A low key day in Isaan Thailand.

Today and tomorrow the schools are closed due to a special Buddhist holiday. It is the Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent. The Vassa tradition pre-dates the time of the historical Buddha. It was a long-standing custom for mendicant ascetics in India not to travel during the rainy season as they may unintentionally harm crops, insects or even themselves during their travels. The monks will remain inside the temple grounds during the next three months. Phai got up early and spent several hours at the Temple this morning while I slept in and then had breakfast. It is difficult for me to handle several hours when I cannot sit like they do, not know what is being said and I don't always know the correct things to do. I could have tried taking photos but you can only take so many photos of the same temple and the same monks without hitting overload. 

Phai did tell me that some type of ceremony with candles will take place this evening at the temple so I am hoping for some photo ops at that. 

We decided not to take the motorbike to the Na Klang flea market and tried to hire a Somloe taxi (those big three wheel motorcycles) but none were available. One of Phai's friends was eating at the restaurant and said her husband would drive us there and bring us back. It rained last night so we walked around the big outdoor flea market dodging mud puddles but I got my screwdriver. It was the only tool I saw for sale. We bought some artificial flowers for the new house, a couple of wastebaskets and five new towels. It helped appease me a little bit but I am dying to get to the big hardware store. Our son in law will drive back tonight and be here tomorrow. His drive to bring his mother here is about 250 miles and he prefers to travel at night when there is less traffic. 

The plan right now is to wash the floors with our new spinner mop and special bucket when it gets cooler this evening and then see if we can move our bed over tomorrow. If our son in law isn't wiped out from the trip to pick up his mom maybe I can even get to the big hardware store in Nong Bua Lamphu. I have my list all made out. 

Yesterday I noticed the dogs all barking and a guy walked past with his dog on a leash. I had never seen anyone take a dog for a walk here before. Then I noticed that several people walked by going the same direction carrying their dogs. I asked Phai what was going on and she said the government is giving free animal vaccinations just a little way up the street. She said she would like to get our dog down there. I said well I can try. By now our dog must have figured it out because he headed the other direction up the street and no matter who called him he would not come back. I am glad to see those programs offered for free here. With the number of dogs here I am sure it is important for the government to help prevent a breakout of rabies. From what I can find on the internet the risk where I am is very low. 

Two new photos and two new funny Thai signs for you. Once we get the move into the new house behind us I am hoping Phai and I can make a few interesting day trips with good photo ops. 

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My new hat I bought so I could help paint in the hot sun. I probably will not wear it to do my banking. Sorry about my crooked glasses.

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The artificial flowers we bought at the flea market today. Total price for both including the stands about $11.00

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I am assume this sign is outside a bar.

chips

Sounds yummy to me. Some things get slightly revised during translation.



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