At a Standstill

At a Standstill, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 73

Lately things have been crazy. Crazy is not always a bad thing, as sometimes it adds a bit of spice to life, or possibly it is something just unexpected while also being welcomed.

It is crazy that we only have a few weeks left here. It is crazy that we are about to move to TX. It is crazy that we are actually able to move on to the next phase of life. These are all generally good things.

Work today: crazy. Not good. It is not hard to see why others have gone to the hospital for stress related things. 'Nough said.

Seasonal Denial

Seasonal Denial, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 72

I had something really good to write about, but this picture doesn't warrant it. Maybe another one of these days.

BUT, I can't believe it snowed today. I was so sad about that, but it should get warmer again soon here. Hope it doesn't kill of the rest of spring around here. That is one of the best parts of being in the STL!

Nostalgia

Nostalgia, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 71

Here is a nod to day 2.

It is really funny to me that it is now nice out and I am able to go back and 're-do' some of the earlier images in a different way. That is a lot of days!

Anyways, I am missin' you a lot today.

Chiang Rai

So I am a little bit slow on this one since Sara and them are all leaving this area now I think, but I thought I would put up some pics of the Chiang Rai area anyways....

Photo by mselam.

This is the White Temple in Chaing Rai. Sounds like it is relatively new...

Photo by Swissphotopia.

Some kids outside of the Golden Temple in Chiang Rai.

Photo by jamestraceur.

I guess the most prominent hill tribe in the are is the Karen tribe. Here is one Karen tribesman playing his pipe...

Just Off the Beaten Path

Just Off the Beaten Path, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 70

It was really nice out today, so we took a walk in the park. We are becoming fast friends.

Bite Size

Bite Size, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 69

So I really do think they only do this part at night. They are sifting through the dirt to find the big rocks, which are then crushed by the other machine. No wonder it is so loud... I guess it is a good thing, as the presumably actually re-use the old 'waste.'

19th Century Looks

19th Century Looks, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 68

This one is kind of a companion for day 51... Had the morning pic, thought it needed an evening one with it.

I brought this book with me to work the other day to read at lunch and I was just waiting for someone to ask what I was reading. I kind of didn't want to have to reply, "The Secularization of the European Mind in the 19th Century." The hesitation on my part is interesting, I think.

I wonder who that is more a reflection of - me, them, or mere perceptions...?

Backwards

Backwards, originally uploaded by a b franzen.

Day 67(.5)

Alright, so this one is a bit late, but it is early enough in the morning it can still kind of count for yesterday.

Anyways, so I think they have started to take breaks during the day so that they can work again at night. I have the pleasure of going to sleep to the sound of big ass trucks doing their constructing thing.... Glad to hear that you made it to Chiang Rai safely!

Hello from Thailand!

So I made it to Thailand and it has been quite an experience. A beautiful country and beautiful people. We have had 2 days of clinic that have went well and today just got to a new site where we will have clinic for 2 days. Definitely not roughing it as we have been put up in very nice hotels! Seems a little like betrayal for a mission trip, but i'm not complaining. I will write more when I get back (would rather be out exploring than typing) but just wanted to say Hi from Asia :)