Visual Stimulation

Before writing the last post, I was looking through pictures on my phone. One reason I don't post much is because I think there's nothing interesting to share or show you. My phone proved me wrong. Here are some photos with brief explanations.

These are my good friends Ekk and Dream. I met Ekk 5 years ago. He's my Thai housemate now. I met Dream through Ekk shortly after arriving in Chiang Mai. They're not dating. They're just friends.

 These next three were taken when I went to Pai. There are supposedly 762 curves between Chiang Mai and Pai. It's a popular, yes slightly dangerous, motorcycle route. I rode in a car, but drove around on my friend's bike when we got there. I hadn't planned on riding, so I didn't bring pants, shoes, or a helmet- the necessary apparel to ride safely. Of course I had an accident... not even on the dangerous part! I took a turn a little too fast on some gravel while driving on a small road through the rice fields in the pictures. Because I was wearing flip-flops and shorts, I now have a couple scars. It could have been worse, so praise the Lord.

       

This was my costume for Halloween. Shufflebot from LMFAO. If you don't know, that's okay.

 My friend John Briggs had a Muay Thai fight... and won!

The view from my balcony/backyard, right before sunset and at sunset.

Loi Krathong is a huge holiday in Thailand. In the North, it's called Yee Ping.

To celebrate at school, elderly Thais came to show students how to make traditional elements of the holiday, like the floating krathong the boy is holding. Also, students, typically girls, will dress in traditional clothing.

There's also a big parade for Loi Krathong.

Brandon, a couch surfer from Califronia, stayed with us during Loi Krathong. He's a missionary in the Philipines.

I can't remember what the bridge was decorated for. Maybe Christmas?

Peanut butter... $6 for a small jar. I paid $5 for my homemade jar.

I went to Global House for some supplies for a physics demonstration. It's like Home Depot or Lowe's. I have a scooter, not a truck, so this is how I carry PVC pipe home.

The staff party at school was cowboy themed. I, of course, didn't bring any "cowboy" stuff with me. But, being from Texas, I was expected to look the part. Apparently, Thais love cowboy/western style.

This is where I am right now. It's a fancy coffee shop with full glass walls and surrounded by a small pond. You cross a wooden bridge to get to it from the parking lot. Behind the coffee shop is a fancy restaurant with live music at night.