Smokes

Phayao really is a perfectly beautiful place, and I love the mountains around our town. Unfortunately, it hasn't rained since October and there are like a billion forest fires burning throughout the north. Add in that most of the rice farmers (I think) burn their fields around this time of year.. and suddenly the mountains are gone.

September (gorgeous!):


Two weeks ago (gone!):


I spent a lot of time apologizing to both the Japanese and Scott and Jenni (our friends here two weeks ago) and explaining the pyro rice farmer dilemma. I don't think anyone blames me for making the mountains disappear, but I do it anyway.

It's also going to be 100+ all week, which is odd since the lack of rain has all the leaves turning red. So it looks like October and feels like June and smells like camping (it's like a dream!).

So.. sorry Mom and Dad (visiting in less than a week). Actually — they live in Houston but grew up in Northern California, so whether we get smog or mountains, they'll feel right at home.