Here is a test product video
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Audio Take 2
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Morning adventures in Chiang Mai and a hike
Bev and I tend to wake up early and like to go for a walk/bike ride in the old city of Chiang Mai when it is cool and there is not much traffic.
Last week we went for a morning bicycle ride. I recently bought a used bike and Bev is borrowing one for now. We did some exploring and came upon a temple we had wanted to visit since we did a tour at Chieng Mai City Arts and Cultural Museum. It is on Wualai street which used to be the center for the silver handicrafts and where the Saturday night walking market takes place. The temple is the Silver Temple - Wat Sriphan. Here are some pictures .... The ordination hall which is under construction was particularly interesting and was one of the few places where women could not enter.
Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
On Dec 7-8 we went with the hiking club to Doi Khun Tan which is between Lampun and Lampang, south of Chiang Mai. It is the 4th highest mountain in Thailand and we had visited and stayed there when we lived here 30+ years ago. In those days the only access to the mountain was a stop on the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Now there is a road part way up the mountain. There are bungalows for rent at the park, some owned by the Park and others by the Railway. However, we stayed at the old Christian missionary cabins that are now owned by Payap University. They are pretty basic bungalows, but the views are amazing and there is hot water and western-style toilets in the bungalows, so what more can one ask for?! The leader of the trip had written a nice book about the missionary bungalows and it was fun to go with her. It was a 6 kilometer (4 mile hike) to our bungalow - not a difficult hike as the trail was very good and ascended steadily, but not steeply. We took the 2 hr train ride from Chiang Mai to the starting point and it took about 2 hrs to reach the cabins. Once we had lunch we continued on to the peak to see the view which was not great as it was a hazy day. One nice thing was our luggage was taken up by a porter for about 15 cents a pound so there was little incentive to carry it up! It was carried by a motorcycle lest you think we loaded down some poor guy with our bags!
Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
Finally, here are some pictures of our walk on Dec 10th to the southern gate called Chiang Mai gate where we like to buy fruit. On the way we stopped at a Rice/Curry shop for some breakfast. There are so many funky and pretty sights and sounds that we run into! Another thing that I find fun is photographing the many contrasting sights - ancient temples with satellite dishes and loud speakers, Oreo Blizard ice cream/coffee shop, funky entrances to houses etc. Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
We were walking by Wat Pan Waen and heard chanting and went in ....
As you can see we have had much more time this year to tour and explore which is what volunteers should do :-) We are still working towards getting the sand filters manufactured and as Rita arrives tomorrow I am sure we will be busier once she arrives.
Last week we went for a morning bicycle ride. I recently bought a used bike and Bev is borrowing one for now. We did some exploring and came upon a temple we had wanted to visit since we did a tour at Chieng Mai City Arts and Cultural Museum. It is on Wualai street which used to be the center for the silver handicrafts and where the Saturday night walking market takes place. The temple is the Silver Temple - Wat Sriphan. Here are some pictures .... The ordination hall which is under construction was particularly interesting and was one of the few places where women could not enter.
Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
On Dec 7-8 we went with the hiking club to Doi Khun Tan which is between Lampun and Lampang, south of Chiang Mai. It is the 4th highest mountain in Thailand and we had visited and stayed there when we lived here 30+ years ago. In those days the only access to the mountain was a stop on the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Now there is a road part way up the mountain. There are bungalows for rent at the park, some owned by the Park and others by the Railway. However, we stayed at the old Christian missionary cabins that are now owned by Payap University. They are pretty basic bungalows, but the views are amazing and there is hot water and western-style toilets in the bungalows, so what more can one ask for?! The leader of the trip had written a nice book about the missionary bungalows and it was fun to go with her. It was a 6 kilometer (4 mile hike) to our bungalow - not a difficult hike as the trail was very good and ascended steadily, but not steeply. We took the 2 hr train ride from Chiang Mai to the starting point and it took about 2 hrs to reach the cabins. Once we had lunch we continued on to the peak to see the view which was not great as it was a hazy day. One nice thing was our luggage was taken up by a porter for about 15 cents a pound so there was little incentive to carry it up! It was carried by a motorcycle lest you think we loaded down some poor guy with our bags!
Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
Finally, here are some pictures of our walk on Dec 10th to the southern gate called Chiang Mai gate where we like to buy fruit. On the way we stopped at a Rice/Curry shop for some breakfast. There are so many funky and pretty sights and sounds that we run into! Another thing that I find fun is photographing the many contrasting sights - ancient temples with satellite dishes and loud speakers, Oreo Blizard ice cream/coffee shop, funky entrances to houses etc. Remember to click on the bottom of the slide show to make the transitions faster.
We were walking by Wat Pan Waen and heard chanting and went in ....
As you can see we have had much more time this year to tour and explore which is what volunteers should do :-) We are still working towards getting the sand filters manufactured and as Rita arrives tomorrow I am sure we will be busier once she arrives.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Visit to Ban Pong Hi to find sand and deliver rice
On Nov 24th we drove to Ban Pong Hi to take a GPS and a map to get one of the Lahu villagers to search for suitable sand for the Bio sand filters. The plan was to return the same day. Annie and Resa went with Bev and I. Since Kids Ark had received some money for donating rice to four families affected by HIV/AIDS we also decided to buy 8 bags of rice and deliver them that day. We left Resa off in Fang to order a loom so the villagers could do wider weaving. We bought the rice in Fang. One bag, about 20 quarts of rice, cost 850 baht for old rice and 750 baht for new harvest rice. We learned that old rice expands more and tastes better and hence the higher price. We then went on to Ban Pong Hi to meet with Sila and the villager that was going to do the search. You can zoom in or out to see where it is located with respect to Chiang Mai and the Burmese border. The tall mountain at about 2 o'clock from the marker is where we eventually drove to. More on that later in the blog....
View Ban Pong Hi Village in a larger map
When we arrived neither Sila nor the villager were there so we went to get lunch as we were told Sila would return after lunch. The villagers were planning a ceremony to pray for the well being of the king the next day so there were a lot of people doing preparations etc. Finally we sat down with Sila and the villager and went over the plan to look for suitable sand, how to preliminarily inspect the sand with a magnifying glass and what characteristics we were looking for. We had printed out a map of the area and following the advice of a geologist we showed him where to look, how to collect samples and mark the bags with the number from the GPS. We gave him 4 days at $6/day plus paying for gas. Believe it or not that was a good days pay! Once we finished the training we headed out to deliver the rice. One village Mae Hang is 4 kilometers (2.5mi) closer to Burma on a pretty bad road. One section is so steep they have a concrete surface but the rest could sure use it too! KA has a project to pay for the transportation to Ban Pong Hi for the kids from this village of about 50 homes to attend school. Most homes seem to have solar cells for some power, but I didn't have time to investigate the water and sanitation situation as we had other villages to visit.
We had plans to deliver rice to four families, all living in different villages, but after our trip to the next village we had to abort mission, as the trip to the next village took such a long time and we had to drive back to CM.
This village is located high up in the mountains and whenever we visited Ban Pong Hi we had seen this village and had always wanted to visit it. Getting there was quite an exciting trip - the road was a dirt road, very, very steep and also deeply rutted. Several times along the way Sila and Bev had to come out of the truck to help me navigate the ruts. The scenery was magnificent. Once we arrived in the village I was told that that road is hardly ever used nowadays and that there was a better one to use!
Here are some pictures....
(remember click on the bottom of the slide to have the slides transition faster)
PS Update on the search for suitable sand: we think we have found a source; our next step is to actually use the sand in a filter and test it. More to follow in the next blog; I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed!
View Ban Pong Hi Village in a larger map
When we arrived neither Sila nor the villager were there so we went to get lunch as we were told Sila would return after lunch. The villagers were planning a ceremony to pray for the well being of the king the next day so there were a lot of people doing preparations etc. Finally we sat down with Sila and the villager and went over the plan to look for suitable sand, how to preliminarily inspect the sand with a magnifying glass and what characteristics we were looking for. We had printed out a map of the area and following the advice of a geologist we showed him where to look, how to collect samples and mark the bags with the number from the GPS. We gave him 4 days at $6/day plus paying for gas. Believe it or not that was a good days pay! Once we finished the training we headed out to deliver the rice. One village Mae Hang is 4 kilometers (2.5mi) closer to Burma on a pretty bad road. One section is so steep they have a concrete surface but the rest could sure use it too! KA has a project to pay for the transportation to Ban Pong Hi for the kids from this village of about 50 homes to attend school. Most homes seem to have solar cells for some power, but I didn't have time to investigate the water and sanitation situation as we had other villages to visit.
We had plans to deliver rice to four families, all living in different villages, but after our trip to the next village we had to abort mission, as the trip to the next village took such a long time and we had to drive back to CM.
This village is located high up in the mountains and whenever we visited Ban Pong Hi we had seen this village and had always wanted to visit it. Getting there was quite an exciting trip - the road was a dirt road, very, very steep and also deeply rutted. Several times along the way Sila and Bev had to come out of the truck to help me navigate the ruts. The scenery was magnificent. Once we arrived in the village I was told that that road is hardly ever used nowadays and that there was a better one to use!
Here are some pictures....
(remember click on the bottom of the slide to have the slides transition faster)
PS Update on the search for suitable sand: we think we have found a source; our next step is to actually use the sand in a filter and test it. More to follow in the next blog; I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
10,000 monks make merit for Tom's birthday ?
Early on the morning of Nov 27th 10,000 monks, and many more people, gathered to make merit for the health of the king on Nimmanhemin road here in Chiang Mai. This is the second year for this event and it was quite a scene! There were a lot of signs all over town advertising the gathering, and we wondered if this was an answer to some recent big Christian prayer events, promoted mainly by a Korean church group.
The signs said it would start at 6:07am so we arrived around 5:45am expecting to see a line of 10,000 monks and people lined up to "give alms". In Thailand it is a tradition to give food to monks who walk early each morning through the streets throughout the country. It is considered good Karma to provide food to monks. They collect food in their alms bowls and have breakfast and lunch from the food collected. They don't eat after the noon meal for the rest of the day. In this case some of the food was for the monks, and the rest was collected to send to the south where there are terrible floods. Much of the food was not fresh for that reason. We had intended to just watch as we did not bring food, but once we were there it was apparent that there was lots of food to buy and offer so we decided to sit down and wait for the procession. After sitting on the concrete street for 3 hours the 10,000 monks did show, and it was quite a spectacle as there were 8 lines of monks stretching the length of Nimmanhemin as well as 4 lines of people offering food, of which we were part. Not sure what the 6:07am time referred to since we had to listen to innumerable speeches and prayers and watch soldiers spread plastic bags to collect the huge amount of food. Eventually the food was offered to the monks and we all went home. At least they were armed with rolls of plastic bags and what a great use for a soldier! (Obama are you listening?) It was probably 60 degrees and you will see people look like they are dressed for a NH winter but that is how cold it feels to them.
Here are some photos: Click at the bottom of the slide with your mouse to speed up the slides.
The video that follows shows the monks procession. Watch all the different styles of robes, alms bowls and monks and people!
Here is a blog of another "gentleman" in Chiang Mai that had some good pictures too.
http://krabbyken.blogspot.com/2009/11/monks-are-coming-10000-but-whos.html
The signs said it would start at 6:07am so we arrived around 5:45am expecting to see a line of 10,000 monks and people lined up to "give alms". In Thailand it is a tradition to give food to monks who walk early each morning through the streets throughout the country. It is considered good Karma to provide food to monks. They collect food in their alms bowls and have breakfast and lunch from the food collected. They don't eat after the noon meal for the rest of the day. In this case some of the food was for the monks, and the rest was collected to send to the south where there are terrible floods. Much of the food was not fresh for that reason. We had intended to just watch as we did not bring food, but once we were there it was apparent that there was lots of food to buy and offer so we decided to sit down and wait for the procession. After sitting on the concrete street for 3 hours the 10,000 monks did show, and it was quite a spectacle as there were 8 lines of monks stretching the length of Nimmanhemin as well as 4 lines of people offering food, of which we were part. Not sure what the 6:07am time referred to since we had to listen to innumerable speeches and prayers and watch soldiers spread plastic bags to collect the huge amount of food. Eventually the food was offered to the monks and we all went home. At least they were armed with rolls of plastic bags and what a great use for a soldier! (Obama are you listening?) It was probably 60 degrees and you will see people look like they are dressed for a NH winter but that is how cold it feels to them.
Here are some photos: Click at the bottom of the slide with your mouse to speed up the slides.
The video that follows shows the monks procession. Watch all the different styles of robes, alms bowls and monks and people!
Here is a blog of another "gentleman" in Chiang Mai that had some good pictures too.
http://krabbyken.blogspot.com/2009/11/monks-are-coming-10000-but-whos.html
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Around Chiang Mai Nov 2009 and trip to Elephant Roundup
This is a major "catch up" post. So much is going on that we are too tired to write and arrange pictures and videos when we get back home!
About a week ago we drove from Chiang Mai to Surin. We took 4 days to drive from Chiang Mai in the northwest to Surin in the northeast (about 600 miles ) and drove back in one long day of 12+ hrs! The first slide in the photos below shows our route. The roads are quite good - not like US interstate highways but at the beginning they are 4 lanes and good surfaces. However, when you get into the mountains it gets slower and the roads have quite tight curves to navigate and are much steeper than the roads in the US. We decided to take several days to get to Surin so as to stop and do sight-seeing along the way and to be able to do fun things like stopping to buy a kite or to take pictures along the way.
Our first stop was Phrae which is an old town but is now quite developed and not particularly interesting except for 2 temples, Wat Luang in town and Wat Pratat Chohae about a mile out of town. I am always amazed by the beauty of the temples, in contrast to the modern concrete shop houses and buildings. From there we went to Phitsanulok for the night and visited a favorite restaurant - the Flying Vegetable Restaurant. See the videos to see the action....... We visited some "touristic" villages that were too touristy for our tastes. The pottery in the second village was supposed to be very interesting but ......
One of the most interesting places we visited was the mountain hold out, Phu Hin Rong Kla, of the Thai Communist Party. The Communist Party was not defeated until the early 1980's so while we lived here it was quite scary at times, not for our own personal safety but that the communists might succeed at some point because the government was not taking care of the poor people in the countryside. The mountain is quite steep and the museum at the top describes the many times the Thai army tried and failed to take over the area. The drive up and down the mountain was very steep with lots and lots of sharp hair pin turns and some amazing views.
Our last night before arriving in Surin we stayed in a nice guesthouse in a small town called Nang Rong so that we could visit two Khmer ruins dating back to the 10th - 13th C. Phanom Rung, our first stop, is situated on a small extinct volcano and faces east towards the original Angkor capital. It took the Thais 17 years to restore the site and there are some nice examples of that period, but Angkor Wat is much more impressive. From there we went down to the valley and visited Muang Dum which means "low city". It was the evening and the surrounding garden and pools made for some beautiful scenes. Both of the temple complexes were constructed for the worship of Shiva and Vishnu and what remains of the iconography depict them from various stories. At that time the Khmer Empire stretched east into what is now part of Thailand.
Here are some pictures from the trip. Some videos which do better at capturing the elephants will be later in the blog. To make the slides go faster place the mouse over the show and click the arrow.
And now we present the "Flying Vegetable Restaurant"
Here are the pictures from a weaving village near Surin and lots of elephants! We arrived in Surin on Friday morning and had tickets for events on Friday night and Sunday morning. We checked into our hotel and went out to visit some nearby villages. To make the slides go faster place the mouse over the show and click the arrow.
Most of the mahouts and elephants come from villages around Surin and Buriram. Some villages in the area specialize in the raising of elephants. They get paid about $ 100 to participate in the event, and then they make money selling food for us to feed the elephants and giving rides. Many of the mahouts I talked to had walked up to 4 days to get to Surin. The elephant round up was fun and well-organized, and if you like elephants where else in the world can you see more than 200 gathered at one time? The show was good, but it was even more fun to see the elephants in the streets amongst the tuk-tuks/motor-cycles/rick-shaws etc. threading their way looking totally unconcerned, and so were the other drivers looking as if this was a usual event. We sat eating dinner while feeding the elephants sugar-cane and offering their mahouts something to drink. We had lunch at a restaurant whose owner liked elephants as well, so every elephant that passed by, stopped, was given sugar-cane to eat, and water to drink, and in some cases was hosed down. The Thais love elephants as well and go for rides as much as the farangs (foreigners). One thing the city has to do every day and night is clean up the HUGE amount of shit on the streets. The output is prodigious!
Here is the videos of the "show"
About a week ago we drove from Chiang Mai to Surin. We took 4 days to drive from Chiang Mai in the northwest to Surin in the northeast (about 600 miles ) and drove back in one long day of 12+ hrs! The first slide in the photos below shows our route. The roads are quite good - not like US interstate highways but at the beginning they are 4 lanes and good surfaces. However, when you get into the mountains it gets slower and the roads have quite tight curves to navigate and are much steeper than the roads in the US. We decided to take several days to get to Surin so as to stop and do sight-seeing along the way and to be able to do fun things like stopping to buy a kite or to take pictures along the way.
Our first stop was Phrae which is an old town but is now quite developed and not particularly interesting except for 2 temples, Wat Luang in town and Wat Pratat Chohae about a mile out of town. I am always amazed by the beauty of the temples, in contrast to the modern concrete shop houses and buildings. From there we went to Phitsanulok for the night and visited a favorite restaurant - the Flying Vegetable Restaurant. See the videos to see the action....... We visited some "touristic" villages that were too touristy for our tastes. The pottery in the second village was supposed to be very interesting but ......
One of the most interesting places we visited was the mountain hold out, Phu Hin Rong Kla, of the Thai Communist Party. The Communist Party was not defeated until the early 1980's so while we lived here it was quite scary at times, not for our own personal safety but that the communists might succeed at some point because the government was not taking care of the poor people in the countryside. The mountain is quite steep and the museum at the top describes the many times the Thai army tried and failed to take over the area. The drive up and down the mountain was very steep with lots and lots of sharp hair pin turns and some amazing views.
Our last night before arriving in Surin we stayed in a nice guesthouse in a small town called Nang Rong so that we could visit two Khmer ruins dating back to the 10th - 13th C. Phanom Rung, our first stop, is situated on a small extinct volcano and faces east towards the original Angkor capital. It took the Thais 17 years to restore the site and there are some nice examples of that period, but Angkor Wat is much more impressive. From there we went down to the valley and visited Muang Dum which means "low city". It was the evening and the surrounding garden and pools made for some beautiful scenes. Both of the temple complexes were constructed for the worship of Shiva and Vishnu and what remains of the iconography depict them from various stories. At that time the Khmer Empire stretched east into what is now part of Thailand.
Here are some pictures from the trip. Some videos which do better at capturing the elephants will be later in the blog. To make the slides go faster place the mouse over the show and click the arrow.
And now we present the "Flying Vegetable Restaurant"
Here are the pictures from a weaving village near Surin and lots of elephants! We arrived in Surin on Friday morning and had tickets for events on Friday night and Sunday morning. We checked into our hotel and went out to visit some nearby villages. To make the slides go faster place the mouse over the show and click the arrow.
Most of the mahouts and elephants come from villages around Surin and Buriram. Some villages in the area specialize in the raising of elephants. They get paid about $ 100 to participate in the event, and then they make money selling food for us to feed the elephants and giving rides. Many of the mahouts I talked to had walked up to 4 days to get to Surin. The elephant round up was fun and well-organized, and if you like elephants where else in the world can you see more than 200 gathered at one time? The show was good, but it was even more fun to see the elephants in the streets amongst the tuk-tuks/motor-cycles/rick-shaws etc. threading their way looking totally unconcerned, and so were the other drivers looking as if this was a usual event. We sat eating dinner while feeding the elephants sugar-cane and offering their mahouts something to drink. We had lunch at a restaurant whose owner liked elephants as well, so every elephant that passed by, stopped, was given sugar-cane to eat, and water to drink, and in some cases was hosed down. The Thais love elephants as well and go for rides as much as the farangs (foreigners). One thing the city has to do every day and night is clean up the HUGE amount of shit on the streets. The output is prodigious!
Here is the videos of the "show"
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
30th wedding anniversary surprise
Nov 7th was our 30th wedding anniversary and we have never made a big deal about anniversaries and have even forgotten them a few times with no negative consequences.
However, having a woman put up with me for over 30 years seemed worthy of celebrating her courage and patience! So before we left the US I decided to book a room at the Four Seasons Resort just north or Chiang Mai. It is supposed to be the BEST accommodations and restaurants and after staying there it sure is. Keeping a secret from Beverly is VERY hard and so covering my tracks became an obsession. Once I reserved the room I realized she would see a charge on the credit card so I called Thailand and ask our friend Siriporn to confirm I reserved a room for her as they wouldn't accept her credit card. Then told Bev of the situation and she responded "that is really weird". So I had to elaborate on how the resort refused to take a Thai credit card etc. One bullet ducked....
The next challenge was to convince her were were going away for the weekend to celebrate and the destination was to be Chieng Rai which is about 3 hrs north. Since we could not check in until noon and the resort was really only 12 miles north of Chiang Mai I had to come up with lots of delaying tactics. The night before she had insisted we go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary so when I asked her to bring nice clothes to go out again the next night I got a fair amount of push back about eating our too much etc but I persisted and she packed some "nice" clothes.
So, Saturday morning came and I needed to kill time until noon. The resort was willing to allow an early check-in of noon instead of 3 PM. I kept finding things to do and prepare in order to kill time and she kept asking why I was dragging my feet and not leaving much earlier than we would normally depart. Of course I explained that we had no need to hurry and no appointments etc...... There were some funny moments when she noticed we were actually on the wrong road to Chieng Rai and I made up a lame excuse that I wanted to go by the villages we support even though it was out of the way. Also she was reading a brochure for resorts in Chieng Rai and spotted one that looked very nice but made the comment that we should not stay there as it was too expensive. (I'm sure it would have been less than the Four Seasons but I agreed with her sentiments)
The resort was incredible they heard it was our 30th anniversary they gave us an upgraded room Upper Terrace Pavilion and a complementary bottle of wine. The staff was very well trained and just very nice and easy. It was luxurious but very tasteful and comfortable!
Here are some pictures of the room and surroundings..
Just fore the fun if it I took a time lapse video of the sun rising over the rice paddies and a walk through the room:
All in all a very successful surprise event!
However, having a woman put up with me for over 30 years seemed worthy of celebrating her courage and patience! So before we left the US I decided to book a room at the Four Seasons Resort just north or Chiang Mai. It is supposed to be the BEST accommodations and restaurants and after staying there it sure is. Keeping a secret from Beverly is VERY hard and so covering my tracks became an obsession. Once I reserved the room I realized she would see a charge on the credit card so I called Thailand and ask our friend Siriporn to confirm I reserved a room for her as they wouldn't accept her credit card. Then told Bev of the situation and she responded "that is really weird". So I had to elaborate on how the resort refused to take a Thai credit card etc. One bullet ducked....
The next challenge was to convince her were were going away for the weekend to celebrate and the destination was to be Chieng Rai which is about 3 hrs north. Since we could not check in until noon and the resort was really only 12 miles north of Chiang Mai I had to come up with lots of delaying tactics. The night before she had insisted we go out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary so when I asked her to bring nice clothes to go out again the next night I got a fair amount of push back about eating our too much etc but I persisted and she packed some "nice" clothes.
So, Saturday morning came and I needed to kill time until noon. The resort was willing to allow an early check-in of noon instead of 3 PM. I kept finding things to do and prepare in order to kill time and she kept asking why I was dragging my feet and not leaving much earlier than we would normally depart. Of course I explained that we had no need to hurry and no appointments etc...... There were some funny moments when she noticed we were actually on the wrong road to Chieng Rai and I made up a lame excuse that I wanted to go by the villages we support even though it was out of the way. Also she was reading a brochure for resorts in Chieng Rai and spotted one that looked very nice but made the comment that we should not stay there as it was too expensive. (I'm sure it would have been less than the Four Seasons but I agreed with her sentiments)
The resort was incredible they heard it was our 30th anniversary they gave us an upgraded room Upper Terrace Pavilion and a complementary bottle of wine. The staff was very well trained and just very nice and easy. It was luxurious but very tasteful and comfortable!
Here are some pictures of the room and surroundings..
Just fore the fun if it I took a time lapse video of the sun rising over the rice paddies and a walk through the room:
All in all a very successful surprise event!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sunday morning walk
We have been back in Chiang Mai, Thailand for almost a week and are almost adjusted to the time difference. Some days it seemed we were OK and then the next morning we were up at 3 am! Today we went for a morning walk, a tradition we have in the US, and want to do more often here. It was 2.75 miles and we stopped for some breakfast - Thai curry :-) and then went into a temple called Wat Suan Dok where we heard some chanting. Here is the route we took.
Here are some pictures that we took along the way. Some are fun language malfunctions or what I call Thaiglish..
Click here to see some more pictures (not mine) and info about Wat Suan Dok
Our evening started with a massage and then a walk through the Sunday night market and then the celebrations at Tapae gate.
Here are some pictures that we took along the way. Some are fun language malfunctions or what I call Thaiglish..
Click here to see some more pictures (not mine) and info about Wat Suan Dok
Our evening started with a massage and then a walk through the Sunday night market and then the celebrations at Tapae gate.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Confused and Afraid in America
According to what I hear from the US media, I'm supposed to be very confused and worried about the health care proposals from President Obama. What worries me is that I'm not confused about the health care proposal from President Obama; it seems simple! Of course, if people are confused, then they are likely to be worried, but why are people so confused?
The simple answer is that the press is not doing its job. Instead it is willing to allow politicians and citizens to grandstand and tell lies (read “spin”). The media print editorials full of political blatant distortions and outright lies, broadcast speeches that also contain fabricated problems and create confusion. If a well-known person gives a speech and it distorts the subject, should this be broadcast? If I write an editorial and distort the facts, should it be printed? Expressing an opinion is one thing, but outright lies are another!
Perhaps from the point of view of the US press it's much easier and less expensive to just broadcast or print anything that is submitted or spoken, but that is not the purpose of the media. If you are a propaganda arm of the government or a particular political party, simply parroting what you are told is fine. But isn’t the job of the Fourth Estate to clarify, not obscure? Isn’t your job to filter out the lies and distortions and expose them?
So why is something so simple like "the public option" not explained as just an "option"? I want to read and hear editorials and speeches that clarify and enlighten, not confuse and create fear.
When I listened to President Obama’s speech about health care, I understood what I heard and I understand what I want: the option to buy into Medicare as my insurance. Although the president made it clear we can pay for health care reform by cost savings (or he will cut costs if we don’t) , I would even accept dramatically reducing our bloated military spending to pay for it., Yes, I am willing to risk a Taliban terrorist in Afghanistan coming to attack me so I can go to a hospital without going bankrupt.
I will gladly take that chance for a healthy future for myself, my children and my grandchildren.
The simple answer is that the press is not doing its job. Instead it is willing to allow politicians and citizens to grandstand and tell lies (read “spin”). The media print editorials full of political blatant distortions and outright lies, broadcast speeches that also contain fabricated problems and create confusion. If a well-known person gives a speech and it distorts the subject, should this be broadcast? If I write an editorial and distort the facts, should it be printed? Expressing an opinion is one thing, but outright lies are another!
Perhaps from the point of view of the US press it's much easier and less expensive to just broadcast or print anything that is submitted or spoken, but that is not the purpose of the media. If you are a propaganda arm of the government or a particular political party, simply parroting what you are told is fine. But isn’t the job of the Fourth Estate to clarify, not obscure? Isn’t your job to filter out the lies and distortions and expose them?
So why is something so simple like "the public option" not explained as just an "option"? I want to read and hear editorials and speeches that clarify and enlighten, not confuse and create fear.
When I listened to President Obama’s speech about health care, I understood what I heard and I understand what I want: the option to buy into Medicare as my insurance. Although the president made it clear we can pay for health care reform by cost savings (or he will cut costs if we don’t) , I would even accept dramatically reducing our bloated military spending to pay for it., Yes, I am willing to risk a Taliban terrorist in Afghanistan coming to attack me so I can go to a hospital without going bankrupt.
I will gladly take that chance for a healthy future for myself, my children and my grandchildren.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Google Voice Phone Number for Tom and Bev
Click the icon below and enter your name (required) and
your number then Google Voice will call you and connect
that call to me toll free. (US only :-)
your number then Google Voice will call you and connect
that call to me toll free. (US only :-)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Iran - the return trip
This Blog is "under construction" I will be adding content and comments.
today I am adding a VERY big slide show at the bottom, 6/20/09
Many photos and pictures ...
Land Area three times the size of France
Population: 70 Million two thirds under 30 years old
Singing in Esfahan under the Kaju Bridge
Zoroastrian Temple Prayer in Esfahan
Our tour educator Holly Pittman and Amin (in action - just to give you a feel of how we were "educated" along the way)
Holly:
Amin:
Click Here to watch then MSNBC Dateline report
Here is a picture of a mosque in Esfahan where we will visit during the second week
Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahan
today I am adding a VERY big slide show at the bottom, 6/20/09
Many photos and pictures ...
Land Area three times the size of France
Population: 70 Million two thirds under 30 years old
Singing in Esfahan under the Kaju Bridge
Zoroastrian Temple Prayer in Esfahan
Our tour educator Holly Pittman and Amin (in action - just to give you a feel of how we were "educated" along the way)
Holly:
Amin:
Click Here to watch then MSNBC Dateline report
Here is a picture of a mosque in Esfahan where we will visit during the second week
Sheikh Lotfallah Mosque in Isfahan
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Emma's visit to NH - Final Chapter
Well Grandpa and Granny took me to Glastonbury to meet Mom and Dad - I was so-o-o happy to see them, though I did have a great time in NH.
Bye for now!
Grandpa wants to add something to MY blog!
Well, we are empty nesters again. I have to say it was fun and tiring. It is so interesting to see Emma develop her speaking skills and her personality changes. She is so adventurous and wants to test her limits physically all the time.
That evening I asked Bev if she want to play with blocks or color.......
It's sure quiet here!
Tom and Bev
Bye for now!
Grandpa wants to add something to MY blog!
Well, we are empty nesters again. I have to say it was fun and tiring. It is so interesting to see Emma develop her speaking skills and her personality changes. She is so adventurous and wants to test her limits physically all the time.
That evening I asked Bev if she want to play with blocks or color.......
It's sure quiet here!
Tom and Bev
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Emma's visit to NH - Chapt 8
Well today I only slept until 6:30AM and Grandpa Westy came for me because Granny B went for a walk. Egg and toast for breakfast was a nice change.
After lunch we went to the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival in Hopkinton, NH.
We saw lots of sheep and alpacas. I really did not like to listen to the baby sheep crying! We watched how sheep dogs herd sheep, though I was far more interested in picking up rocks! We had some awesome junk food and saw lots of people spinning.
You can see some of the fine establishments we got our food from in the pictures.
Here are some pictures....
After lunch we went to the New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival in Hopkinton, NH.
We saw lots of sheep and alpacas. I really did not like to listen to the baby sheep crying! We watched how sheep dogs herd sheep, though I was far more interested in picking up rocks! We had some awesome junk food and saw lots of people spinning.
You can see some of the fine establishments we got our food from in the pictures.
Here are some pictures....
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Emma's visit to NH - Chapt 7
May 7-8
To all my fans who read my blog as soon as they wake up I am so sorry that I have not written for a few days, but my secretary (Grandpa) was busy with meetings.
Well, Jan left on Thursday and I don't know whom I am going to teach how to play ball, though she is a little lazy. If I don't throw the ball straight to her she does not want to go and get it, so I have to get up and get the ball. But she is nice to play with me whenever I ask her, so I should not complain.
Now I also know how to get the ball when it rolls under the couch by sliding on my tummy. Grandpa says he is going to put rags on me to clean the floor - he thinks he is so funny?
These past 2 days it has been really yucky weather with lots of rain, so I have not been able to play outside for long, though I do go for a walk with Granny to the garden and then Grandpa comes and takes me home on his segway. I also get a lot of exercise by taking long trips around the house - I have my luggage (Doggy and Camel in a basket) - and Grandpa tells me which country to visit. I have been to Costa Rica (I think that is where Mommy and Daddy are), NYC to visit A.Marisa, Cincinnati and lots of other places that I cannot remember them all.
Yesterday between the rain showers Grandpa took me to the Hancock playground so I could play on the slide which I was really looking forward to doing, but it started raining so when I tried a quick "run" I was like a wet mop :-(
So we had to go home, but then Granny had me take a bath with bubbles, which is one of the other things I really like to do.
Grandpa Westy taught me how to answer all those people that keep asking "how old are you?" and he took a video to show you how well I do.
Tonight Grandpa cooked fried rice with tofu, celery, broccoli, and carrots and I ate everything!
Some pictures from May 7 and 8 below
I can't believe it but I will see Mom and Dad in just a few days! I can't wait!
To all my fans who read my blog as soon as they wake up I am so sorry that I have not written for a few days, but my secretary (Grandpa) was busy with meetings.
Well, Jan left on Thursday and I don't know whom I am going to teach how to play ball, though she is a little lazy. If I don't throw the ball straight to her she does not want to go and get it, so I have to get up and get the ball. But she is nice to play with me whenever I ask her, so I should not complain.
Now I also know how to get the ball when it rolls under the couch by sliding on my tummy. Grandpa says he is going to put rags on me to clean the floor - he thinks he is so funny?
These past 2 days it has been really yucky weather with lots of rain, so I have not been able to play outside for long, though I do go for a walk with Granny to the garden and then Grandpa comes and takes me home on his segway. I also get a lot of exercise by taking long trips around the house - I have my luggage (Doggy and Camel in a basket) - and Grandpa tells me which country to visit. I have been to Costa Rica (I think that is where Mommy and Daddy are), NYC to visit A.Marisa, Cincinnati and lots of other places that I cannot remember them all.
Yesterday between the rain showers Grandpa took me to the Hancock playground so I could play on the slide which I was really looking forward to doing, but it started raining so when I tried a quick "run" I was like a wet mop :-(
So we had to go home, but then Granny had me take a bath with bubbles, which is one of the other things I really like to do.
Grandpa Westy taught me how to answer all those people that keep asking "how old are you?" and he took a video to show you how well I do.
Tonight Grandpa cooked fried rice with tofu, celery, broccoli, and carrots and I ate everything!
Some pictures from May 7 and 8 below
I can't believe it but I will see Mom and Dad in just a few days! I can't wait!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Emma's visit to NH - Chapt 6
Well another tough day of keeping 3 adults and a cat out of trouble and busy.
I slept until almost 7am and then had ..... you guessed it French Toast for breakfast with some sips of Granny's cereal.
We did the usual - blocks, drawing, Ring around the Rosie, yoga - until the rain stopped and then we went for a walk to Kin's garden. On the way back Grandpa Westy came down and picked me up on the Segway. This time we went up a steeper road to see some trucks before going back to the house. It was rather cold especially when the wind was blowing!
I had about a 2 hr nap and while I was asleep Granny B and Jan went shopping, so when I woke up it was just Grandpa Westy! He made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich which was good, but I did have a hard time at first knowing how to hold the sandwich and not having it fall apart!
After lunch we went outside and I helped pickup branches and put them into the truck for Grandpa to take to the dump. I also helped stack some wood for next winter, so Granny and Grandpa can stay warm. For dinner Granny B made pasta with tomato sauce and added some veggy burger too.
Just a few pictures from today ....
I slept until almost 7am and then had ..... you guessed it French Toast for breakfast with some sips of Granny's cereal.
We did the usual - blocks, drawing, Ring around the Rosie, yoga - until the rain stopped and then we went for a walk to Kin's garden. On the way back Grandpa Westy came down and picked me up on the Segway. This time we went up a steeper road to see some trucks before going back to the house. It was rather cold especially when the wind was blowing!
I had about a 2 hr nap and while I was asleep Granny B and Jan went shopping, so when I woke up it was just Grandpa Westy! He made me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich which was good, but I did have a hard time at first knowing how to hold the sandwich and not having it fall apart!
After lunch we went outside and I helped pickup branches and put them into the truck for Grandpa to take to the dump. I also helped stack some wood for next winter, so Granny and Grandpa can stay warm. For dinner Granny B made pasta with tomato sauce and added some veggy burger too.
Just a few pictures from today ....
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Emma's visit to NH - Chapt 5
After my long day yesterday I slept until 7:00 AM and woke up to a yummy breakfast of oatmeal with raisins. It was a yucky day with rain, so I only had a short walk to Kin's garden before Grandpa came and picked me up on his toy. I love riding with Grandpa because I don't have to walk up the hill.
I had another long nap because I knew that Granny was taking Jan to the Mall and I wanted to be full of energy for the trip. First we went to buy some bread from Antrim and I shared a oatmeal raisin cookie with everyone. It was a long drive there, but once we got there it was fun. I took Grandpa around while Granny and Jan went by themselves to do "window shopping", whatever that is - doesn't sound like much fun to me. Grandpa and I went on a Merry Go-Round where the horses go up and down - it went around many times so Grandpa was feeling "dizzy" but I felt fine. Grandpa and I went into a cooking store and they had lots of samples but all I got was the pretzels. We met Jan and Granny for ice-cream, and then they went off again, while Grandpa and I played in an area specially made for me and other kids - there were slides and lots of climbing toys. It was fun for me, but then lots of other children came to play who were older and bigger than me, and they were pushing a lot, so I was ready to leave with Grandpa.
We met Jan and Granny and they wanted to buy some shoes, so I helped them get the boxes off the shelves so they could see inside. They needed my help to put them back as well! Grandpa had a nice surprise for me for dinner - he took me to an Indian restaurant! I loved the rice and bread best of all, but Grandpa also made sure that I had some channa masala and aloo gobi. The channa was a little spicy but I drank lots of water and ate more rice!
Once we got home I had the best surprise for Granny and Grandpa! I had to poo and Granny noticed that I needed to go, so Grandpa asked if I wanted to sit on the toilet and I said "yes". Granny took me up and held me as I sat on the big toilet and I pooed right there. Boy, were they surprised and told me how smart I am.
It was a fun day for me and I was ready for bed.
No pictures because the man (whose name I won't reveal) forgot the camera. Apparently he has a reputation of forgetting the film or the camera! Anyway I will try to remind him tomorrow!
I had another long nap because I knew that Granny was taking Jan to the Mall and I wanted to be full of energy for the trip. First we went to buy some bread from Antrim and I shared a oatmeal raisin cookie with everyone. It was a long drive there, but once we got there it was fun. I took Grandpa around while Granny and Jan went by themselves to do "window shopping", whatever that is - doesn't sound like much fun to me. Grandpa and I went on a Merry Go-Round where the horses go up and down - it went around many times so Grandpa was feeling "dizzy" but I felt fine. Grandpa and I went into a cooking store and they had lots of samples but all I got was the pretzels. We met Jan and Granny for ice-cream, and then they went off again, while Grandpa and I played in an area specially made for me and other kids - there were slides and lots of climbing toys. It was fun for me, but then lots of other children came to play who were older and bigger than me, and they were pushing a lot, so I was ready to leave with Grandpa.
We met Jan and Granny and they wanted to buy some shoes, so I helped them get the boxes off the shelves so they could see inside. They needed my help to put them back as well! Grandpa had a nice surprise for me for dinner - he took me to an Indian restaurant! I loved the rice and bread best of all, but Grandpa also made sure that I had some channa masala and aloo gobi. The channa was a little spicy but I drank lots of water and ate more rice!
Once we got home I had the best surprise for Granny and Grandpa! I had to poo and Granny noticed that I needed to go, so Grandpa asked if I wanted to sit on the toilet and I said "yes". Granny took me up and held me as I sat on the big toilet and I pooed right there. Boy, were they surprised and told me how smart I am.
It was a fun day for me and I was ready for bed.
No pictures because the man (whose name I won't reveal) forgot the camera. Apparently he has a reputation of forgetting the film or the camera! Anyway I will try to remind him tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Emma turns 2 Chapt 4
Well I am TWO today! It hasn't been an easy two years training mom and dad and 4 grandparents how to entertain and feed me but I think we are making progress.
We started off the day with eggs and toast ( I was afraid I might have to eat french toast again! ) and then a walk to Kin's garden to dump the compost. There were a couple of other kids there who were 3 and 4 so it was nice to have some "kid time", even though is was so short.
I taught some yoga to Jan and Granny and I think they will get the alligator move eventually. Of course I did some blocks work and some modern art on my new table. Jan gave me a really cute puppy for my birthday which I like to kiss and hug.
Before lunch Grandpa Westy left for Rotary - what ever that is? He got dressed up in nice pants and shirt too!
Granny B's friend Alice came over for a visit and so that they could have some time to visit I was nice to them and took a 2 1/2hr nap. When I woke up Grandpa was home so Rotary must not take too long to do.
After a lunch of chicken and squash Grandpa's friend Brian came over with one of his toys for them to play with. They took it to the bottom of the back yard and put logs into it and then the logs cracked and split. For some reason they looked like they were having fun? I had fun because Granny B was pushing me around in a big cart.
After all that hard work we came in for some of my birthday cake.
Granny B gave me a bath and I love playing in the water. Grandpa is in charge of rinsing the soap off my hair at the end.
For dinner we had Thai fried noodles with egg, carrot, celery, basil, onions, garlic and it was sooo good. I had 3 helpings! I also started learning how to use chop sticks. My mess on the floor wasn't too bad considering it was my first try.
After dinner we all played with a tennis ball and I had all of them chasing the ball when I threw it! I went to bed at 9 but wasn't tired at all. I talked and sang until almost 9:30pm probably because I had such a long nap!
Here are some pictures from today....
We started off the day with eggs and toast ( I was afraid I might have to eat french toast again! ) and then a walk to Kin's garden to dump the compost. There were a couple of other kids there who were 3 and 4 so it was nice to have some "kid time", even though is was so short.
I taught some yoga to Jan and Granny and I think they will get the alligator move eventually. Of course I did some blocks work and some modern art on my new table. Jan gave me a really cute puppy for my birthday which I like to kiss and hug.
Before lunch Grandpa Westy left for Rotary - what ever that is? He got dressed up in nice pants and shirt too!
Granny B's friend Alice came over for a visit and so that they could have some time to visit I was nice to them and took a 2 1/2hr nap. When I woke up Grandpa was home so Rotary must not take too long to do.
After a lunch of chicken and squash Grandpa's friend Brian came over with one of his toys for them to play with. They took it to the bottom of the back yard and put logs into it and then the logs cracked and split. For some reason they looked like they were having fun? I had fun because Granny B was pushing me around in a big cart.
After all that hard work we came in for some of my birthday cake.
Granny B gave me a bath and I love playing in the water. Grandpa is in charge of rinsing the soap off my hair at the end.
For dinner we had Thai fried noodles with egg, carrot, celery, basil, onions, garlic and it was sooo good. I had 3 helpings! I also started learning how to use chop sticks. My mess on the floor wasn't too bad considering it was my first try.
After dinner we all played with a tennis ball and I had all of them chasing the ball when I threw it! I went to bed at 9 but wasn't tired at all. I talked and sang until almost 9:30pm probably because I had such a long nap!
Here are some pictures from today....
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Visiting NH Granny B and Grandpa Westy Chapt 3
Today Grandpa came into my room around 6am, though I had played for quite a while in my crib before he came in. No climbing out of bed today. After breakfast Granny B taught me to play "Ring Around the Rosie" and it was fun, though I'm not sure she is glad she taught me after the 25th time we fell down! French toast again for breakfast! Grandpa is determined to spoil me!
After breakfast we got dressed and went to the Hancock play ground. It has a double slide and a tunnel. Last year I really didn't enjoy it but this year it was a lot more fun. I did manage to wipe out a few times and once went down head first by mistake! Granny B and Jan went on walking and Grandpa Westy and I stayed back to continue playing there. Once Grandpa showed me the tunnel and I did that a few times too. I also tried the swing for a short while but it is wicked high and then there were some other fun things to climb, but they seemed a little too tall for my legs. Grandpa says I will be able to play with them next year.
On the way home we met Jan and Granny B walking up the hill so Grandpa let me out to walk up with them, but I didn't do very well, and Granny B had to carry me a lot. When we passed Kin's house we stopped in to visit Kin's baby chicks.
I was so tired after my visit to the playground that I went upstairs for a nap.
After lunch we had to do a little shopping and then Jan and Grandpa went for their nap, while I played with Granny B. We were singing our "ABC's and other fun songs. When Grandpa woke up he started to decorate my birthday cake, and then Granny B and I went for our rest. I woke up before Granny B! and soon after we had to leave in a hurry because Grandpa wanted to take me to see the cows being milked.
But when we got to the farm they had not started so I have to wait to see that on my next visit as we had to leave to go to dinner to Grandpa and Granny's friends for dinner. Boy, do those old folks keep me on the go. However, I saw lots of cows and little baby ones too.
Grandpa's friends had just returned from a trip to Italy, so we had an Italian dinner complete with olives and bread dipped in olive oil for antipasto - I surprised everyone that I loved the olives and knew how to dip my bread into the olive oil. We then had pasta for dinner with sword fish, followed by my surprise birthday cake for desert with ice-cream from the farm. I was up until 9:00 PM! but I fooled Granny B because she thought she could just put me to bed without reading to me. No way - I want to listen to 2 stories before I go to bed.
Some photos from my Grandpa
After breakfast we got dressed and went to the Hancock play ground. It has a double slide and a tunnel. Last year I really didn't enjoy it but this year it was a lot more fun. I did manage to wipe out a few times and once went down head first by mistake! Granny B and Jan went on walking and Grandpa Westy and I stayed back to continue playing there. Once Grandpa showed me the tunnel and I did that a few times too. I also tried the swing for a short while but it is wicked high and then there were some other fun things to climb, but they seemed a little too tall for my legs. Grandpa says I will be able to play with them next year.
On the way home we met Jan and Granny B walking up the hill so Grandpa let me out to walk up with them, but I didn't do very well, and Granny B had to carry me a lot. When we passed Kin's house we stopped in to visit Kin's baby chicks.
I was so tired after my visit to the playground that I went upstairs for a nap.
After lunch we had to do a little shopping and then Jan and Grandpa went for their nap, while I played with Granny B. We were singing our "ABC's and other fun songs. When Grandpa woke up he started to decorate my birthday cake, and then Granny B and I went for our rest. I woke up before Granny B! and soon after we had to leave in a hurry because Grandpa wanted to take me to see the cows being milked.
But when we got to the farm they had not started so I have to wait to see that on my next visit as we had to leave to go to dinner to Grandpa and Granny's friends for dinner. Boy, do those old folks keep me on the go. However, I saw lots of cows and little baby ones too.
Grandpa's friends had just returned from a trip to Italy, so we had an Italian dinner complete with olives and bread dipped in olive oil for antipasto - I surprised everyone that I loved the olives and knew how to dip my bread into the olive oil. We then had pasta for dinner with sword fish, followed by my surprise birthday cake for desert with ice-cream from the farm. I was up until 9:00 PM! but I fooled Granny B because she thought she could just put me to bed without reading to me. No way - I want to listen to 2 stories before I go to bed.
Some photos from my Grandpa
Visiting NH Granny B and Grandpa Westy Chapt 2
Well another long day for me. Granny let me sleep to almost 7 and when she came up I was experimenting with climbing out of the Pack and Play and then bouncing from side to side like a WWF wrestler! It was fun! It won't be long before I can climb out - you have been warned!
For breakfast I got to sit in my mom's and my aunt's old high chair which made me proud! We had Swiss yogurt cereal with bulgur, oats, raisins and dates. It was yummy. Then we got ready to go to the New England aquarium in Boston. It was a long ride and I had a short nap. We saw seals, penguins, lots of fish and a special section of jelly fish. I got to touch a live star fish and horseshoe crab too!
I walked a lot and loved running up the ramps. Then we had lunch at the aquarium. We had pizza, fries and fried chicken. I really liked the honey mustard sauce.
After the aquarium we went to Faneuil Hall Market Place. It was really crowded because it was a nice spring day. We watched a funny juggler, shared a kiddy dish of ice cream - Grandpa Westy made me eat it! I even got a FREE HUG from a nice girl who was offering them to people in the market place. It was fun running around there! Grandpa Westy gave me a ride on his shoulders back to the car and we headed home. He kept telling me to sleep and I kept telling him my favorite word - NO. So I never slept the whole way home!
On the way back we stopped for Granny B to get her dress for Iran and to buy some Thai spices. The woman at the store gave me a box of Japanese candy which is chocolate on a pretzel. Granny B only let me eat one, so don't worry.
Once we got home we decided to walk down to Kin's to pickup some eggs and Grandpa Westy let me ride on his Segway with him and that was cool! For dinner we had bean soup with corn which I did not want to eat and started using my favorite word a lot!
I think Granny B wanted to give me something else to eat, but Grandpa would not let her. Anyway, Grandpa discovered I liked the lemon grass he put in the salad so he would but a piece on the spoon of soup and I would eat it all. The soup was actually quite good. I forgot to mention that Grandpa Westy ordered me a super barrette that never falls out. It's pretty and doesn't come loose!
After dinner we played blocks and tossed a tennis ball until bed time, and then Granny read me some stories and I guess I have to stop here since I am so sleepy.
Good night.
Here are some pictures from today:
For breakfast I got to sit in my mom's and my aunt's old high chair which made me proud! We had Swiss yogurt cereal with bulgur, oats, raisins and dates. It was yummy. Then we got ready to go to the New England aquarium in Boston. It was a long ride and I had a short nap. We saw seals, penguins, lots of fish and a special section of jelly fish. I got to touch a live star fish and horseshoe crab too!
I walked a lot and loved running up the ramps. Then we had lunch at the aquarium. We had pizza, fries and fried chicken. I really liked the honey mustard sauce.
After the aquarium we went to Faneuil Hall Market Place. It was really crowded because it was a nice spring day. We watched a funny juggler, shared a kiddy dish of ice cream - Grandpa Westy made me eat it! I even got a FREE HUG from a nice girl who was offering them to people in the market place. It was fun running around there! Grandpa Westy gave me a ride on his shoulders back to the car and we headed home. He kept telling me to sleep and I kept telling him my favorite word - NO. So I never slept the whole way home!
On the way back we stopped for Granny B to get her dress for Iran and to buy some Thai spices. The woman at the store gave me a box of Japanese candy which is chocolate on a pretzel. Granny B only let me eat one, so don't worry.
Once we got home we decided to walk down to Kin's to pickup some eggs and Grandpa Westy let me ride on his Segway with him and that was cool! For dinner we had bean soup with corn which I did not want to eat and started using my favorite word a lot!
I think Granny B wanted to give me something else to eat, but Grandpa would not let her. Anyway, Grandpa discovered I liked the lemon grass he put in the salad so he would but a piece on the spoon of soup and I would eat it all. The soup was actually quite good. I forgot to mention that Grandpa Westy ordered me a super barrette that never falls out. It's pretty and doesn't come loose!
After dinner we played blocks and tossed a tennis ball until bed time, and then Granny read me some stories and I guess I have to stop here since I am so sleepy.
Good night.
Here are some pictures from today:
Friday, May 1, 2009
Visiting NH Granny B and Grandpa Westy
Mom and Dad are going to Costa Rica to celebrate daddy's birthday so Granny B and Grandpa Westy invited me to stay with them in Hancock! I love it there because they let me do anything I want and stay up late and eat lots of junk food!
April 30th
Well grandpa met me in Worcester, MA and we drove back to Hancock listening to music and making animal sounds. It is hard to keep him busy on those long drives! Anyway we made it by 7pm and had a great dinner and even a famous Granny B cookie (just one!)
May 1st
Well I didn't sleep as late as I do at home (6 am !) because as soon as Granny B hears me playing or the slightest whimper she bounds up the stairs to say good morning! As much as I like playing in my bed it is more fun to get up with Granny. Grandpa and I shared a banana and then we got the kid size table (the one daddy fixed) and chairs setup. (Grandpa can't fit in the kids chairs so he has a "special" seat) We played with blocks for a while until Jan woke up. Jan is Granny B's former college roommate from England who is visiting too.
Then Grandpa cooked french toast and I also helped Granny B finish her granola too. The food here is really good! It is rainy today so we are playing inside with blocks and markers. I seem to have more markers on my hands than the paper ?
Well after a nice 2 hr nap we went to Aesop's Tables in Peterborough to have lunch with my Grandparents friends Paul and Joan. I shared some of granny's quiche and grandpa's salad and I was so hungry I made them get more quiche. Then I had a double chocolate milk shake for dessert - just joking. After lunch Granny and Jan and I went to Joseph's Coat store and then headed home because it was raining. Grandpa stayed and helped Paul go to the dump and pickup some wood for a project at the hardware store.
The rest of the day I hung out with the old folks, had a great bath and then had tofu stir fry and squash and brown rice for dinner. Mom would have been proud. I even ate carrots (grandpa made me)
Not bad for the first day. I sure hope they have lots to do for the next 8 days!
Well that's all for today. You can see some pictures Grandpa took today below:
April 30th
Well grandpa met me in Worcester, MA and we drove back to Hancock listening to music and making animal sounds. It is hard to keep him busy on those long drives! Anyway we made it by 7pm and had a great dinner and even a famous Granny B cookie (just one!)
May 1st
Well I didn't sleep as late as I do at home (6 am !) because as soon as Granny B hears me playing or the slightest whimper she bounds up the stairs to say good morning! As much as I like playing in my bed it is more fun to get up with Granny. Grandpa and I shared a banana and then we got the kid size table (the one daddy fixed) and chairs setup. (Grandpa can't fit in the kids chairs so he has a "special" seat) We played with blocks for a while until Jan woke up. Jan is Granny B's former college roommate from England who is visiting too.
Then Grandpa cooked french toast and I also helped Granny B finish her granola too. The food here is really good! It is rainy today so we are playing inside with blocks and markers. I seem to have more markers on my hands than the paper ?
Well after a nice 2 hr nap we went to Aesop's Tables in Peterborough to have lunch with my Grandparents friends Paul and Joan. I shared some of granny's quiche and grandpa's salad and I was so hungry I made them get more quiche. Then I had a double chocolate milk shake for dessert - just joking. After lunch Granny and Jan and I went to Joseph's Coat store and then headed home because it was raining. Grandpa stayed and helped Paul go to the dump and pickup some wood for a project at the hardware store.
The rest of the day I hung out with the old folks, had a great bath and then had tofu stir fry and squash and brown rice for dinner. Mom would have been proud. I even ate carrots (grandpa made me)
Not bad for the first day. I sure hope they have lots to do for the next 8 days!
Well that's all for today. You can see some pictures Grandpa took today below:
Saturday, March 14, 2009
How to build a Biosand filter
This is the first version of the movies and pictures I took on how to build and install a biosand filter
Friday, March 6, 2009
The Girl Who SILENCED THE WORLD at the UN for 6 MINUTES by Nadia Sabri
We are back and it's cold! This video shared by my cousin did warm my heart!
Now watch this as a comparison
Now watch this as a comparison
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Sunday Morning Feb 15th in Chiang Mai
Sometimes we forget to look at the many small things that make living here for a Westerner interesting, fun and sometimes bizarre too! So I thought I would shoot some pictures of what we ran into this morning when we went for a walk and when I went to the local market in search of mangoes.
As we left our apartment we ran into the goats that live next door to us and had decided to go for a walk too. There is a Muslim family that has a relatively large yard where they raise chickens, way too many roosters and recently goats - probably to eat. We then walked 10 minutes to the moat which surrounds the old city of Chiang Mai to do a complete loop which is about 4 miles. We have almost done this twice before, but always seem to get distracted and today was no exception.
Upon arriving at the north-west corner of the moat, about a 10 minute walk from our apartment, we saw a man squatting with a crossbow next to him. He attaches a metal spike to a wooden arrow and then a barb to hold the fish. Then he attaches some fine fishing line to the arrow so he can retrieve the arrow, hopefully with a fish on the tip. We watched him until he completed his repair and bagged a fish, but he was annoyed with us because we kept looking over the edge and scaring the fish, so we left and continued with our walk.
Fixing the crossbow arrow with a fishing line attached:
Fishing with the crossbow:
Then we started off to circumnavigate the old town. We were walking on the outside of the moat to get a little longer walk. Since last year they have repaired the sidewalks on both sides of the moat and it is much easier to navigate. We made it a little less than half way to the south side when we were drawn into a big market near Chiang Mai Gate. We wanted to try to find some mangoes and other delicacies and Bev needed to check out some clothes stalls. At this point my coffee was calling and I was getting ready for breakfast too. This is quite a big market and we spent quite a long time looking at all kinds of food, fruit, and other daily necessities. Bev found a beautiful bag made by the Meo hill tribes and I found a decent bathroom worth the 10 cents admission price. Not only was it clean but it also had western style toilets and toilet paper too!
We started walking home from the market and noticed an interesting looking temple. An older monk who was walking into the temple told us the name and that it was sacked by the Burmese many years ago. He also said there was a pond behind that was fed by the moat spring which we would never had seen had he not told us. Some pictures are in the slide show that follows.
At this point hunger beat good exercise intentions and we caught a ride home on a Rot Daeng or city taxi/bus that pick up passengers along the way. They have no set route so you just yell out your destination and they can choose to take you or not depending on other people who are riding first. We pay 2o baht per person or about 70 cents.
We were dropped off a short distance from our apartment and then went to the 7-11 to get yogurt for our morning cereal. I decided to get fried rice instead, so went to a local shop to get "take away". These food stalls are not fancy but the food is clean and very fresh and tasty. They cook it and put it in a Styrofoam container to take home all for 90 cents. I got chicken fried rice with egg, basil and peppers, carrot and onions with some fresh cucumber on the side and a lemon to squeeze over it when I got home. Are you drooling yet? :-)
Once I was done with breakfast I decided to head for the market about a 10 minute walk to try to find some mangoes. We are only here for another couple of weeks and the mangoes are sooooooo good! Bev not being as serious a Foodhist as I am stayed at home. Tanin market is smaller than the market we visited earlier in the morning but we go there often and know where to go for most things. I found my mangoes for 70 cents a pound which is considered expensive for Thailand but we need to do our market meditation and this is important! :-)
I then decided to see if I could find a new watch band and saw a store near the market selling clocks, watches and other appliances and found a new leather band for $ 4.50 and then on an impulse bought a Thai talking clock for about $6.
Next fun event was walking by a small gold shop near the market and noticing a very small money in a cage. It turned out it is a Marmoset(Click here to learn more) which come from Brazil and are now bred in Thailand. The owner has two of them and they cost almost $ 1000 each! They are very cute and live for about 15 years.
Then I snapped a shot of a dress shop dummy, some yummy insects you can eat, and a second dress shop nearer home....
Well that is our Sunday morning in Chiang Mai.
As we left our apartment we ran into the goats that live next door to us and had decided to go for a walk too. There is a Muslim family that has a relatively large yard where they raise chickens, way too many roosters and recently goats - probably to eat. We then walked 10 minutes to the moat which surrounds the old city of Chiang Mai to do a complete loop which is about 4 miles. We have almost done this twice before, but always seem to get distracted and today was no exception.
Upon arriving at the north-west corner of the moat, about a 10 minute walk from our apartment, we saw a man squatting with a crossbow next to him. He attaches a metal spike to a wooden arrow and then a barb to hold the fish. Then he attaches some fine fishing line to the arrow so he can retrieve the arrow, hopefully with a fish on the tip. We watched him until he completed his repair and bagged a fish, but he was annoyed with us because we kept looking over the edge and scaring the fish, so we left and continued with our walk.
Fixing the crossbow arrow with a fishing line attached:
Fishing with the crossbow:
Then we started off to circumnavigate the old town. We were walking on the outside of the moat to get a little longer walk. Since last year they have repaired the sidewalks on both sides of the moat and it is much easier to navigate. We made it a little less than half way to the south side when we were drawn into a big market near Chiang Mai Gate. We wanted to try to find some mangoes and other delicacies and Bev needed to check out some clothes stalls. At this point my coffee was calling and I was getting ready for breakfast too. This is quite a big market and we spent quite a long time looking at all kinds of food, fruit, and other daily necessities. Bev found a beautiful bag made by the Meo hill tribes and I found a decent bathroom worth the 10 cents admission price. Not only was it clean but it also had western style toilets and toilet paper too!
We started walking home from the market and noticed an interesting looking temple. An older monk who was walking into the temple told us the name and that it was sacked by the Burmese many years ago. He also said there was a pond behind that was fed by the moat spring which we would never had seen had he not told us. Some pictures are in the slide show that follows.
At this point hunger beat good exercise intentions and we caught a ride home on a Rot Daeng or city taxi/bus that pick up passengers along the way. They have no set route so you just yell out your destination and they can choose to take you or not depending on other people who are riding first. We pay 2o baht per person or about 70 cents.
We were dropped off a short distance from our apartment and then went to the 7-11 to get yogurt for our morning cereal. I decided to get fried rice instead, so went to a local shop to get "take away". These food stalls are not fancy but the food is clean and very fresh and tasty. They cook it and put it in a Styrofoam container to take home all for 90 cents. I got chicken fried rice with egg, basil and peppers, carrot and onions with some fresh cucumber on the side and a lemon to squeeze over it when I got home. Are you drooling yet? :-)
Once I was done with breakfast I decided to head for the market about a 10 minute walk to try to find some mangoes. We are only here for another couple of weeks and the mangoes are sooooooo good! Bev not being as serious a Foodhist as I am stayed at home. Tanin market is smaller than the market we visited earlier in the morning but we go there often and know where to go for most things. I found my mangoes for 70 cents a pound which is considered expensive for Thailand but we need to do our market meditation and this is important! :-)
I then decided to see if I could find a new watch band and saw a store near the market selling clocks, watches and other appliances and found a new leather band for $ 4.50 and then on an impulse bought a Thai talking clock for about $6.
Next fun event was walking by a small gold shop near the market and noticing a very small money in a cage. It turned out it is a Marmoset(Click here to learn more) which come from Brazil and are now bred in Thailand. The owner has two of them and they cost almost $ 1000 each! They are very cute and live for about 15 years.
Then I snapped a shot of a dress shop dummy, some yummy insects you can eat, and a second dress shop nearer home....
Well that is our Sunday morning in Chiang Mai.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Australia - Tennis, wild life and wild friends
We had a great time in Melbourne, Australia. We went to the Australian Open for 3 HOT days and saw lots of great tennis. We were also fortunate to be able to attend the 50 day memorial ceremony for our good friend Peter Swan who died of a heart attack about 2 months ago. We rented a car for 2 days and drove along The Great Ocean Road where it was surprisingly cool and VERY windy. The scenery along the way was beautiful - rocky coasts and sandy beaches - while inland it was rolling country, reminding us of England, with some beautiful wooded forests. We took a canopy walk among the very, very tall trees. We spent the rest of our time with our friends, Maeve and John, who drove us north of Melbourne to their country home. It was great to reunite with Saul, Maeve and Peter's son, who was 8-10 when we knew him in Bangkok. Saul is now 38 (he must be lying about his age) and has a son, Aguirre, who is almost the same age as when we first met Saul! We spent 3 fun days with them, reminiscing about "the good old days", but also connecting in new ways.
Australian Open Video snapshots
We had great seats at the Open, in the 1st-3rd rows back from court side, but they were in the sun, so we roasted until 4pm. The temperatures were in the high 90s but it felt like boiling! We became really good at covering ourselves with towels, umbrellas, and even newspapers! In some ways the most fun was wandering around and seeing players warm up and or just walk by. Sometimes we would see a player that we knew we had seen on TV but they looked really different in "real" life.
We are now back in Chiang Mai until March 2nd and are furiously trying to tie up loose ends. One of the projects we wanted to accomplish was to put household Bio Sand Filter in the villagers' homes so they can have access to clean/free drinking water. Most water comes from mountain springs which are polluted. Anyway, this project has taken off, mainly because of funding received from Kids Ark-USA, and I am going to Ban Pong Hi this week-end to train the villagers in the manufacture of the filters. These filters have been used throughout the world but this is the first time in Thailand. We also had a brochure translated by a friend into Thai to explain how it works. Here is the English version:
There were some disappointments during our short time here, and of course still many items on our "to do list". Our friend, Peg Lopata, had volunteered to come and do the first newsletter but due to many factors had to cancel her trip. We were also unable, so far, to only get sponsors for 5 children out of 10. I guess considering the economic situation that is not a bad result. However, if any of you know someone who can spare $1+ per day please let us know. Another project still unfinished is to put the villagers' handicrafts on the website so that people have an opportunity to buy them.
On a positive note, Kids Ark USA has been established. We have applied for 501c3 status and have already received some donations which have been used to fund several modest projects. One of them is the Bio-Sand household water filter which was mentioned earlier. Another one is teaching women in some villages how to sew. Earlier this year Kids Ark was awarded money to buy sewing machines for some villages that we work with, and subsequently the villagers requested more training for the women. KA-USA was able to contribute to that training which is still on-going. Resa, who is in charge of handicrafts, spent 2 weeks in one village training 6-8 women, and will train women in 2 more villages. KA-USA also contributed to buying school uniforms for some under privileged children. The great thing about Kids Ark sewing projects is that our cloth is donated by several large factories and then women in the HIV/Aids cooperative are able to supplement their income by sewing the uniforms. Donations to Kids Ark USA can be sent to PO BOX 291, Peterborough, NH 03458.
We have been quite slack with the blog because we have been so busy at work, but also with travels and visitors, whom we enjoy seeing - so next year we will try harder - maybe?
Tom and Bev
Australian Open Video snapshots
We had great seats at the Open, in the 1st-3rd rows back from court side, but they were in the sun, so we roasted until 4pm. The temperatures were in the high 90s but it felt like boiling! We became really good at covering ourselves with towels, umbrellas, and even newspapers! In some ways the most fun was wandering around and seeing players warm up and or just walk by. Sometimes we would see a player that we knew we had seen on TV but they looked really different in "real" life.
We are now back in Chiang Mai until March 2nd and are furiously trying to tie up loose ends. One of the projects we wanted to accomplish was to put household Bio Sand Filter in the villagers' homes so they can have access to clean/free drinking water. Most water comes from mountain springs which are polluted. Anyway, this project has taken off, mainly because of funding received from Kids Ark-USA, and I am going to Ban Pong Hi this week-end to train the villagers in the manufacture of the filters. These filters have been used throughout the world but this is the first time in Thailand. We also had a brochure translated by a friend into Thai to explain how it works. Here is the English version:
There were some disappointments during our short time here, and of course still many items on our "to do list". Our friend, Peg Lopata, had volunteered to come and do the first newsletter but due to many factors had to cancel her trip. We were also unable, so far, to only get sponsors for 5 children out of 10. I guess considering the economic situation that is not a bad result. However, if any of you know someone who can spare $1+ per day please let us know. Another project still unfinished is to put the villagers' handicrafts on the website so that people have an opportunity to buy them.
On a positive note, Kids Ark USA has been established. We have applied for 501c3 status and have already received some donations which have been used to fund several modest projects. One of them is the Bio-Sand household water filter which was mentioned earlier. Another one is teaching women in some villages how to sew. Earlier this year Kids Ark was awarded money to buy sewing machines for some villages that we work with, and subsequently the villagers requested more training for the women. KA-USA was able to contribute to that training which is still on-going. Resa, who is in charge of handicrafts, spent 2 weeks in one village training 6-8 women, and will train women in 2 more villages. KA-USA also contributed to buying school uniforms for some under privileged children. The great thing about Kids Ark sewing projects is that our cloth is donated by several large factories and then women in the HIV/Aids cooperative are able to supplement their income by sewing the uniforms. Donations to Kids Ark USA can be sent to PO BOX 291, Peterborough, NH 03458.
We have been quite slack with the blog because we have been so busy at work, but also with travels and visitors, whom we enjoy seeing - so next year we will try harder - maybe?
Tom and Bev
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