Okay...just to set the stage
In 1996 I made the big mid life plunge,quit a good government job with the Liquor Board,rented out the house in Canada and went to C.M, my wife(now X wife)and 2 children following a month later.Groundwork had been laid! (so I thought).A few years of prior visiting and I felt I had a reasonable grip on what I was doing..I had been researching Yao(yu Mein) hilltribe paintings,gone to the hills in Chiang Rai area and Nan area,made contacts..numerous visits were needed as relationships needed to be built before you saw any of the good stuff!!I had also hooked up with this Italian who had some knowledge in these Taoist paintings.I felt I could make some money with antiques!
However,five days after arriving my now X wife informed me the she was taking the kids and leaving...what I said awakened by her saying "I'M Going"
"Where,"I sleep stupid asked,"to the market?"17 years done in 17 minutes!!!!
as she left in the songthaew.The crux of it was ..the night before..after a couple of sips of good old Sang Thip I told her the truth..I didn't love her ,did'n't know what love was at 20(when we got married)that was it!!In hindsight,taking her there was madness...but I really loved my kids!
Anyway,now I have bought these sets of excellent Yao paintings etc.the day before.My wife pulls off,kids crying,to the airport,I go into the house I have rented for us,in shock,I go into our bedroom and All the money is gone,bank books,etc.I have my passport and Cdn D.L thats it!!.
That was the beginning of my new adventures in the Lanna world!