tell you on Monday.
It rained today in Chiang Rai. Just enough to wet the lawns and clear the air. I talked to Daku on the phone, and from what Lisa tells me, he knew it was me but was very curious as to what was going on.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for some 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
Old Harold
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Harold the computer guy, to come over. Harold clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.
He gave me a bill for a minimum service call. As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?" He replied, "It was an ID ten T error." I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that ... in case I need to fix it again?"
Harold grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," I replied.
"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."
So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T
I used to like Harold.............
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
I'm here on the island of Phuket, in southern Thailand. It's been an interesting travel day. I haven't been to the area where I'll be spending most of the weekend yet, but I've seen some sights.
The 'Summer of Love' song was "Try A Little Tenderness" by Otis Redding. It's time for 'Old School Friday' and I think you know this one: "Fine little girl, she waits for me. Me catch the ship for cross the sea. Me sail the ship, all alone. Me never think me make it home. __ __ oh, oh, me gotta go (repeat)." Hint: Two words, both the same. Remember, this is 'Old School Friday' and this is from the 50s. 'Cool Points' if you give the correct answer for the artist. Clue: It's a person 'and' a group.
Today was 'Late Plane Day' for Asia Airlines. The morning flight to Bangkok was to board at 8:05am but at 8:20 the plane had not arrived. When we got to BKK we had to wait on an outside staircase until a bus came to take us to the terminal. The flight to Phuket had the same problem, no plane to board. Fortunately, it didn't cause any problems for me so I guess it's just one of those things.
The first thing that struck me on arrival in Phuket was the heat. Way hotter than Chiang Rai. After getting my suitcase I went out into the lobby area to look for the driver that would take me to my hotel. There was a gauntlet of taxi drivers that I had to wade through and then I saw a few people with hotel signs. None of them was from my hotel. A woman asked me which hotel I was going to and when I told her she pointed outside. There were at least thirty people leaning on a rail, all holding signs from different hotels. I slowly went from one end to the other until I saw my name. Whew. The trip to the hotel is about 40 minutes and the woman who drove me spoke a tiny bit of English. We had a polite conversation in both languages and then rode in silence the rest of the way. The scenery reminded me a lot of Krabi, which is also in the south. There are no Tuk-Tuks as we know them. Just motorbikes with sidecars. We passed a place called the 'Mango Saloon', and another building that had a big sign saying 'The Future', with logos for electronic products. A big sign on the door said 'For rent', which made me chuckle. The Future is for rent. (Ha)
I'm staying at Patong Suite Home, which is run by a very nice guy named Max. He's an expat from Italy and he's been here for 3 years. My little room is all I need since I won't be here much. It's on the third floor, with no elevator, and has one of those 'all in one' bathrooms where the shower is right on the wall next to the toilet. There is internet, but it's only available in the lobby. So much for late night cruising.
Speaking of cruising, Patong Beach is known for being the party capital of Asia. I'm staying off the main street where all that happens, and sticking to the hotel with my friends. I'll have more to tell you on Monday.
It rained today in Chiang Rai. Just enough to wet the lawns and clear the air. I talked to Daku on the phone, and from what Lisa tells me, he knew it was me but was very curious as to what was going on.
Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Time for some 'Funnies'.
Peace,
Danny
Old Harold
I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Harold the computer guy, to come over. Harold clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.
He gave me a bill for a minimum service call. As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?" He replied, "It was an ID ten T error." I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, ID ten T error? What's that ... in case I need to fix it again?"
Harold grinned.... "Haven't you ever heard of an ID ten T error before?"
"No," I replied.
"Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it out."
So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T
I used to like Harold.............
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
www.flickr.com/photos/gratidudepics
http://blog.risingstardom.com/
www.lisamosesgallery.com
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