Dec 1 Of sandpiles and Cow races

here cows are tied to a framework of poles and held
until needed for the event. It was a colorful, "lubricated"
mostly-guys event -- not unlike the Ruth Rodeo in many
respects.


We tried but were totally unable to fathom the
mechanics of the contest. It had something to
do with lining up and tying some 10 cows who ran
concentrically around a pole. Only the outside
2 cows were in the contest, the remaining 8 were
something along the line of "spaceholders"

Later that evening, we were invited to the home of
Jid's (the housekeeper) son-in-law where a local
cow race was to be held. Cows were being trucked
from neighboring farms and prepared for the night's
contests. This farmer was especially proud of
his cow and wanted a picture taken.

Here we watch the dredges come to the staging area.
There are several an hour, the sand is dumped into
shallow water and vacuumed hydraulically onto
belts that carry it to the pile.

Yupadee's brother owns some serious sand mining
operations to the north of town.
For many years they have been dredging sand from
the local landscape. There are now huge fresh
water lakes as deep as 14 story houses.
To say they have altered the ecology is an understatement.

Nov. 30 - Making merit with 1500 monks

Up at five to arrive at 6:00 with our baskets full of
donations to the monks. Actually it will go to the
temples in the south we were told. I guess we believe it.

Numerous and assorted civic groups attend to show
their support. These nurse students are much like
those we taught 5 years ago. Of course all our
students have long since graduated.

The main street was closed and covered with
plastic in this highly organized and choreographed
event. The 1500 monks were bussed in from Bangkok.
The public wore white.

Then they symbolically walked up the street and
down collecting donations from every person there.
The donations were placed in the monk's bowls which,
when full, were emptied into large plastic bags
handled by student soldiers in uniform. Later huge
trucks were loaded with the bags of noodles,
cans of sardines, and assorted foods. There was a
lot of rice which spilled and was enjoyed by the local birds.

Nov 29 Getting Down to Business

Yupadee's two best 5th grade students are given
the task of teaching me some basic Thai language.
It's a stretch for this old brain, but they make it fun
and get a bit of English practice in the bargain. They
come twice a week for an hour. I learn numbers,
colors, time, foods, and how to say "I am lost."

Keith visits the kindly dentist who is also a good
friend of Yupadee's. With good directions from his
Fortuna dentist including some pointing, they were
able to communicate and a very fine appliance
was prepared.

3 weeks later, a new smile.

Thought you'd like to see the office front. Not fancy
but the work is quality. About one tenth of what it
would cost at home.

Nov.28 Bicycle day

The view from our morning shower -- a cat curled
up in the awning between the rows of shop houses behind us.

Roger meets us on our bikes and takes us to
this nice river front restaurant.

Peg practices on Yupadee's town bike. It all comes back.

Keith is given several words of caution about using
this bike which belongs to Jing's brother. Ban Pong
traffic can be fearful if you are not used to it.

Nov. 27 Dedication of Family donation to Temple

Yupadee's family commissioned this fine building
for their local temple. It will be used to house funeral
celebrations. It was made in the honor of their
father who died about 10 years ago and mother
who died 2 years ago.

Yupadee's younger sister, Wan and husband,
Pucket, from Bangkok.

The monks gave an inspiring chant. Both brother
Sombat and wife, NaPa, are seated in the front row.
The cat was there to keep order.

The morning started with a fancy dress parade
in front of our house. (apparently not related to
the family dedication) It seemed to feature several
schools of young kids. The little majorette in
the front will have some sore toes I think from
those big boots.

Nov 26. lunch near the orchid farm

Peg's absolute favorite Thai dish: Som Tam Thai
(papaya salad without shrimp) and sticky rice. MMMM.

Across from Yupadee's school is an orchid farm.
The owner gave us a tour.

Yupadee's brother is mayor of the municipality
and lives here. Yupadee has started living here also.

Yupadee picks out the grilled fish. It was stuffed
with stalks of lemon grass. Very pleasant.

Nov 25 Bat caves and nearby temple

at dusk every evening millions, yes that's millions,
of bats exit their cave over the period of an hour
and spend the night devouring mosquitos. Yay bats!

The requisite temple on a hill with breathtaking
panoramic countryside below.

This soapstone carving and two associate dragons
of the same ilk, graced the lovely cool teakwood
floor of the temple. Charming guys. Cuddly

More bells than you can shake a stick at. We did anyway.
Lovely sound. Relaxes the soul.

Nov. 21 visiting our old haunts and some new

The new coffee shop where Susan's favorite noodle
shop used to be. Despite the extensive menu, they
only know how to make one kind of coffee so order
whatever you want as long as you will accept plain
strong black coffee.

Keith walks along the river with wat in the distance.

Yupadee selects some dragon fruit for our snacks

Peg practices Thai word "saparot" for pineapple
with the fruit vendor who comes each morning to
sit with the long term newspaper lady to exchange
stories.

Nov 19 Day one walkabout

Enjoying a walk about the neighborhood, we
thought this little pink bike was way cute

A nice stroll by the river Mae Klong behind
the Chineese Temple

I like the old wooden house set among newer old houses.

Here is our favorite breakfast lady.
Her pad pak guy mit is pretty special.

Nov. 19 We arrive at BanPong

Arriving at BanPong and the old familiar
elephant herd at the train station

Yupadee and Peg share the first of many
afternoon fruit breaks around the table where
many English idioms were explained. Yupadee
is a master English teacher and is in such
demand as an instructor that all her classes are full.

Here ia an outdoor shot of our humble little shop
house. Our room is the one just above on the right.

Yupadee's table of important photos. Her uniform
came when she achieved the honor of C-9 as an
English teacher. She never wears it, even when she could.