It's Laundry TIME!!!

I've said this before and I'll said it again...If my (hypothetical) children ever misbehave THEY WILL BE DOING THEIR LAUNDRY (AND MINE) BY HAND!!!

The following is the step process that goes into getting my clothes nice and clean (clean??...well that's debatable...lol).

Step 1: I stare at the detergent* and fabric softener** and make myself want to open them. I purposely bought these because they are in my favorite colors...I knew I was going to need the extra motivation.

*In Thailand, you have to be very careful when buying detergent, because you could be buying something very similar to fabric softener (so no bubbles).
**The fabric softener does not really make the clothes soft...

Step 2: Create a water and detergent mixture in this medium size bucket.
Step 3: Place clothes in the mixture.
Step 4: Let the clothes soak in the mixture while I a) dance around in my room b) clean my room or c) forget that I left my clothes soaking.

Step 5: Grab each individual piece of clothing and scrub the "main" areas (i.e. armpits, stains, and etc).
Step 6: Rinse out soap from clothing.

Step 7: (optional step, I only do this step when I'm in a good mood) After rinsing clothes create a water and fabric softener solution in a smaller bucket (my Twilight popcorn bucket from the movie theater).
Step 8: Let clothes soak in the fabric softener and water mixture.

Step 9: Walk away from the clothes soaking in the fabric softener and prepare the next load of clothes to be washed.

A look at the rubber gloves that I wear to hand wash my clothes. I cannot wash my clothes without these or my eczema would make my hands look like I was suffering from stigmata.

Step 10: I make sure to have enough hangers for the clothes that I just washed.

Step 11: Hang clothes to dry. I have a special mobile looking thing to dry my undies.
Step 12: Put clothes in my closet.
Step 13: Miss the feeling of clothes just out of the dryer.

L.O.V.E- Valentine’s Day/Season

In honor of love and friendship (and Valentine’s Day--yes, I know it’s a consumer driven holiday, but hey it’s a holiday that reminds us not to take each other for granted), I will introduce you to one of my favorite quotes:

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”-Buddha

L is for Lotus and Language

Lotus- (pronounced “Lotas” in Thai) is a word that has been very present in my mind lately. Side note: There are many English words that have been adapted to Thai language, one of those words being “lotas.”

Examples of English words that have been adapted by the Thai language:

English Word - Thai Adaptation

Lotus -Lotas

Apple -Appin

Strawberry- Strabelly

Central- Centran

Glenda- Grenda

And many more...

O is for “Oh and did you know...?”

Oh and did you know that the lotus grows in mud? Did you know that the lotus is a symbol of resilience and rebirth? Did you know that you can find lotus flowers amidst rice paddies. One can stand mesmerized by the flowers’ ability to embellish endless green fields. Oh and did you know that a major shopping center/grocery story/Thailand’s version of Wal-Mart is called Tesco Lotus? Also, did you know that the biggest Tesco Lotus Extra is located in Khon Kaen City (just a 45 minute bus ride away from me).

V is for VALENTINE’S DAY!

I started my Valentine’s Day festivities on February 4th. My mom shipped me a box (mentioned in my last entry) with a lot of VDay goodies that I used to teach about the lovely holiday. Soon after, I received a love package from Kelly Bender--my dearest friend, teacher, and confidant. On February 11th, I had the loveliest Valentine’s DATE everrrrr. On February 14th, I was decorated in stickers by students. They placed stickers all over my blouse. My students gave me chocolates, roses, and handmade crafts. Side note: In Thailand, it is not customary to give Valentine’s Day cards instead you place stickers on your friends' shirts and give them hugs!! Side side note: Hugging was my favorite part of the holiday, because Thais (with the exception of my host teacher) don’t really hug...and apparently I really like hugs. Today I received a Valentine’s Day surprise from my college friend/partner-in-crime Priscilla Addison!!!! All and all, this Valentine’s Day season was one of the BEST!!

E is for EUGENIOUS comes to VISIT ME!!!!!

Eugene (aka Eugenious) is my fellow Fulbrighter and dancing partner! We both love to boogie and get our laugh on (we agree that our sense of humor is very different but complimentary to one another). Eugenious is one of those people that I am deeply grateful to have in my life, because he makes my heart smile.

On Saturday, February 11th, we met up in Khon Kaen City (a tuk tuk and a bus ride away for me and a 8 hour bus ride for him). Side note: Eugene teaches in a high school located in the north of Thailand, in a province called Uttaradit. He is a Sagittarius and is obsessed with comic books.

After meeting up in Khon Kaen, Eugene and I headed to the spiffy hotel (Pullman) in the city and indulged in AMAZING (read: finger-licking/heavenly) pastries. Eugene had an apple crisp and a chocolate croissant and I had a ham and cheese croissant with a side of tiramisu! Side note: It had been a VERY VERY long time since I had indulged in western goodies...I think that’s why I might have overdone it... :) After catching up and people watching at the hotel, we preceded to our hotel...the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of the Pullman...but hey we're pretty low-maintenance ladies.

We dropped off our bags at the hotel and headed to Central Plaza--a very large mall with a bowling alley, western restaurants (including Starbucks), movie theater, dancing studio, and an array of stores for all your needs and pleasures. We had every intention on catching a flick. Side note: I LOVE GOING TO THE MOVIES NO MATTER WHERE I am in the world!! Unfortunately, the movie theater had no viable options for us. Then, we both decided to eat McDonald’s. Side note: At this point, you should be surprised that I opted for McD’s, because I always ALWAYS get sick eating at this fast food restaurant...but hey I can’t have burritos, tortas, tamales, or chilles rellenos, so I had to settle for the next (not really) best thing. Side side note: I sometimes catch myself Googling pictures of burritos or tortas... :(

After eating, I mentioned to Eugenious that we should check out the largest Tesco Lotus Extra in Thailand. I, also, said that it was within walking distance from Central Plaza. We commenced our journey to the Tesco. During our walk, we shared many stories of our past and A LOT of laughs. Side note: While on our walk, Eugenious mentioned that he had realized that it had been awhile since he had really laughed (you know the laughs that fill you up inside) and I agreed. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of funnies going on in Thailand. After 45 minutes of walking, I started to panic because the Tesco Lotus was obviously not as walking distance as I imagined. I, then, felt really guilty that I, as a host, had dragged my friend on THE LONGEST JOURNEY EVER TO THAILAND’S VERSION OF WAL-MART!! He kept saying that he didn’t mind, and that all he really wanted to do is chat...and I agreed. After reaching Khon Kaen University, I made the executive decision of catching a song-tao (mini-bus/taxi) in the direction that I knew the Tesco Lotus was located. We finally arrived at the Tesco Lotus--I was dehydrated (from walking in Thailand’s weather) and Eugenious’ feet were covered in grime (from walking in Thailand’s [unpaved] “sidewalks”).

After shopping (and what seemed like a 10 hour hike to Tesco Lotus), we freshened up and headed to Khon Kaen’s Walking Street (read: massive bazaar, but not at massive as Chiang Mai’s Walking Street). At Khon Kaen’s Walking street, we shopped for goodies for our friends (back home) and ate yummy food (including: gyros, fried chicken, strawberry smoothy, and a pancake with the word "Love" written on it). As we sat down and ate our food (and watched a group of teenagers perform a dance number), I realized that this was by far one of the best Valentine’s Day everrrr. I was in company of a very dear friend, eating delicious food, and living an adventure!!

Eugene and I at Khon Kaen's Walking Street!!

On Sunday, we met up with Gracie, Jane, and James (three other Fulbrighters who live in provinces within an hour away from Khon Kaen City). Alongside the other Fulbrighters, I continued my western indulgences!! For brunch, the five us went to a spectacular Italian restaurant. I had Penne Bolognese-- it took me back to Louise's Tarttoria in Los Angeles. Afterwards, we all headed to the nearest (and BEST) massage place. We all got full body (and THE BEST) massages.

And... in the blink of an EYE, I was being forced to say good-bye to Eugenious.

Being around fellow Americans reminded me of home...it reminded me of times when my jokes did not fall on deaf ears. It reminded me of existing effortlessly.

What do I mean by existing effortlessly??

I mean that Thailand is known as the land of smiles for a reason. In Thailand, you smile if you are angry, sad, happy, annoyed, and every other emotion on this planet. Thais take smiling to another level. When I don’t smile, the people around me are truly concerned, and make me feel guilty, that they are guilty for me not smiling.

Let me tell you smiling all the time is TIRING. Also, being around English speakers was amazing...my brain did not have to try and guess what was being said or try to respond in my (appalling) Thai and or in my mimes. So yes, being around Eugenious allowed me to exist effortlessly.

After our massage, I remember telling Eugenious “that massage realigned my essence.” Looking back, I think being around friends relaxed my soul and did something amazing to my energy.

And with that...I say DEUCES and lots of LOVE!

Como dice Walter Mercado, “Que reciban de mi, siempre, paz, mucha paz, pero sobre todo, mucho, mucho..... AMOR!!!!!♥”

Isaan LOVE Box!!!!

Introducing The Isaan Love Box (not the official name of "katip/klong kao"): This container is made out of wood and bamboo. Everyone in Isaan (the Northeast aka the place where I live and teach) owns one of these to keep and transport their sticky rice ("kao knee-ao").

Just another ordinary lunch meal in the language and social studies office.

A different angle of our feast...I mean lunch table.

From left to right: Ajan Glenda, Ajan Pimsilee, Ajan Wasanna, Ajan Watchara, Ajan Oradee, Ajan Pipat, Ajan Pranee

*"Ajan" is the Thai word for Teacher.

Tom yum pla (Fish soup)

Som tom (papaya salad): This dish is present at every meal!! I never thought I could like papaya...but surprise, surprise I DO!! (I like green papaya and ABSOLUTELY dislike ripe papaya)
pud pak Ruam-mit (stir fried vegetables with tofu)

yam luam mit-ta-leh (seafood salad)

Mok pla noi (small fish in banana leaf)

Cha quiao yen (Cold Green Tea)

Getting around...VOICELESS Glenda

Side note: This entry was written after I spent three days in bed with a throat infection. My voice isn’t completely back and my nose is leaking snot...but I need to feel productive. I have been thinking about an entry on transportation for a long time.

Yesterday, a majority of the female teachers stopped by my hotel room--reminder I live with a host family who own a hotel in the town I teach in--to make sure I was getting better. They dropped off oranges, apples, water bottles, and jok (aka porridge). I know food is very important in Thai culture, but I wonder if the teachers opted to bring me food because they know how difficult it is for me to get around town. Side note: The hotel I live in is located in the outskirts of my town. The 7-Eleven (they are everywhere in Thailand) and all the other shops are a 30 minute walk. One of the teachers dropped off my mail and a notice telling me that I need to pick up a package at the post office. As soon as they realized what this notice meant, the teachers began to debate over who would/could take me to the post office. Side note: I am too familiar with this debate, because in the beginning of the year the teachers in the English department debated on who would take me and bring me to and from school. Ban Phai Pittayakom School is a 10-15 minute drive from the Highway Hotel (my hotel). One of the teachers mentioned that she could do it, but I didn’t hear a confirmation.

Today, I woke up feeling knives in the back of my throat but I mustered up the energy to get out of my pajamas. As I was walking to the lobby, the receptionist,Ta, asked me what I was doing. In my painfully robotic voice, I told him that I needed to pick up a package at the post office. Of course, I didn’t remember the Thai word for post office. Ta then said, “passa nee” and I tried to mentally go over the Thai vocabulary that I know and I nodded yes. One of the hotel staff members volunteered to take me to the post office (...I mean who would say no to a lovely girl who sounded like a sad robot). Side note: Ta is really funny and nice 24-year-old man. He once told me I was really beautiful and I felt awkward. Side Side note: A lot of people tell me I am beautiful in Thailand and I just don’t know what to do or say...because my physical beauty is not something I have accepted. I don’t think, in America, we tell each other how beautiful we are but here complimenting someone’s beauty is nothing out of the ordinary.

After a 10 minute drive to town, we arrived at the post office and I was able to pick up the package from my mother in Los Angeles. I rushed home--but not before stopping at the 7-eleven, they sell some delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and I am EXTREMELY tired of eating soup-- to open the package.

Contents of the package my mother (aka momz/ma/mami) sent me:

1. LA/Hollywood souvenirs for the teachers at my school
2. tons of candy/chocolate
   
3. old/important mail that I need to deal with
   
4. my birthday card
   
5. Valentines’ decorations for my room
   
6. energy bars
   
7. education materials
   
8. (most importantly) hot Cheetos

A picture of my Birthday card!! It's a pop-up card with a picture of a dashboard designed for a lady on the go!! That's me!

Right after I opened the package, a teacher knocked at my door. She asked, “are you ready to go to the post office?” I moved my eyes down and looked at my package and she said “oh you went already!!” I, then, handed her a purse my mother sent as gifts for the teachers at my school and a See’s candy gram.

Then a Skype call sound emanated from my Mac and a ring tone from my cell phone and a teacher sitting with me on the ground of my hotel room. At that moment, I felt so happily overwhelmed by all the love around me. I told Kelly Bender on Skype to hold on a minute and I told my mother I would call her back. The teacher then realized that I had a lot more conversations to have on this lovely Saturday with my almost there voice, so she thanked me for the purse and told me she would see me later. Soon after another teacher knocked at my door--she’s who I consider my best friend here in Thailand-- and I pulled three purses and asked her to choose one. She choose a black glittery tote bag with a Hollywood sign design and she handed me a bag of BANANAS!! My favorite! My Mac and phone started making sounds again...and she then told me she was headed to her grandmother’s house in Khon Kaen City (where I spent the weekend last weekend).

Side note on my Thai best friend: She is 27-years-old and as outgoing as I am (or even more). She was my dancing partner during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. She has been my singing partner in MANY karaoke sessions. She volunteered to teach me how to do Thai style laundry at her grandmother’s house. She gave me a lesson on how to properly use a squatty potty. She has a great affinity to break out in laughter with me. Her mother was her grandmother’s second daughter, JUST LIKE MY MOM. Her father died when she was a little girl, just like my father.

But I digress from my entry on transportation...

Before I delve into this topic there are a couple of things you should know.

1. I don’t know how to drive a car/motorbike.
2. I can barely drive a bicycle.
3. The following are modes of transportation in Thailand (for those of us who aren’t good on wheels):
   

• the back of a friend’s motorbike (and you’re lucky if they own a second helmet)
• Song-taew: a pick up truck with a roof and benches...like a makeshift mini-bus
• charter bus- transport from one city to another (i.e. Ban Phai to Khon Kaen City)
• family cars- I usually get invited to travel or go out with my host family or teachers ask me to go out with their families
  
• co-worker’s cars
  

**I might be forgetting other popular modes of transport, but I cannot recall them at this moment.

I have lived all of my life without relying on a private form of transportation and never had it damper my independence like it has here. Side note: In Somerton, AZ not having a vehicle made my life challenging, but that small town had: restaurants, laundry mats, and basic necessities, but the outskirts of Ban Phai really don’t have much.

Side side note: Ban Phai is a town within the Province of Khon Kaen and everything of interest (i.e. post office, 7-Elevens, hospitals, Siri Book Store [my favorite], police station, banks, KFC, and etc) is in the center of the town. The Highway hotel is 30 minute walk from the center of town...but if you’re sick walking for 5 minutes seems like an eternity.

Places I have lived and my ratings on their public transportation (1- being atrocious and 5- being stupendous):

Los Angeles, CA-- 5 (yes, you have to plan your trip way in advance but you can get anywhere with the MTA)
Carlisle, PA- 0 (What public transportation???)
Gawchiboli, AP, India- 3 (the autorickshaws would never want to go to that part of Hyderabad, but the mini-buses had a stop there).
Washington, DC- 5 (pretty darn SPECTACULAR)
Somerton, AZ- 2 (the one bus that went down my highway came every hour)
Baltimore, MD- 4 (you had to plan your trips 1.5 hours in advance and they have the free lines--Charm City Circulator)
Ban Phai, KK- 1 (once you get to the center of town you can catch a tuk tuk or a charter bus)

So this isn't the be-all and end-all of my entry on transportation...SO expect many more entries on transportation and all things Thailand. I leave you with somethings I've learned and want to do. Have a lovely day!


Things I will do more in America...

1. Tell people that they are beautiful
2. Tell people that I love them

Things I won't take for granted...

1. Hot showers
2. My mother
3. My friends
4. The pot of (black/brown) beans at my mom’s house
5. Effective public transportation systems
6. Washers
   
7. DRYERS and soft clothes
   

To do

1. Get well soon
2. Stay Healthy
3. Learn to drive
4. Take the GREs
5. Be Happy
   

Long Overdue ~The Holidays~ Processing Time

Words swimming in my head (that I may or may not discuss in this entry):

expensive
eyes
watchful
woefully
late
lost wallet
super mistakes
$60 USD
replacing the replaceable
presence
acceptance
Eugenious
smiles
shy
Luck
outgoing
magical thinking
carbon footprint
twenty-five
stay with me
rainbow colored zebra
irresponsible
friends
womanhood
a year ago

“A year ago today...”- this phrase was stuck in my head for most of the holidays. On a daily basis, I try my hardest to live in the present and stop living in the past, or in the future, or in my head. The holidays weakened my ability to deter these pesky thoughts. Before the holiday season, the Fulbright Thailand staff had been warning the Fulbrighters that the holidays would be rough on us, but I never really processed their warnings. Side note: A year ago Christmas Day, I thought I had a serious illness that was causing my left eye to droop, but after many tests (i.e. spinal tap, blood tests, MRIs, CAT scans, and series of medications) the doctors figured that the muscle in my left eye gave out and I had surgery to correct this. During my initial prognosis I thought “why me? I’m only 23.” These thoughts about my mortality soon transformed into “Why Abby? She was only 24.” My thoughts about Abby's death made me realize that I am very fortunate to be alive and to have known her and be able to carry her light with me in the work that I do.

After my birthday (and my realization that I have entered womanhood), I started to be more cheerful and embraced the present. I continued to cherish this wonderful opportunity to teach in Thailand. Side note: Everyday I realize that I am learning a lot more than I am teaching. Everyday I learn a life lesson on how to be a better me.

As you might have noticed, I have been neglecting my blog. I was afraid that this would happen, at some point, but I have accepted that I needed time to process everything that I was thinking/experiencing. Although I was living in my head and or the past during the holidays, the people at Ban Phai Pittiyakom School and my host family were amazing at making me feel less homesick.

On December 30th, my school held a Christmas day event for the students (9am-12pm) and a New Year’s Day celebration for the teachers (4:30pm-6pm). During the Christmas day event, students’ art work (that they made in my classes) was displayed all over the auditorium/gym/multi-purpose room. The art work represented the diverse holidays celebrated in America (i.e. Hanukkah, Noche Buena, Kwanzaa, and Christmas).


We also played (or destroyed) the piñatas that the M3 (10th grade) and M6 (12th grade) students made. Throughout the event students sang, performed, and took part in a raffle. My co-worker, Chanita, and I surprised the students by doing a dance number by the Wonder Girls’ song “Be my Baby.” Side note: I had been very worried about this performance until Kelly Bender (my life mentor, friend, and personal cheerleader) sent me a book entitled “Everything will be OK” in which there is a checklist that reads, “ You will need: Curiosity, Kindness, Stamina, Willingness to look Stupid.”


Side note: Most of the teachers admire my lack of inhibitions. I am always the teacher that volunteers to sing and dance and or help out in last minute activities...and for most of my life I have been that person that loves to speak out in classes and or conferences, but if people only knew how shy I really am!!

Last weekend, my friend and fellow, Fulbrighter Gracie Raver came to visit me in Ban Phai (my hood) and she met my host family. It was nice having an American around to speak English and reassure me that this is my life. Sometimes I feel like like I am imagining all the awesome things that I experince. Gracie and I were invited to watch the KKFC (Khon Kaen Football Club) vs. TPFC (Thai Port Football Club) at the KKFC stadium with my host family. Side note: My host father is the KKFC team manager so I get to sit in the VIP section at home games.



On Monday and Tuesday, of this week, all the students at my school had midterms while I sat around and studied for the GREs, worked on lesson plans, and took care of grading. Side note: Yup, that’s right! This woman is taking the GREs in 2012 NO MATTER WHAT!! After mid-terms, I met with my M3.4 students (only 10 students showed up. It seems like students lost their steam after mid-terms). On Thursday, a majority of the teachers and I headed to Khorat’s Happy Land for our M2 (8th grade) students’ Boy Scout/Girl Scout camp activities. Side note: M1, M2, M3 (7th-10th grade) students are expected to partake in Boy Scout/Girl Scout activities on Wednesday during their 7th period.


Ban Phai Pittayakom Schedule:
8:00am-8:30am~ Morning assembly
8:30am-12:00pm~ 1st-4th period.
12:00pm-1:00pm~ Lunch time (I don’t remember my school lunches being that long...)
1:00pm-3:30pm~ 4th-7th period

**Classes are approximately 50 minutes long. Side note: Students are often late to their classes because they do not have a passing period (or an allocated time to get from one class to another). At Fairfax High School, we had a 5 minute passing period to get to our following class.


Places visited: Ubon Rachatani, BKK, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son/Pai, Mahasarakham, Suphan Buri, and Khorat.

Topics to be covered in upcoming entries:

• Transportation
• Food & Cooking
  
• Glenda's Thai language woes

Piñatas in THAILAND!!! 555+

I have taken on the responsibility of bringing the holiday season to Ban Phai Pittayakom School.

Side note: Notice how I didn't mention "the Christmas spirit." I really believe that my America is not only composed by people that celebrate Christmas Day. As a cultural ambassador, I will introduce my community in Thailand to the America that I know.

In my America, people celebrate all sorts of winter holidays such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Noche Buena, and etc.

In my classes, I am teaching about the winter holidays in the US. During our Holiday Event, on December 30, 2011, I am planning on having all sorts of activities and performances that showcase America's diversity. Side note: Did you know that Thailand operates under a different calendar system (aka the lunar calendar)? SO in Thailand, our 12.31.2011 is considered 12.31.2554!

One of my favorite projects that the students have taken on has been putting together piñatas!!!





Side note: You might have noticed that 555 has become a part of my cyber vernacular. The following is an explanation of 555: in Thai language the number five (5) is pronounced as "ha" so 555 is Thai for "hahaha." If something is considered extremely funny then one places an addition sign (+) after the 5s, like so: 555+. 555 is primarily used in sms (texting) and online chatting.

I decided that I couldn't have a winter season (my birthday included) without piñatas!!!! Next week, my youngest class will take on the challenge of making dreidels!!! 555

Stay tuned for pictures of the finish products (piñatas and dreidels)!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!

Beginning to understand that I will never completely understand...

It’s been a month since I last wrote and tried to make sense of everything that I have been experiencing. My life in Thailand is spectacular there are some frustrating moments in which I wish I had a better grasp of the language and or cultural/social norms. It is in those moments that I try to remember that fully understanding a situation is overrated. I remember that many Latinos (i.e. my mother, family and friends) have faced worse things upon leaving their country of origin. I am privileged to have an education that is worldly recognized as top-notch and networks of people that care about my success. The following are some highlights from the past month:

Travel to BKK- Thanksgiving Day dinner with United States Embassy representatives

The crazy whirlwind began on November 21st when Fulbright flew all of us (Researchers, Scholars, and ETAs) to Bangkok for our service project, mid-grant meeting, and Thanksgiving dinner. Overall the trip was enjoyable; we had the special treat of meeting the 4 ETAs from Laos. Our service project was preparing food for people affected by the nahm-tuam (flooding). I had a lot of fun because I found I have a future in wrapping kanoms (sweets) because we were packing the food just like candy makers wrap sweets!! Side note: imagine a tamale wrapped in a banana leaf and you will be envisioning a kanom! There was something magical in having my hands be able to replicate the wrapping of the women around me...also there were many Thai women whose hands weren’t able to work as precise or fast as mine...so the competitive geek in me was ECSTATIC!!

Kanoms!

I also had the opportunity to boogie down in the BKK with my dancing partner!! My partner is a fellow Fulbrighter from Colgate University but originally from Montana...he likes to dance as much as I DO! Because I opted to dance (my nights in Bangkok away) and work hard throughout the day (our workdays began at 6am); I hardly slept so I think that weakened my immune system...because a couple of days later I was coughing all over the place. Most of the Fulbrighters stayed in BKK till Sunday, but I headed back to Khon Kaen on Friday night.


Chiang Mai & Pai with my host family!

On the eve of November 26th, my host family and I headed to Chiang Mai for a family vacation!! It was the oddest feeling to be part of such a lovely family doing such a traditional thing, such as a family trip, which I had never done with my own family. I was raised by my hard working single-mother so we never had the opportunity to take trips; she could never afford to take the time off or afford it all together. I don’t resent my mother because I know the struggles she faced in making sure I had everything I needed.

My beautiful host family!

The trip was filled with a lot of laughter and youthful games. On the trip there was a BEAUTIFUL baby boy...and he made me decide that I do want to be a mother someday. SIDE NOTE: As a woman, I know it is my choice to have children because my body and mind were formatted to be anything I want to be (with or without children)...I don’t have to feel socially pressured to be a mother. There are points in my life that make me feel like I can be a mother to the children of the world...why be selfish and give my love only to a selected few?

While in Chiang Mai, we went to the Night Safari, Walking Street, the ENORMOUSLY BEAUTIFUL zoo, kris - sa - da - doi garden, iBerry (awesome ice cream store with very funky decor,) umbrella market, and Wat _____(I’m still investigating the name of the wat, but it was beautiful and it sat on the mountains SO YOU could see the whole city!!)

View of Chiang Mai, the LA of Thailand!

Side note: The following is my personal opinion on how to compare Thailand’s provinces to America’s states: Bangkok is like New York. Chiang Mai is like Los Angeles, Ubon Ratchathani is like Florida, Khon Kaen is like Oregon/Washington, and that’s all I have for now. These comparisons are based on the provinces size, attraction, and overall essence.

After (approx.) two days we got back in the family van and headed to Mae Hon Son province to visit Pai. I FELL IN LOVE/ADORATION WITH PAI. Imagine a heaven with mountains who dance with fog/clouds...I can’t do this place justice. Anyway, from Chiang Mai we embraced the thousands of curbs up the mountains until we arrived in Pai, but not without stopping at some amazingly beautiful resting centers. We visited Pai’s night walking market where I saw the most gorgeous crafts and many international travelers and artists. The energy of this place was breathtaking. After hitting up some more shops and a hot spring (Tha Pai Hot Spring)...we headed back to Ban Phai, Khon Kaen (home).


Trying to get back into the swing of things...

After experiencing the AWESOMENESS of some of the North of Thailand, I headed back to school to try to get back to my routine (I don’t think I have a stable routine). One week I was going to Jazzercise after school...but now I am trying to run during my free period at school (but things keep coming up...like me being sick and being incapable of breathing through my nose because of the mucus).

The second day back from my BKK and Chiang Mai whirlwind, I accompanied two students to their Spelling Bee and Storytelling competition. I was so proud that they competed, and surprised at how many more participants other schools had...I have decided to establish an English club in our school to help our students prepare for next year’s competition in Khon Kaen’s capital!

King’s Birthday ceremony at my school

We wrapped up the week with a ceremony honoring the King’s Birthday. We started the day by having a group of monks lead the school in prayer and then we donated food items to the local temples. After presenting our donations, we moved to the auditorium/gymnasium to sign our birthday card/book to the Kind, sing, watch students’ performances, and engage in an awesome photo shot. The rest of the day the whole school engaged in beautifying the school through a BIG CLEAN up day.

The following Monday the school was closed to observe the King’s Birthday. At night, my host family and I headed to our town’s community fair grounds where we continued celebrating the King’s birthday. Various agencies from our city/village, Ban Phai, went up on stage, bowed, and presented the king with their offering (a gold and silver statue like the one I am holding in the picture). After everyone presented their offering, we sang and lit candles. It was truly magical to see everyone come together and show their admiration for the king. I was amazed to see the sea of candles and imagining that many other communities were engaging in the same activity all over the country.

Getting to know myself in Thailand and in general...

One of the challenging things I have had to take on has been getting to know myself in a different environment/place in time/context. When I was living in Baltimore, I felt like I finally had a good understanding on who I am...and then I moved (temporarily) to Los Angeles and then Thailand and everything I thought I knew went out the window.

One of Buddha’s teachings is to accept impermanence or the acceptance that things are always changing hence the importance of the title of this entry “beginning to understand that I will never completely understand.” I won’t completely understand situations because things are always changing...and there’s nothing wrong with that!

I will end this entry with one of my favorite quotes: “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”-Buddha