kandahar

Yes, there are more scorpions in your garden. If not this moment, then tomorrow and the weeks after. In the city, irrelevant. Always be careful picking things up. They like to sleep and hide in the shade, so they end up under things. I had a friend that was stung when he lifted a rolled up carpet in his house. He picked up the scorpion at the same time he lifted the carpet and was stung on his wrist.

Reading some of the posts, I can't help but think of an often related word i.e. patriotism. Is there a difference between nationalism and patriotism?

By the way, I can't say nationalism, of the variety of saying my country is the best, is irrational...isn't it a bit like saying I like beef best only to be told by someone else I am irrational? Nationalism of the Nazi sort however is not only irrational but also downright evil. So I guess I'd say not all forms of nationalism are irrational.

Nazi is of course a political party. And while that political party did hijack a nation, (and many other nations) many within that nation believed in the nation but not the party or the mission of the party. When the party was disbanded, the nationalism was greatly subdued for obvious reasons. In meeting residents of that country these days, I can tell you that nationalism exists very strongly today, even though it is not displayed as readily with those residents as it is from people in other countries. It is getting stronger and that is a good thing for those people.

Nationalism vs. patriotism- Nationalism is a form of patriotism but is a degree or two more fanatical, depending on the most recent events that tend to increase or decrease the excitement and fervor of the participants. It CAN become dangerous if it goes too far, just as apathy can become dangerous if it goes too far, taking the country in the opposite direction.

Nationalism in itself isn't a thing to worry about; it is when a nation is hijacked by greedy or power-hungry people that nationalism itself is hijacked and used as a tool to bend the people in the direction the bad people wish them to go. Curiously enough, history shows that fanatical levels of patriotism that lead to the destruction of that country are often brought about by serious bouts of apathy in that country beforehand. The people, in their apathy, are much more susceptible to criminal elements that offer a way out, a way up and a promise to a better world. So, maintain your pride in your country. Nationalism is the preventive measure that keeps your country the way it is, which YOU know to better than the other countries out there. It is the rational thing to do.

1. Lots of options on renting. Check the classifieds for Chiang Rai on ThaiVisa for starters and keep checking it. New stuff pops up every day. The search function in the classifieds section lets you look specifically at the CR ads without looking at the ads for the whole country. There are several agents in CR as well and they can be found with a quick search. I believe the name of one of them is Lanna Realty.

2. I would be surprised if you found anyone Farang to share a house with. Seems like a fairly independent, self-sufficient group here. However, finding a Thai to share a place with or a Thai family to live with might be pretty easy and it would go with your idea of being immersed in the culture while contributing to the income of your host.

3. Dunno anything about real schools to improve your language skills but there are plenty of small shops/studios that seem to offer language tutoring. I have also heard of university students teaching Thai language to interested Farang and I understand that it is a requirement of the students in whatever particular course they are involved in. Check with the university programs for more info. Also, ask any students that you meet. Many university students here are looking for someone to help them write papers in English for their school work and they always offer a pretty good sum for the help. Instead of them paying you, you could just trade skills to help each other out. There are literally thousands of students looking for help with English compositions and a lot of them are pretty desperate. Many students have a home in CR but attend universities in other towns so they prefer to do business via e-mail. Maybe a webcam and a chat network will make one or more of those a little more accessible to you, even while you're waiting to make the big move.

Concerning the learning of the language, the locals here are just pretty good people and your true answers probably lies with them. I don't speak any Thai but constantly get invited to parties, meetings, clubs and social gatherings by Thai folks. They always insist that the language thing won't be a problem as most of them speak English and they will make sure I don't feel out of place. That kind of tickles me because I feel out of place with any large group of people, even when the only language spoken is English. But, if you get involved in all that is offered, I would think your Thai would improve rapidly. So, even if you don't find the school you're looking for, an education awaits if you choose to go that route.

There are several motorcycle clubs in CR also. These guys do a LOT for Thailand and they travel to different provinces to accomplish good deeds for under-privileged people. Seek them out and you will find yourself invited to join if you have a motorcycle. If you get hooked up with them, I think you'll find yourself immersed in their world pretty quickly and you'll be immersed in the culture of different provinces as well. From what I can tell, the bulk of the members are well-educated and most are successful businessmen in CR and the surrounding area. They use their own money to improve the lives of others and they will appreciate your help, even if you don't have money to contribute. Another set of hands building a house will further their work. So, you may want to consider buying a larger motorcycle that will comfortably carry you off to some different places now and then. There was a Honda Phantom listed in the Chiang Mai classifieds recently for 66,000 baht, 1,200 kilometers on the odometer (that's new, man) , saddlebags, windshield, crash bars and foot boards, as well as lots of other extra chrome. You can get into the minimum style of road bike pretty cheap if you shop around. Those kinds of deals don't occur often but they do happen and if you're the type to check every day, then you're more likely to be the guy that finds them.

If you're not a biker, there are other types of groups you can get involved with. If you read Thai, check out the main Thai CR forum. That is a pretty hot place for the latest happenings in CR and it lists many more things for sale and rent in the classifieds section than ThaiVisa does. If you don't read Thai, find someone that does and sit down at the computer with them and have a look at that forum. If you can't find that forum, PM me and I'll send you the link.

One way or another, just about everything you're looking for is here and pretty easily found if you go about it the right way.

Teak houses- Unless you're really big on hearing street noises and every single word that is being spoken or shouted in anger or drunkenness by your neighbors, another selection might be a good idea. I love to see a Teak house and I'm really tickled for those that choose to live in them but I much prefer to admire them as a visitor than to call one my home. But, I'm a guy that enjoys a good night's sleep. To each his own.

We gave Blue Sky a try this weekend. Arrived at 5:25, looked like the place was open, went in, ordered and received the order before 6:00. Quick service. Ordered two styles so we could sample the differences offered, found both on the lower side of mediocre. The wife weighed in with her opinion first and that was "We won't eat here again". The outer edge of the crust is really good but things go downhill after that. Found the toppings to be pretty sparse on both pizzas.

The place was busy enough. Lots of farang live within walking distance of the place and that is a plus for the customers and the shop. Nice to not have to get in the car to find food sometimes, so I think the place will be open for a while.

150 baht per pizza.

Tree House has better pizza for my money but maybe the type and style that Blue Sky has is just what some people like. One of the Blue Sky pizzas even reminded me a little bit of Corleone's pizza and Corleone's was a definite one time deal for me.

kandahar

you sound like a soldier, are you? Maybe Kandahar in Afghanistan?

If we all want to keep this planet a little longer then nationalism has no place. Nationalism comes from brainwash-tactics starting with sport, gladiators in the 21st century.

If they world wants to keep up with the new realities we have to break dividing walls and open up. But there is no place for nationalism or radical religions etc..

Hey elcent. Nice to see your contribution here.

Do you really believe the thing you write about? If so, help me to understand it because I don't. If the world becomes one society, one nation, one whatever it is that you write about, with our reasons for national pride vanquished by a greater cause, which nation's principles will it be based on? Which non-radical religion will be "our" religion? Lots to choose from. Your idea of a radical religion is probably at odds with the choice of millions of others out there and I can guarantee that some of those don't think their religion is radical; it is "the" religion for anyone with any sense at all The same goes for governments styles. Which one are we stuck with in the new world order?

You're thinking pretty far in the future, as near as I can tell and therefore, I'll go a bit further. What happens if folks arrive from another planet and THEY think there is only one way of doing things in the universe? Do we have a planetary (earth) pride that will be the impetus for us to fight for our survival or do we go with the one for all and all for one thing?

Your wish a good wish, elcent. In a perfect world, it would work. But we aren't there and neither you nor I will live to see it. We live in these times and I can only speak of what is happening now.

elcent, you cannot hear the tone that these words are written in. Maybe the words sound harsh or hateful. They aren't. They are written in a soft tone, with more questions implied than are actually represented in the font you are looking at. Please let me know how you see this thing. Nobody has ever explained it to me in a way that made any sense at all in a real world.

kandahar

Sad news. My condolences.

Hi

Jingthing does it again! Thought-provoking post

I think nationalism has a kind of rational aspect to it in that it makes sense for groups of people (which is what nations are) to have pride in the way they do things in order for that particular 'way' to thrive and be successful.

That is in a very basic social grouping, the way nations developed and became nation states is when these ideas and cultures came into contact with others, and differences in language, primarily, led to mis-understandings and conflicts.

In order to define a nation state it is necessary to encourage feelings of 'otherness' in that 'they do things differently over there' which leads a group to decide that 'our way is the best way' so that the way that group is organised can thrive.

So, in that sense it is perfectly rational.

Rational doesn't mean healthy. It's another argument completely as to whether or not nationalism is good for the world as a whole. Certainly it has defined many aspects of the world we know today, but there are always people who desire to stretch the boundaries, move across the borders and make contact on a human level and blur those national differences. This is one of the ways our species progresses.

It is, I think, natural for people in any country you care to mention, to compare 'their' way of life to others. It's very difficult to compare a way of life because in order to make a real comparison you would have to rid yourself of your cultural heritage which is impossible.

What we can do, and what often happens, is that when we really meet the 'others' we see that despite our differences we share more than we thought and have the most important things, love, family, desire for happiness and security, in common.

This can be seen in particular in Europe, (probably in many other places too, but Europe is what I know a little about) where for thousands of years, the 'otherness' of language and culture meant that bloody wars would rage, practically non-stop for centuries. In WW1 both the British and the Germans thought 'god is on our side' or gott mit uns'. After that conflict there was an upsurgance of more political ideologies which seemed to try and replace the centuries old religious-based doctrines. This caused even more conflict and, arguably, lead the continents great rivals, Germany and France, to decide that despite the 'other' being the hated enemy of many conflicts, union was the only way forward.

Now, the states of Europe, whilst still different, and still populated by people who regard their state as 'better' are not slaughtering each other. Indeed many share a currency and have borders which are open to each other.

So, is it rational? Yes, I think it is. Is it a good thing? Depends on what it leads you to do.

I think it's part of our social evolution.

A thinking man. Nice contribution to the thread.

A lot of poisonous nationalistic fervor is racially and/or religiously based. The Nazi's thought Aryans were superior and should take over the world. The Japanese felt the same about their "pure" race during WWII. I hear this sort of thing from Thais everyday and see it on Thai TV.

One good development in the U.S. (which I used to think was bad until the light dawned) is the mulitculturalization that has taken place. People of white European descent are scheduled to become a minority soon. No longer does the claim that "This is a Christian country," have validity. With this state of affairs, there can still be nationalist fervor in the form of Americans sticking togther, but no longer out of racial, cultural or religious identity. The sooner the rest of the world opens its doors (Thailand, for example) and becomes racially, culturally and religiously mixed, the sooner the more poisonous varieties of nationalism will disappear.

Since the U.S. has already done this, it is the best country.

Good post.

I read kandahar's post as great evidence that it IS indeed irrational to be nationalistic, even though that wasn't his intention. His point boiled down is that most people are most comfortable in their home country and most people find foreign ways strange. In other words, cultural brainwashing. Irrational. Human nature, but the greater reality is that we are all humans in all countries and we shouldn't be hating each other and killing each other because we are different. Now oil, food, and water, that's another story, ha ha. I am not so radical as to feel we should abolish nation states, passports, and borders; it wouldn't matter if I was because it ain't going to happen.

I certainly didn't support or defend hating or killing other people because they are different. I don't think that Nationalism lends much weight to that theory either. That conclusion doesn't really go with the topic but it might be a good topic for another day. The hating and killing seems to be religion based much more so than Nationalism. While some wars have been fought primarily because of religious differences, other countries that share the same religions as the warring nations chose to not get involved.

Brainwashing isn't implied, mentioned or in any other way a part of my argument. Erroneous deduction, on your part, but I'll assume that is a just a pet of yours that you like to push out there once in a while. However, don't pretend it is my thinking. You did follow up with a correct answer, which is human nature. Big difference between human nature and brainwashing.

For those who like the idea of one nation on this planet with everyone sharing everything equally, you'll probably have that in the future. Okay, maybe not you but your descendants. I'm fairly certain they will long for the past and the wide array of options we enjoy today. When all is owned and governed by a few, the world over, the average person isn't likely to be enjoying life. When the rights, customs and religions of the entire world are boiled down to one set of standards that all have to adhere to, it is going to be a dreary, bland existence.

As for why the U.S. is a bit more proud or Nationalistic, in some ways, the answer is easy. It is a young country that has grown into a world power in a short time. Every American that is educated there is made aware of the fact that it is a new country that quickly became a nation that was called upon by many others to provide help and it had the resources and manpower to make a difference. Any American can look at the history of the world and then imagine the changes that would be if their country had been too weak to help or had opted to sit on the sidelines in the last 200 years. That is nothing to be ashamed of. It isn't brainwashing. It is a summary of the historic facts concerning that young nation and there is only one likely conclusion for freedom loving people.

The other countries of this world, for the most part, have histories that go back thousands of years. Many of those countries can look at their own histories and see that their countries have been involved in conquering other nations for national gain, land and resource grabs, persecution of opposing religions and power hungry, greedy, nationalistic reasons. The U.S. doesn't have that track record. For the most part, when the U.S. leaves an area where it fights, the area returns back to governing itself and to its original way of life. Note that I said "for the most part". There are a few exceptions but certainly not enough to give the American people the idea that they are a conquering, vanquishing nation. The country has made some mistakes and the people there feel bad about those. However, the good far outweighs the bad in that particular column.

It is a young country and it has far surpassed other countries that have had many centuries to get it right. And they did it in a couple of hundred years. They didn't conquer some nation and steal everything and then claim it is theirs. Instead, they opened their doors, invited everyone in and guaranteed certain freedoms to all. When they did, the smartest and brightest showed up and offered their skills, honed their business skills, invented things that the world wanted and sold American products to their contacts in their home countries. A great recipe for success. They had money in their pockets to support other countries with in times of need. The new country became a wonder of the world and that attracted more people. It is no wonder that Americans feel good about what they had become, compared to every other country they could look at.

But as I said, it isn't looking so good now. They have gone too far in guaranteeing rights. They have gone too far in making big business and banking the backbone of the nation. They have gone too far in helping other nations when they really can't afford it. They have gone too far in opening their doors to people who really aren't coming because it is a place to enjoy but instead, are coming because they want to see the end of the place and they know they can live amongst the good people without fear and bring it down. It is time to step back, enjoy the back burner for a while instead of pushing forward so hard. They need to look around and fix the small things that will one day be big things if left unchecked.

But yeah, I can see why they think they are a great nation.

I don’t think the people are irrational at all. It is natural to think of "your" country as the best, I would think. It is home. The food is what you are used to. You know the rules and the laws. In most cases, you perhaps even witnessed or were a part of the events that caused some of the laws to be implemented. You have a history there. You have most likely mastered the language. You know the boundaries of behavior in the society. You typically know what type of reaction any of your actions will cause. You are comfortable.

It is also fairly natural to find other countries "below" yours because there are so many things you don't quite get when you visit or live there. It isn't your element, you didn't live the history and you most likely didn't learn the history of that country. Without that, a lot of what you experience goes against what you "know" to be normal. You're out of your element. But the residents around you are not. They feel the way about their country that you do about yours. Natural. They are in their comfort zone. But, as you said, there are a few basket case exceptions.

Americans complain about their country constantly and almost any American can point out the faults of the country in a hurry. At the same time, they are thankful for what they do have that other countries don't have and they recognize that even with its faults, it offers a lot more than most.

I'm not sure where you find that the immigration thing in the U.S. isn't big. While lots of folks from certain parts of the world do prefer to immigrate to Europe, people in other parts of the world prefer the U.S. From my travels, I have determined that it really boils down to where the immigrants have contacts and relatives and where the immigrants can find a culture that isn't too far away from their own. Each of the more prosperous countries seem to be flooded with immigrants from certain neighboring countries. The immigrants seem to go with what they know and what they know is what previous immigrants can write home and tell about. There is a huge Turkish population in Germany and it is growing quickly. Comparatively speaking, the Turkish population in the U.S. is small. There is a geographic reason for that, one country being near and one country being far. There is also a historic trend that promotes that growth of Turkish immigrants in Germany and it will continue.

The U.S. still gets plenty of immigrants. True, the Mexican population is not growing so much right now because the economy is down. If the economy surges, the borders will be flooded with those immigrants again.

There are lots of immigrants arriving in the U.S. that aren't going there to be laborers or factory workers. Many are going there to open businesses. And they are successful. Most are more successful than their American counterparts because most are willing to work 16 or 18 hours a day to make the business a success. Their family members are willing to pitch in and work for next to nothing just because that is what it takes. As more and more small businesses in the U.S. fail, there is also a trend of immigrants businesses hanging on and on and on, just not giving up. The immigrants have more to lose. They don't want to fail and have to go home. Therefore, they sacrifice in just about whatever ways they can to survive.

Interestingly enough, there is still a large influx of Muslim people arriving in the U.S. I'm surprised by that. I would think that they would see the U.S. as their most hated country. But they do recognize the freedoms, opportunities and standard of living available there.

All in all, the immigration trends shift with the events that shape history. This decade, one country looks like a better bet than another. Next decade it will shift yet again.

But why do many of us insist that our country is better than the others? You asked that question. Some countries have different experiences that contribute to that belief. Start with Thailand. Why do Thais think their country is better? One good reason to believe that is all of the farang who are wanting to live here. If the Brits, the Aussies, the Germans, the Americans and on and on, think this is a better country to live in than their own, then it is pretty easy for a Thai to make a conclusion in favor of Thailand. The other countries? Really, some of the same. If the citizens of other countries don’t see lots of people trying to get in, they at least see on the news that the OTHER countries have lots of really weird problems that just can't be understood. They see crime rates in the other countries and it exceeds theirs. They read about a country that has placed cameras everywhere, to spy on the citizens. They see plenty on the news to help them make the argument that those "other" countries are screwed up.

They also interact with people from neighboring countries. Guess what? Some of those people from the neighboring countries talk funny, eat strange foods, don't know the customs of "us" civilized people. It is hard to accept someone when they aren't like you and it is imperative to the survival of your country and your customs to recognize that "your" way of life is the right way of life. If you give in and decide another place is better than yours, another group is better than your group, then you have just pretty much handed the keys to your country and possibly your freedom, to some stranger and you are going to lose your customs, your comfortable society and perhaps your life.

And that is pretty much what is happening in the U.S. This really is another topic entirely, but it ties in with the last paragraph. In the U.S., you are guaranteed certain rights. Unfortunately, when you guarantee those rights, some people find a way to put themselves and their goals ahead of the good of society. They can do a lot of harm and can't be touched because it is their right. Individual rights are outweighing the rights of society and people are using that "freedom" to push others out, down and into silence and submission. People are using those rights to run banks in a fashion that will wreck the world but profit the few individuals. They are using those rights to walk out of prisons again and again to rape, rob and kill, again and again. They use those rights to get what they want as individuals, regardless of the cost to society and the loss of American customs and there isn't anything that can be done about it unless someone decides to violate those persons rights. And even when you can prove that you did right by society by violating those person's rights, you are going to be punished for violating their rights.

So, right now, you can immigrate to the U.S. and it is likely (depending on where you're coming from) a much better thing than what you are leaving. You can prosper if you want to work hard. You have lots of protections that you might not have had at home. You probably have a lot of opportunities that you didn't have at home and you will likely recognize many opportunities that the current citizens aren't willing to see or pursue.

But all of that is going to change. The U.S. has a president right now that is intent on telling the world that the U.S. isn't a better country than the next; it is a bad place with a bad record of doing bad things. The corporations are intent on plundering the nation, hiring temps and contract workers in order not to pay benefits to full-time, dedicated employees. Corporate American is also driving small businesses off the map. The banks have a free hand in the pillaging of the consumer and the taxpayer. The average citizen is demoralized by a corrupt, paralyzed government that is supposed to be protecting their way of life. Special interest groups are buying any legislation they want to further their profits or causes. Individuals are suing in courts, and winning, for the right to the money you have now and may earn in the future because they trespassed on your land or attempted to rob you and they got hurt doing it.

In the U.S., the little guy is every guy. The little guy is starting to believe that the American dream is no more. People are starting to see other countries as better than their country. And in lots of cases, that other country IS at least as good as their country and maybe better. The people there are losing the desire to believe that their country is better. They will lose their country if they don't turn it around. If they lose it, they and the future generations will ask why they didn't fight for what they had. They will ask why they didn't continue to insist that their country was better than the others and make it better. The world will see what happens when a country as a whole loses its desire to proclaim itself better than the others.

I don’t think that it is at all irrational to believe and to tell others, that your country is tops. It is irrational not to.

Has anyone tried Blue Sky Pizza since Limbo first posted about it? Are the hours still the same (open after 18:00 on Fri. and Sat.)? Thinking about giving them a try this weekend.

I've never heard of him. But I don't spend any time going through the back-issues either. If he is a "you'se" guys kind of fellow, then he's probably from my original home area. If there's any trouble, I'll blame Limbo. Limbo wrote it first.

I'm not blaming Don for the topic being pinned. I'm not blaming anyone. If cowboy wanted that, then that is that. I would guess that at the time the topic was pinned, Don's was something that it isn't now. To have it pinned now seems a little strange. There are other Falang restaurants here, that have been here for a long time and still make the effort every day to draw and maintain customers. Using that logic, I just don't see why the place is a pinned topic. I can guess as to why it was originally, but not now. I'm not saying it should be removed, either. Just because I can't see the justification doesn't mean that it isn't important to lots of other people and I'm not the type to try to convince the masses that my thinking is the best thinking.

I do hope that he makes the changes needed at his cafe and has great success. At the same time, I think it is wrong to continue to keep the place open and disappoint the few who take the time to go there and give it a try. I realize this is Thailand and nothing is the way we expect it to be, based on our experiences from our home countries. Re-calibrating our brains to accept the differences we find here is an everyday occurance for lots of us. But my understanding of the premise behind Don's place is that it was to be an oasis of the western experience, a comfortable, satisfying experience to be enjoyed by those of us who have the urge to reconnect with some of the pleasures and standards of our pasts, without having to leave Thailand. At the moment, the standards at that cafe do not even meet the standards of some of the smaller Thai places I visit. It is pretty much just a dive that gets a lot of publicity. That is why I have trouble understanding why it is currently a pinned topic. But again, my not understanding it isn't a push to get it removed. The aforementioned argument is just clarification of my thinking out loud, so to speak.

My intention wasn't to beat up on Don personally, as a fellow man, either. I have never met Don but I happen to know, from other experiences, that he holds some incredibly compassionate personal characteristics and I admire him for that. That restaurant is just a small portion of what represents his time here on earth and I recognize that. He's many other good things to many other people, as a few that I have met will testify.

Okay. I'll have a go at this.

I visited Don's a couple of days ago for an evening meal. It was my first time there. Our group of four were the only customers there and it is a good thing as there is no parking available except in the small yard, on the sidewalk. A sign by the road proclaims a small area to be the parking lot for Don's but that area was closed off. Take down the sign, Don. While we were eating, another group arrived and parked behind us, blocking our car in. They realized they would have to move their vehicle when we left, so they chose to back out and find another place where they could eat in peace.

I have heard a lot about Don's over the years and have avoided the place because the reviews seem to run about fifty/fifty concerning pros and cons. But this night, it was the decision of my companions that lead us to eat there.

There was one employee working and I felt pity for her, as she was overtaxed with performing all of the duties involved in greeting, taking orders, cooking, serving and cleaning. I will avoid the place for that reason alone until they get more help. A person shouldn't have to feel guilty about being a burden to the staff. One person in a small noodle stall in town is sufficient because all of the food is prepared beforehand. But in a restaurant that prepares each order from scratch, one person manning the whole place is asking too much of that one person.

I'll comment only on the food I ordered because I didn't ask the others what they thought of their selections and none of them offered ANY comments. I had several Mexican offerings and was disappointed. The chimichanga was stuffed with ground beef that had absolutely no seasonings mixed with it. There was nothing Mexican about it; just ground beef and a fried wrapping. The enchilada had some taste to it but not at all the Mexican flavor that one would expect. The burrito/soft taco (I couldn't tell, as it didn't have enough of the qualifying characteristics of either) was pretty sad as well, having none of the normal tastes that are associated with that entree.

Maybe they were out of the proper ingredients. Maybe this and maybe that. Maybes aside, in my opinion, a place should provide the proper food that they advertise and if they can't, they should just say so up front. Why risk alienating customers and generating bad publicity? If your place is going to be a pinned topic on this forum, you probably ought to busting your butt to make it a good experience for anyone willing to open their wallet in your establishment. If not, then the place ought to be closed until you can meet the minimum expectations of prospective customers. At this point, I can't see why it is a pinned topic but I can see why so few people bother to make entries in that thread.

There were several other negatives from my night at Don's but I'll stop with the previous entries. On a hopeful note, Don says he is going to be here to operate this place full-time soon and maybe the place will become a worthwhile site for an evening meal. If that occurs, I'm sure I'll read about here and I will give it another try. In the meantime, "taking your chances" has been a common theme in the reports I have received from friends who do occasionally dine at Don's. There are just too many other places with good food and good reputations for me to bother with "taking my chances" on Don's place.

I'm still studying the maps and satellite photos provided on other threads but it appears to me that the water pictured here has been hijacked from dams on the Mekong and I can see some evidence that the monks pictured may have blown in on fair winds from neighboring countries. Sceadugenga, can you provide any information concerning the wind direction on the day these pics were taken? We need to get to the bottom of this and quickly.

From another frame of mind, it is good to see these guys cavorting and enjoying a fun activity. Thanks for this posting and the pics.

===clip===

BEAUTIFUL!

Now it is 23.00, and I go to bed as a really happy ( and mao nitnoy) man!

THIS is why I love Thailand! Too bad it took me 60 years

I really hope you all have or will get the same happiness like I have now!

cmjantje

Hearty congratulations. I'm 56 and hope it doesn't take till I'm 60 to find the Right One . ;-) Which leads me to respond to kandahar . . . who wrote:

Kaoboi Bebobp, I suspect your wedding will be just a bit cooler than the one being celebrated here. Congratulations to you as well. Maybe one day you'll talk her into making this place home, for both of you. If you do, you and cmjantje will have some common ground to start a friendship on.

I can see how you might misinterpret my somewhat awkward wording. Sad to say I've not met the Right One and therefore am not married -- yet. But thanks for the good wishes. I'll keep them in the warming oven.

So, is everyone in CR this friendly? I'll find out this autumn anyway, when I start my permanent reassignment (read: retirement) and visit this intriguing place.

Kaoboi Bebopb, I did misinterpret your words. I was certain you were in for a very cold wedding in Canada on that same day. Sorry to hear you haven't met "the one". I'm hoping that happens soon for you.

I met my lifemate a little late in life. I was forty seven. I'm 52 now. She waited all those years to find me, I guess. Things have been perfect since that meeting, though.

I'm not sure if all of us here in CR are "that" friendly but most seem to be good people. You can read on the forum that most are decent and you can read on the forum that most have a bad day now and then. I've met very few of the folks that peruse this forum but the ones I have met are friendly and decent. The few that I have met continue to drop by often after the first meeting and I'm always tickled to see them again.

If you find the time for a sit-down and a chat when you get to CR, PM me with a heads-up and I'll break away for a cup of coffee with you.

kandahar

Congratulations, cmjantje.

I won't be able to attend your celebrations but thank you for the invitation. What a nice thing to do!

My wife and I wish you the best and the fullest of futures.

Quote: Kaoboi Bebobp: "While I don't live in Chiang Rai (under consideration), I don't want to miss a chance to send my best wishes to a man who is deliriously happy (and also because, I'm half Dutch) and getting married tomorrow. All the best to you, your village and your wonderful Thai girl!"

Kaoboi Bebobp, I suspect your wedding will be just a bit cooler than the one being celebrated here. Congratulations to you as well. Maybe one day you'll talk her into making this place home, for both of you. If you do, you and cmjantje will have some common ground to start a friendship on.

kandahar

I'm not sure what you would consider "too expensive". The Wang Come Hotel is probably around 1400 a night. Not sure of the real rate because I have an "in" there that has always discounted pretty good for me. They also have different "grades" of rooms that have varying prices and I have usually taken the more expensive rooms. The less expensive rooms are comfortable too. Staff has always been first rate in my experience and I have had a LOT of experience there, staying sometimes as long as a month. It is a nice, clean place and is located downtown. Never had any trouble with street noises in the rooms I have had.

The Wiang Inn is a bit nicer but not enough nicer to justify the higher rates they have. I always recommend the Wang Come for any folks coming in to visit me and so far, have had no complaints. The rates change with the season. Give them a call. They have a website. There is a good chance that they have no vacancies right now. Popular place.

Sukhumvit 24 prices started at 28000 for 6-8 seater table and chairs after their 50% sale. Parasol (wooden, white canvas top) started at 13500 after discount

Okay. Thanks for that.

I'm just curious here. What were the ridiculous prices? Do you remember a couple of examples? I have an interest in outdoor furniture as well and I am wondering what kind of prices they have for the wood type.

I'm guessing he is asking about the CM airport, as he has been in CM for the last few days. Perhaps he posted his question in CR forum by mistake.

{Quote: I am not a fan of hot, grimy, rundown, little shophouse establishments. Smashed up against a wall or sitting uncomfortably in the sun, on uneven sidewalks, inches from passing traffic, inhaling unpleasant aromas wafting through the air, is not my idea of ambiance.

When I am in town, maybe once or twice a week, I seem to end up at one of the following establishment for a cappuccino. S&P, Wa Wee, Doi Chang or Black Canyon. Flavor, presentation, ambiance and convenience seem not to be found in any one location. Two out of four seems the best one can hope for.

I was just wondering. Where is you favorite place for coffee in the Rai and why?" End quote}

I can't say that I have a favorite. More like a cluster of favorites, maybe. Depends on where I am in the city and how much time I have to goof off. I too, am not a fan of the hot or rundown places when I decide I have time to really sit and enjoy. Doi Chang is tops for those times when I can just sit and relax. But my favorite brew can be found at a little place right next door to a coffin shop on Ruamchittawai Rd, between Sunsoud Soi 5 and Sanambin Rd. They have an iced green tea latte that is superb (30 Baht). The docs, nurses and staff of CR Hospital kind of overrun the place sometimes and I pass it up when they have taken over the place. Usually, I am lucky enough that the place has only two or three customers.

There are a few other really special places but I don't get to those parts of the town or country often. I even know of a place that serves the finest gelled coffee with a layer of thick cream on top. Comes in a special little custard dish and a gold spoon. It is six kilometers or so out of the city on the old CM highway (1211), left side, next to a fairly good restaurant. Maybe some of you know the place. Just a little wooden hut with outdoor seating. You do have the highway noise there but the coffee will make you forget about that. The place certainly has a loyal following, Thai and Farang alike. The tables always have fresh flowers placed in the center and the bees are always busy working the flowers and ignoring the coffee drinkers. The couple that run the place grow and export coffee. They know their stuff. I've had some enchanting afternoons and met some some really good people there. Just writing about it makes me miss it. I had better head out there in a day or so.

I have to admit, Nescafe Red Cup is my morning drink at home. Quick and easy. I avoided instant coffee for most of my life but later had to get used to it while working several years in a place with nothing but instant and it grew on me. It is the one thing the wife could always send back with me after R&R and I could carry enough to last six months. These days, after six or eight cups of Red Cup every morning, I can start my day. But it sure does make me appreciate the stuff that takes time and care to make when I finally get out and try a cup. That is just one of the reasons that Doi Chang tastes so good every time I make that stop. What a nice cup of hot, fresh, black coffee.

I keep several sets in my shop. Looking at them, I don't see any good way to repair them if they broke. There just isn't much there to work with. Not sure which style or model you may have. Maybe the ones you have are repairable. However, if you're fond of your ears, I suggest a look around at some of the better tool stores in your area. I bought mine at two different tool shops here in CR at around 200 baht each. Two of the local music shops that sell guitars, amps, etc. carry some different models here but they are more expensive. The models the music stores carry are a lot nicer than the everyday models I use but mine work fine, get dirty and get dropped and dinged so I don't have a need for the fancy ones. Maybe a look around CM will turn up a nice model that you appreciate more than the one that needs repaired? Your ears are worth it.

Sometimes, the humor is even lost on its own culture.

I have not tried the place yet but will soon enough. And just so you all know, I'm not so biased against naked hot heads either, so I'll get along fine with the owner of that cafe. The good news is, CR seems to be a little short on naked hot heads right now. Haven't seen any today. But, those were the days......