Bob on a Valley Spokesmen Ride in Thailand 2005

Today was the major highlight of our trip. It was the day of the House Blessing. Dick and Pin decided to build a two-house compound in a new housing area of Uttaradit. This is where they and their family will stay when they are in the area. In Thailand when new houses are built, they traditionally celebrate by having a house blessing. Local Buddhist monks are invited to do the blessing. After they arrive, they begin chanting. Invited guests can gather near the monks to watch and pray. Once the chants are finished, the monks are fed by the hosts. When they are done eating, they will go to each room and bless it with with a wet whisk. When this is finished, the guests are free to eat.

We were picked up from the hotel at 10:00 and were driven to the ceremony. Inside of the main house, there were many women preparing the feast for the monks. At 10:30 the monks paraded in and began the blessing ceremony. After the blessing was finished, the monks left and the food and afternoon entertainment started. The guests were family and close friends. We were honored to be called close friends.

Sukhothai Ruins

After our meal, Dick and Pin's San Ramon friends asked us to go with them to see the ruins and wats at Sukhothai. We piled into a van and took off for the afternoon. We were able to see what we had missed on our earlier bike ride to Sukhothai.

Dick and Pin's House Warming Party

After stopping to shop at a special silk shirt outlet, we arrived back in Uttaradit at the Weiss compound early in the evening. The afternoon party was over and the evening party had begun. This was a catered affair by Claus, a German expat and restaurant owner. What a feast and what a Party! There were scores of people there to enjoy Thai, Chinese and western food. There was a huge soundstage set up with a band, singers and dancers. Guests were dancing in the street. We were all overwhelmed.