Lots of photo's taken during the "silence" and so I'll bring you up to date with a mainly picture story!
This scene is our attempt to simultaneously release 13 sky lanterns in celebration of the 13th anniversary of Juniper Tree Chiang Mai! John and Muriel Davies were here and it was John who negotiated the purchase of the original "Holiday Resort" that became JTCM. As Elliot Carey's photo shows, staff and guests combined to light and release the lanterns; it is a good thing we had spares because we discovered exactly how long you can keep one alight without releasing it! We also had to contend with one young guest doing his best to blow out the lights!! (He was given the priviledge of blowing out the candles on the amazing chocolate cake that Phet( one of our cooks) made to help in the celebrations!
John gave a potted history of the JTCM and prayed a brief, thankful prayer before the cake vanished faster than a blink.
The kitchen staff are so proud of their efforts and they work so hard for the guests, who can sometimes test their skills to the max!
It was a blessing that John was here to adjudicate in a dispute between our builder and her foreman; we are hoping that the buildings will be finished in time for their first residents, who I have booked in to arrive on the 2nd Jan. That seemed a very cautious date when the foundations went in over 12 months ago!
No windows, no septic tank, no bathroom fittings, electrical fittings, curtain poles, mozzy nets........ 3 weeks and counting!
If you look closely, in with the biscuits are 2 visitors! Still eat them (the biscuits) One other four legged resident of the JT got made homeless this week, he is a Tokay lizard (gecko) who was hiding among a pile of wooden roofing shingles that we sold for reuse.
These guys are responsible for the extremely loud calls in the night that most people think are birds calling. If you've never heard it, Wikipedia has a good sound clip! tokay
Khamsi supervising whilst Joachim, Don and Chai fight the good fight with a very reluctant tractor. Having stood idle for a good number of years it needed a lot of persuasion but Joachim's patience and determination paid off:
The sale of the tractor is hopefully going to pay for the air conditioning units needed for the new houses.
Since we came to JTCM we have often heard the well worn observation about how it's a small world; however, meeting the Hartley's just goes to show..... They have supporters at St Anne's in Fence (a mile or so from Higham) It was good to share a few Lancashire moments so far from home!
More Lancashire moments with Pat and Bob (Joan's Sister & B.I.L.):
We visited the Zoo with them, managed a Jazz in the Jungle, night (more later) various meals around Chiang Mai, but Pat & Bob managed to get some really good birding done (see Pats blog)
Part 2 will follow soon: too much to do in one go!!
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