Lazy Naga

The Naga do not move. They do not need to. They guard and mark the way to the Wat Doi Thong, on a small hill above the city of Chiang Rai. It is a short stroll through one of my favorite Thai towns and my sole and lazy destination of the morning.

I sauntered, I loafed and, at times, I worked myself up to an amble. Nothing more was required so I did not venture it. I was rewarded with a beautiful Wat, visited far less than the famous Phra Kaew, which lies just below.

I perused the morning market, learned the Thai for "soap" (saboo), and employed this new knowledge to purchase some. A day of small things.

The heat of the day found me sheltered in one of this towns best Khao Soy shops, where Thai matrons in perfect makeup and pressed aprons serve mustardy tinged bowls of northern Thai nirvana for less than a dollar.

And now, in my indolence, I sit in the shade of the guesthouse garden and feel compassion as the afternoon brings Tuk-tuk loads of travelers who are turned away for lack of rooms.

I have donated my Travelfish guide to Chiang Rai to one very hot looking backpacker to aid her search, and now have nothing left to offer.

I may wander off for a massage after the day cools. It is a day of small things.

Tomorrow, I leave Thailand for Laos, crossing the Mekong at Chiang Khong. Indolence there is in Laos, but often punctuated with hard travel. I will take mine now, while I can.

I am learning.