She was really excited about it and mentioned it often during the week. I think she was worried that it was an empty promise at first. After a while, though, it turned into another one of our "jokes" and every time we passed a waterfall, whether at a restaurant or at the mall or even at the little stand that had a small fountain with a waterfall, I'd say, "There, I've taken you to a waterfall. That makes <number>." We got up to six waterfalls before we actually made it to the ones she wanted.
The plan was to hire a car. A couple days before the trip Beam asks me if it's ok to take Thai. She wouldn't ask me to fine her unless we got back late and Thai was tired. It was the day before I left and Beam had been really, really nice about making suggestions to help keep my expenses down.
We talked about transportation. She said I could hire a car, or she could help. Then she asked me to decide if I wanted to do a nice thing for her. We could rent a car with driver, or...if I didn't mind...an extended cab pickup truck with front and back seats. If I didn't mind, she said, we could take the families.Thai's family was in town from Korat and had never seen the waterfalls. Her father same same. No matter what I chose, she said, it'd be fine. She was just asking if I'd mind the favor.
I'm a bit sensitive to girls who are greedy, and become annoyed with them (usually letting them go quickly) when they go past an invisible line and try to take advantage.
This wasn't the case however and there wasn't any of the typical pressure or manipulation that pushes my button. She was genuine, and knowing that I'm just a little Jai Dee, asked if it was something I wouldn't mind doing, knowing that it'd be something nice for the family.
There wasn't any difference to me, as I was going to be in the front seat with the air-con and the family would be happy to sit in back. Sure I said, but the caveat was I was definitely sitting in front and there had to be air-conditioning
She got me a price for hiring the driver and truck. It was either 2500 or 3000 baht (I forget now but I *think* that it was 2500), all gas, any tolls, etc... included. If for some reason we wanted to stay overnight, the price would have stayed the same. I've been told that's a decent price, though I'm sure that someone is going to post they could do it cheaper lol. It was certainly cheaper than what I was paying drivers to drive me to Baguio or for all day hire in the Philippines. Of course, my driver in the Philippines came armed at no extra charge, but that's another story :P
Beam's father showed up at the hotel and came into the room. He sat down and I greeted him and poured water into a glass for the both of us. I'm from a Chinese background, so pouring tea for your elders is a sign of respect and is automatic when a respected elder visits your home. In this case, I didn't have tea, but I had water. It was automatic for me, I didn't even think about it when I did it. It's just something I've been trained to do. Later I'd learn that he was really touched by that, and that it made him very happy. I mention that in case it helps anyone when meeting the parents.
Beam had told me in advance that he rarely smiles and is man who goes by actions and few words. Even at home when talking he'll often just make a "Hm" in acknowledgement. She told me it's just his nature and not to worry.
The truck came and picked us up in front of the mall. Our party was pretty large now, with the driver, me, Beam, Thai, and many family members in back. The total was ten people. It was a Thai picnic party in the back and the relatives were munching from bamboo containers they had brought in many large bags.
It turned out that the driver was a cousin of theirs and was former police or military. Each forearm had a large tattoo. I think it was a dragon on one and a tiger on the other, but I really don't remember for sure. He wasn't very chatty with me and I'd say he was at best, neutral to me. I wasn't suprised, but wasn't put off either. No use reading too much into it.
It was the thirteenth day on the ground and I was pretty tired so I fell in and out of sleep for the three+ hour ride there. Along the way we made a stop at a roadside restaurant and Beam let me know that I was only expected to pay for the four of us (Beam, Thai, Father and me). We ate very cheaply, this being a Thai place away from the tourist area and I think entire bill was less than 200 baht maybe closer to 100. The soup was mai aroi and I was the only one that touched it. I don't remember a TG that wouldn't touch something they ordered. It must have been pretty bad. I tasted a spoon or three and it was weak and flavorless but it didn't seem "bad"...just not good.
After that the next stop was Wat Khao Sukim. I don't want to get into the whole Buddha image thing again so I googled it and found a site that has a bunch of pictures of it if anyone is interested.
www.traveladventures.org/continents/asia/wat-khao-sukim.shtml
It's a temple built up on the side of the mountain and is quite large.
On the roof
We pay respect to several monks inside and they were quite nice. I wish I was able to speak more Thai, as they seemed pleased to see me and asked many questions about me. Beam told them what they wanted to know, I suppose. One monk is lying in state there and has been for about a year. He was, I believe the head monk or something. Inside there were many wax figures of monks who had lived there and had passed. As I walked through the building on the roof where there were many wax statues, I was half expecting one to say something to me, as they were quite realistic.
Photos: Beam & Thai 58 59 60
Photo: Beam 61
(breaking into a second post)