Leaving: Parades & Statues & Street Life

​It’s not bittersweet leaving Shokhothai for exciting Chiang Mai. I have friends and contacts and no doubt holiday celebrations and convenings and tours to choose from. 

I have unexpected leisure of this afternoon til my bus at 4:30. Though I have my things in two places (a long story I may not tell), I’ve got my ticket, and I’m ready to roll. No angst; no pressure. I have Ben’s bike, and I found a way to raise the seat, so I’ll do some tooling around despite the heat of the day. 

I lived in Florida 40 years, so I sorta know how to do this. And I replaced my lost-hat & bought sunglasses to please my dermatologist and ophthalmologist. So I think my sun-king karma is good for now. Plus it’s cooler in more ways than one.

It’s probably eventful wherever you go. Surely in meditation. In Shokhothai, whether the historical essence or everyday events, it’s been charming and eye-opening here.

The children’s parade that awoke me yesterday…

…and morning alms at the break of dawn…

My lodging was sweet, alas with a mattress like stone and dubious water (as in availability). I chalk these up as funny downsides, good stories. There’s an even funnier adventure, but I think best kept to myself -😌.

—

One of these times I’ll go more into the intrigue for me of travel. Certainly it’s the rambler and flaneur in me. My mother’s curiosity. It doesn’t feel so much like restlessness, more like Kesey’s bus: “Further.” Seeking. But nothing in particular. Trusting. But I know not what. Confirmed by experience. Meant to do. I dunno. We’ll have to see if I find more words of clarity.

—

In the meantime, fare-thee-well Shokhothai (as in “succotash”). Your welcoming notable, your history palpable, quite humbling.


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