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.Yesterday afternoon, we rented scooters to ride around Mae Hong Son. After a little time practicing turns and stops in the parking lot at the airport, we wove through town and around some loops into the countryside surrounding it. As we drove through town, the girls spotted a colorful little shop selling bags and clothes, and asked for a stop. We dropped John at a pub with a view of the activity on the street and made our way through several places selling locally-made merchandise.
At the first stop, we realized the woman was intently watching the royal wedding. Cheering crowds were waving at cars driving through London on her screen. At each shop, the same scenario played out. The shopkeeper would turn from the television and acknowledge us, but at the same time clearly not want to be drawn away from the event of the season.
Here in Thailand, there are photos of the king and royal family everywhere; their king. Maybe it’s their affection for their own monarch that spills over onto all royals. It surprised us, though, that here on the other side of the world, a population watched with such adoration. In retrospect, I should have snapped a photo or two of the televisions in shops and bars, tuned in like Europe during the world cup finals. Sadly, I missed that opportunity because of my own lack of interest. The scooters were more fun.
