5.08.13 The actual itches on which you could now play dot to dot, I need to leave well alone and am dousing with lavender oil. The itch I need not so much to scratch but to tickle, was my first thought of the day yesterday.

This ‘itch’ used to be likened to the revving of an engine by my brother and would act like a laughter circle at the Sunday lunch table when we were little. With Simon it would be laughter bubbles that grew deep from within in and once popped I just couldn’t stop :). I am itching to laugh again, I mean deep belly, side aching laughter.

And as if I had planned it the day starts with yoga, an amazing teacher, a sanctuary, and there I begin to laugh. On route a parrot said ‘hello’ very kindly in English.

I had wondered how I would find peace in a city that never seems to sleep. But it beggins as I find the back street treasures, step out of the land of tourism into the real Chaing Mai, and make new friends who seem to already see me. Ironic when I still don’t quite recognise myself in the mirror!

The project is already giving me a unique experience of beginning to understand this city and it’s culture from those with a wealth of knowledge. Whilst by the evening language lesson my brain was nothing more than the mush of an old banana, and all I could do for you now is probably speak English and yet with a new sing song tone that is addictive, I find myself starting to fall for this city.

We were given a tour, a few snippets………………..

‘What Chedi Luang’ Temple

Warorot Market, described as ‘if you can think it, you can find it here’. This art shop is every artists dream, like the best sweet shop in the world it went on, and on, and on.

I Join the many other’s who before me have made and hung their wishes in the What Chedi Luang Temple.

Set to do a turtle rescue mission, I was quickly reassured that these creatures are offerings that are let back into the water.

The ‘Silver Temple’, it’s roof tells a fairy tale. With over 200 Temples in the City they start becoming a bit of a feature!

………………When I booked this trip it was primarily about the project, I was coming as an Art Therapist as an experience to benefit me and my practice. So much has changed since then, like putting in an offer for a cafe, you know, that every day kind of thing.

My initial focus, or any focus in fact had disappeared. I was coming just as me, with no idea any more quite why or what it would bring.

6.08.13 Even within these two day’s of orientation in the project, I see what a precious part of my transition this is, Thai culture is about having fun, creating hope in among some very difficult issues. It feel’s like I am in the right place at the right time again, and the art begins.

 Workshop for children in the local community at Cultural Canvas.

“up above the world so high” they learn English via song and create their own world.

 

 

 

 

Initially feeling my age as an ‘elder’ in the group, I quickly realise that I have a lot to be reminded of from these wonderful people. I find I am the one always a step behind for a change, I like it!……and that’s not my age, I think it’s called chilling out 🙂

I am reminded of my roots, I am reminded of so many things today.

The day ends with a beer at an amazing cafe (hehe, of course).  Any pictures a very true yet very blurry representation.

If any of you have any particularly long tickling sticks, feel free to poke them my way.

Just added this in as it was so delicious!!

Much love.

xx