Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai; "This is a Happy Life"

Several weeks ago we were just leaving the house, on the way to where, I don’t remember. She looked at me and simply said: “This is a happy life”. We climbed on her motorcycle and went to do what ever we were doing. I keep reflecting on those simple words of wisdom.

“This is a happy life” 

Maliwan Khawumphai.

Gratitude, humility, patience and acceptance are tenants that seem to come naturally to the vast majority of the Thai’s that I have met.  Me I have to work on these qualities, daily! They are all my teachers, mentors and coaches. I have an American friend who teaches English to 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade children. He talks about the joy in their little faces and the fact that they will run across the playground to say hello and even give him a hug. He doesn’t complain about the classroom not being adequate or the fact that his average class size is between 50 and 60. He just grins when he mentions that in all he has about 600 students.  He goes on about the joy of doing what he loves.


For the past month I have been shuttling back and forth between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai attending Thai language training at the Waylen School of Thai. You can see them at http://www.thaiwalen.com/ In the future I’ll write an article about the options In Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai. For now Walen is the best option for me. It’s about a 3 hour bus ride which gives me time to read a bit, nap a little and mull over Maliwan’s profound statement. “This is a happy life”. My life, as it turns out, isn’t always perfect. Here’s the rub, when it’s not perfect it’s only because I have declared it so. On days that I can remember to turn it over and get out of my own way, life is exactly like it’s supposed to be; that’s perfect! I thought I’d share with you a couple of happy life moments.

Wat Pra Sing, Chiang Mai Sunset

As often as not, on Tuesdays I go to a meeting at Wat Doi Phra Bat which is adjacent to the old airport in Chiang Rai. I often walk there from home, or catch a ride to the edge of the runway and walk the last half a mile or so. I really enjoy the recreation use of the old runway.   I love the recreation that goes on there.  One afternoon I stopped to watch the arobics class and a couple children came up and wanted to practice English.  I asked if I could take a photo and suddenly the two became four.

Arobics class at the old airport in Chiang Rai

And then there were four

The gate to the temple Wat Doi Pra Bhat

On the days that I’m home in Chiang Rai I really enjoy the quiet. I love to sit on the porch and study or read. Speaking of studying, did you know that the Thai word for 5 is pronounced ha? When they want to express funny in a text message or email they never use anything like LOL. They just say ๕๕๕

Chiang Mai is great also. I just moved into a place called Pachkit House. They are at http://www.pachkit.com/.
I’m inside the old city within an easy walk to my Sunday meetings, Waylen school, the ENF office and just about everything I would want to do or see.  One of my favorites is the Sunday night walking street.  There's always something new and exciting to see, taste, buy and of course photograph.

Close pin art at the walking street in Chiang Mai

I’ve made a couple of trips to the elephant nature park since I last wrote in this journal. In my travels I’ve met some exceptional people and learned a little bit more about these wonderful creatures. 

Valerie & Lek

Kai & Stephanie

Look for a few more articles very soon, all will be about the elephants and their plight!


Abundant Blessings,

Jerry