Chapter 23: Thailand

I made a small trip up north this past weekend and met up with three girls I befriended during orientation.  Originally from Michigan, England, and California—the girls are now working in Lumphang and Nan (two Northern provinces).  The trip was complete with English dialogue (minus the hand gestures, simplicity, and constant repetition), exploring numerous (number unknown) ancient Wats (temples), Thai Karaoke mixed with interpretive dance and my first encounter with theft since I arrived…mai ben rai (no worries).  Old Sukhothai is the site of Thailand’s first city.  Its ancient ruins, dating back to the 13^th century, are strewn throughout the park and displayed so every backpacker/tourist/traveler passing through can capture the city’s sites in one day via bicycle.  After making our way from the TR Guesthouse (a hostel (bahn pahk) which I highly recommend if ever out this way despite what lonely planet says)  we rented bikes for 30 baht a piece.  At our first temple stop, after locking  up and exploring, we came out just minutes later to find two bikes missing.  Honestly, it was almost expected…we were farangs…but thankfully we had not left a name or deposit, so for the remainder of the day we pegged it down the dusty roads and managed to cart 5 people between 3 bikes…Karma kept us from stealing them back.  It was a minor loss that will forever put that special touch on the story of Sukhothai.  We biked all day, visiting one Wat after the other…each having a different affect.  Out of respect, we knew it was time to call it a day, however, when the last one just seemed like the rest…shines a certain light of reality onto the situation—in the oldest Thai city, observing temples I could never imagine seeing, and thinking, “this 700 year giant Buddha looks just like the others”.  I did have favorites…Wat Suphin Hin (placed atop a hill overlooking the city) and Wat Si Chun (its Buddha’s pinky built larger than my torso) and I appreciated each one for its  spiritual significance, peace, and purity they bring to the country.

That evening we ventured to a local restaurant (whose desserts came highly recommended by lonely planet), but were disappointed to find that it was overpriced, poor serviced, and had small portions.  Maybe fame went to their heads.  With this observation, we decided to cumulate our own travel guide, but call it “overpopulated planet”—contributors are welcome.  We ended the night with Karaoke, (which is always accompanied with a few drinks and belting Madonna’s “Like a Virgin”) and having street market Phad Thai with the local artists at 3 in the morning.

Overall, the trip was a success.  My confidence in bargaining (which I did many times in Thai) and my confidence to travel have accumulated and I am ready to see what has been unseen. 

I have had internet rarely, hence my lack of communication and postings.  I have continued to write, however, so I am posting a few at once.  I have found a peace here in the simplicity of things.  It’s quiet and warm, lush and green.  I have planned a few trips to travel up north this month and have been able to travel and see sights around here—a few temples, the suburbs to visit my friend’s grandmother. My classes are going well.  Some are better then others and it is very frustrating at times, but I think the good balances out the bad.  I have even started teaching the teachers, which helps with communication in the office.  They say my class is funny and they are learning (which is a good sign I thinkJ).  I still miss home, but I think the culture shock has worn off finally, so I am optimistic about things.  Many wishes went on my Krathong (read in next posting) for my family friends at home…know that I am constantly thinking about you.

Loy Loy Krathong, Loy Loy Krathong…my students sang this to me last Wednesday, November 12^th in honor of one of the most popular festivals in Thailand.  It takes place on the full moon day of the 12^th lunar month.  The ... [Continue reading this entry]

Everyday there is a new discovery of a difference in cultures.  I found Jiffy Pop at “Big C” (as expensive as it was, it was comforting to have, so I bought them out).  Li, my next door neighbor and frequent ... [Continue reading this entry]

The Thai students (not all) are some what kikiette (lazy) and kimo (talkative).  They attend class as they wish, skipping frequently (especially the bad ones) and there is no punishment for their poor behavior, nor is there a reward for ... [Continue reading this entry]

I feel very disconnected and am sad to be out of our country on such an important election year. You will be happy to hear that I did vote before I left, however. I have been without internet ... [Continue reading this entry]