Following the monks

Driving home on Saturday I followed this Song Tiew (taxi truck) through traffic for quite a while.
 I took this photo while stuck in traffic, to the amusement of the group of  young, orange robed monks in the back. (the photo was taken through a dirty windscreen so is a bit blurry- but I liked the combination of the orange and the red).
I was amused by them as they were occupying themselves like any teenager on a road trip.  They had earphones in, sunglasses on their forehead, were looking at screens and eating ice cream.

Driving in Chiang Mai

The traffic in Chiang mai on Saturday was fine.  I was apprehensive about driving and finding my way around, but all went well.  The old city is surrounded by a moat.  The ruins of the walls can just be seen in the background in this photo.  There is a one way ring road system on either side of the moat, so it can be a bit confusing working out how where you can do a U turn to head in the desired direction.
Traffic was steady and remarkably calm, no tooting horns and no road rage, cars and bikes did cut in, but drivers gave way- all very polite.

A Chinese Lantern for Meg

Last weekend in Phuket on the beach at Patong,  Libby, Ross and I released a Chinese lantern for Meg.  With sadness and poignant memories we watched as the lantern ascended to the heavens.

Driving along a jungle lane

Today I borrowed Muyassar's car (the art teacher from Uzbekistan) and drove down to Chiangmai to visit the bank.  It was great to be driving a car again.  I have missed being behind the steering wheel and going where you like.
Saturday morning banking is possible here as branches in shopping centres are open.   The staff are friendly and welcoming, and there is more than one staff member there to help you - how unusual.  I had two people helping me and as I left they gave me a free purple umbrella to match my purple glasses, not like an Australian bank at all.
On the way home I decided to do some exploring  of the  "I wonder where that road goes" variety and followed this narrow lane way.  It was a lovely windy road through the jungle, with walking tracks off to the side.  You can just make out a small shrine on the left hand side of the road.  Unfortunately when I looked further there were piles of rubbish dumped on both sides of the ride.

The Russians are here

I was surprised by the amount of signage in Cyrillic Script on signs, billboards and windows in Phuket, until I spotted the Russians.  Phuket must be one of their favorite destinations. While I could spot lots of Aussies, there were many more Russians, who lacked confidence in the waves.
There is Russian community in Chiang Mai.  They are Hare Krishna's and live in an Ashram, and APIS is their preferred school.  I have Yan in my Grade 6 class who loves drawing pictures of imaginary weapons.

Friday Fake Flower

When I first saw this flower I was amazed by the greeness of the leaves.  Of course with a closer look they are fake.  Why?  Just behind them there was a beautiful real orchid flower.  Maybe it is for year round color?  It certainly isn't due to lack of fertile soil or water.
The arrangement is part of the decor at the  "Rice Paddy" the local watering hole/restaurant/bar near school, where I had a spicy basil chicken dish for dinner tonight.

Still sweeping

 Today is Theme Day for the City Daily Photo community. For October the theme is movement.
There is plenty of movement when the lawn is being mowed at APIS.  There is the mower, the sweeper and then the gatherer.   A great team and the lawns are very neat. This lawn is in front of Building I where I have my classroom.
Click here to see other Movement Photos from CDP members