GGG Ping. (anthropology)
Hey Jim, how are you doing over there?
We are well in the North but sad as is everone. You know that people you chatted with are either dead or destitute in the wake of the tragedy. We are still thinking of Pan Yee village where the tour boats stop near Bond Rock. The entire town is built on piles over the sea with no land except steep cliffs to run to. At Puket, we usually went to one little restruant -- plastic chairs and rickety tables -- where the owners are particularly friendly and talkative. No way of knowing but our prayers are with them as well as all the thousands of others.
All in all, Thailand seems to be holding up quite well -- Buddhism and a culture which values compassion. People yet wish eachother a healthful and happy New Year which they face with optimism.
Sabai Pii Maay