Number 22

First a P. S. from last night's blog. After I finished last night's entry I sat outside to enjoy the beautiful night and to see the fireworks that were still being shot off (around midnight) in honor of the King's birthday. As I was sitting on the "porch" (there are 3 mini courtyards with outdoor chairs and/or tables situated around the house like little alcoves)) I saw what looked like a series of UFO's following each other slowly across the sky. There were about 10-12 of them and they were pretty bright. Andrew, Wendy's husband, stopped by to drop off a phone for me to take to her tomorrow and explained that they are lanterns that are lit and sent up into the air on holidays. They use the concept of lightweight construction and capturing the hot air as the candle burns. I think it's like the ones we used to make with big straws stapled in an "X" with birthday candles stuck in the straws and dry cleaning plastic on the top to catch and hold the hot air. They were really nice and I sat there for a good hour and must have seen at least 50 of them.

Today was another quiet day so I decided to "gird my loins" and finally ride the scooter. I wore a helmet and had a pretty fun ride. It shifts like a motorcycle but there's no clutch. And of course the controls are on the wrong sides. I have been wanting to ride it for awhile but the crazy driving had kept me from it. It actually wasn't so bad and I'd do it again as long as it was light out and the traffic wasn't too bad. (whenever that might be)

Did laundry today. Hung the clothes outside like a farmer's wife. Packed for tomorrow's trip which involved weighing the suitcase on our "big" scale because we're each allowed only 20 kilo's (44 pounds) and Bruce has us hauling half of the BABSEA house to the conference. We're being picked up by a taxi at 5:15 AM. I'm really excited about that...

I did the last of the speech revisions today. At least the last ones I'll do until I get to the Philippines and everyone I edited for tells me I changed their presentations and then I'll have to work directly with them under deadline. Oh well, that's why I get the big money.

It's very quiet with all the Singapore kids gone. Ella left today and she was the last one. The Lao, who have been doubled up in rooms, are happy and have already started moving. Today Sam asked me if Switzerland had a King. I said no, but he insisted he read in the Bangkok Post (Thai language version) that they did. He even saw a photo of the King of Switzerland with the article. So I googled it and sure enough they have no King. But Sam was not convinced so he got the paper. The King of Switzerland was black and dressed in native African garb. I had him read the article carefully and after about 15 minutes and discussions about Switzerland being on the ocean and in Africa, I was able to determine that he was talking about SWAZILAND. I showed him Swaziland and Switzerland on a Google map and we both had a good laugh. Dave came by and joined in the laughing which was enhanced by the fact that he had picked up and put on a British Bobbie's hat that someone had left here last night. Sam and Dave, they are the cutest!

Don't know what the internet situation is at the hotel or at the conference in the Philippines, but it is what it is and I'll respond accordingly. I guess I'm picking up on the laid back Thai way of looking at things. Couldn't hurt me to incorporate some of that into my life...

Did most of my computer work sitting out on the "porch" because it was warm and sunny and another good day in Chiang Mai.