Pichest-Getting There

Our first day with him was Monday. Waking up that morning I was a little nervous, but more excited than anything. It turns out I was the only person to sleep well that night, everyone was worrying about what it would be like to learn from this man who we'd heard so much about and yet seemed so mysterious. I don't know what it is about this place, but I sleep like a rock every night no matter what.

While I got up, showered and went to breakfast Allie stayed in bed because she had been up all night being sick. I know this is starting to seem like a common theme, but it's southeast Asia and we Americans are delicate.

After breakfast Todd and I ended up back at the room to check on Allie when she told us she was too sick and we'd be seeing Pichest for the first time on our own. She gave us directions to his house and told us about the Monday morning offering ritual. Directions to Pichest's involved taking a Sang Tao, Chiang Mai's version of a bus--a pick up truck with a cover and benches along each side of the truck bed. While riding the Sang Tao we had to look at the highway signs on the median and once we saw the 3rd 13 sign in a row, push the button to get off. On the left there should be a plant pot store and on the right a giant rice paddie.

We all stuck together and paid attention. Todd even hung out the back of the truck to watch and count the signs (don't worry mom, I didn't hang out the back of the truck I promise:). We got there quite easily and Pichest was waiting and expecting us.