I have moved to my new location, Monfai. It in many ways is great: "a house" in the Lanna style which is from 700 years ago in northern Thailand. It is a platform connecting multiple buildings of dark heavy looking wood with lots of open communal areas. The various friends and family member, of which there are many, hang out on one platform area and currently are making decorations for a big upcoming festival. I like to sit and help. They tolerate me and come running with the camera to document the farang making Thai handicrafts. Today I was making "God’s Eyes" all over a ball made of 3 wooden rings. I haven’t started to work yet. I was battling a sore throat and fever (could it be dengue fever?) and now I believe I am suffering from allergies. Unbelievable. I travel thousands of miles to have terrible allergies. Luckily everything is over the counter here − should I take Alegra? Or Claritin? Tonight before I go to bed I will take Benedryl. I think I will be working in an old orchard if I can convince them I will be "safe”" I wonder what are the dangers? People? Dogs? Wild Animals? I think people given the number of locks on the doors here. Rampad, the owner here of Monfai, and Shukit the Thai person in Sweden who hooked me up with this opportunity seem to worry a great deal about me: my safety, my being alone, and whatever else. Sweet really but unnecessary for the girl from Brooklyn.
