Loy Kratong Party at Dok Kaew Gardens

Loy Kratong is a Thai festival involving floating flower boats down the river or lighting hot air "kites" that float into the night sky. For our residents at Dok Kaew, we provided food, music, and a chance to float our kratongs in our fountain. Later our hot air kites were released into the sky, with the full moon shining down. We invited staff from the larger McKean compound who have helped us throughout the year. Next party....Christmas!!

Flooding

The rainy season is in earnest, and some areas of the city are flooded. So far McKean is unaffected, but a breach in the road north of us could mean significant water in our low lying areas. Dok Kaew buildings were raised to what we hope is above flood level. I would rather not test this out this year!

Here is a photo of the alley behind our house, flooded from the creek that runs beside it. The wall at the bottom of the picture keeps the water away from our house.

My experience has been th, Eleanor Roosevelt | Dictionary.com

My experience has been th, Eleanor Roosevelt | Dictionary.com

My Thai teacher took me and another of her students to the local community center a couple of years ago, where I had my first TWO HOUR Thai massage. It was a wonderful experience, as my masseuse actually took my request for "bow bow" (softly) to heart. In contrast, my Thai teacher moaned and groaned as her masseuse worked her over. When I questioned this, she replied that she liked the pain...it would make her feel much better afterwards.

Recently I decided to introduce my friend Sharon to the experience. Unfortunately, the first time I took her out on a Saturday afternoon, we ended up driving around in the rain for an hour unable to find the place tucked away on small streets. Yesterday, after scouting things out on my own, we made it and relaxed together in a room with 3 other Thai. Sharon’s masseuse got the message about “bow bow”, but mine seemed to think I needed some of the kinks worked out. Since many of the moves involve the masseuse laying her weight to press on the client, I hope for a less robust lady next time.

As I relaxed, enjoying easy conversation with Sharon, and then just dozing, I listened to the women talk about drunk husbands, children they adored, husbands who adored their children even when drunk, and the high cost of living. Total cost: $6 each. I’m taking Annie when she gets back.