The PIH Christmas party, it was a very cute rendition of an typical American Chirstmas party, it also doubled as our going away party. It was fun! I got to see everyone for one last time and have a few laughs with them.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
PIH Christmas Party
The PIH Christmas party, it was a very cute rendition of an typical American Chirstmas party, it also doubled as our going away party. It was fun! I got to see everyone for one last time and have a few laughs with them.
Until next time...
I could not have written this post any sooner—it would seem premature to reflect upon my time in Thailand, while still in Thailand.
Reflecting on Thailand in my rationalized mindset seems like a dream. Did I really go and live there for four months? Did I really experience and see all that I had seen and done? If I had to rate my rate of adjustment to a new cultural situation on a scale from 1-10, 1 being very poor and 10 being easily adapted in short amount of time, I would definitely be 10! I don’t know what it is or why it happens but any abroad experience I have whether relatively short or for a much longer period, when I come back its like I fall right into the groove of things again. We had an entire class on the issue of reentry and the ‘reversal culture shock’ that one often goes through when returning to their home country. But as of now, I have not experienced that.
I suppose in small way, actually, I have but not at the emotional or mental scale to which we discussed. Since I was already called to reflect upon my ‘story telling’ or ‘recap’ of my time in Thailand in class (you know the point at which all of your family, friends and acquaintances ask…How was Thailand? And you are expected to answer that in about a sentence or two…mind you a whole 4 months worth of time in a few sentences), I felt well prepared and have yet to be frustrated by it. Some things was how I gripped my seat when we turned right onto the busy road from the airport and I was expecting a turn left (from driving on the opposite side of the road) and was expecting a pull in the other direction, my body reacted funnily to being pulled the other way… Other small things like, not eating nearly as much rice, being told its odd to eat with a spoon and how suddenly everyone is much taller than I am. But in reality beyond those small differences, I really don’t feel all that foreign to here.
If anything one major feeling that was left out of our reentry discussion was that of just a longing for familiarity, whether it has to do with cultural or anything else, I lived in an entirely different place for four months. I have been missing my newly replaced home for the past four months along with what I ate there, who I saw and what I did. I am not entirely sure that it is even related to culture or anything like that, it is merely the act of having a certain life for an long amount of time and then just completely abandoning it for a entirely new life. I miss all of my friends, and what we ate and what we talked about. It hasn’t really being a shocking experience or a hard hit one, its more a feeling of loneliness and solitude than one of sudden upheaval.
The winter has been hard here, temperature wise it is freezing near Chicago, technically below freezing most days. It has been a huge contrast adjusting to the snow storms, ice and below freezing weather. And something that I wasn’t expecting to happen but memories of previous winters from my childhood has been flooding my mind. I hadn’t felt such coldness, and smelled or seen such sights for a long time and being away from that, then suddenly enter it has aroused the memories I hold of previous winters.
One thing I feel assured about, now that I am home and the homesickness has gone and is no longer fogging my mind, I feel confident that I will return to SE Asia some day. While in Thailand I already had an epiphany about my calling in life, those years on end of school was not f or me and I wanted to do volunteer work upon graduation. But especially now, more than ever I know that I will come back to Thailand some day. So this is not goodbye but until next time.
Reflecting on Thailand in my rationalized mindset seems like a dream. Did I really go and live there for four months? Did I really experience and see all that I had seen and done? If I had to rate my rate of adjustment to a new cultural situation on a scale from 1-10, 1 being very poor and 10 being easily adapted in short amount of time, I would definitely be 10! I don’t know what it is or why it happens but any abroad experience I have whether relatively short or for a much longer period, when I come back its like I fall right into the groove of things again. We had an entire class on the issue of reentry and the ‘reversal culture shock’ that one often goes through when returning to their home country. But as of now, I have not experienced that.
I suppose in small way, actually, I have but not at the emotional or mental scale to which we discussed. Since I was already called to reflect upon my ‘story telling’ or ‘recap’ of my time in Thailand in class (you know the point at which all of your family, friends and acquaintances ask…How was Thailand? And you are expected to answer that in about a sentence or two…mind you a whole 4 months worth of time in a few sentences), I felt well prepared and have yet to be frustrated by it. Some things was how I gripped my seat when we turned right onto the busy road from the airport and I was expecting a turn left (from driving on the opposite side of the road) and was expecting a pull in the other direction, my body reacted funnily to being pulled the other way… Other small things like, not eating nearly as much rice, being told its odd to eat with a spoon and how suddenly everyone is much taller than I am. But in reality beyond those small differences, I really don’t feel all that foreign to here.
If anything one major feeling that was left out of our reentry discussion was that of just a longing for familiarity, whether it has to do with cultural or anything else, I lived in an entirely different place for four months. I have been missing my newly replaced home for the past four months along with what I ate there, who I saw and what I did. I am not entirely sure that it is even related to culture or anything like that, it is merely the act of having a certain life for an long amount of time and then just completely abandoning it for a entirely new life. I miss all of my friends, and what we ate and what we talked about. It hasn’t really being a shocking experience or a hard hit one, its more a feeling of loneliness and solitude than one of sudden upheaval.
The winter has been hard here, temperature wise it is freezing near Chicago, technically below freezing most days. It has been a huge contrast adjusting to the snow storms, ice and below freezing weather. And something that I wasn’t expecting to happen but memories of previous winters from my childhood has been flooding my mind. I hadn’t felt such coldness, and smelled or seen such sights for a long time and being away from that, then suddenly enter it has aroused the memories I hold of previous winters.
One thing I feel assured about, now that I am home and the homesickness has gone and is no longer fogging my mind, I feel confident that I will return to SE Asia some day. While in Thailand I already had an epiphany about my calling in life, those years on end of school was not f or me and I wanted to do volunteer work upon graduation. But especially now, more than ever I know that I will come back to Thailand some day. So this is not goodbye but until next time.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving in Thailand: NO potatoes!
I have just come back from the PIH thanksgiving dinner. It was interesting to say the least.
So the evening started out with everyone dressing nicely. I certainly did not put an effort to but I did wear the same blouse as Tuti. So we all gathered around 5:30 downstairs, there were a lot of people a lot! It was the most full dinner I have ever seen at PIH. So we get there and see the tables all set up with table cloths and candles. The place looked really nice and festive!
So we all sit down for announcements, and a very lovely presentation on Thanksgiving by Emily and Sarah. We then get a speech from the president--which was very informative and thoughtful. It worried me and at the same time reinstated reality for me, as far as the dangers and reality of the danger in Bangkok coming possibly to Chiang Mai. It was a bit of a harsh opening to a celebration meal.
So we finally get to dinner and the line is long, reallly long! So after about 20-30 minutes of waiting we get there and there is Turkey!!! I can't believe my eyes, I am ecstatic. We get down the line and there are veggies, mac and cheese even stuffing...wait where are the potatoes? I don't see them. I start hyper ventilating, its not thanksgiving without potatoes! and then...(dramatic drum roll)...
Mee pumpkin pie, chai mai?
Mai mee, sid lao!
ahhhhh.
In the end, I enjoyed the conversations we had but it only made me more nostalgic for home and greenbeen casserole. ^^
So the evening started out with everyone dressing nicely. I certainly did not put an effort to but I did wear the same blouse as Tuti. So we all gathered around 5:30 downstairs, there were a lot of people a lot! It was the most full dinner I have ever seen at PIH. So we get there and see the tables all set up with table cloths and candles. The place looked really nice and festive!
So we all sit down for announcements, and a very lovely presentation on Thanksgiving by Emily and Sarah. We then get a speech from the president--which was very informative and thoughtful. It worried me and at the same time reinstated reality for me, as far as the dangers and reality of the danger in Bangkok coming possibly to Chiang Mai. It was a bit of a harsh opening to a celebration meal.
So we finally get to dinner and the line is long, reallly long! So after about 20-30 minutes of waiting we get there and there is Turkey!!! I can't believe my eyes, I am ecstatic. We get down the line and there are veggies, mac and cheese even stuffing...wait where are the potatoes? I don't see them. I start hyper ventilating, its not thanksgiving without potatoes! and then...(dramatic drum roll)...
Mee pumpkin pie, chai mai?
Mai mee, sid lao!
ahhhhh.
In the end, I enjoyed the conversations we had but it only made me more nostalgic for home and greenbeen casserole. ^^
Monday, November 24, 2008
Aloo Mutter
This dish is so delicious. I meant to take a photo of the one that I ordered, but me and Tuti devoured it within minutes! I completely forgot to take the photo. Lol.
Aloo Mutter
So tonight I caved in. Yes! and I ordered Aloo Mutter. Aloo Mutter is an Indian dish that basically consists of peas and potatoes in curry. At home me and my friend used to always go out to 'Bombay Grill' our favorite Indian place.
I think it is funny that now in my time of complete homesickness, not to mention my anxious stage (the closer I get to being home)that I am craving Indian food. Even though neither of my parents are Indian and I am not ethnically Indian, I had this craving for something familiar and delicious (aka not PIH canteen).
How strange that I should find comfort in a cultrual dish that is not from my own culture. Anyways, it is ahroy mak mak and I suggest anyone who has yet to have tried it--do!
I think it is funny that now in my time of complete homesickness, not to mention my anxious stage (the closer I get to being home)that I am craving Indian food. Even though neither of my parents are Indian and I am not ethnically Indian, I had this craving for something familiar and delicious (aka not PIH canteen).
How strange that I should find comfort in a cultrual dish that is not from my own culture. Anyways, it is ahroy mak mak and I suggest anyone who has yet to have tried it--do!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rong tao
I love this tradition. Taking your shoes off before entering a wat, room, store sometimes. It is practical and symbolic. A sign of respect and clean...shoes are dirty, you walk in them every where outside, makes sense. This was outside a famous wat on our Sukkhothai trip. I am pretty sure this picture was in Lampuhn.
PI Jeaw. The song tao driver. The Buddhist
So I asked Pi Jeaw if I could interview him--originally for my Lexia research paper, but I thought it was an interesting experience that I would write about it for my 'interview a Thai' blog.
So I called him, and just calling him and explaining that I didn't want a ride, but to talk to him proved to be quite the ordeal.
"Hello Pi Jeaw, do you think I could interview you sometime, when you have time".
"Uh, where are you?"
"PIH"
"Where do you want to go??"
"Nowhere, I want to talk to you, an interview--is that ok?"
So we discussed what time would work for him and he said he would be free at 8pm. So I thanked him. Afterwards I realized what a great service he was doing me, and for free...gas costs money! Not to mention since being here in Thailand Pi Jeaw really has been a very reliable and friendly driver to me and my friends. So I panicked and looked for some token of my appreciation. I had no food or sweets on me, so I thought I would make something crafty. I made a thank you card, but decorated and crafted it elaborately. Then I thought to sneak in gas money inside.
So 8pm rolled by and I met Pi Jeaw downstairs. From the beginning he wanted to know if I would interview him in Thai, I told him that I couldn't but that we would take it slow and if he couldn't explain something he could write it and my research assistant could translate for me later--plus he could feel free to use his electronic dictionary. He seemed nervous but willing. So I launched into it, and while his answers were short, I could usually coax out his meaning and with the help of his dictionary, some of the larger vocab was understood. Overall I learned some interesting things about his views on Buddhism which will add greatly to my research.
After awhile, the mosquitoes got really frisky with our ankles and were biting non stop. So I suggested that we move to the study room, inside and mosquito free. He liked that suggestion, so we moved. It was much quieter in there than just sitting in front of the 'front desk'. I finished the interview, thanked him and gave him my card...he seemed please with my decorating and then opened it to find money slide out. Instantly he refused to take the money politely. I tried insisting, "Really for gas. Gas money! Gasoline can be expensive". But he still would not have it. Instead he told me, "No, next time you need my service you call me and I will come. Pay me then". So I assured him that money would be his the next time I rode with him. That and he requested another English lesson at some point to which I agreed to do.
We then said our goodbyes and concluded our interview. I really enjoyed speaking with Pi Jeaw he is a really insightful person, who when overcomes his shyness has a lot on his mind.
So I called him, and just calling him and explaining that I didn't want a ride, but to talk to him proved to be quite the ordeal.
"Hello Pi Jeaw, do you think I could interview you sometime, when you have time".
"Uh, where are you?"
"PIH"
"Where do you want to go??"
"Nowhere, I want to talk to you, an interview--is that ok?"
So we discussed what time would work for him and he said he would be free at 8pm. So I thanked him. Afterwards I realized what a great service he was doing me, and for free...gas costs money! Not to mention since being here in Thailand Pi Jeaw really has been a very reliable and friendly driver to me and my friends. So I panicked and looked for some token of my appreciation. I had no food or sweets on me, so I thought I would make something crafty. I made a thank you card, but decorated and crafted it elaborately. Then I thought to sneak in gas money inside.
So 8pm rolled by and I met Pi Jeaw downstairs. From the beginning he wanted to know if I would interview him in Thai, I told him that I couldn't but that we would take it slow and if he couldn't explain something he could write it and my research assistant could translate for me later--plus he could feel free to use his electronic dictionary. He seemed nervous but willing. So I launched into it, and while his answers were short, I could usually coax out his meaning and with the help of his dictionary, some of the larger vocab was understood. Overall I learned some interesting things about his views on Buddhism which will add greatly to my research.
After awhile, the mosquitoes got really frisky with our ankles and were biting non stop. So I suggested that we move to the study room, inside and mosquito free. He liked that suggestion, so we moved. It was much quieter in there than just sitting in front of the 'front desk'. I finished the interview, thanked him and gave him my card...he seemed please with my decorating and then opened it to find money slide out. Instantly he refused to take the money politely. I tried insisting, "Really for gas. Gas money! Gasoline can be expensive". But he still would not have it. Instead he told me, "No, next time you need my service you call me and I will come. Pay me then". So I assured him that money would be his the next time I rode with him. That and he requested another English lesson at some point to which I agreed to do.
We then said our goodbyes and concluded our interview. I really enjoyed speaking with Pi Jeaw he is a really insightful person, who when overcomes his shyness has a lot on his mind.
Thailand's Burning Flame and MICKEY!!!
Here is a sculpture that I am submitting as my final project for my Thai art class. This is before I painted it a royal gold, sadly I did not take pictures of it after s is it was painted. The flame is a 3D version of a traditional Thai pattern which is suppose to represent a flame (or as my Adjan later told me a tree branch..go figure), anyways and the MICKEY tv which can turn into into other Disney characters is meant to represent globalization in Thailand (the flame).
Teaching Assignment:1
So I finally taught a 'class' for our ICU class. I have to admit that I was nervous about the whole thing and was racking my mind for what they would possibly have us teach our students. I was thinking, what could I teach--sure English is my native language but I am the last person who should be molding future minds and potentially telling them something wrong.
Our teaching lesson was to be on Payap's alternate campus (the one across from McCormick Hospital) and our students were Divinity students. So we (me and Angela were teaching together) got a little lost trying to look for the dorm where we were suposse to meet. Finally we found it and our students approached us, at first glance I thought they were the teachers since both were older looking, until they asked..."So how do we do this? Should we just have a discussion?". We agreed that a discussion would be a good idea, since clearly (after greeting them and introducing ourselves)we could tell the were quite proficient.
Over all, the conversation we had ran fairly smoothly. There were times when I had to remind myself to speak slowly, since their comprehension was not at par with a native speaker. Their vocab was really good and the topics we discussed were well ranged from airport travel to life altering decisions. In the end, I felt that the 'lesson' or conversation session went really well since we were all really relaxed. I think the relaxed feeling created a really comfortable environment and gave them an opportunity to really utilized what they had learned.
Our teaching lesson was to be on Payap's alternate campus (the one across from McCormick Hospital) and our students were Divinity students. So we (me and Angela were teaching together) got a little lost trying to look for the dorm where we were suposse to meet. Finally we found it and our students approached us, at first glance I thought they were the teachers since both were older looking, until they asked..."So how do we do this? Should we just have a discussion?". We agreed that a discussion would be a good idea, since clearly (after greeting them and introducing ourselves)we could tell the were quite proficient.
Over all, the conversation we had ran fairly smoothly. There were times when I had to remind myself to speak slowly, since their comprehension was not at par with a native speaker. Their vocab was really good and the topics we discussed were well ranged from airport travel to life altering decisions. In the end, I felt that the 'lesson' or conversation session went really well since we were all really relaxed. I think the relaxed feeling created a really comfortable environment and gave them an opportunity to really utilized what they had learned.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Loy Kratong--Fire and Water
So I went to the first night of Loy Kratong last night, it went a little like this....
BOOM! ZIIP! SpLAt!
(Shrieks issuing from fired at girls, the mumble of Thai being spoken, laughs, horns and the zooming of motorbikes)
I really liked it. IT was exciting and terrifying at the same time. It was like everyone was kid these three days out of the year, and they went out of their way to make sure they celebrated it right. Amidst the chaos of concerts, venders, farang, highschool boys and girls firing firecrackers at each other there were calm Buddhist rites being carried on. Namely the lighting of a floating floral/incense/candle arrangement, where one was suppose to make a wish and pray over before lighting it and launching it to float freely in the water. There were some other minor traditions there, such as releasing confined water dwelling animals (i.e. snails, eels, fish, turtles) into the river, signifying their rebirth.
Overall the whole experience was really unique and something that reaffirms my joy that I came to Thailand to study abroad.
BOOM! ZIIP! SpLAt!
(Shrieks issuing from fired at girls, the mumble of Thai being spoken, laughs, horns and the zooming of motorbikes)
I really liked it. IT was exciting and terrifying at the same time. It was like everyone was kid these three days out of the year, and they went out of their way to make sure they celebrated it right. Amidst the chaos of concerts, venders, farang, highschool boys and girls firing firecrackers at each other there were calm Buddhist rites being carried on. Namely the lighting of a floating floral/incense/candle arrangement, where one was suppose to make a wish and pray over before lighting it and launching it to float freely in the water. There were some other minor traditions there, such as releasing confined water dwelling animals (i.e. snails, eels, fish, turtles) into the river, signifying their rebirth.
Overall the whole experience was really unique and something that reaffirms my joy that I came to Thailand to study abroad.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Tropic Thunder=total blunder
So me, Angela and a couple of Thai friends decided to go out to Robinson's to see a movie. I was so excited--my first movie viewing in Thailand; the previews, popcorn, soda, excitement and entertainment rolled into one!
It actually went more like this:
So first we meet a friend who we didn't know was coming until last minute. He ended up being a very polite, nice guy. We get to Robinson's and eat an early dinner knowing that the movie would run until late. So after purchasing our tickets we wait for the few minutes before the film. Then finally it is time and we sit down in our theater, awaiting the movie. Quickly the advertisements start rolling and among them is the King's anthem which I was well prepared for having heard about it. So I stand up for it and the movie clip playing was very well done but a little too propagandist for me.
So that is all well, but from the very first seen taking place in 'picturesque'
Vietnam, we are introduced to a group of quirky actors who all coming from their various fields of celebrityhood to make this 'horrid' remake of a Vietnam war movie which within the first 5 min shows guts flying, choice words being spurted and strong themes. While I would have been slightly uncomfortable seeing such a movie, it was even more horrifying being with Thais (known for their more reserved side) to watch such strong themed and inappropriate-joke laden film.
After watching it, our friends had some questions for us, either some explanations of jokes that didn't translate or some slang. We didn't really discuss the culture differences or similarities of the films, but it was clear with the jokes where they needed explanation that there needed to be a background knowledge of American culture in order for the joke to come across as funny. It is also interesting in that way to see what we as an entire culture would find amusing and why, when explaining it, you start to question why you thought it was funny.
Overall going to the movies was fun, funny, horrifying and in no way lacking in popcorn and culture crossings.
It actually went more like this:
So first we meet a friend who we didn't know was coming until last minute. He ended up being a very polite, nice guy. We get to Robinson's and eat an early dinner knowing that the movie would run until late. So after purchasing our tickets we wait for the few minutes before the film. Then finally it is time and we sit down in our theater, awaiting the movie. Quickly the advertisements start rolling and among them is the King's anthem which I was well prepared for having heard about it. So I stand up for it and the movie clip playing was very well done but a little too propagandist for me.
So that is all well, but from the very first seen taking place in 'picturesque'
Vietnam, we are introduced to a group of quirky actors who all coming from their various fields of celebrityhood to make this 'horrid' remake of a Vietnam war movie which within the first 5 min shows guts flying, choice words being spurted and strong themes. While I would have been slightly uncomfortable seeing such a movie, it was even more horrifying being with Thais (known for their more reserved side) to watch such strong themed and inappropriate-joke laden film.
After watching it, our friends had some questions for us, either some explanations of jokes that didn't translate or some slang. We didn't really discuss the culture differences or similarities of the films, but it was clear with the jokes where they needed explanation that there needed to be a background knowledge of American culture in order for the joke to come across as funny. It is also interesting in that way to see what we as an entire culture would find amusing and why, when explaining it, you start to question why you thought it was funny.
Overall going to the movies was fun, funny, horrifying and in no way lacking in popcorn and culture crossings.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Hijab
Me and Tuti all dressed in our Hijab--ready for mosque. I didn't know how to wear a head scarf, and I knew I had to cover my head for the mosque. So Tuti lent me a scarf and she helped tied it up for me.
GORILLAZ...in Thailand
I ain't happy, I'm feeling glad
I got sunshine, in a bag
I'm useless, but not for long
The future is coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
It's coming on
.....
Every sprouting tree
Every child apiece
Every cloud you see
You see with your eyes
I see destruction and demise
Corruption in disguise
>From this f******' enterprise
Now I'm sucking to your lies
Randomly while helping a friend move into their new dorm room, I had the Gorillaz's Clint Eastwood stuck in my head. So for the next few days I listened to them on repeat. It wasn't until after looking up the lyrics to the songs I had been singing blindly for the past couple days that I realized how within them I could describe some of my experience here in Thailand. Within the first verse I feel like the conflicting nature of being unhappy (due to missing family back home) yet being glad (to be in an amazing country) perfectly describes the conflicting feelings I have.
And then in the second later verse I relate to those powerful words, although I didn't go on the Mae sa trip to the refugee camp. From the stories my friends have told me and the reality check I have had in general towards poverty and corruption in Thailand is like an awakening. It is not as if these themes are uncommon to me, I see these in America also but it is as if I am slowly transitioning from happy removed 'tourist' to observable inhabitant. I leave in about a months time, but it has taken me all of this time here to start to see some of the issues and problems here in Thailand. Despite my sudden state of awareness, I am in no way any less disenchanted with Thailand. The opposite in fact, I feel as if being here has encouraged me to contribute to some future change. Change as in a better Thailand, and even when I go back home change for a better America. Which considering the recent election results is soon on the way with Obama leading.
Friday, October 31, 2008
From an outsider's eyes...
As I sat in the back of the mosque's woman's prayer room I could see what it was like for woman to pray on Friday's. Whether my presence affected the regularity of the ritual, I could not tell but everyone seemed undeterred by my presence.
Before I left, I asked Tuti for a. A long shirt (having come to hot Thailand I brought none) and b. A scarf I could borrow. Not knowing how to wrap a scarf myself--Tuti went to town and wrapped it for me. It looked beautiful, admittedly it was a little uncomfortable at first but I will not be dramatic and pretend like years of oppression were felt by wearing a scarf that was a bit 'snuggish' under my chin. In all honestly, I just don't wear scarfs. End of story--no oppression felt. In fact, as me and Tuti wore our scarves/ and she her gown, we received a bit of extra attention than before. Honestly, especially here were the Muslim is a minority the black scarf serves as a beacon--please look at me. Even when I couldn't feel more shy in my life wearing it.
At the mosque, there was a beautiful palatial like building with rounded towers of blue...that was the men's section. Aj. Pam was nice enough to show me it, I was not allowed inside which she told me was a fact that usually outraged American students she has brought to mosque before. I was not offended, it is tradition after all and I sort of expected that sort of thing. The woman's prayer room was on the side, smaller and more modestly decorated. It felt more special to me, the less razzle dazzle about a place the more deeper search one must do for a spiritual path within. All of the women were arriving, filing in slowly, and each would come in typical attire...some wearing scarves and others not. They would then wear a typical 'Malaysian' robe that covered them entirely...it sort of was partially a scarf on top and a gown that went down to their knees, usually a separate long wrap around skirt accompanied it. To see all of the women there in their time of submission to Allah, sitting there quietly with these flowing gowns was truly a sight. Others would be affronted by it and scared. But I found it simply beautiful.
The entire time, I spent sitting back...not participating but contemplating the meaning of the goings on. It was a good experience and I am glad that I went. It is nice to be able to go abroad to another country and not just explore new foods or customs but to be able to reach out and actively try different faiths.
Before I left, I asked Tuti for a. A long shirt (having come to hot Thailand I brought none) and b. A scarf I could borrow. Not knowing how to wrap a scarf myself--Tuti went to town and wrapped it for me. It looked beautiful, admittedly it was a little uncomfortable at first but I will not be dramatic and pretend like years of oppression were felt by wearing a scarf that was a bit 'snuggish' under my chin. In all honestly, I just don't wear scarfs. End of story--no oppression felt. In fact, as me and Tuti wore our scarves/ and she her gown, we received a bit of extra attention than before. Honestly, especially here were the Muslim is a minority the black scarf serves as a beacon--please look at me. Even when I couldn't feel more shy in my life wearing it.
At the mosque, there was a beautiful palatial like building with rounded towers of blue...that was the men's section. Aj. Pam was nice enough to show me it, I was not allowed inside which she told me was a fact that usually outraged American students she has brought to mosque before. I was not offended, it is tradition after all and I sort of expected that sort of thing. The woman's prayer room was on the side, smaller and more modestly decorated. It felt more special to me, the less razzle dazzle about a place the more deeper search one must do for a spiritual path within. All of the women were arriving, filing in slowly, and each would come in typical attire...some wearing scarves and others not. They would then wear a typical 'Malaysian' robe that covered them entirely...it sort of was partially a scarf on top and a gown that went down to their knees, usually a separate long wrap around skirt accompanied it. To see all of the women there in their time of submission to Allah, sitting there quietly with these flowing gowns was truly a sight. Others would be affronted by it and scared. But I found it simply beautiful.
The entire time, I spent sitting back...not participating but contemplating the meaning of the goings on. It was a good experience and I am glad that I went. It is nice to be able to go abroad to another country and not just explore new foods or customs but to be able to reach out and actively try different faiths.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I have a cat in my pants and many more delightful giggles
So yesterday I was sitting doing some homework with Anika and Rachel. We half worked and half talked--as most good students will do :)
One of the things that we talked about was my desire to collect the phrase, "I have a cat in my pants" in as many language possible. This childish joke was started with me and friends one day in High school when I was teaching them some key Spanish phrases.
So far my collection is:
Yo tengo un gato en mis pantalones-Spanish
Ich habe eine katze in meiner hose-German
and that was all I had at that point before our talk. Anika was kind enough to tell me it in Swedish and the three of us collectively tried figuring it out in Thai.
yargh haaard en kat e mhinah biksud-Swedish
Dii Chan/Pom mee mao nai gang gang-Thai ?
U menya koshka v shtanach-Russian (I asked my friend online)
So now I can say this clearly key phrase in 5 languages. The list is growing. In retrospect, it may seem like a pointless thing to collect, but I've noticed that the silly nature of the phrase works as sort of a unifier. No matter what language you translate it into, it is a ridiculous phrase and it can easily work as an ice breaker and a way to dip into several cultures and languages at once.
One of the things that we talked about was my desire to collect the phrase, "I have a cat in my pants" in as many language possible. This childish joke was started with me and friends one day in High school when I was teaching them some key Spanish phrases.
So far my collection is:
Yo tengo un gato en mis pantalones-Spanish
Ich habe eine katze in meiner hose-German
and that was all I had at that point before our talk. Anika was kind enough to tell me it in Swedish and the three of us collectively tried figuring it out in Thai.
yargh haaard en kat e mhinah biksud-Swedish
Dii Chan/Pom mee mao nai gang gang-Thai ?
U menya koshka v shtanach-Russian (I asked my friend online)
So now I can say this clearly key phrase in 5 languages. The list is growing. In retrospect, it may seem like a pointless thing to collect, but I've noticed that the silly nature of the phrase works as sort of a unifier. No matter what language you translate it into, it is a ridiculous phrase and it can easily work as an ice breaker and a way to dip into several cultures and languages at once.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Beach Buds
Here is all of us, almost--pek is taking the picture, at the beach! It was so beautiful and fun, even more so that we got to hang out with some really cool kids ;)
Bangkok Song Tao
This is Bangkok's version of a Song Tao! Scandelous. I prefer the red one's that are out pick ups converted into a taxi than these urbana wannabes! :)
American time: LATE, Thai time:Mai Pen Rai
Concepts of time are crucial when traveling abroad. Especially here in Thailand. I never thought of myself as a rushed person or a super on time or 'anal' person. But after spending a weekend trip in Bangkok with Thai friends I realize that my concept of what 'on time' means is very different or more loosely used in Thailand.
So before we even embark on our trip to Bangkok, we sit waiting at PIH (Paradornparp International House) for some friends to finish printing out papers, then we get a call, two members of our party our at the apartments by Seven Elven but will be there soon. Our Song Tao driver out of concern for us, tells us that we have 20 minutes to go until our Bus departs, he assures us he can make it in 15min. So when time passes, they are still not there and it is 12 min to go...I start to worry. Really panic.
I felt so helpless so furious, how could they do this? I spent money on a ticket and I might miss the bus. My friends trying to smooth things out. "Don't worry, its Thai time!" and "We could always catch another bus"--The first thought made me consider, what is Thai time?
Well they came and we made our bus. Throughout the trip we were late to everything--Late leaving to the beach, late coming back from it--late going to JJ market, late coming back! Even though this weekend had its stresses, I noticed that as the weekend reached the end my frustrations and anxieties towards 'Thai Time' disappeared and I was able to enjoy myself. No matter what time we got there :)
So before we even embark on our trip to Bangkok, we sit waiting at PIH (Paradornparp International House) for some friends to finish printing out papers, then we get a call, two members of our party our at the apartments by Seven Elven but will be there soon. Our Song Tao driver out of concern for us, tells us that we have 20 minutes to go until our Bus departs, he assures us he can make it in 15min. So when time passes, they are still not there and it is 12 min to go...I start to worry. Really panic.
I felt so helpless so furious, how could they do this? I spent money on a ticket and I might miss the bus. My friends trying to smooth things out. "Don't worry, its Thai time!" and "We could always catch another bus"--The first thought made me consider, what is Thai time?
Well they came and we made our bus. Throughout the trip we were late to everything--Late leaving to the beach, late coming back from it--late going to JJ market, late coming back! Even though this weekend had its stresses, I noticed that as the weekend reached the end my frustrations and anxieties towards 'Thai Time' disappeared and I was able to enjoy myself. No matter what time we got there :)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Confessions of a non-teenage pajama queen!!!!
OMG!!!!
I have been in bed all day.
I am so bored--and yet my unacceptable appearance forbids me from going out into society. An ant walks across my knuckles as I type.
Seriously, being sick is for losers.
I cough, I hack, I sneeze, I blow my nose.
All activities I hate the most.
The longer I stare at these loney white walls, the more thinking, thinking, thinking.
You are thinking this blog entry is lame,
whereas I am thinking of the world.
You know, the one I am closed off from.
Why me? Why not them? Or even you?
I am sick, you could be too.
Being sick is for losers.
I feel hot, and dizzy, and lazy, and tired, yet awake.
All things I really hate.
I sleep all day. And am awake all night.
The next day I will feel better,
I should anyways.
I have been in bed all day.
I am so bored--and yet my unacceptable appearance forbids me from going out into society. An ant walks across my knuckles as I type.
Seriously, being sick is for losers.
I cough, I hack, I sneeze, I blow my nose.
All activities I hate the most.
The longer I stare at these loney white walls, the more thinking, thinking, thinking.
You are thinking this blog entry is lame,
whereas I am thinking of the world.
You know, the one I am closed off from.
Why me? Why not them? Or even you?
I am sick, you could be too.
Being sick is for losers.
I feel hot, and dizzy, and lazy, and tired, yet awake.
All things I really hate.
I sleep all day. And am awake all night.
The next day I will feel better,
I should anyways.
Mai sabai, sick, and enfermo
I am sick. Again. My third or fourth major spout of illness since I have been here. I would like to not spend my entire time being sick but apparently fate does not agree with me. I have thought about what sort of habits I have, whether I give myself enough time to get better from previous illnesses or whether I am participating more frequently in activities that lead to my illnesses. Nothing adds up or makes sense of my frequent mai sabai state. What is interesting is the response I get from everyone whilst sick. Not that I don't have loving friends or family at home--but I have received and am being treated in such a way when I am sick that I nearly prefer it to being healthy.
Example a. yesterday at dinner in the canteen I ran into Joy-Anne, a very sweet girl who saw instantly that I was sick and with a panic stricken look on her face asked me if I wanted or needed anything. I told her I had felt like having juice and she feverishly began to rustle through her carrefour bag (having just come from carrefour she had some grocery bags) and pulled out a package of kids apple juice and gave it to me. Despite protests I found myself walking upstairs with apple juice and a smile on my face; my friends are great.
That is one of the many, many examples of generosity I have experienced while ill here. By looking at each person's reaction to my illness I can tell something about them, their culture and personality.
Example b. Tuti called me asking if I was up to eating dinner at 5pm, I first asked her when dinner ended to which she replied, 7pm. I told her I would probably eat a little before 7pm then. With a worried tone she said ok and hung up. Seconds later I heard a knock on my door, it was Tuti with a bag of chips, and a small carton of chocolate wafer cookies. She looked worried and told me that I did not look well. "Wow, Andrea you are really sick", "Yes Tuti, I am". So in the end, despite even more protesting, I ended up with an small collections of snacks. Thank you for those chips Tuti, they were delicious.
It is funny the way in times of need or during times when our friendship is tested to see how human nature reacts to the misfortune of others. Needless to say, I am very grateful to all of my friends here who have genuinely cared about me and given me offerings of well tidings. Thank you all.
Example a. yesterday at dinner in the canteen I ran into Joy-Anne, a very sweet girl who saw instantly that I was sick and with a panic stricken look on her face asked me if I wanted or needed anything. I told her I had felt like having juice and she feverishly began to rustle through her carrefour bag (having just come from carrefour she had some grocery bags) and pulled out a package of kids apple juice and gave it to me. Despite protests I found myself walking upstairs with apple juice and a smile on my face; my friends are great.
That is one of the many, many examples of generosity I have experienced while ill here. By looking at each person's reaction to my illness I can tell something about them, their culture and personality.
Example b. Tuti called me asking if I was up to eating dinner at 5pm, I first asked her when dinner ended to which she replied, 7pm. I told her I would probably eat a little before 7pm then. With a worried tone she said ok and hung up. Seconds later I heard a knock on my door, it was Tuti with a bag of chips, and a small carton of chocolate wafer cookies. She looked worried and told me that I did not look well. "Wow, Andrea you are really sick", "Yes Tuti, I am". So in the end, despite even more protesting, I ended up with an small collections of snacks. Thank you for those chips Tuti, they were delicious.
It is funny the way in times of need or during times when our friendship is tested to see how human nature reacts to the misfortune of others. Needless to say, I am very grateful to all of my friends here who have genuinely cared about me and given me offerings of well tidings. Thank you all.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Beautiful View @_@
A stunning view from our hotel. The rolling landscape was so beautiful in the setting sun.
Dear Andrew,
I know we never became good friends but I am glad to have known you. Although I am not a religious person I really earnestly hope that you are out there somewhere looking back at us from a warm place. In times like these I find that my way of healing is to think about the wonderful life someone has lived. While I do not know much about you, from deep down I could tell you were a kindred spirit.
From the moment I met you, you were very kind and considerate. You seemed to always care and think about others, which shows how endearing you really were towards others. Everywhere you went you loved to greet and talk to others, everyone was a friend. Every time I saw you, you always had a smile on your face. I hope where ever you are you have a smile on your face.
Rest in Peace Andrew,
Andrea
From the moment I met you, you were very kind and considerate. You seemed to always care and think about others, which shows how endearing you really were towards others. Everywhere you went you loved to greet and talk to others, everyone was a friend. Every time I saw you, you always had a smile on your face. I hope where ever you are you have a smile on your face.
Rest in Peace Andrew,
Andrea
Blackout
So there was a blackout in PIH. My roommate and I were both looking at pictures online when suddenly the room went pitch black, our fan stopped blowing and I heard an echoing of screams breakout in the hall. Within seconds the emergency lighting had kicked in, both a little frightened by the dark abyss that was now our room and the unexpected blackout we decided to venture out of our room downstairs to see what was going on.
Down stairs many other students had also gathered. While I have on occasion experienced a blackout it was really interesting to see through a new cultural lens, how a blackout in Thailand 'went down'. Everyone was super chatty and in upheaval...It very well could have been an excuse to stop studying, but then again everyone needs a break now and then! I saw people in boxers, and in their pajamas--it was like the normal social structure that had been created was broken. Either way, the lights eventually came on...after me and my roommate were well into bed. :)
Down stairs many other students had also gathered. While I have on occasion experienced a blackout it was really interesting to see through a new cultural lens, how a blackout in Thailand 'went down'. Everyone was super chatty and in upheaval...It very well could have been an excuse to stop studying, but then again everyone needs a break now and then! I saw people in boxers, and in their pajamas--it was like the normal social structure that had been created was broken. Either way, the lights eventually came on...after me and my roommate were well into bed. :)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Smile :)
So here is the group of us that went to celebrate Eid Mubarak with Tuti. We took this picture before we left in our song taew. We asked kwon hee to take it, I felt so bad because he had like 4 cameras dangling off of his arm...
TATTOO COLOUR*****
So as previously mentioned in earlier blog, for the past week or so I have been experiencing a serious case of homesickness. I suppose if I were to attempt to fit it into the culture shock chart I would have called it my 'hostile phase'. Don't get me wrong, I was not hostile--merely I missed home with such aggression that it made me resent certain things about my surrounding and made it more difficult for me to accept things around me. For lack of better language, I was in a slump.
However all of this changed when a group of Thai friends asked me if I was interested in going to Monkey Club to see Tattoo Colour! Of course I was interested....they are my favorite Thai band!!! As trivial as see a new favorite band live, it was just enough of a pick me up to lighten my recently 'slumpish' mood. The entire experience was really unique. I found myself comparing the concert to any American concert I had been to. While there were some differences, I still felt the same rush of excitement to see and hear familiar someone I had come to admire and listen to nearly every day. In addition to see a rocking band, I got to know the group of people I went with pretty well too. Sadly I still don't own their CD, despite my desperate efforts!!! However I have hope for the future that I can obtain it someday.
However all of this changed when a group of Thai friends asked me if I was interested in going to Monkey Club to see Tattoo Colour! Of course I was interested....they are my favorite Thai band!!! As trivial as see a new favorite band live, it was just enough of a pick me up to lighten my recently 'slumpish' mood. The entire experience was really unique. I found myself comparing the concert to any American concert I had been to. While there were some differences, I still felt the same rush of excitement to see and hear familiar someone I had come to admire and listen to nearly every day. In addition to see a rocking band, I got to know the group of people I went with pretty well too. Sadly I still don't own their CD, despite my desperate efforts!!! However I have hope for the future that I can obtain it someday.
Eid Mubarak
Swensens Ice cream!!!!!!!!!! Tuti's last day of Ramadan was Tuesday--she told me she had to pray all day and that usually the day ends in a festival, a celebration where everyone dresses up and wears very nice clothing, uses make up and eats one large celebration meal together. I wanted to make Tuti feel at home here in Thailand and I told her that I wanted to celebrate Eid Mubarak with her (name of last day of Ramadan). So a large group of us planned to take Tuti to eat her favorite food; Ice Cream.
We chose Swensen's becuase Tuti had never gone and became sold on going there when I told her about the swing benches they have. We all had an amazing time, the ice cream was delicious and it tasted better than ever especially when before embarking on our Eid Mubarak adventure Tuti thanked all of us for making her feel at home. She told us that the one thing she missed at home was gathering around with her friends and just chatting about daily average things and going out and dressing up for meals on the weekends. It's an odd sensation to think that something as simple as a group of us going out to eat ice cream helped create a safe space or a comfort zone for someone. After having suffered a really bad spell of home sickness, I was happy to help a friend out with theirs.
We chose Swensen's becuase Tuti had never gone and became sold on going there when I told her about the swing benches they have. We all had an amazing time, the ice cream was delicious and it tasted better than ever especially when before embarking on our Eid Mubarak adventure Tuti thanked all of us for making her feel at home. She told us that the one thing she missed at home was gathering around with her friends and just chatting about daily average things and going out and dressing up for meals on the weekends. It's an odd sensation to think that something as simple as a group of us going out to eat ice cream helped create a safe space or a comfort zone for someone. After having suffered a really bad spell of home sickness, I was happy to help a friend out with theirs.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Rice ^^
Here is rice in many, many colors. An example of rice being the staple food here. I have never seen so many colors--although Joy did ask me if I have eaten 'black', although what appears to be purple, rice and I realized I had several times at a Korean restaurant back home. Although it was really neat to see an example laid out in front me of something singularly significant to Thai culture but less so to American.
Swensens!!!! ^^
Swensens ice cream!! So yummy, it's suppose to be an American ice cream shop but I have never heard of it. I went with Joy Kim who is korean and super friendly. The ice cream is good and we had a nice conversation about cultural differences and the reluctance most non native English speakers have in speaking English to native speakers (due to insecurity in their English capabilities). It cleared up some confusion about some Thais being reserved!
Fasting to Swimming pools and Head Colds!!
So Thursday night while waiting anxiously for 25 minutes until darkness at 6:25pm in order to eat with Tuti--I realized that those 25 minutes were a pathetic amount in comparison to an month's worth of fasting. After this I resolved to testing out the feeling myself. I later told Tuti at dinner that I was going to try fasting, she told me it was hard and that it would be especially hard for me since it would be my first time and that was that.
So Friday morning I wake up and I am still recovering from a sore throat, I lay in bed and feeling hunger pains decide to stay there. Finding my own distractions until 11:30, I am feeling fine but tired. Finally, after missing the shuttle, I walk in the heat to Thai class and arrive feeling incredibly tired and sleepy. Once in class I rest some more waiting for the Ajan, and slowly students file in asking me how my fasting is going, I tell them that I am fine but tired. Then when Tuti comes in and realizes that I have been fasting, she immediately urges me to eat something when I refuse politely she exclaims, "Are you trying to kill yourself?". Amused I tell her I will be fine, unconvinced Tuti looks at me worried. After class I join some classmates getting their hair cut and find that by the time I get back to PIH it is nearly time for night time (6:24pm) I lay on my bed and nap until the approaching time, as the time ticks nearer to my goal, the more faint and dizzy I begin to feel, in reaction to no water, Katie calls me and asks me about eating out so I go to ask Tuti about it and then I run into Katie as well finally we decide on eating downstairs and we all go downstairs to eat.
After the whole ordeal I've decided that fasting was indeed a different way to experience things but I didn't feel any more spiritual or humbled, just tired and in the end a little obsessed with any food which I constantly saw and knew could not be mine. Tuti also told me that Ramadan was to remind us of the many people who are starving, but I am not sure that it was effective. Then again maybe one day is not enough to experience the real sentiment behind Ramadan.
Apart from my first time fasting, today was my first time going to a swimming pool in Thailand. In comparison to fasting it sounds less of an worthwhile experience but I found it surprisingly meditative. First of all the pool was empty of other company and the instant my body was emerged in the water--I felt nostalgic. I never realized how much I had missed it. It reminded me of summers back home, and of family and friends I spent the summer with. It was also so relaxing and peaceful to just lie in the water looking up to the sky and realizing that it was the same sky I had seen in the United States and just looking up and lying there I felt like I was back home. It was only when I stood up to see myself in a pool in Thailand that I missed being at home. I am staring to miss my home, but I won't let that weigh down my experience here.
And while at the pool I got one of the most recognizable feelings ever--the light headiness and water eyes of a head cold. And here I still sit with the sniffles and a red nose :(
So Friday morning I wake up and I am still recovering from a sore throat, I lay in bed and feeling hunger pains decide to stay there. Finding my own distractions until 11:30, I am feeling fine but tired. Finally, after missing the shuttle, I walk in the heat to Thai class and arrive feeling incredibly tired and sleepy. Once in class I rest some more waiting for the Ajan, and slowly students file in asking me how my fasting is going, I tell them that I am fine but tired. Then when Tuti comes in and realizes that I have been fasting, she immediately urges me to eat something when I refuse politely she exclaims, "Are you trying to kill yourself?". Amused I tell her I will be fine, unconvinced Tuti looks at me worried. After class I join some classmates getting their hair cut and find that by the time I get back to PIH it is nearly time for night time (6:24pm) I lay on my bed and nap until the approaching time, as the time ticks nearer to my goal, the more faint and dizzy I begin to feel, in reaction to no water, Katie calls me and asks me about eating out so I go to ask Tuti about it and then I run into Katie as well finally we decide on eating downstairs and we all go downstairs to eat.
After the whole ordeal I've decided that fasting was indeed a different way to experience things but I didn't feel any more spiritual or humbled, just tired and in the end a little obsessed with any food which I constantly saw and knew could not be mine. Tuti also told me that Ramadan was to remind us of the many people who are starving, but I am not sure that it was effective. Then again maybe one day is not enough to experience the real sentiment behind Ramadan.
Apart from my first time fasting, today was my first time going to a swimming pool in Thailand. In comparison to fasting it sounds less of an worthwhile experience but I found it surprisingly meditative. First of all the pool was empty of other company and the instant my body was emerged in the water--I felt nostalgic. I never realized how much I had missed it. It reminded me of summers back home, and of family and friends I spent the summer with. It was also so relaxing and peaceful to just lie in the water looking up to the sky and realizing that it was the same sky I had seen in the United States and just looking up and lying there I felt like I was back home. It was only when I stood up to see myself in a pool in Thailand that I missed being at home. I am staring to miss my home, but I won't let that weigh down my experience here.
And while at the pool I got one of the most recognizable feelings ever--the light headiness and water eyes of a head cold. And here I still sit with the sniffles and a red nose :(
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Traveling abroad to find someone else
In class Monday we talked about the idea of traveling abroad to 'find yourself', what we decided that meant was that when we go abroad and encounter cultures even slightly different from our own we make realizations about who we are, what we value and what norms we considered universal to be cultural. It is these eye opening revelations that help us, while traveling, to discover ourselves. I have noticed this happening with myself. It is really thrilling to realize things about yourself that you never knew.
Other than discover myself, I find myself making stronger bonds with the people surrounding me, sadly I still lack that sort of meaningful relationship with any Thais but I still have hopes for the future. One person that I would like to single out as a particularly good friend is Tuti. I have no intention in embarrassing her but she has been such a wonderful friend to me, she listens to me in times of need, has been there to make me laugh at myself in times of frustration and has given me one of the most unique and meaningful perspectives on life. No doubt due to her religious and cultural background, Tuti has enlightened me with her thoughts on 'the world' and life and I have been happy to hear her words. So within a foreign country and situation, I have made friends with a third kind of 'foreign' and it has helped shaped the way I think and handle situations--allowing me to make my stay abroad more smooth and enjoyable.
Other than discover myself, I find myself making stronger bonds with the people surrounding me, sadly I still lack that sort of meaningful relationship with any Thais but I still have hopes for the future. One person that I would like to single out as a particularly good friend is Tuti. I have no intention in embarrassing her but she has been such a wonderful friend to me, she listens to me in times of need, has been there to make me laugh at myself in times of frustration and has given me one of the most unique and meaningful perspectives on life. No doubt due to her religious and cultural background, Tuti has enlightened me with her thoughts on 'the world' and life and I have been happy to hear her words. So within a foreign country and situation, I have made friends with a third kind of 'foreign' and it has helped shaped the way I think and handle situations--allowing me to make my stay abroad more smooth and enjoyable.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
So here is a view of an golden umbrella which we learned is a Chedi or monument, unique to Northern Thailand. This particular Chedi is at the wat Doi suthep, it was amazing and so remarkably beautiful and serene. I want to go back someday and oh yeah, Payap students get in for free with an Student id :)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Walking with Silver Toes somewhere near Thapae gate
Somewhere near thapae gate
Me, Angela, Joy and Kate
Wander as I might
with soar limbs and
a broad mind
There is much to excite
Thai silk
one for nuhn roy bhat
and the larger for
song har sib
No thank you--not today
As I look down upon my feet,
silver toes look up back at me
Can it be?
That money has taken over me
who do I love
and
do they love me?
Can products love me back,
as much as I love them?
Before I lose my focus
I look up
And there
waiting for me
I find you
You were there all along
telling me nothing is wrong
So there is my poor attempt to write a poem about...can you guess? My over spending habits as of late. It expresses concern for me losing my focus of why I came to Thailand (for the culture not the products)...but maybe I am being overly critical of myself :)
Me, Angela, Joy and Kate
Wander as I might
with soar limbs and
a broad mind
There is much to excite
Thai silk
one for nuhn roy bhat
and the larger for
song har sib
No thank you--not today
As I look down upon my feet,
silver toes look up back at me
Can it be?
That money has taken over me
who do I love
and
do they love me?
Can products love me back,
as much as I love them?
Before I lose my focus
I look up
And there
waiting for me
I find you
You were there all along
telling me nothing is wrong
So there is my poor attempt to write a poem about...can you guess? My over spending habits as of late. It expresses concern for me losing my focus of why I came to Thailand (for the culture not the products)...but maybe I am being overly critical of myself :)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Finding Similarity in Unfamiliarity
One thing I have found myself doing here in Thailand is using strategies to cope with my new found 'differentness'. It is not like I value blending in and conforming with the masses, but I am sure like anyone who finds themselves in a strange situation, I too am trying to fit in.
At my stay in the hospital I found myself looking for One such instance of familiarity. I was staying in a room with several other patients while in the hospital and witnessed several family visits, one of which particularly struck me. The woman in the bed across from me (appeared to be around 'grandma age')was visited frequently by a large welcoming familial looking group, as was every other patient in the room.
So what was particularly intriguing about this woman and her family?? The way they seemed to care for each other and include in their intimacy for each other a physical sense and disregard for distance and shame. This is how my large Mexican family often is! Often what looked to be the granddaughters (one around my age and the other around 10) would hop into bed with the woman and remaining family (husband, daughter, sisters, friends)would cluster in chairs around her. The closeness I saw demonstrated between family members such as kisses, hugging, personal closeness and open dialogue between all members regardless of age reminded me of the way my family interacted back home.
To see this same type of affection demonstrated in an otherwise 'different' or 'dissimilar' country not only comforted me but increased my understanding of a culture that labeled me 'strange'.
At my stay in the hospital I found myself looking for One such instance of familiarity. I was staying in a room with several other patients while in the hospital and witnessed several family visits, one of which particularly struck me. The woman in the bed across from me (appeared to be around 'grandma age')was visited frequently by a large welcoming familial looking group, as was every other patient in the room.
So what was particularly intriguing about this woman and her family?? The way they seemed to care for each other and include in their intimacy for each other a physical sense and disregard for distance and shame. This is how my large Mexican family often is! Often what looked to be the granddaughters (one around my age and the other around 10) would hop into bed with the woman and remaining family (husband, daughter, sisters, friends)would cluster in chairs around her. The closeness I saw demonstrated between family members such as kisses, hugging, personal closeness and open dialogue between all members regardless of age reminded me of the way my family interacted back home.
To see this same type of affection demonstrated in an otherwise 'different' or 'dissimilar' country not only comforted me but increased my understanding of a culture that labeled me 'strange'.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Warorot Market/ Flower market
The Warorot Market 'area' was so smell, sight and sensory filled that it is difficult to know where to begin describing it. To make sure that I do not leave anything out, I will briefly retrace my steps.
So starting with exiting the Song Tao and crossing the overpass, I immediately looked for the entrance into the Market, after walking by a line of fruit stands, I finally find the entrance in between a fruit stand and a souvenir stand. Going inside is like trekking into another world; a damp world where all that exists are shops, darkness, funny smells (at times) and delicious treats (also at times). Before settling down anywhere, I decided to go exploring and to experience what the market had to offer. With some classmates in tow, I walked up and down the isles of some of the vendor shops, and ordered a small round pastry--further exploration took me to a fish market, where I watched in awe fish and seafood being prepared, and where I lost the friends following behind me due to the strong smell :)
It was soon after I exited the market complex and took refuge in an shop selling school supplies, among other things, across the street that I stood and observed the goings on of the people selling. They were Thai people, most of them--perhaps farmers, or fishers or maybe even "middle men" who were in charge of selling the goods of others--I saw each of them so diligently cleaning and prepping their areas and whatever product they had to sell. I even saw tourists or "faran" who in broken Thai would ask 'how much' or say..'song roy hok sib har'?
I decided to move from my spot and wandered around the corner to an Pan la may stand selling Som o's! I love Som o's so I bought some and tried engaging the friendly women vendor in conversation with my poor Thai and some simple gestures and English. I first inquired about the fruit. She assured me that it was good, and gave me a sample to convince me to buy some. It was delicious and I was sold, I told her I would want one...I payed her and while she rummaged for change asked her if she grew the Som o's, whether she was a farmer. She told me yes (I hope she understood and was not just uncomfortable by my engaging her in conversation). I then asked her where her farm was, in Chiang Mai? She told me it was in the Chiang Mai area (once again I wonder about the success of communication between us..but I tried).
Overall the market was a fun and intersting excursion, and I learned a lot about the inner market culture; bartering, asking for prices, showing interest without imposing, communicating with the vendors, the sort of people that go to these markets (a mixture of Thais and tourists) and most importantly I ate some delicious Som o!
So starting with exiting the Song Tao and crossing the overpass, I immediately looked for the entrance into the Market, after walking by a line of fruit stands, I finally find the entrance in between a fruit stand and a souvenir stand. Going inside is like trekking into another world; a damp world where all that exists are shops, darkness, funny smells (at times) and delicious treats (also at times). Before settling down anywhere, I decided to go exploring and to experience what the market had to offer. With some classmates in tow, I walked up and down the isles of some of the vendor shops, and ordered a small round pastry--further exploration took me to a fish market, where I watched in awe fish and seafood being prepared, and where I lost the friends following behind me due to the strong smell :)
It was soon after I exited the market complex and took refuge in an shop selling school supplies, among other things, across the street that I stood and observed the goings on of the people selling. They were Thai people, most of them--perhaps farmers, or fishers or maybe even "middle men" who were in charge of selling the goods of others--I saw each of them so diligently cleaning and prepping their areas and whatever product they had to sell. I even saw tourists or "faran" who in broken Thai would ask 'how much' or say..'song roy hok sib har'?
I decided to move from my spot and wandered around the corner to an Pan la may stand selling Som o's! I love Som o's so I bought some and tried engaging the friendly women vendor in conversation with my poor Thai and some simple gestures and English. I first inquired about the fruit. She assured me that it was good, and gave me a sample to convince me to buy some. It was delicious and I was sold, I told her I would want one...I payed her and while she rummaged for change asked her if she grew the Som o's, whether she was a farmer. She told me yes (I hope she understood and was not just uncomfortable by my engaging her in conversation). I then asked her where her farm was, in Chiang Mai? She told me it was in the Chiang Mai area (once again I wonder about the success of communication between us..but I tried).
Overall the market was a fun and intersting excursion, and I learned a lot about the inner market culture; bartering, asking for prices, showing interest without imposing, communicating with the vendors, the sort of people that go to these markets (a mixture of Thais and tourists) and most importantly I ate some delicious Som o!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Mak mak ron!
Today I had the oddest 'Thai versus America' check sensation. I was talking to my friend on instant messenger and they told me about their poor decision to bike outside in a t-shirt in the cold. When I stopped to think about it, I realize that while summer weather will eventually cease, turn into fall and then winter at home, here in Thailand their will be no seasons. It was the oddest little, "oh yeah" to think of. Not having seasons, is not an huge travesty, but it still an completely different way to conceptualize the passing of time.
Related to the passing of time, I feel like I have been in Thailand for months now, when in fact it has been only two weeks as of today. I am not sure if the pace of life here has greatly altered my long range vision of time passed, or if perhaps I have been enjoying myself so much that time has 'flown' by me. Either way time in this country feels different that back at home. It seems everything takes time, and future planning does not exist which is the complete opposite of America where, not a single second should be wasted and 'time is precious'...just sitting here now, i thought of already about 5 sayings emphasizing the importance of time use.
Either way, I hope my time here in Thailand is priceless.
Related to the passing of time, I feel like I have been in Thailand for months now, when in fact it has been only two weeks as of today. I am not sure if the pace of life here has greatly altered my long range vision of time passed, or if perhaps I have been enjoying myself so much that time has 'flown' by me. Either way time in this country feels different that back at home. It seems everything takes time, and future planning does not exist which is the complete opposite of America where, not a single second should be wasted and 'time is precious'...just sitting here now, i thought of already about 5 sayings emphasizing the importance of time use.
Either way, I hope my time here in Thailand is priceless.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Goals and Expectations
What I expect out of Thailand is limitless. As I prepared for my trip, numerous adventures and possibilities entered my mind. I was not sure what Thailand has in store for me, or what I had in store for Thailand. There were some basic expectations, I expected to encounter difficulties in making friends (with the language barrier), I expected to get sick being introduced to an entirely new food palette and drinking water, I expected to be overcome with the beauty of the sights and I also expected to find things that I couldn't even imagine seeing or doing. I am glad to say that thus far, all of those but my difficulty making friends has come true.
Having said as much some goals I still carry for my stay here in Thailand are firstly to make even more friends, to not miss out on an incredible opportunity. I want to know not only the outsider perspective of Thai culture but an inside, exclusive perception which will hopefully shape my idea of that 'Thainess' is. Already the things that most amaze me here, other than the rolling mountainside and extravagant Buddhist monasteries (that impress everyone)--but are the people, their kindness, their stories and what they have to teach me. It is seeing them smile and learning from them that I anticipate the most from day to day.
Having said as much some goals I still carry for my stay here in Thailand are firstly to make even more friends, to not miss out on an incredible opportunity. I want to know not only the outsider perspective of Thai culture but an inside, exclusive perception which will hopefully shape my idea of that 'Thainess' is. Already the things that most amaze me here, other than the rolling mountainside and extravagant Buddhist monasteries (that impress everyone)--but are the people, their kindness, their stories and what they have to teach me. It is seeing them smile and learning from them that I anticipate the most from day to day.
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