It has been a few days since we last blogged so, lots to write about. On Saturday we headed over to Ban Tawai (the wood carving village), just south of Chiang Mai. If you aren't already sick of shopping it's a great place to check out. Dave and I were making a mental checklist of the things we'd love to buy and bring to a future home. It doesn't get much mention in the Lonely Planet, so accordingly there weren't too many tourists. We refuelled at a little restaurant in the middle of the village. The food was great. Later on, Dave received a haircut from Somsee before we took a trip over to the Saturday Walking Market. Similar to the larger Sunday Walking Market, less crowded and located in the hub of silversmith's shops.
Sunday was bamboo hut day in the Mae Taeng area. We settled in and took a walk down to the white water rafting river that all the tourists use. I don't think anyone in the cars driving by really understood why the white people didn't have a tour group. Back in Somsee's village we polished off lots of drinks with Gary's friend Ian (a Scottish fellow) and his girlfriend. Dave and I then grabbed our flashlights and headed up the hill to the bamboo hut. We were lucky enough to be the first people to sleep there.
Today was the hut blessing day. Dave and I were woken up by Somsee's family dropping off props and food for the ceremony. Apparently, they'd all been up since 3am cooking and preparing. The monk turned up on time to perform an hour long ceremony blessing the hut. As I'm told, a man and his wife had owned the land, but she died and the man decided to sell the land. It was bought by a store owner in the village and Gary bought it from him. During the ceremony, Somsee's sister became possessed by the spirit of the woman that had died. She suddenly went into a trance and began coughing and burping. Very strange! Our first possession.
In the afternoon, I went for a bike ride, while Dave nursed a headache. Ian, his girlfriend, Dave, Somsee, Gary and I visited a resort down the road with extravagant prices, but beautiful scenery. We just got back to the city earlier this evening.
Today was the hut blessing day. Dave and I were woken up by Somsee's family dropping off props and food for the ceremony. Apparently, they'd all been up since 3am cooking and preparing. The monk turned up on time to perform an hour long ceremony blessing the hut. As I'm told, a man and his wife had owned the land, but she died and the man decided to sell the land. It was bought by a store owner in the village and Gary bought it from him. During the ceremony, Somsee's sister became possessed by the spirit of the woman that had died. She suddenly went into a trance and began coughing and burping. Very strange! Our first possession. In the afternoon, I went for a bike ride, while Dave nursed a headache. Ian, his girlfriend, Dave, Somsee, Gary and I visited a resort down the road with extravagant prices, but beautiful scenery. We just got back to the city earlier this evening.
1 comment:
oops...I posted my comment on the wrong blog day.
I commented that Dave had a very large bunch of bananas...I mean a really large bunch! Keep up the writing...I check everyday because I love the stories....love you both Mom (sandy)
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