Chiang Mai-Mary went there for Conference, Jonathan went for vacation!

Wow, the "大笨象” are actually so clever as you can see, they can also paint beautiful art.

The orchids are sooooooooo beautiful. Please visit my flikr page to see some of them.http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathantan/




We went at the opportune time when Chiang Mai is celebrating the Loi Krathon Festival or called the Festival of lights . It is also called "Yee Ping" in the northern Thailand. It fell on 24th November this year. It is celebrated in conjunction with the king's 80th Birthday this year!

They made small floats out of banana trunk and flowers and float them in the Mae Ping river to ask for forgiveness from the river goddess for using and abusing the river. They also light up paper lanterns like hot-air balloons that float away in the sky. You must see the whole sky is dotted with thousands of these balloons. What a wonderful, awsome sight!!! With each balloon, they are supposed to send their troubles and worries away, not knowing that only Jesus could take away their troubles and burden. Only the balloons floated away in this case! The houses and temples were also decorated with beautiful lanterns. On the second day, 25th November this year, decorated floats took part in a procession that competed for the best float. There was also beautiful queen contest, usually among the university students.

We also visited the long-neck village where the women folks lengthen their necks with copper coils, for beauty and for protection when they live in th jungle!

New Lifestyle after Joel left for London

What is life after Joel left for study in London? For one thing, we have leftover food more often. the house is quiet. thank God for Good TV, that provides for some sound in the house, otherwise, CNN!

Good TV has provided a new way of cooking, using stainless steel pots. One can grill, stir fry, steam and even bake or toast with less salt, less water and fat. Just use the natural, original taste in the ingredients, for example, for sweetness, use carrot. The natural vege and fish contain an enormous amount of calcium, potassium, sodium and fish oil that can help reduce HBP. Garlic and onions have been generously added. The food actually taste better; surprise, surprise! For example, I learn to cook Mongolian stir fry in the pot without having to add large amount of oil and sauces. Just a sprinkle of salt and pepper. natural flavor!

Last night, we had wild rice and German sausage and string beans. Healthy? And no leftover!