Whilst not wishing to make a mountain out of a mole hill, something kinda curious happened today.
It concerns me. Quite a bit.
We live in a small village in the north, at the base of the mountain range with Laos.
In my view it's as safe a place as you could wish for.
Everybody knows everybody, most are related.
In 3 years we've never had a problem, we rarely lock our doors.
Kids ride around visiting each others houses, playing in the fields, fishing and hunting for whatever. They all cycle or walk to school and back, unaccompanied with out a worry.
It's now the school holidays.
Today, the little lad we're caring for was out and about with his best mate, a lovely little girl aged 10. He's just 9.
Anyway, they met up with a monk.
This monk, allegedly lives alone up on the mountain. So said the monk.
For no obvious reason he gave the 2 kids 100 baht. To be shared 50/50 between them.
The young fella took the money and he and his friend reported the incident to my wife Joy.
We've since spoken with both the kids and they have nothing further to add.
They don't know the monk, though she thinks she might have seen him before.
Neither of the kids think they were asked for anything, promised or offered anything other than the money.
What would your reaction be?
Would this bother you?
I / would appreciate any comments, suggestion or thoughts.
Cheers