An Akha X-mas Main
The Thailand Galleries Main

When I come to this village, I usually stay in the house of this part-time musician. We are waiting for X-mas dinner to be served, and this man with his subtle sense of humor and sharp wit decided to show off a little bit for the man with the camera. He is quite a talented musician, and the music he played filled the straw and wood house with a tinny little ditty that made us all a bit happier.

In the photo above, the old man sitting on the floor has been invited to come over for X-mas dinner. He doesn't have a wife or family close by, and earlier in the day, our musician went to his house to invite him over so he wouldn't be alone on this day.

His grandchildren here are either hungry or sleepy, and they each indulge their needs. I sensed, though, that as they listened to the music, they internalized what they heard, and someday they too might show off with a guitar for a guest.

An Akha X-mas Main
The Thailand Galleries Main