to me

Bonny it is time to go home and you hope you are ready.  Not ready to leave BKK, that is ok, but ready to take our fragile practice home.  I made a choice not to go to the insight meditation class.  I can do that at home and in the readings, but a $10 90 min massage or a $15 min facial with facial hair removal and a mask... they are hard to find.  I had a Chang and a salad and roasted nuts and read and window shopped and it is all good.  It is hot... no pictures I am in the aircon to revive me.  I scrolled through the pics and I like the way many of the collages turned out... if you have been here.. you can see the story and if you have not been here.. you may say.. where are the beaches... maybe another time..for they surely are here and it is very easy to go an sit on the beach.  What has impressed me is how I have tried to take care of myself.. setting up my life so I spent less time looking for everything.  I enjoyed being alone and in CM...I can meet and be with folks very quickly.. here.. I think I could meet folks at the veggie place.. but many are not of interest to meet...again.. I am taking care of myself.  I am tired.. I will try to sleep as much as I can on the first leg of the trip.. it says.. going west to east..sleep... east to west...stay up.... I get on the plane at 11:40pm one day and off 10am the next...  (that is the time change...12 time zones).   For those that have commented..thank you. For those that had nothing to say... that speaks volumes and we probably speak different languages.  For those that read my words.. it was a personal journey..I cared enough to write and you cared enough to read.. for those that looked at the pictures.. you need the smells and the heat to get the 3d.. Whatever you did and I did... we did and it is over... 50days...I found a way to call the farm all but a few days.. and found a way to write most days.. it is Bonny's life journey... and I will take the time to read each page upon my return for the strength to beat my own drum...
There are times when I think I have no home and what am I doing in such a small place.  I am sure if I sold the house, Georgette would let me be a farm hand when I am in the US...I don't know where I am going or what I will do...but I will know when I see it.. for now... I am hear to end suffering.. if ending suffering is not more important than anything...I will not end suffering.  Madame Bonne...the bonz... over and out.

days collections

There are more animals than you can imagine.  Some of then that are cute get some attention..and others just appear in the shadows and under  bikes and hope no one noties.

 I noted a similarity between the people and the animals...some are fresh and young...and some got lost...but all were someone's offspring at one time.

Murry  boxing is a  big thing here.  I showed the young men training ...this is the empty gym

 I know from Tom in my Chi Kung class that a good fight brings in about 200 to the  boxer...but look at the quality of equipment.  I particularly like the plastic tube with handles on the jump rope and the weight...

a secluded soi

This is some photos of a back alley...the spirit houses are all over and you begin to no see them...just like the folks sleeping everywhere.  Yesterday a woman defecated between two cars next to where I was walking....oh well.  The carts at the where the night street vendors park there "business".  A window shot to remind you of the photog

Starting from the bottom...a young brit with 4 girl friends....I sat close enough to watch but could not hear...she looked lost..this blur picture shows her ever so still watching the world go by... the woman to her left..has just had a bad hair weave ...is sipping something and is about to get a foot massage,.  The blond to the left is by herself in a tatoo  parlor...it took several  hours...I went to dinner and then came back..she cried... and I thought ..she is someone's daughter.
On the top left is another weave buying a wool hat.. that is the next step... tattoo...weave...hat..smoke...drink and get lost.  Next to her is a breakfast  buddy at the health food place...one of my top favorite..   Next to him is one of the brits travel companions... she was a sure she was attractive as the other insecure.  And finally the end of the line... he came to Thailand a young western lad...and stayed..much too long....the beer is the chaser between the fix....and it is all good and all Thailand

more pictures

A few of the unusual....the bottom are potato swirls...seen everywhere... the eggs deep fried and pachaged veggies ready to  take home

a few things that you can do in the winter with your knitting needles....make a coat for your bus

varied buildings on the river

not everything is rice and noodles......

pictures

 finally ...pictures....  just a few folk The red head was at my breakfast table...and the man on the bottom was a frenchmen with a  very flowery hat

 just some of the foods...pomagranit...chili pack on most plates.... and street dog taking a break

china temple in chinatown

strange day

It was not as hot, but I felt like it was going to be...so I got up..had a meal and took the river boat to the sky way and Siam.  I walks about for a long time - had something to eat at a Portuguese place. Got a green tea and mango drink..surprisingly good, and end up at the movies... Ides of March.. and Gossling was very good.. interesting and believable movie.. boat back... took an air conditioned break and then off to a new health restaurant in an back alley behind the Burger King by the Buddy.  the name is Ethos and I had a very good salad, flaffel, humus, pita and ginger tea...all organic.. interesting people in the place...  so now off to bed to get up and watch the academy awards while I shower and organize for the day... I will try on pictures tomorrow......two more nights...

hot

The folk use everything.  This is the cover that will keep the rain and leaves off your breakfast...so they just use the old signs as reinforcement ...while it is hot...it is not raining.

a soi off a soi with a hotel at the end

Bonny does not do well at 99 hot steamy degrees...but I went to Chinatown and took a long ride on the river boat, two massages, some Indian food and a couple of beers. I also crawled into a cool space whenever I could including the KFC, the eye glass place etc...so here is the day. And, I only think ...what are you doing here by yourself when I fear I am going to pass out... the hotest festival was never this hot.

 This is a very typical woman..probably aussie or us...lost in her costume...but sill connected to the toast. I have spent 30 min for these few of 20 pics... I will put some together and do it later...

BBk morning

I was soooooo tired last night,  I fell asleep having a foot massage.   Now if you have ever winced at a stick in you soft feet tissue...you will know how tired I was.  It took about 1/2 hr to get the air cranked up to cool the 12x12 room....but it was the birds that work me up this morning and not the outside noise.   So this will be short... it will be a camera day.  by the way...the train from the airport really zips along.. and I am sure I could figure how to make the connected to the skyway then the boat if it were not after boat time.  The tourist are more asian...Korea, Japan and a few Chinese.. interesting.  Best go  before the temp which is 82 at 7:30 and will go to a steamy 97 later... gets the best of me....

nose knows

Long day... I am now in a new Internet cafe near where the woman wanted to beat me up last year.  It is BKK and thus it is hot and there is a boom boom ....boom boom boom in the air like 70's disco.  I stowed my duffel in the long stay for 100 bht at day and got on the new train.. and went to the end..   The Air Asia was late.. what it new.. and when I finally got on the train. it was too late for the boat.. so I got off at the end and the woman at the info wrote out the address of the Smile and told me to find a cab. a tuk pulled up and we agreed upon 150... when I got in..I forgot I had a backpack and proceeded to fall into the top of the tuk nose first ... it didn't bleed and I don't think it is broken.  The room is 500 a night and the key insurance is 500 a night..high class..but ok for a few days.    I had a pizza and a couple of beers.. will get a massage.. and go back to get the key in and air on... picking up water on the way... not sure about tomorrow..but definitely will be on the boat and out of here.. I am so glad i am doing a few days here... i am ready to go home NOW... nose and all..

two homes

I have packed before class and all I have to do after class..turn the bike in and have my last bowl of oatmeal with yogurt and fresh fruit is shower and change clothes.  I have paid a little extra to keep the room until 2 and then my plan back to BKK leaves at 3:45,,,I'll go by songtow at 2:15,,,as a crow flies it is not far..but as the roads go it is a little wiggle.  I have made a real routing of my life here...simple... satisfying... some western food..some Thai..some meals missed etc.. and many massage.  Of course there are some people and some things and places that I will enjoy seeing..but I am very content and happy with much less. I did not hop around as I expected..and I would do a few things differently like rent the scooter for the month etc...but I  have gotten out of the way and let many things just occur.  I have some new words to put into my awareness..forbearance being one  I will have to go barefoot for a while to keep the sand out until I can learn a compromise.  I also know it is ok to walk away...  I have learned more detail a bout the precepts... and the need to choose friends wisely..  One of the funny things in the paper the other day was an article about facebook....someone said...I  saw a picture of my foot on facebook and not I can put it in my mouth.  That will tell you where I am at...I thought it funny.  You read about people who are long out of your life..and now you know they died and you feel badly...they died to you/me long ago..life happens.   I learned more about gallbladder and liver.. and  like Chi Kung...   I have learned to accept i don't sleep a long time..  and some days I take a camera and some days not.. and why I take pictures.. and why not.. etc.. it is all good...and good bye my little second home...

Legal

I really rarely look at the map and more after even this short a time, I rather know what to expect in either driving or trying to do something. The more relaxed you are the less stress you present, the more easy goes the situation. If someone cuts in front of you...you just slow up..because he got in front, it is his road. Once you accept that...getting around is easy. You can always turn at the next block, there many places to U turn.... the worse folks are gawking western bicyclers. I saw one run into a Thai on a bike today. The guawker wanted to be on the other side of the road...so just went there with no regard for the other rider... who while hit, just kept going. There was an accident this AM...looked like a car and bike and the car was gong the wrong way...so since 6AM what have I done.... got up and prepared for my class...drove the Airport Immigration and and signed in as 40 and was given a number 004.spoke with a Gr woman who is in preparationfor being a monk and an AAussiewho brought her injured dr.here for rehab after a bad car accident ...they told her to pull the plug. In talking to her..she wants to rent a bike and go down the mt road from the top of the Mt. Even with a small paved road I snuck in behind the minivan....she has never ridden....yikes.. not say she could not do it.... and I might if my Thai Boxing classmate would lead me down...I would trust that he would know I could do it and would be careful to see that I had the best chance of a safe trip. I had a tea and did class and then sped back to the airport...only to find they were on 041... I ran and got a copy of my documents... grabed my picture... startihngfilling out the paperwork on the run...and then went and looked like a confused old woman and the man put me in line after saying...we called that number 2 hrs ago... after they did the stamp stamp and I paid 1900 ht...400 more than the penalty...but I don't have a scofflaw note on the passport....I will probably get a multiple entry retired person visa next yeat...but the experience was good and so Thai...folks eating coconuts... others looking like it is all beneath them... etc... he took my passport...picture..my form...and copes...and said sit until called. I sat for 15-20 min...and then took my papers... good until March3..and went off to breakfast.. swap the passport for the 5000 I left in lieu of the passport..and now home to shower and R&R...until after lunch... and all is good.

what is in the water

on to the last week before I leave to come home. I was borderline to do a colonic today, but I felt I had not done a proper prep so I just did the ion electronic detox of my feet. One of the surprise side events was the burning of my stomach skin. The jist of the deal is they put electrodes in the water with you feet. They attach some electronic to your wrist and some to the belts around your stomach and then you put your feet into clear water with salt and just sit there and then there are bubbles and the water starts to change color and in the end...I have toxins in my liver, gallbladder, some heavy metal and some yeast... All of this supports a liver and gallbladder detox. After lunch I had a foot massage. What that does is empty my lymphatic system in my legs... and if you are thinking it is some sweet oil la la land massage, you have never had someone put their knee into your calf.

That is my purple pants and feet in the water.....yikes

So I start the day with my Chi (energy) Kong (training) and then move on to more tending of the body. When I first started with the massage my legs would just shake but now... I can put my leg flat on the floor without a shake. Today the massage person said I had baby soft feet... socks and orthodox in your sneakers does help.

Had a good talk with Michelle tonight...and yes..they gathered a select group of friends and one of the other old dogs... and celebrated the life and now the passing of Stick. I had forgotten that she is left handed...hence she is missing ½ of the index finger on her right hand from holding the melon and swatting with sharp machete. And life goes on.

I will probably come back...and will probably try to do more adventures and go see the next “stick”..and get more into the culture and get some tutoring in Thai... I will be interested to see if Cedar makes it to the jars...I can live cheaper and smarter..but the alternative meds and massage are as important as the fresh passion fruit...I would watch less TV...And another beautiful day in paradise.

so few shoulds...learning to love the free space

There is something the same about the morning...the gong goes at 4:20 and the dogs go off at 4:21...and there is a still breeze and the then the many birds with so many sounds. You start your day with a similar ritual and know that while you wash and brush and prepare for the day, the safron robes are moving silently with barefoot monks through the morning light.. The traffic picks up...the sweepers are out and you feel the comfort of the sameness. The hardest part of the trip...learning not to do things... Other than summer camp and then there was more than too much to do... learning how to pace yourself and not do things...there is nothing to do after you put the clothes on and eat...It is a simple life....far from monastic since I have stuff...but simple. There is beer and peanuts in the refrig...you get your clothes washed every few days...you walk down 8 sets of 10 stair... call the farm... and walk up... get your helmet...go to class...have breakfast...shower... and then you don't have to do anything...a hard hard lesson to learn. I have spent most of my life in running after what I felt was my duty, my responsibility, my obligation..and now...i can do it or not...it gets done or not... but I will not cause myself to suffer. I ate with the canadians last night...and asked how they felt about going home..petrified ...here I can let myself do nothing....read.. meditate...breath...exercise...and just be...is what I thought...I have been a fast person..jump in and do....this will be a monumental change. But if I can pull it off... it will be great.... if you don't want sand in the shoes...don't wear shoes.

jok on you.....

Today after class...and breakfast ...and shower...I took  it easy and eventually had some gongee...jok....so here are the pictures... and i  will talk to myself.

they have a few English menus so the top left is one of them.  The women who work at the store are always fixing to go bags... and belong... some herb/pea tea ad my jok..... mmmmmm

promise pictures tomorrow

The helpful recent graduate of chiropractic school needs a little bit more experience with old necks. I have slightly less range to my left and can feel it pull on the right. Fortunately, I have become adept with the rear-view mirrors and had no problem zipping around yesterday. I thought of Cedar on her adventure to Laos with govt employee Bonnie's nice pillow. She was reluctant to take it since she has her pack with yoga mat, day pack and small personal bag in perfect order to be self contained. I miss her more than she can imagine since the new tenant in her room smokes and the when the window is open and the fan on....I am in 2ndary smoke...so no window open. Computer, Camera with extra lens, flash, tripod, and phone makes small travel much harder. The big wt is the warm clothing and now a few extra books and a big bag. I have thought of packing and I will put my plane stuff and clothes in the big bag, electronics in the backpack and the rest in the duffel. I have some plans for my last week...another long massage with Pat on Wed and a trip to the immigration on Thursday and another week of chi hung and my morning routine of tea and toast, class, good breakfast, late shower and go. Yesterday was the National Museum out on the superhighway and I stopped at a Chinese cemetery and of course my last night market. I get the bends when it get crowded and the time to shop is early. I could not find the buffalo hide artist..but so what.. picked up some beer and watched a little TV while I organized for the morning. There is a nice routine here and when n it is not in order and flowing, I feel like I have let myself down and put myself in the wind. I realize more and more how I must treat myself like a fragile child and not react for everyone else but do whatever necessary not to “suffer” and that appears to keep my ego in check...spend more time alone with my life.. Here I have found many people who get the big picture, respect life, and are leading examined lives. I know there are some at home maybe not in my current circle.., but where they are will be my next quest. ... I am excited to clean up my stuff at home and get down to the very minimal amount. Next year I will assess a longer trip with more countries..... might even do the three weeks in India if the mediation process feels like it is for me...I have a little more dental work to do...three more teeth on the top right which then allow for a correct bridge...we shall see. I also need to know that I can only come if I am leaving for an adventure and not just leaving because I am sick of the smallness. It is soooooo easy for me to get sucked into stuff that hardly matters. This week has been a hard but good lesson... off to class....

.    

Sunday and out of the woods

You can't be lost if you don't care where you are

Saturday was a stare at your shoes day...my ego dragged my eyes to the ground and I had a great sadness when thinking of going to what has been my home.   Not a good thing...   When I get down like that, it is often time for a cold and stomach upset...so I needed to do the most that I could for myself...   The sadness always follows the anger and indignation and a feeling that I have been disrespected  until I can work or walk it out and find a healthy path.  "I am here to end suffering...if ending suffering is not more important than anything, I will not end suffering...If ending suffering is more important than anything, I will see what causes me to suffer and drop that.....  so yesterday was a series of roads...going in every direction...some rest and a good dinner at the Ginger House.  That is where you can spend 110 bt for a beer that you can buy at the 7/11 for 44bt.   but...oh so good.. and you feel like you are worth it...and I am.  At the end of the day... I will respect myself..and  I will end suffering.

These are from my back street walk to find my footing.  When you send your laundry out you can walk down the street and see your bloomers in wind. Under that is laundry from a hair salon. The rooster walked down the side street with me, past a sleeping dog and then curled up under a table... no hens.  Under that is a sign for a music fest in Chaing dao...now that is something to think about...where and why... but i suspect that Steward from the nest would somehow be involved.  under that is a picture of an old car... just sitting by the road so where else would you dry your chili's.  In doing a collection of pictures, you sometimes lose out...the rest of the Mystic Sign is massage for men by men.....mmmm.   there are many scooters here and thus much need for repair...the repair shops have some major equipment and then so some by hand.  This is a man pounding something into the carburetor.... but they whip them in and out fast...while folks wait and have a cool drink...   Cedar just left for Laos and I am off to walk to get my bike, shower and go to a couple of museums then the Sunday market.

2 days into one

This is to remind me what rested looks like

Thursday morning after checking on my Cedar friend and her malaise...I was off to a scrub and oil massage... it was dejavu..but without Monika ..After a beetroot salad and bee/celery/apple juice drink.I came home and slept until I thought..best get up or ai am going to sleep thru a day. I went off to get a massage...but when I walked in they , that I wanted a deep tissue massage and as soon as I was prone, she had her knee my calf and I almost had to hold my hand in my mouth to keep from screaming or crying..I think only my fingers were not attached...it was beyond pain but like always.. when it was over.. I felt pretty good when it was over but the beet juice and salad was starting to catch up with the avocado salad and 2 mango shakes from the day before. So I did Italian and had 3 cheese pasta. 

sketch of poon by his bro

 After dinner,I knew what I would find, but I walked the backstreets to the night market and found Poon's place next to the morning glory place.... no Poon...

only a picture of him since he died almost a year ago...he had three small spirit houses but no opium wts and few antiques. I bought a 300 bt bell for old time sake... walked home thinking....Angel, Poon, and Stick....no more.

By the time I got home, all the fruit had caught up to my digestion..so I spent some time in the happy room and read... took my homeo and slept most of the night...had cheese omelet and toast and got ready to cook. 

top is a mushroom...jelly or elephant ear..used in soups also in the middle on the top is the small egg plant..which is very bitter..kifir lime then Thai ginger, turmeric line and gin-zing

It was an excellent class with just four people... because is was so small.. learned a great deal,,,and now almost 5am..and I will blog...but I am just feeling sad...all the loss? ...tired/ trip coming to close.. feeling sand in my shoes..who knows...just sad...had more than enough to eat today..and will just sit..take it easy..nothing to do...no place to go...happy not to be “productive”  

top is the wrap up and eat..and she encouraged me to use lettuce...then pat thai on the top right

the cook and khow soi and spring rolls....

Just a few more words about the Ellie park... those of us that haw watched Michelle cut the Mellon with one hand with a machete...she is not missing the first two sections of her index finger....  This kind of travel is not for everyone...nor all the jobs are good for all...but for me...it is good and I find it helps me to get the sand out of my shoes...and my final picture of 'stick"....someone found his stick

The last stick

290 blog

as always...the center is a very special place...this is the fifth trip...the sunset over the river is the top picture. I will have many others but the brightness is shown in the reflection in the river.  There are about 100 people working at the Center... they have different accommodations for the volunteers... a large building with compartments and under a compartment shower...so while there are still a string of stalls...stall one belongs to a compartment one... build out of the bricks that you make. The babies are pretty big now... and to be taken seriously...they can really run and along with Boon or naughty boy(he is the one  with the bell in profile)....you move when you are in the way.
(blinded ellie) Jokia and Mae Bam(her life companion and guide)  are still walking about next to each other..which is the photo at the bottom of the two...
I had breakfast with Duke a rescue dog...only about 70 of the 200 dogs at the camp are running about...one dog was not running..and if you have been there.. you might remember "stick" since he always had a stick in his mouth.   Lek came back from a Burma trip..and found Stick not able to walk...old dog... so everyone tended the dog and then Lek got down to talk with him...and said he will probably leave in 2-3 days. Like everything she does..it is with love and grace.. There were many a handki   or in my case a sleeve...you think about your time like that..with Sparky,..Lady.. you know it is the time..but you watch the great dog trying to be the dog they were and it is hard. fu-man-chew is still there..and a sweet pair of pups that were born the day after they pulled the mother from the water..  You can  see my little sneaker print in the ellie print.  The woman in the picture with the little boy and Bun is my housemate Cedar, who did it all and may have picked up something since she is not well today.  We sat out in the field with the herd...I have many close pictures..but there is something so special about knowing the stories and now seeing them in family and walking about freely and in comfort... wonderful. and truly...another beautiful day in paradise... and I am taking my mosquito body off for a scrub and oil massage....

off to the Ellies

This a short morning since I will make the farm phone call, eat something and be ready to go to the elephants at 8. Michelle has assured me that I should just tell the guide that this is 5^th trip and don't require be oriented etc.. So I packed my camera, tipod, and toothbrush and am ready to roll. 

 Yesterday was a get my toes clipped and painted, relax, eat well and get organized. I can even see many ways to live simpler. I am noting what I have not used... now I am not sure my ten year old jean shorts will not make the next trip. Unlike some who leave clothes they don't need...these pants will not. 

 I have been looking at ...what do you believe...what is your principle of life.. I keep trying to get down to the core..for when you are on the outer levels...there are exceptions and conditions for exceptions etc.. and that is not the core believe. Very powerful exercise....to obey all just laws... who's justice... 

I think driving in Thailand has been an unexpected gift... there are rules and laws...but more like the Buddhist practice...guidelines.. so...

I will leave looking at the last full moon... some of us reflected and some did the naked beach full moon celebration.. upon my return....

Walking Sunday

Making Merit

the man making merit who had tea with me 

It is Sunday in Chaingmai..and that means Sunday walking market and tons of people and stuff and money exchanging... Did I shop... a little..I bought a pair of pants..but unusual for me...I put out big money and bought a big “Liz” purse. I just walked into this shop across from the Lila massage parlor...and there it was... and I junk out 3000 bht... my rent for 10 days... three trips to Burma... 16 massages, 37 Chang, 15 days on the scooter, a teeth cleaning... and I just said... I buy it. It is the most un me thing you can imagine but then I have been more of a tour person than a person on a personal tour in my blog since I don't have it in a line that a reader or myself can follow. What do I need..what do I want....what are choices... I went to a detox lecture tonight...not what you usually do while the Night Market is on..and also there was a community spirit releasing.. that is when folks who have identified past life spirits in them allow them to come out in a dance and chant....at the end they leave the “prince” or whoever they were and come back to being joe husband of x...etc... During my class t I learned about parricides, and colon cleaning..and gallstone sensing.. Interesting stuff...

morning Thi chi

my day started with the monks at 6 am, breakfast, I bought a purse.. signed up with Pat, and ex-con to do a full skin cleanse on Thursday after Elies...and then I plan to do a cooking class on Friday...and now I own a purse... and like everything.. a big one.

I have a lot more to read etc but as of now I plan to do a fast once a week..go more veggie...and try to release most dairy... and do my chi Kong...

I am now walking without the map and trusting that when I go "off the path" as you can see in a few of these pictures..that I will find my way to someplace familiar.  I found this great place to get a salad or avocado sandwich...excellent and they also have cookies.  and for anyone who  can't wait...there is a pic of one side of "the purse" and a mirror shot of my puss.

It is interesting...I wrote that the shot of the baby panda was indeed a picture of a picture.. but several said ..you were lucky to get a pic of the baby in the mouth..which says some are more into pictures than my words..which is fine....also interestingly last year Monika went to the Lila massage place and I even took the brochure home... Joe raved about the prison women massage... and I was still drawn to the Lila..only to finally read the brochure... this is where the parolees go...since others will not hire them... so same same but different.... mmmmmmm and do I read?

and for Scott.... there is a place for a coffee cart

to Myarmar and back...

It is interesting the folks that come to Thailand and for what reason.  I think some are on their way to party and some are on the way to drugs and some are on the way to be entertained..and some are on a quest.  My  lodge buddy Cedar has been on retreat in every country...one being a three week in India.   I am off to a detox talk at 5 with my chi kong  teacher... and tomorrow I think I will do cooking..then tues-wed to the Ellie park... and thursday..I till probably be back with wheels.   Here are a few shots I took.  I sat in the car from 7am until 5:30 or so ...and the driver had the usual buddha protection things hanging from the mirror. I had moved my self  to the front seat since the Italian smoker (who asked if I was going to buy real estate since I was taking pictures of the fields -duh...there were rice fields with workers) or the others who were not interested in anything...
I thought the before and after pictures were very funny...many signs like that...I am not sure what you are doing.facelift, or hair color..but I thought..same same but different than home.
The woman carrying many pounds on her head/neck.. is talking on the phone..again...life is changing  and same same
The van driver went out of his way to take me by the white wat just outside chaing rai....very nice of him and i am sure the others wondered..but I did not see another camera
On the right is the purpose of the trip.... the top the gate you walked through and got a temporary visa to Burma...and then walked across the street and turned it in and made application to Thailand ...etc... zzip zip.. a day and $30 later...your back in business.
I thought this face was very interesting.... i bought my nuts from her and at the end she realized I was taking photos... think that it the evil eye......
for the final stop of the trip....we stopped at a cashew place... never thought about cashews....

The top left is the wooden replica hanging outside... and the next is the actural nut... it is about the size of my hand with the nut incased in a hard shell at the bottom. in the shelling process  which is similar to the nut cracher for the macadamian nut... there is a shell which he was telling me the stuff in it was used for rubber production...   i was the only one interested..the rest sat..snoked....had a soda and could have been at the mall.   on the bottom...you guessed it.. cashew and apple brandy.....and no did not try it

yesterday

I was up with food and shower and ready to go to Burma at 7am...so it is now 6:15 in the evening and I am just doing yesterday...  very nice day.... starting with my class and then breakfast and the market where i bought some shoes.

This is the market that I use to go to in the morning to get my donut...but since I am eating  better and doing the exercise....no donut....but you will be happy to know that Duncan, Kentucky Fried and Sizzler have arrived.   this is the waroros market.  The shoes were fun...and here are the way they display them.  In the top left...is a picture of the "changing" booth...  It is hard o do the market without some food.
And speaking of food...I was interested in the the coconut process so here is a little view of that...

I continue to find it an art to know which is to be used for coconut juice and which is for raw coconut.

And finally these two faces were very interesting..both in concentration.one in pensive meditation and one engaged in her needlework.
As I have stated, I have had an issue and concern about my cat...which a non cat lover is watching...my fault for the situation... A neighbor finally found the watcher and the cat is good... not being about to get a response is like having a whole in your balloon... you try to just walk about without paying attention... but the balloon  becomes a focus..... today I went to Burma... but that is for another day

return to strawberry ville

top is strawberry ville reservour and under that the fields..top right is a clam section of the road and arrow

and under a picture of the hills and a road I did not take...but I am sure someone does everyday

I am definitely becoming a fixture in strawberryville. Yesterday I finished the Mae Sa valley loop and approached Samoeng (strawberryville). This 100 km loop goes around the Doi Suthep mountain which is were the white elephant statue iss reminding folks that after the poor ellie got to the top and died. Now ellie would die from desel fuel fumes injestion. This ride was not as twisty as the Sunday ride. In fact I was shocked to go by the batanical garden that Monika and I visited last year. It is a long ride out route 107 (the road to Chiang Doe) and then a turn off past the monkey shows, snake farms and a large ellie riding camp. When I got to strawberryville they were in preparation for the big weekend of the strawberryville festival. I was low...not to the point of not being able to get back...but on the emergency level so I started to ask about petro...I spoke with several folks some had a little problem with the left right...but eventually I started down a small road to Pai and after going down a road I would not want to go far or fast on...here was a startion with hightest 91...and a fill up for 80 bhat.. I gave the pumper a tip and he gave me a LARGE bottle of water which I jammed into my “holder area Happy Bonny. So back to my “favorite” strawberryville restaurant and I ordered a strawberry salad and a macademian shake.

 I can tell you a salad like a papaya salad except with strawberry was not in my mind. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...but I can't say it is top on my list of Thai food. The shake was great.and of course not cheap....but how many times can you get an organic macademian right off the vine. Somewhere on the trip, I saw another woman riding by herself alone. Not a common sight. I can get around without looking at the map and have the general direction down so I know my you are here more often than not. Have found more people who are here for a long haul. The house next door is 250 vs my 300 but smaller room and no refrig. I like the refrig... pick up some beer and peanuts..and am happy to write in the after noon during my “refresh with a Chang” time. I am off to class this am...and then a few run aournd the city and turn the bike in... probably will get another one next week after Burma and ellies. As I cruised through the mountains at 60k alone enjoying the wind and the day...I hope everyone reading this can have a similar experience at 72...and feel 42 ..You do get some sun on the open road

this is the strawberry brandy i did not buy

a little of this and that

hip hip I figured out the video ....this is Dad having dinner.  

The overnight stay at the elephants has gone up in price...5800 for two days and one night.which is $192. But..when you know how much it cost to tend to their needs..small price. I will have to buy some cheap sandles for I will try to take a chronicle of the experience for Cedar. So all paid and will be at the camp Tues – leaving here at 7am and returning Wednesday next week. I will keep my room since I don't want to pack and un pack and move for $10 ( the cost of room). Yesterday was another nice day except for hearing about a bad cycle accident. Other than flying down the mountain roads (well going 60k on a small bike feels like flying) you are only travelling about 30 in the city. I am a stay in my lane...eyes ahead..and usually keep to the left. I see young Thai's weaving at a fast speed..much like a few fools on the 490...I wonder if they get NASCAR here. Folks stop quickly but usually even when someone stick the nose of the car out or stops to let passengers off, you can merge into the next lane.

flowers in the Kings Palace gardens

I went up to the Wat with the white elephant yesterday..actually did not stop there since I have been there three times but went further to the kings Chaingmai house and then to a village and park. Many folks don't like to go since the fumes from the buses, songtow, and cars is not go...but it is very do able and I enjoyed stopping when I wanted. It was the trip to the very top that was a bit of a concern. The first trip we left the nest and went to a village in the evening and you new it was a single lane road but there was a moderate chance it was not going to be two ways.. Today, it was a road....well a small one lane road with a very deep ditch on both sides..two cycles could pass. But...not two cars nor a cycle and car. I went up behind a van..the kind that takes you from town to the ellies... I travelled about three car lengths behind the guy who was really moving a long...when he stopped...I stopped to look out etc,.,. There was a small further distance that we could have gone...but I was grateful when he turned back... There are mirrors on the road..and large signs that say honk...Again going down.. I snugged in and he honked and slowed and kept going....I was delighted to get back to the main area and two lanes...i figured...whatever he did..I could do...except not get into this 2-3 foot ditch or soft sand shoulder.

By the time I got to the bottom.. I had swayed right left left right so much my hips were tired...so..get a massage...and again for the 3^rd time..I got Pat and the great massage person. I now know to call and ask for her and make an appointment. Her English is very good and we talked about what would be best for my skin so after ellies...a body scrub and oil massage....mmmmm

Teeth complete :) - park/zoo

collection

I never thought about grilling eggs on a stick...but that is what is on the grill.  My quail eggs are cracked and put into a hot pan....this would give new meaning to fire up the barbee.  I went to a garden park which is also an exercise park and they do morning chi gong there... I was there in the afternoon...but I thought the sign was fun...the other fun thing on the cycle was...well of course they deliver the mail on a scooter.  The mailman was having lunch...and of course was watching the mail as he ate and smiled as I tookI think a reader would get the idea that I really find having a scooter very freeing, I took my time in the morning so I was ready for Dr Lek. The process went smothly but he wanted me to wait 24 hrs before I put the tooth in to let the cement set...so what is another day. I stopped back at the big Wat to see what the 2 day meditation schedule was and then went to an exercise park and enjoyed an ice tea in the park..and then off to the zoo. the shot.  In the shot in between are the sleeping dogs who are not going to move for anything.

 The top left is the sleeping mother who is now is a different place that her large child and mate.
In the middle is the baby who is not almost full grown....but I thought the pictures on the wall were worth keeping....look  at that baby face being held by a zoo handler...and then the just born being carried by Mom.

This is baby..I spared a pooping picture - but amazingly he walked up and down a ladder to walk  the mote in between the area and where we were standing...the sticks he is eating are bamboo..looks like he gets his fiber. I have a video...but can't get  it uploaded 

I am not super happy at zoos...but I have to say many of the animals were is more space and cleaner cages that the Roch zoo...I was very impressed with the condition and then I came to the Panda section and it was love a first sight....First never have seen them so awake and free..so this is mostly....a was picture day.

Picture talk

These are pics I took last night at the market at the end of the day.  The crowd shifts as the time gets later and the light changes.  I do not have Photoshop/Lightroom so only the Google free program that allows me to crop and collage.  I am using the long lens since i would be about from my porch to Suzanne's bushes to the street and the light is some of everything but mostly  small bulbs plugged into power boxes on the telephone poles.  The child on the father's back is in very low light so the others are not a sharp..but it makes the picture more interesting.  He was high enough to pick up some lighting from the building behind me.  Vicky is the English woman who is a long time traveler and has had lots of bad stuff...including lung cancer...but keeps going... I liked the lighting on her in the crown of darker Thai people.  This is also at the end of the 2 beer night....The little guy in the upper right was a Japanese boy travelling with the parent who is doing what 80% are doing ..using the smart phone to take pictures.
Again I used the focus and light to make him the focus...but while he looked tired..i was expecting some movement at the high iso and so I did not lower the speed.  Mostly I make notes of me.  Again, the Muslin women (mostly found in the south) were just in the right light so snap....

Today felt like I am almost back in the track...I had just a small yogart before my class. I didn't sweat as much during class and it was funny to watch the two old folk (Jacque is 67) and this young man Bart who asked for the fans to go on since I thought he was going to faint. I could hold the tree for several more minutes and Bart was sinking.... age has nothing to do with it. I came home via hot cinimon french toast with fruit...pineapple juice and coffee. Relaxing ...I came home to do my seseame swish and coconut oil slather... You could eat me by the time I finish... and then a hot shower....mmmm. It was hot but not that hot but scooting up the mountain did not feel like what I wanted to be doing...so I went for a massage. Now I know that I have not been kind to the massage process...but this one.....mmmm As I walked in the woman said...how about a 2 hrs full service -30 min foot reflex, 15 min hand, 45 back-neck-shoulder, 15 head and ending with a 30 min hot herb sachet....what wasn't stretchec was oiled and then heated.....I was a TG turkey.... but sniling and all for about $18 for the 2 hrs. I scooted to the juice bar by the Chinese Dr – took the back road home and now am waiting for dinner time. I am eating with my cross the hall nurse friend since I want to talk to her about 3 week experience in India doing zmeditation...Here are a few more photos from yesterday

strawberry vile

These are a few pictures I took on the road...on the few spots that did not have a turn.  That is my new red  scooter and no..the bike was stopped and I took the picture with the camera on the seat.   It was very cool in the country.

Through the storm and back in the eye. It took such as short time to get so very sick..but also considering, only two days to crash and burn and then rise from the ashes. I am very appreciative for the gift of health and for the good support bro Joe gave to me during this very hard time. So back to the life...After a good breakfast I started off for the hills. The trip to Samaung was windy to say the least. When the are said Z that is exactly what it was and often L which meant both a very sharp turn but also a grade up or sown. I am now a master of the lean and turn for 38 k. There were not too many places that I could stop and take a picture except on the flat areas of the hills. I did have a few thoughts about the lack of AAA. The one terrific thing was there was really NO traffic.. I passed a few cars and cycles coming toward me but total... 50 passed me or I passed or who came toward me.

I stopped in a fun place at the end and it was strawberryvile...I had a strawberry shake and used the squat... and then came back. The other thing they grow there are macadamia nuts.

  Now here is a job.  One nut at a time is put under the vice and the wheel turned and the nut cracked.  The bag cost $6...  I could have gone the rest of the way on the loop..but I elected to return the same way and promptly got lost and found myself on the way to Chaing Rai...it is always good to see a sign which also means you know direction and route...so turned around, back across the river, and just made it down Thapee before the walking market.. Great ride...all together about 60 miles so my but was sore....

I decided to sit the market out so I ordered a few beers and nuts and sat at the outside bar of the Red Chili (the swing restaurant down the road) which I shared with two young Swiss bankers and an expat from Tx who has a yrs. Residence. ( you have to have 30K in a Thai bank for two months before you apply... and of course I took pictures.of which these are but a few....

I think I could title this...do you really like to shop.... there are many tired, unhappy people walking by..

I see many such couples walking by and wondered how they hook up...the Internet or at those bars that I had signs for at the Murry boxing place.  This woman is pretty close in age..but some are much much younger... 

and as for me who was tired in a nice way, smiling because I was again enjoying a Chang and cashews...and again..another beautiful day in paradise.