Dog meets Bonny...Bonny meets Dog

You worry about missing the plane, the plane going down, the traffic in Bangkok, etc. but the last place you worry about is in a Wat... So this moring I walked into a new Wat and was taking my time with some pictures...when a woman walked in with a “squeeking towel and two large dogs. I watched her put the towel down and could see the one large dog was mother... all of a sudden the dog started running toward the fron gate after a man who was taking pictures....the man turned his back on the wild dog and the woman, leaving the puppies went flying after the door with what I assume was come here I was inside the courtyard and closer to the puppies than the man ….he left and I thought ..don't push your luck the dog was coming back toward the pupies and walked by me. I started toward the street when I heard growl and snarl and turned to see the dog lunging at me...I raised my right hand with the camera over my head and yelled get this dog... again she yelled something and started toward the dog and I started walking faster toward the street... when the dog was back ..teeth showing and lunging at me... his mouth hit my hand as my arm when I with my left hand moving to cover my face... snap growl and me yelling get this dog and hold him.. I am not sure what that meant in thai but the woman knew I was serious and a monk came over....again she called the dog and I turned and walked out of the

Wat.... I was really shaking... I think the woman was going to try to give/sellthe pups... but boy the mother dog was not interested in a foreign buyer...In fray...i got a scratch on my knuckle..but I think it might have been from my hand going up the second time, since I was almost pinned to the wall. I was shaking for a while...could have been a tan lab something... I don't blame the dog...but the woman should have the dog undercontrol... and another beautidul day in paradise. I was thinking....so glad I had a good breakfast of pancakes and fruit

Spirit houses in the field, in trees, in and on the ground.  Wwnt to the Cultural Center today...very interesting...it was the Britsh that cleaned out the teak...

I am so enjoying the food. Last night, I was not sure who was eating more, the mosquitos or myself. A lovely veggie stir fry and coconut veggie soup and mixed pineapple/mango fruit. I am making good use of the insomnia by learning more about my camera...so much to learn...I am glad to be a dummy...the book is very good. I made another 7/11 run and this time, I bought one beer, cups, and some nuts. It helps when I am watching the B movies in the evening before bed...so a beer and nuts help. I am finding that I see many folks with maps and I can be of help...at least I am not asking if they what to see a Wat...or two..by the way at last count there are 300 in Chaingmai.. I had a thought of getting up and getting going down to the donurt man...but I think is on my head ---- the dentist and how much this is going to hurt and how am I going to get some legal pain killers...etc.. so tomorrow after the two dentist apt I think I will go watch boxing so I can see that I am not alone. I find I am walking slower and looking at many things in a new way...I found the woman's prison for a massage but I did not get a good feeling..so back to One in a few days... I think my legs are starting to be less sore.. but boy when she is pressing her elbow into my butt...mmm I know I am shedding Karma. My shoulder is really pretty good...Today is oil day...I will get up showere, blog/call, pancakes...and then oil and market. I hope to have an early dinner at Our House... catch a street massage and then home to get up for the Dr. and dentist... I am finding that I am getting to places when there are few people...and just letting my life settle. I think the jet lag is more bonny lag...and like my camera..my focus is getting clearer... I have been on auto.... I am a long way from putting me back home....this feels like home. I am not going to Loas...I want to settle down and find myself without the task of slepping stuff. I found the dentist on the map...and if I am feeling good..I will spend time in that direction next week. I am going to do book a Visa run for the week of Feb 8th. Whatever I am doing..I will keep the room and use a backpack if I do an overnight at the elephants and 4 days of meditation. I picked out a colage of buddhas. There were in only two places...298 to go. My lodging will cost me about $500 for the trip. If I were to stay in a $45-60 a night that would 1500 more..so I am very happy with my room and staying put.

 

morning massage



One - the massage lady



I walked to the Dr this am...very short distance taking the back streets... apt on Thursday... I looked up the address for the dentist for Fri. and just hung out in the familiar part of town...went to the herb store for some good scrubing soap and had a terrific massage on the floor of the temple..  They all got up and came and hugged me... I had the massage from One... mmmmm and she asked about Monika..and life it good....and i am more relaxed every day.... no sand in my shoes.  The food is better than I remember.  I went looking for JoAnn's soo soo sorry 
bird and could not find him...but found the swinging Monk....I really enjoy my humor..

SAD DAY

I knew when I walked in  and there were no new items on the shelf and then sad little wife walked out of the office.  I got your e-mail but I just could not write to you.  We knew Mr Angle was ill.  Joe even asked on Travel Advisor if anyone had any word...  He was ill last year and then when they did a biopsy they found that he had cancer and it had spread to his bones.  She felt he had had it for a long time since he had such pain in his lower back.  Business has been very poor.  The Bangkok flood stopped tourest particually the ones that want good jewelry.  She wondered if I had been to see the Elephants since she  had told Michelle.  Her family is in the jewelry business and she hopes that her brother can make four elephants for me...but they sill not be the same.  Angel liked to polish the silver in a special way...we all know..use an eraser on the one side... so  we have collector items... I really felt sad leaving her.  I am happy that he is not suffering...but she is suffering.  He died around the 1st of Dec....

street vendor's puppy looking too escape

every one should have this
hair piece

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meals on wheels

This little guy was on the street walking about squeeking the vendor was buys vending..I stopped him from walking in the street

some people in 70's dress differently 

new room

the hot water tub

I know there is at least one of you that has said...lets send her money so she can get out of that place. Part of my trip is the game of it. How I can do what I want on what I have. I took a few gifts when I went west and it was terrific,.,I took a few tours that I would not have taken, In general...I am not going to think can I afford that...I am thinking do I need that. I have stayed in worse in BKK..but it is ok for a few nights. This room is just about what I saw when I stopped here last year...but it has a king size bed. I did not pay for AC...but ..I needed a blanket. The power went off for a little in the night..I know since I was up and thought I turned off the bathroom light...but turned on the overhead.

Living area

sleeping area

closetn

So here is the room...bigger than my livingroom.. bath is very large with a tub...the lights are on all the time and not regulated by the key...there are many plugs..so my computer is on..my batteries are charging in the bathroom shave plug and my phone and Ipod are on the refrigerator. I am off to breakfast..will walk to the doctors and get an apointment. I am pretty settled on just doing a visa run and spending my time here or maybe an overnight at the camp...but I will see Michelle next week and see what she things..

It is a great struggle to let go of struggling. Again..I am just letting my feet take me to the next step and not concerned about ..I should be doing something interesting or new or old or whatever. It is now 1 in the morning and I went to bed at 10 and woke up. I am not supper wide awake but I have observed myself well enough to know that if I get up and do something, it will be easier for me to get back to sleep;

Last I scribed I was sitting in the lobby of the smile.. Ok..the room was the economy, but travelling for 50 days I wanted to keep lodging to a low cost I think that room was about $10. When I go back for my last few days it will cost me $21 for a superior room..hopefully it will not be on the top floor since it is a walk up but out of the ground floor will probably give me less chance of sharing the room with a large “beetle”.

I had breakfast in a new place.. same same but different. The nice young woman sitting opposite had the musli and yogurt with fruit.. I am often thinking..what would Monika do..and she would do that. It is always to really look at “the road” in the day time. At night..it is just a buzz of vender's and folk partying.. but in day it is a collection of folded stands and sleepy people. Several times I have sharing a table with one folk having to leave not feeling well. The food is good..you don't get sick unless you are stupid and drink too much. The street Phat thai is the best..and I now know who had the best of the best.

I went to the cut through Wat and they were chanting and there were many Thai's buying incense etc. I did not go in, but walked about the grounds and school rooms. One woman bustled past me and went into an empty room, turned on a light and entered the classroom bathroom... she knows where to go...

As I was leaving, I heard the temple drums and went up some stairs to where a man was swinging a large covered wooden mallet BOOM BOOM.. he went from drum to drum...great sound..

I cleaned out of the room, did my internet and waited for the bus. I was happy I took the 1 bus since the traffic was busy and he did not take the expressway. We were smooshed in but got there. There was no one in line...but I had another awakening. I paid for and reserved the exit seat... I am over 65..so was put into 2F...Well as I will tell you... this old lady carried her duffle up 4 flights of stairs...(ok.. a young girl helped me. I had a bowl of curry and a beer at the airport and then hurried to the the airport only to find...Air Asia...just a little late.. maybe 5 min. We took off at 4:30 for a 3:45 flight.. The issue was that the Kristi house would keep my room until 6, The entire flight was a conversation.. there is nothing you can do..what will be will be etc.

I grabbed my bag and fled to the cabs...120 bhat... ok goooooo. He decided that he would take the Thape road and I KNEW the hotel was on the other end where the bookstore was.. so I ran the loooong block and when I entered, Mrs.Krisit...for want of a better word..was eating and said no room... I said I am Bonny....ok.. I put you in a nice room usually 400 but you don't need air so.. 300.

I will take pictures of the room...but I have a refrigerator and tv with many channels.. no TP but a nice towel.. no soap..but I will get some and a FIRM (Joe will know) king size bed.,,,for $9 a night She can arrange the slow boat, a mini van, a visa run... what more could I want. I went out for dinner and much to my surprise the little thai restaurant in the alley was open and I had a nice dinner with tea. I then walked to the 7/11 and bought TP and water... stopped at Starbucks for a fruit drink since I had to leave my beer...and back...there is an organic veggie place on the next corner toward the book stop.. and on that street.. and Irish pub, several nice restaurants etc...so it was an other beautiful day in Paradise.

I wanted to add the pic of the woman...there are copies of all types... archetypes, voices etc.This morning at 6, the  boys from next door  came in...they were whoop whooop and hail fellow well met.  About a half hr ago...one crawled out if his cave...he reaked of old beer and looked like his eyes hurt more than my feet after a long hike.  The beers are this woman's and it is her second group..;it is 11.  I must get organized for the bus...it is steamy 88 but steamy... so...time to go north... get to a home and settled...and more adventures...

an old phone booth now
plant

This was pedicure and manicure and Thai massage..full body this time.  I don't have a great deal of energy so I am content with being very easy.and just going with the flow. My observer was with me today and kept asking..so where are you going..and I kept responding..I'll know when  The toe polisher has a boyfriend in the US.. Californian.  She talked about him all the time..but I wonder if he will  think of here.  Toes and fingers 200 bhat...and hour massae 200, museum of Art...200  Ride to the airport..120..same same buf different.  Booked my bus for 1 tomorrow and  booked this hotel for my final days...and I stepped up to superior.  I am putting this picture in now and then wjll show the rest of the story tomorrow.  The biggest think I see here is how to make something out of nothing and nothing out of something.. The internet went down yesterday at this point and that was that.  I walked to my favorite restaurant and it was closed..but only for Sunday and I will eat there again.  I think I have had more jet lag this time or maybe it is that I have no need to keep moving.. I got home about 11:30 and was awake at 2..but really enjoyed my buddha book.  Got a scare last evening. when I called the Kristi..they said full..but she had a room for me and will hold it until 6...I get in at 5.  My eating has  been veggie but mixed cultures.  Pizza for dinner, rice soup with veggie for lunch and a banana samosa for desert.. fun.  I went to the Gallery yesterday...very sad little place...it aint the Louve.. I think one room at the MAG would fill it.  I looked around at dinner last night ans saw young people talking ego and party and the older couples not talking or snapping at each other.  Funny the same blabber that was great when they met is the same stuff that sounds stupid now.. My observer is helping me be kind to myself and also helping me not miss anything.  I am surprised at how few people have cameras..and how many smoke.  This morning Iam watching a frang..woman in her 40's who is having her 4th beer and smoking and having some great conversation with herself.  she had a wedding ring on and after looking for many to talk with her has moved on but has left her backpack. I suspect she is a regular and she has not finiehd the last been..so she will probably  be finding a bathroom.  it is 9:21am and 81 degrees.  My airport pickup for 130 will be here at 12:45 ...ah she is back withsmokes. and will talk with someone.. There is such a battle between ones real self and the self we create.  Real knows you are ok and don't need  to look for or find things from outside..praise, stuff, etc. and the created self had to reinvent itself to keep up who you thnk you are.  I know there must be some strong change if i am to live my real life.  I also know I need to do two writings.. a real and outside...and I while I don't enjoy writing what I am oblige to write..it is what helped me to write what I want to write....

  

PICTURES FROM SAT ON KHOSAN

HAT ON THE VENDOR

PICTURES FROM MY KHOSAN DAY.....

P

ANGRY EYES WITH TATOE

TREE ON BACK

RED AND PROUD

WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE

WOMAN WITH DOG..TAKE MY PIC

PRETEND GAGA

THAI BOXING SCHOOL

ALONE WITH A SMOOTHIE

WHY AM I STILL DRINKING

THAI WOMAN TALKING TO HERSELF

THE FAMILY

SHOE STACK AT A THAI RESTAURANT

I AM AN INTERESTING WOMAN

I SEE YOU WITH THAT CAMERA

I WON THE FIGHT BUT MY NOSE LOST

READING A BOOK ANYWHERE

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FORGOTTEN CHILD

I took an easy day.  I went out to see where I was last night and it had folded up like a butterfly. My Bar was now in against the Wat wall and the tables all folded and it became a motorcycle resting place. 

The Smile, Khosan, or whatever is a Sawadee chain hotel with much of the same furniture and bugs.  This morning I did take a leap when a very large...we can call it a June bug or a Texas roach scampered about the floor.  He went someplace so I moved everything to the bed.  I am reminded that they have lasted through the ice age etc..and so I spent little time looking.  My cheap...250a night..so that is less than $10 does not provide breakfast.  I did pay to eat.. the regular stuff..pale toast, small "American" coffee, two eggs fried square, and jelly.  If you have been with me on the journey..you know.  The folks here are all over the map in age etc.  Appears to be some German teachers, a farang with a Thai woman and what appears to be their child. And many blond this women who know how to dance to distant music.  I walked the length of Khosan today and took many pictures.  I will have to decide how I am going to do this.  I am a commercial Internet and it is taking 15 min. to load the few pictures that I have here.   I sorted and picked out about 10.. It is 8:45 and this place closes at 10...I can not do it. Also, the keyboard sounds like a broken down auto since I have to bang the keyboard for the shift... I will do this blog in parts.  Had a great facial. I was the only one in the room and she took a great deal of time.  I also burned off much Karma re pain.  I only cried a little.  You just can't help it when what feels like needled is poked into the tend spots on your little face. When I came from the facial, I saw a person sleeping on the street.  You don't see this that much.  I liked the wall. As I took the picture, I noted that I was not alone..and then saw these little eyes looking up at me...This is such a typical child face.  I am struggling...and so there are pictures.. but not exactly where I would like them... I crashed at 5 until 7:30....felt great..So now I am hungry and ready for some grub and more looking. When I get back to the smile.. I will try to put in my Khosan faces..  and another beautiful day in Paradise.  An here is to you Monika...first OJ from the woman who also does the laundry



an Ode to OJ



first night

I think of those that will be reading my blog...at least today I do..I have reason to believe that the more I shift into my now and away from there, the less there will be in my thoughts. So I will put down a few things that flew with me on the plane...The trip is strange...you are flying so fast into your tomorrow..it is now Saturday where I am ..or at least Sat am..and it is Friday after noon there. There is only an overhead light in the room and I really do not like overheads so no light in the room unless you leave the light on in the bathroom and keep a flashlight handy.

I found a new use for the tripod...there is no lock on the door from the inside.. You can see my duffle on the floor and it would take three duffles to go from one side of the room to the other... The sink has cold water and that is where you leave the toilet paper since the toilet/shower will make for wet paper. I can hear CDP saying not my kind of trip...but you are in the middle of things...

When I got here tonight, I found a cafe and blogged. Then my way home...I found a street foot massage for 90 bhat for ½ hr. I was surprised they were still at it at 1am... but by t time I was half way..all three women were working on me so they could go home. I then found “my bar” run by Noni who has a makeshift place with a cooler of beer etc. He got me a rodi with bananas and told me to come back. The large Chung was 60..about what is is at the 7/11. The folks that were there were 40 something folks having important conversation something arts...think they were French. so..in one night...internet...beer.....roti...and some soft Regge music...a good beginning.

Now...for those that want to read fun stories...stop here...I am talking to me for the next paragraph

Before I left I had a conversation about the cool scenes in the sex/bar area and then with the turkey farmer on the train...why else would you come around the world if it were not to go to a drunken orgy to celebrate the full moon. It is like a foreign language to me...I am not judging but it not how I will spend my time. I have been trying to figure why I have been so down lately. I know I have some sand in my shoes with an over involved community person who is micromanaging my projects...it makes it hard to walk..and takes energy not to just say...ok you do it. But what has been so draining are those that hang around and offer negative and cynical comments about what I am trying to do. I believe in what can be accomplished with coalitions and groups of people. While my days of sleeping in the park as a 99%er are over I see a window of opportunity to start to take on some projects that can improve our public realm. It will be neighbor to neighbor and not city hall or a few people who believe their own myth that they have been “elected” to lead.... Most of the folks in the trenches don't know you...or don't care to know you....it will be the folks that help people connect. Without connection, there is no pride...without pride...there is no interest in keeping things in order and you give up and get negative because you ight need to justify why you are not helping.

This trip is a focus trip...I will finish my commitment to the first phase of the community project...there will be a plan...then I will see where my focus is ...and it will not be to walk with sand in the shoes....it is time to soar....for I gave at the office. I have learned to smile at those that look at me and my travel and say...it must be nice...I paid..dearly but this is my choice. I like the solo journey.

Long day but lots of naps and I am actually feeling pretty good.  This is more of a letting you know that I am here and alive.  JFK is just that... The passengers on the flight almost all had jet back hair and spoke something Asian.  I sat between some folks going to the Philippines for a wedding.  The Asian veggie was the best I have had but I did get up and do some of the chi gong kicks in the isle for my little legs were crammed.  There was a very short stop in Korea.. I longingly looked at the Duncan Donuts as I ran the length of the Airport.. going from 70 on one floor to 48 on another was about 1/2 mile.. When I got there.. I had 10 min. before boarding.  This plan was smaller and I sat next to a turkey farmer from Toronto who will be in Asia for a month.. and his big goal is to really  enjoy the full moon ceremony.. if you don't know.. you can imagine.. and i hoped that he would remember.. but he said that it was the experience.....
I got through customs ok and they did not question that I have no idea when or where or how I will be leaving in 30 days....I will write down how much money I can get for I had to run the card several times.   Sadly the bus services has been cancelled.  I think I will try the skyway.. that will be an experience with a 45pound duffle and my back pack.  so I had to cab which was ok..although I had a metered cab that did not use the meter..so 500 baht..   the Smile hotel... with  cold water sink and a hot.cold toilet show.. and a very small room is located on an alley behind an alley...but   at midnight.. it was very quiet and the the front desk said.. first floor...he must have a grandmother.   I pushed the stuff around a little and it is now 1:18 and definitely time for a Chung...;).
The only event for me that will be long lasting is.. the bug spay.. at the last minute I put a swirt bottle into my toiletry stuff.. and now I can tell you ...nothing will be biting me regardless what I wear.   I took at the stuff out of the toiletry bag and sorted it on the floor after I washed it... and the other event.. Bonny...be mindful.. there is a foot step up to the sink/bath area.. and my vision did not notice.. so .. I examined the floor from close up and personal.   There is wifi in the lobby..so tomorrow I will do more...   i have turned off the connection for the phone.. but I got some messages today.. my room is $12 and the messages will be $24... love you all but you are not worth it.. use bonnywithy@gmail.com...   and now it begins and another beautiful day in paradise...b

Day before...


Tomorrow begins my fifth trip to Asia and the first that will be totally solo. Fifty days. While this is not the way I thought I would be travelling, my buddies kidneys decided to get stoned. The solo trip will leave me to my own ventures.

A few years ago, the night before I took my road trip to see the canyons , “I thought what are you doing?” I packed up my gear spread out my mattress and I motored down the highway in a 2003 Subaru with over 100,000 miles - solo. Finding the first Wal-Mart and then talking myself into sleeping was not easy. Ok I was not half way around the world, but I was on blue line roads by myself with everyone I know saying are you crazy.

As I looked at my last year, as Forest Gump would say..” life is just a box of chocolates”.. Some of my projects and adventures and life travelling companions have worked out as I thought they would and others have been a total surprise – the good the bad and the ugly.

One of the highlights of the year was that I was able to say, “this is not working for me” rather than try to figure out how I can keep doing something even if it is not pleasurable.

I am at a crossroad in my life and this trip is a very important part of taking a step back and away.. so that I can say to myself, “before you drive your car any farther down the path.. do you really want to be driving in that direction, in that car, with those people”. I have may few choices from a personal perspective and more often, taken on responsibility because someone should.

Every New Years Eve, I spend time in reflection. I use to sit at the Zen Center but my legs are not happy with the long sits and now I sit at home. In the evening, I walk about and see folks gather to share the New Year. One year, I stood on the corner with an old neighbor who had elected to isolate and looked at a house with most of the folks that I did project with during the year. He could tell I was really taking stock of the fact that I was outside and everyone was in. My corner partner has move on and hopeful is in a better place and I am still on the outside walking about looking in but things are changing for me.

This trip will be a reflection on how I can be selective in my life and make the last 10% of my time good for me.

Whatever happens, it will all be good. I feel very free and would really not feel too badly if I just kept walking. What I wanted to start in my community is going.. and it will either keep going or not. I have pretty good health, a small amount of money but enough.. and a belief that there are many solo adventures out there for me to see, reflect and photograph.

I leave totally accepting that NOW will take me to where I will not be standing outside wishing I was invited. I leave with my life companion and best friend. .. my full self.. and my adventure may take me here or there.. and I hope to come home with a greater knowledge of what works for me.. to be embraced and what doesn’t ,,,,to be released. If you would like to follow my journey.. come along.. and if not.. see you .. or not see you when I return.

Egocentric Karmic Conditioning

When I worked at the nursing home with the demented, they would often put on a persona that the family did not recognize. The daily communicant would be telling everyone to go to hell and trying to get into the bed of some unknown male resident, the person with the history of a barbed critical tongue could be crying and asking where they were supposed to be. The family would comment, “Where is my parent?” and would soon stop visiting for seeing this stranger was harder than the guilt of not being attentive. Often as they were leaving they would say.. “I know that she is in good hands, if you need anything, call me”

Putting down the playbook of the façade of yourself i.e. what you should be thinking and feeling, is a life long struggle with your egocentric karmic conditioning (EKC). When I am able to go naked without the EKC –just show up for life and take what is in front of me it feels like a cool mountain shower and your step is so light you can leap from building to building. Putting on and wearing the mantel of expectation, or fear of having someone see your authentic self, is exhausting and you find you are carrying the weight of someone else’s world.

There is a good and bad to my Asia thing. The good – I am more egoless when I am in an out of my familiar place by myself. The bad – I am finding it difficult getting there unless I am out of my familiar place by myself. I have had a glimpse of what it feels like to be without ego and now the real trick is to be there and have that, wherever you are or under any condition. Just when I was starting to feel like I was “getting it” and found I have a long way to go.

When I put on my mental meditation robe and hit the cushion, I sink into a mindful ego free state and watch the movie in my mind without judgment or expectation. When I am walking or working.. or even doing this spontaneous writing.. I am here now. I don’t reread it, edit, or have a daily theme.. it is just what is coming through me here and now. Sometimes I am stuck and sometimes I go where I have never been.. it is all good.

Last Saturday, when I got into my car to drive back from Buffalo, my egoless self was waiting and asked if she should drive because I did not appear old enough to drive at night, since there was a young girl sitting in the seat who could not remember the millions of terrific experiences and contributions that have been her life. My egoless self was concerned that my there and then would be distracting and I would not be present to drive down the highway. I turned and looked at the authentic me, shining without ego and after a long pause she said... “Who are you”? I knew I had to get back to just showing up to life or my shining self would say.. “I know that she is in good hands, if you need anything from me, call.”