12 minutes until the clock strikes 12 and rather than be out in the maelstrom of Tae Pae Gate which is the Times Square of Chiang Mai, I'm ensconced in the internet place that is right there, with music blasting outside, hundreds of vendors hawking grilled meat, noodles, corn on the cob, deep fried this and that, all kinds of food and all kinds of clothing, knick knacks, tee shirts, yoga pants, the usual deal. The street is closed off and it's a see of Asian faces, some Farang, everybody from babies to old timers. In the sky are hundreds of lanterns, some going up, some coming down... it's a big business on a night like this, must be a hundred or more vendors selling them here. And people light them, pose with them, and set them aloft,carrying their dreams for the new year... or maybe it's just a photo op.
Had a rough day of missing my girlfriend Julie who has been off the grid with friends for a few days, so we didn't have a chance to chat or skype lately and for some reason, it's hard at the new year, I felt pretty lonely there for a few minutes, but that gives way to the next feeling and the next and the next so it's not something I dwell in. But wow, there was an ache there for awhile. I've been reading a great collection of 'the Best Buddhist writing of 2011' and it's really getting me to think in a different way. I'm drawn to Buddhism and this is an excellent way for me to get a foothold. Different articles from different walks of life, each one digestible without having to wade through a serious tome that would feel like work. This feels like knowledge and I'm into it.
Two minutes to go... and I have zero interest in being part of the throng, though I will step out to watch the fireworks, so I guess yeah, I'll be in the throng. I wish I was with my love at midnight, I miss the kiss and the connection. Part of the price for being a road dog, and yup I have to pay it.... And it's OK
Well it says 12:00 so Happy New Year, Sawadii Pii Mai (in Thai) There's the cheer, there's the explosions, I'm sitting indoors with headphones and glasses on... like a nerd... and it's OK
Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom Boom
