Adventures In Thailand

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Humility

Hi,

Today was another mellow day around the house. The highlight was the washing of the dogs. We are also continuing to learn more about where we live. There is more local news in English available and that is very helpful.

This 'Easy Monday' song has already sparked a few emails. No hints today, it's just too easy. Jump in and guess.

"__ down a crowded avenue. Doin' anything we'd like to do. There's always lots of things that we can see, we can be anyone we want to be. And all those happy people we could meet just __... on a Sunday afternoon..." Hint: (555)

This morning, after Lisa's massage, the sun was shining and it signaled dog washing time. Daku is getting much better about being bathed. When he was a puppy he hated it and would make pitiful little sounds as if being tortured. Now he stands and lets it happen. BamBam loves baths and enjoys the whole thing. When the baths were over they ran around the yard.

The spray man was supposed to come yesterday, and again today. He told Boot he wasn't coming because it was going to rain. Well, the sun was shining and it didn't look like rain. A few hours later it rained. In fact, as soon as the dog washing began the clouds started moving in our direction. One just never knows.

Yesterday we were out in they yard with the dogs and there was a big toad sitting in the channel around the pool. Daku was the first to notice our visitor. Fortunately, the toad was far away from the surface of the deck and Daku was in no danger. One night BamBam got too close to one in the bushes and it squirted her in the mouth. It took a lot of water and comforting for BamBam to return to her normal state. We sometimes hear them on the nights that they decide to croak out an opera. They hang out in the dense foliage by the waterfall and we rarely see them.

Daku and The Toad

We've been hearing the sound of heavy machinery in the distance over the last few days. On Saturday a large tree was taken down. Today I spotted a tractor spreading dirt that had been delivered by dump trucks. This is a clear sign that something is going to be built. Most of the lots around here are former rice fields that are below street level. Lately, they have been used for farming crops like corn or tobacco, but for a building, the earth needs to be even with the road. If not, there is the possibility of flooding during heavy rain. The people with the 'dirt concession' are sure to do very well as Chiang Rai continues to be a 'Boom Town'.

The new forum that we learned about at immigration has some really cool topic areas. We have already learned about new places to eat. There is one area that I will be reading regularly and that is the one on 'coming events'. Maybe now I'll know what is happening before it happens, like the bike race or a parade. It would be interesting to know just how many expats are living in the Chiang Rai area.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"Humility is the soil in which all other virtues grow."

~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Monday, September 3, 2012

Rise

Hi,

Our busy weekend was a whirlwind of activity. Immigration adventure, evening shopping, Formula One, and The Party.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye. I guess everyone has been so busy with having fun in the sunshine and Labor Day that this easy song just slipped through your fingers. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday' and another tune you surely remember: "__, on a Sunday afternoon. Really, couldn't get away too soon... There ain't a place I'd like to be instead of __..." Hint: It's an easy, one-word title from a group that was once young.

Saturday morning we went to Central for our visa renewal, our 90 day check-in, and re-entry permit. Each of those things required a form in order to get a number in order to sit and wait. The area that immigration set up was larger than in the past and it was full of people. Where did they come from? It was so busy that people were taking photos of the crowd. Even the immigration workers were taking pictures. We had everything in order so once we got to the desk, we had no problems. It just took a lot of time. While we were waiting we saw friends, and discovered a new expat internet forum. When the immigration workers broke for lunch everyone scattered. We ate at the mall and then returned to get our re-entry permits. We left the mall with a feeling of contentment and security, knowing we had another year of 'legality'.

Where did they come from?

There was much to do at the house in preparation for the party. Nothing like a bunch of lists to keep things focused. At the end of the day we were pretty close to ready. We still had to go to Big C for beverages and extras. For some reason I was sure it would be calm in the evening. Ha, it was the first of the month and a Saturday. What was I thinking? The place was a zoo. Even though it was crowded, we got what we needed.

Sunday morning I went into town to get some prepared chicken in the flower district. Getting there was a major affair since streets were blocked off for some kind of event. I finally got to my destination, got the chicken and some flowers and headed home. I noticed an overhead banner on one street that had a symbol of a bicyclist and I noticed a '2' on the ending date. It may have been some bike marathon that caused the closures. If only there were more signs with a little English. Once again, that feeling that comes from being illiterate.

All day long we kept a watchful eye on the sky. It never rained and that was a good thing. A little after 4pm our guest began arriving. Boot and Dah prepared some wonderful Thai dishes, Lisa made her famous Thai Tuna, and it looked like everyone sampled everything. For many of our visitors it was their first time at the house. Lisa took them on 'tours' of her studio, and I told the story of how we got here over and over. It was a very diverse mix of friends. Some we've known the whole time we've been here and some we just met. There were a few artists, and creative people having little conversations and then shifting from one circle to another. As I walked around I sometimes heard the same 'story' several times. Hmm, the fine art of conversation.

When the last guests had left we realized just how tired we were. My feet, ankles, and hips were so tired I just plopped on the bed. The house was back together and there was nothing left to do except watch the Formula One race. Sleep came quickly after the checkered flag.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,

Danny

"One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this:

'To rise above the little things.'"
~John Burroughs

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Friday, August 31, 2012

Friday Funnies

Hi,

We spent most of this hot, sunny day at the house. I was busy hanging this, and fixing that. We had a visit from friends, and I drove out to the country in the afternoon.

Nobody knew the 'Zany Day' song. I guess I'll have to find easier songs. This one was "Alley Oop" by The Hollywood Argyles. Actually, it was one guy with a 4-track. On to 'Old School Friday' and something that may not be true Old School, but it's old. "Ooh, I bet you're wondering how I knew, 'bout your plans to make me blue with some other guy that you knew before. Between the two of us guys you know I love you more. It took me by surprise I must say, when I found out yesterday. Don't you know that __ __ __ __ __ __..." Hint: Late 60s motor-city hit, inspired by a section of highway in California. The artist in question also wanted to know what's goin' on. Hmm.

There's nothing like having an event to motivate one to get a few things in order. When we bought our new mailbox it looked just like the original we put up four years ago. When I went to hang the new one on the wall I discovered that the brackets were in a different position, which meant rethinking the process. I keep a stash of concrete nails and they came in handy. Now we have a new box, and also a new 'King' flag on the front wall.

The pool guys came today to replace the worn out sand in the filter. We wish we had known that it will take a few days for the water to clear after the change. Now it looks like we're going to have a cloudy pool for the party on Sunday. Oh well, at least by next week the water will be clean and clear and swimming can resume.

Our friend Lisa and her little son Jack came by this morning. While Lisa and Lisa were talking, Boot took Jack outside to walk around. Jack discovered the long pool cleaning pole with the net on the end. When I looked out he was walking back and forth with the pole in the water. He later told us he was fishing. I love his imagination.

This afternoon I drove out to New Life. On my way I saw sheep, goats, and a couple of bulls. I managed to get a photo of the two bulls because they were rather large.

That's a lot of Bull

Tomorrow morning we will go to Central Plaza to renew our visas. It's so nice that the immigration officials come to town once a month. It saves the drive to Mae Sai, which takes about 45 minutes each way. We have stacks of paper for them to stamp and mark up. It should be a routine encounter since we've done this a few times.

Sunday we will celebrate our 5th anniversary of living in Chiang Rai. Rain or shine, we're having a party and it's looking like it will be fun. This weekend also marks the return of Formula One racing. This week they're in Belgium.

Have a Wonderful WeekEnd. Now it's time for a visual 'Funny'.

Peace,

Danny

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Lift

Hi,

Today was a mix of sun and rain, banking and dog play, coffee with a friend and some work around the house.

The 'Zany Day' song has apparently stumped all of you. I didn't mean for that to happen. I really hope you know this:

"He rides through the jungle tearin' limbs offa trees (__ __), knockin' great big monstahs dead on their knees (__ __). The cats don't bug him cuz they know bettah (__ __), cuz he's a mean motah scootah and a bad go-gettah..."

Hint: The title is the name of a make-believe character from prehistoric times.

This morning we went to the bank. We are assembling various documents for our visa renewal on Saturday morning and the bank is part of the mix. Just as we got to the bank I ran into an old friend from our early Chiang Rai days. It was Supat, a driver we rode all over town with, looking for a rental house. He's the guy who found the house we lived in back in 2007. It was a nice surprise and reminded me of the history we have here.

Every time we go to the bank I have to chuckle when I hear the automated voice connected to the counter service. When a teller is available the voice says the number of the window and the last words sound like 'candy counter'.

There is a parking lot behind the vegetable market and it costs the usual 4 Baht to park. Today the guy who collects the money was enjoying the slow morning by playing his guitar on the back of a truck. We didn't see him until we were leaving, but Lisa managed to get this photo of him. You can't see his face because he's wearing a full mask. Keeps the dust and smoke away. (Also looks a little mysterious)

Parking Lot Guy

After our downtown adventures our friend Shannon met us at our house and we went to the new coffee house in our neighborhood. Good coffee, good conversations and a final farewell.

This afternoon I coated the new mailbox with weather-proofing. We also hung and rehung many of Lisa's cast acrylic prints. The house is now like a gallery. There are still more to show but we'll have to rotate them.

After dinner Gary came by with some chairs for the party on Sunday. We didn't know he was bringing Jago with him. When the gate opened and Daku saw the truck he got all excited. Gary said that when Jago saw our front gate he also got excited. While we unloaded the chairs and talked, the two dogs had a great time running and playing.

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,

Danny

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher."

~Oprah Winfrey

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Courage

Hi,

Our Wednesday was a combination of odd little adventures on the streets of Chiang Rai, a freak cloudburst, and a warm visit with friends.

There was no holding you back from knowing that the 'Easy Monday' song was "Careless Whisper" by George Michael. That means it's time for another 'Zany Day' song. "There's a man in the funny papers we all know, he lived 'way back a long time ago. He don't eat nothin' but bearcat stew. Well this cat's name is a __ __." Clue: He may have been a neighbor of the Flintstones.

This morning while Lisa was getting a massage I hosted the lighting guy. We had one light that needed a socket change and another that was new, but just wouldn't work. Of course, the new light fixture worked when he took the bulb out and put it back. I hate when that happens. The kitchen light was in need of legitimate repair. Somewhere along the way, when the house was being built, we were given inferior sockets for our overhead fixtures. I have lost count as to how many have been replaced. It's frustrating but fortunately not expensive.

The pool guys came and did their routine work as well. They're coming back on Friday to replace the sand in our filter. I learn a lot when things need fixing. When the sand is new each grain has sharp edges and those edges are what help to filter the water. As water passes through the sand eventually those edges become dull and the filtration is not as fine. That was the quick version as to why we need new sand. Theoretically, the water will soon be crystal clear again.

We normally like to avoid going into town and doing too much driving around after 3:30pm since the traffic builds up.

Today we had to go downtown at that time. It wasn't bad, but then we decided to go further south into town to get some coffee. The drive to Mummys was not too bad. They had the bags of coffee, but no grinder. We left without coffee and went on an adventure. Right about the time we turned off the main street due to backed up traffic, I coined a new term. The late afternoon is 'The Hiding Time' since it's not a good time to be out on the street.

As we drove across town we got rained on for about 5 minutes and then it was over. Our destination was Bliss Studio to visit our friends Chalit and Amber. We were just going for a brief stop but ended up staying and having a full visit. His mom has been making earrings and gave Lisa a couple of pairs. She gave me a mobile of a face.

By the time we left the studio it was getting near dinner time. I took a new alternate route that ended in the main market. Every day from 4pm until after dark there is a steady stream of cars and motorbikes going through the area to buy food for dinner. The vendors are about three deep from the curb, which narrows the street. We hadn't seen it in a long time and it was quite a sight. The photo below shows a very small range of choices: Flowers, meat, or fruit. The choice and risk are up to you.

Afternoon Market

It must be Wacky Wednesday.

Peace,

Danny

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."

~E. E. Cummings

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Peace

Hi,

Chiang Rai had rain over night, but today was a beautiful dry day. We went to the dentist and the art supply store. Such a busy day. Oh, and we planted a flowering plant that will climb the wall.

It looks as though the 'Easy Monday' song is really easy. Lots of responses. Here's a bit more just in case:

"Time can never mend the __ __ of a good friend. To the heart and mind ignorance is kind. There's no comfort in the truth, pain is all you'll find. I'm never gonna dance again, guilty feet have got no rhythm. Though it's easy to pretend, I know you're not a fool...." Hint: The singer has two first names and at times he's been rather careless. Hmm.

This morning we showed up for our teeth cleaning appointments. We got there early and then sat and waited. Dr. Oy is very nice and we both left her chair with shiny, clean teeth. Fortunately, we don't have to go back for any procedures. Yea. On our way out of the hospital we stopped by to see our nurse friend Pay. Next week she is going to help us get some tests done just to make sure we are as healthy as we feel. She works in what is called the 'Treatment Room'. They deal with drawing blood, and handling emergencies. It's been very busy at the hospital lately, lots of flu and colds. I am still fascinated by the way whole families come when someone is ill. You might see three generations waiting with one person. It's nice to see that kind of caring.

We went to the main art supply store for a few things. We had to park around the corner, by the Clock Tower. As we walked we counted four coffee shops at the big intersection. All of them seem to be doing well. At the store our friend Supaluk told us she was going to come to our party on Sunday. She asked if there would be other Thai people there. She doesn't speak English. Lisa assured her there would be plenty of Thais there.

The concept of recycling is slowly taking hold here in the North. Some collectors specialize in one item, like cardboard. I see trucks stacked with collapsed boxes making stops at various locations. They use a scale to weigh the cardboard and I guess they get paid to take it away. Then there are the 'I'll take anything' guys who load up with whatever will bring a price at the center. Below is one such collector. You will notice that he's not particular about what he will load on his trailer.

Recycle Guy

This evening we planted a small flowering bush that caught Lisa's eye at the garden center. When it fills out a bit I'll post a photo. It will be a nice splash of pink among the yellow flowers that are already lining the wall.

Have a Happy Tuesday.

Peace,

Danny

"If you want a kinder world, then behave with kindness; if

you want a peaceful world, make peace within."
~Dan Millman

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style