A couple of thoughts on flying: 1) avoid sitting next to a large Russian man on a flight from Bangkok to Seoul. Poor man didn't feel like his seat was enough so he used part of mine as well. I get an aisle seat because it is generally cooler and I can breathe better, but Russian men put off a lot of body heat. He couldn't speak English and he definitely could not speak Thai or Korean.
2) Koreans don't necessarily follow the lining up concept. Did they really think I didn't see them cut in front of the Thai woman in front of me?
3) Americans help others when traveling overseas. I was helped by a few others along the way and I was able to help two little Asian ladies sitting behind me from Korea to America. They were too short to reach the overhead so I put their two suitcases up there for them in spite of being runover by two very tall Korean men. I needed two large southern men at that moment who would not have put up with that.
I never know how much I miss America until I get home. I try to be all there when I am in Thailand. Here are a few observations of being home in America even though I am still in the Atlanta airport for a few more hours. I came up the escalator from the train and the smells of America swept over me and I wanted to shout, "America smells good!" I could smell fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.
When I go into a public restroom, I don't have to wonder if they have a western toilet. Guess what? I didn't use a squatty potty on this trip to Thailand.
I blend in in America. I don't stand out. 98% of the people on my flights had black hair.
In America, I am short. I like being the normal height in Thailand. But in Thailand, I am fat!
I'll have to tell you the stories of having a police officer climb into the back of the van with me in Chiang Rai. Or having to show my passport to a soldier when I was on the bus. But there is no time now.
I'm glad to be almost home. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in America. And at the same time, I miss Thailand and all my friends there!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Leaving Bangkok Soon
Julie and I left the house after lunch with Heather and Suzy headed to meet up with Michael at the Thai Craft sale. As soon as we arrived at the Skytrain, we were soaked in a deluge of rain and wind. I couldn't do anything but laugh. We met up with a few of their other friends too.
Tonight, I had dinner at a Lebanese restaurant with Heather and Suzy.
The night is ending at Julie's house. I'll take a shower in a little while and then I will be getting dressed for the flight home. I'll leave Bangkok at 12:55am Sunday which is 11:55am on Saturday for those in Alabama. Somebody cheer for Auburn for me because I will be flying during their game. I will arrive in Birmingham on Sunday at 12:21pm.
Pray for my goodbyes at the airport. I've already had to say goodbye to Michael this afternoon. I'll see all of you very soon.
Tonight, I had dinner at a Lebanese restaurant with Heather and Suzy.
The night is ending at Julie's house. I'll take a shower in a little while and then I will be getting dressed for the flight home. I'll leave Bangkok at 12:55am Sunday which is 11:55am on Saturday for those in Alabama. Somebody cheer for Auburn for me because I will be flying during their game. I will arrive in Birmingham on Sunday at 12:21pm.
Pray for my goodbyes at the airport. I've already had to say goodbye to Michael this afternoon. I'll see all of you very soon.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Morning Reflections
While the rest of the house slept, I woke up early this morning in task mode... I needed to repack my bags and distribute the weight evenly.
When I start thinking about leaving tonight, I become downcast and sad. It doesn't seem like I have been here 3 weeks. I have spent time with so many friends and even made new friends, and yet I need more time with my friends in Thailand. While I fly home, I will think about my friends in Thailand and miss them terribly. Then I will land on American soil and I will want to see my friends in America because I have missed them.
But let me focus on my last day in Bangkok! No telling what today will hold.
When I start thinking about leaving tonight, I become downcast and sad. It doesn't seem like I have been here 3 weeks. I have spent time with so many friends and even made new friends, and yet I need more time with my friends in Thailand. While I fly home, I will think about my friends in Thailand and miss them terribly. Then I will land on American soil and I will want to see my friends in America because I have missed them.
But let me focus on my last day in Bangkok! No telling what today will hold.
Anybody Hungry for Pizza
It's been another jam packed day of fun with friends. It was a quiet morning at the house.
Suzy came over for lunch and all of us had cashew chicken, coconut soup and rice. As usual everything was fabulous.
After lunch, Julie, Joy and I went to Joy's Bible study with 4th and 5th grade girls. There were 6 girls there and they began their first quilting project and learning about sewing. They started a Christmas stocking. I think the girls enjoyed the project. We didn't get anywhere near completion, but they did quilt a candycane on the front of the stocking. Joy worked on her's after dinner tonight. She is doing a great job. Joy is 9 years old. I had fun sharing with the girls about quilting.
Suzy came over for dinner and we ordered pizza. A medium pizza here is the size of s personal pan pizza in the states; no, I didn't eat one all by myself. The pizza is pretty good. But I miss Papa John's; especially the garlic butter sauce. Suzy, Julie and I talked about some of the crazy pizzas made here. Suzy said the first pizza she ever had was barbq seafood with hot dog in the crust. She had told her friends she pretty much would eat anything on pizza and that was what was ordered. I assure you that is not what we ordered tonight. Julie said she saw an advertisement once that had a ring of mashed potatoes on the pizza up against the hot dog filled crust. The craziest advertisement I have seen has been a salmon and wasabi pizza.
I had a great time talking with Julie and Suzy tonight. Again, it is fun catching up with friends.
Suzy came over for lunch and all of us had cashew chicken, coconut soup and rice. As usual everything was fabulous.
After lunch, Julie, Joy and I went to Joy's Bible study with 4th and 5th grade girls. There were 6 girls there and they began their first quilting project and learning about sewing. They started a Christmas stocking. I think the girls enjoyed the project. We didn't get anywhere near completion, but they did quilt a candycane on the front of the stocking. Joy worked on her's after dinner tonight. She is doing a great job. Joy is 9 years old. I had fun sharing with the girls about quilting.
Suzy came over for dinner and we ordered pizza. A medium pizza here is the size of s personal pan pizza in the states; no, I didn't eat one all by myself. The pizza is pretty good. But I miss Papa John's; especially the garlic butter sauce. Suzy, Julie and I talked about some of the crazy pizzas made here. Suzy said the first pizza she ever had was barbq seafood with hot dog in the crust. She had told her friends she pretty much would eat anything on pizza and that was what was ordered. I assure you that is not what we ordered tonight. Julie said she saw an advertisement once that had a ring of mashed potatoes on the pizza up against the hot dog filled crust. The craziest advertisement I have seen has been a salmon and wasabi pizza.
I had a great time talking with Julie and Suzy tonight. Again, it is fun catching up with friends.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Crafts and Fun in Bangkok
I slept in this morning until 8:00. I spent the first part of the morning engaged in coloring fun in a Hello Kitty coloring book with Sarah (5 1/2) We did word finds, mazes, dot to dot and drawing. Julie cooked a good ole American breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy. Yummy! Grace (2) was determined to get as much bacon as possible.
After breakfast, I worked on a quilting project while the kids did crafts before school.
For lunch, we had yummy Thai food: red curry chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. It was all so delicious!!
During the afternoon and evening, I hung out with Heather, Drew, Jake and Mimi. It was fun being a part of their daily lives. After school activities, we had dinner and then we went back to their house to have some more fun. While the boys did homework with Mom, Mimi (5) and I did crafts and colored. I think every adult should get to color at least once a year. Mimi made me feel quite at home by sharing with me. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with Heather today.
I came back to Julie's about 8:30, and after listening to the kid's bedtime story. Julie put them to bed and she and I began working on a quilting project for some young girls. Needless to say it was well after midnight before we finished cutting everything out. It was so much fun staying up late and talking with her while we worked on the project.
Now, I'm going to sleep.
After breakfast, I worked on a quilting project while the kids did crafts before school.
For lunch, we had yummy Thai food: red curry chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and rice. It was all so delicious!!
During the afternoon and evening, I hung out with Heather, Drew, Jake and Mimi. It was fun being a part of their daily lives. After school activities, we had dinner and then we went back to their house to have some more fun. While the boys did homework with Mom, Mimi (5) and I did crafts and colored. I think every adult should get to color at least once a year. Mimi made me feel quite at home by sharing with me. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with Heather today.
I came back to Julie's about 8:30, and after listening to the kid's bedtime story. Julie put them to bed and she and I began working on a quilting project for some young girls. Needless to say it was well after midnight before we finished cutting everything out. It was so much fun staying up late and talking with her while we worked on the project.
Now, I'm going to sleep.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
From Khon Kaen to Bangkok
I had breakfast with Sherry, Blaa, and Sophie this morning. Sherry made delicious French toast for us and we had fresh fruit too.)
Some of the morning was spent saying goodbye to friends I will not see for three years. So many things will happen during those years apart. The kids will change the most.
Blaa took me to the airport to catch an early afternoon flight to Bangkok. Saying goodbye in Khon Kaen today was harder than it has been in the past.
Julie picked me up in Bangkok and took me to get some lunch. I don't know why but I chose McDonald's. I ordered the Samari pork burger combo. It was good. Everything else on the McDonald's menu is the same as the states.
After lunch, we shopped for fabric and then headed back to the house. The Montenegros were in Bangkok so they came over for dinner and I was able to tell them goodbye. I was glad to see them one last time. Julie cooked a wonderful meal of Fiesta chicken, rice, and salad. I'm definitely not going to shrivel up and die in Thailand.
It has been a day of great emotion. Saying goodbye to those I love in Khon Kaen and saying hello to those I love in Bangkok.
Some of the morning was spent saying goodbye to friends I will not see for three years. So many things will happen during those years apart. The kids will change the most.
Blaa took me to the airport to catch an early afternoon flight to Bangkok. Saying goodbye in Khon Kaen today was harder than it has been in the past.
Julie picked me up in Bangkok and took me to get some lunch. I don't know why but I chose McDonald's. I ordered the Samari pork burger combo. It was good. Everything else on the McDonald's menu is the same as the states.
After lunch, we shopped for fabric and then headed back to the house. The Montenegros were in Bangkok so they came over for dinner and I was able to tell them goodbye. I was glad to see them one last time. Julie cooked a wonderful meal of Fiesta chicken, rice, and salad. I'm definitely not going to shrivel up and die in Thailand.
It has been a day of great emotion. Saying goodbye to those I love in Khon Kaen and saying hello to those I love in Bangkok.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday with Friends
This morning, I went to the girl's house: Kara, Mary Jo, Rung and Fone to have breakfast at 7:00 am. Mary Jo made pumpkin rolls. (It was like cinnamon rolls except they were made with pumpkin.). They were delicious! Blaa, Betsy, Kristen and Palmy were there as well. It was a lot of fun hanging out with the girls early this morning.
After breakfast, Sophie and I played together until lunch time. We read 16 books, put a puzzle together and talked. She is so much fun.
Ying came and picked me up for lunch. She has a driver's license now so we were in a car. I had lunch with her and Guy at their house. They will celebrate their second anniversary this month on the 17th. Ying had made a curry dish and a Thai omelet for us for lunch. She is really a good cook!! I want to get her recipes. She made an apple pie for dessert that was delicious!! I need to get her to show me how to make an apple pie; I don't know how to make one.
Ying and Guy are expecting their first baby on April 16. They want it to be a surprise so they are not going to find out whether it is a boy or girl ahead of time. I am looking forward to meeting this new baby the next time I come.
After lunch, I had a short rest and then Sophie and I played for a little while before dinner. Sherry and Sophie walked me over to the Alward's: Gary, Robin, Robert, Ellie, John and Becca. Robin cooked a wonderful dinner of lasagna, salad and bread. It was fun catching up with them. Robert, Ellie and I talked about books we like to read.
I had so much fun getting to see everyone today. My time in Khon Kaen is coming to a close and I am going to miss everyone.
After breakfast, Sophie and I played together until lunch time. We read 16 books, put a puzzle together and talked. She is so much fun.
Ying came and picked me up for lunch. She has a driver's license now so we were in a car. I had lunch with her and Guy at their house. They will celebrate their second anniversary this month on the 17th. Ying had made a curry dish and a Thai omelet for us for lunch. She is really a good cook!! I want to get her recipes. She made an apple pie for dessert that was delicious!! I need to get her to show me how to make an apple pie; I don't know how to make one.
Ying and Guy are expecting their first baby on April 16. They want it to be a surprise so they are not going to find out whether it is a boy or girl ahead of time. I am looking forward to meeting this new baby the next time I come.
After lunch, I had a short rest and then Sophie and I played for a little while before dinner. Sherry and Sophie walked me over to the Alward's: Gary, Robin, Robert, Ellie, John and Becca. Robin cooked a wonderful dinner of lasagna, salad and bread. It was fun catching up with them. Robert, Ellie and I talked about books we like to read.
I had so much fun getting to see everyone today. My time in Khon Kaen is coming to a close and I am going to miss everyone.
Monday, November 09, 2009
No Monday Blues for Me
Another great morning in Khon Kaen. Betsy and I went to Starbucks for coffee and muffins. It was nice getting to hang out with her and hear about all that is going on with her and the women she ministers to here on campus. Afterwards, we went to Tops for a little grocery shopping. I love going to the grocery store here and seeing all the different things they have. It is also fun to see American items with Thai writing on it. For example: Colgate toothpaste. It looks like a tube you would see in the states except that it has Thai writing on the side of the tube.
I bought my favorite Thai snack - grape Yoyos. It is grape flavored gummies. I also like the Lychee Yoyos but I haven't seen those in a long time. I also bought some fruit mentos.
Speaking about snacks and such, one interesting thing is the gum. Blaa gave me some gum the other day and it tasted Like a cough drop. I was like "whoa, this tastes Like a Hall's cough drop"; I looked at the package and it had mentholyptus in it. It definitley has a whole new taste.
By the way, Starbucks isn't cheaper in Thailand. You pay pretty much the same price. I was going to buy a coffee mug with Bangkok and a tuktuk on it but they wanted 420 baht for it which translates to $12.50 in U.S. currency. Most things are less expensive here so it throws me off when something pretty much costs the same as the States. They really need to get a Khon Kaen mug. They really only had the big tourist cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
My feet and ankles are still swollen. Unfortunately, I left the houseshoes I bought in Bangkok at Julie's. Actually, all my extremities are swollen. I can't wear my ring and my watch ends up getting too tight on my wrist so I take it off as the day progresses. Anybody who knows me, knows I always have a watch on. Well, the one extremity not swollen is my head. Ha! Ha!
I had lunch with the Lewis': Mark, Sherry, and Sophie today at one of my favorite restaurants in Khon Kaen: a Vietnamese restaurant that I do not know the name of. You take rice paper and make your own little wraps to eat. They bring out a couple of bowls of lettuce and fresh greens, a tray with different vegetables sliced up thinly, a plate with meat that is sort of like sausage but not really like the sausage we eat (it isn't highly seasoned or spicy), some bowls of sauce that have peanuts on top, and moist rice paper. The food is really good and I love eating here! I am really enjoying getting to know the Lewis family.
After a small 30 minute nap this afternoon, Sano gave me a ride on her motorcycle to the Firpo's house. It was just a ride within the same neighborhood; she was headed to the Hunt's who live next door to the Firpo's. It did give me a chance to get a picture of the Hunt kids since I didn't get a picture of then the night before. I get so excited about spending time with everyone that I forget to take a picture of them.
Tonight, I had dinner with the Firpo's: Brian, Terri, Will, Matt, Amy and Caleb. Terri is a fantastic cook. I loved spending time with the Firpo's. After dinner, Terri and I went to Oasis, a shopping center and went to a bookstore. I bought a couple of books in Thai. We went to another Thai shop and then we went to Swensen's to have ice cream. I promise we didn't use the bookstore as an excuse to leave the kids with Brian to go get ice cream.
My time here is flying by too quickly!
I bought my favorite Thai snack - grape Yoyos. It is grape flavored gummies. I also like the Lychee Yoyos but I haven't seen those in a long time. I also bought some fruit mentos.
Speaking about snacks and such, one interesting thing is the gum. Blaa gave me some gum the other day and it tasted Like a cough drop. I was like "whoa, this tastes Like a Hall's cough drop"; I looked at the package and it had mentholyptus in it. It definitley has a whole new taste.
By the way, Starbucks isn't cheaper in Thailand. You pay pretty much the same price. I was going to buy a coffee mug with Bangkok and a tuktuk on it but they wanted 420 baht for it which translates to $12.50 in U.S. currency. Most things are less expensive here so it throws me off when something pretty much costs the same as the States. They really need to get a Khon Kaen mug. They really only had the big tourist cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.
My feet and ankles are still swollen. Unfortunately, I left the houseshoes I bought in Bangkok at Julie's. Actually, all my extremities are swollen. I can't wear my ring and my watch ends up getting too tight on my wrist so I take it off as the day progresses. Anybody who knows me, knows I always have a watch on. Well, the one extremity not swollen is my head. Ha! Ha!
I had lunch with the Lewis': Mark, Sherry, and Sophie today at one of my favorite restaurants in Khon Kaen: a Vietnamese restaurant that I do not know the name of. You take rice paper and make your own little wraps to eat. They bring out a couple of bowls of lettuce and fresh greens, a tray with different vegetables sliced up thinly, a plate with meat that is sort of like sausage but not really like the sausage we eat (it isn't highly seasoned or spicy), some bowls of sauce that have peanuts on top, and moist rice paper. The food is really good and I love eating here! I am really enjoying getting to know the Lewis family.
After a small 30 minute nap this afternoon, Sano gave me a ride on her motorcycle to the Firpo's house. It was just a ride within the same neighborhood; she was headed to the Hunt's who live next door to the Firpo's. It did give me a chance to get a picture of the Hunt kids since I didn't get a picture of then the night before. I get so excited about spending time with everyone that I forget to take a picture of them.
Tonight, I had dinner with the Firpo's: Brian, Terri, Will, Matt, Amy and Caleb. Terri is a fantastic cook. I loved spending time with the Firpo's. After dinner, Terri and I went to Oasis, a shopping center and went to a bookstore. I bought a couple of books in Thai. We went to another Thai shop and then we went to Swensen's to have ice cream. I promise we didn't use the bookstore as an excuse to leave the kids with Brian to go get ice cream.
My time here is flying by too quickly!
Sunday, November 08, 2009
A Sunday of Worship
This morning, Git picked me up from the Lewis' and I had breakfast with the Montenegro's: Moe, Git, Sam and Rae. I loved getting to spend time with them this morning. Breakfast was delicious. We had Thai noodle soup.
Later on, I went to church at their new church building. It was wonderful. God has really blessed the church with it's new facility which is used all the time to reach out to students and the community. Although I cannot sing in Thai, it was wonderful to be a part of the worship. I may not be able to sing with words from my mouth but I could sing with my heart and clap along.
Moe taught this morning, and he gave me a copy in English to follow along with what he was teaching from 1 Peter.
My heart is continually encouraged by seeing Thais I met 5 years ago that are continuing to grow in their faith.
I had lunch at church which was stir fried vegetables, red curry chicken and rice. It was
really good!! I know I keep talking about the food but it really is good. I also paid about 50 cents for lunch. I can't do that with the "Lunch Bunch" on Sundays in Alabama.
This afternoon, I rested for a little while and then went to Waffle night at the Hunt's: John, Melody, Megan, John Mark, Joseph, Josh and Mandy. On Sunday nights the Hunt's have waffle night. I was excited about getting to take part in the family tradition! Melody made homemade maple syrup!! Yummy!! She also made sure I had plenty of butter. I couldn't believe how much the kids have grown since I saw them in 2007.
One of the reasons I love coming to Thailand again and again is that everyone makes me feel like family when I am here.
Later on, I went to church at their new church building. It was wonderful. God has really blessed the church with it's new facility which is used all the time to reach out to students and the community. Although I cannot sing in Thai, it was wonderful to be a part of the worship. I may not be able to sing with words from my mouth but I could sing with my heart and clap along.
Moe taught this morning, and he gave me a copy in English to follow along with what he was teaching from 1 Peter.
My heart is continually encouraged by seeing Thais I met 5 years ago that are continuing to grow in their faith.
I had lunch at church which was stir fried vegetables, red curry chicken and rice. It was
really good!! I know I keep talking about the food but it really is good. I also paid about 50 cents for lunch. I can't do that with the "Lunch Bunch" on Sundays in Alabama.
This afternoon, I rested for a little while and then went to Waffle night at the Hunt's: John, Melody, Megan, John Mark, Joseph, Josh and Mandy. On Sunday nights the Hunt's have waffle night. I was excited about getting to take part in the family tradition! Melody made homemade maple syrup!! Yummy!! She also made sure I had plenty of butter. I couldn't believe how much the kids have grown since I saw them in 2007.
One of the reasons I love coming to Thailand again and again is that everyone makes me feel like family when I am here.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Saturday Night
Last night, I went to dinner with Blaa and some of her family: Granny, an Aunt and a cousin named If who is 11. We went to the pink house which appeared to be house that came straight out of New Orleans. We fish, salad and a deep fried vegetable. The fish had hot peppers on it but I didn't realize it until after I had a couple of bites. It was hot! I'm talking Thai hot. My mouth was on fire. Praise God for rice! It was good but very hot. I couldn't eat too much. I had a lot of rice though. The deep fried vegetable was good and there was a sauce to put on it that had squid in it; it was delicious!!
We went to Granny's house after dinner and hung out for a little while. Granny took out some family photo albums to show me pictures of Blaa when she was young. Granny told me Blaa was fearless as a child. In the family album there was a picture of Granny and me. I was so excited that I made the family album!!
Blaa takes good care of me and we went to the pharmacy afterwards because I have the beginnings of bronchitis again. The pharmacist gave me an antibiotic to take. No worries; it is one I take in the States... no weird Asian remedies. Please pray I don't get bronchitis.
We went to Granny's house after dinner and hung out for a little while. Granny took out some family photo albums to show me pictures of Blaa when she was young. Granny told me Blaa was fearless as a child. In the family album there was a picture of Granny and me. I was so excited that I made the family album!!
Blaa takes good care of me and we went to the pharmacy afterwards because I have the beginnings of bronchitis again. The pharmacist gave me an antibiotic to take. No worries; it is one I take in the States... no weird Asian remedies. Please pray I don't get bronchitis.
Saturday Morning
This morning, I had a wonderful hostess. Sophie Lewis and I sat on the front porch and she taught me how to blow bubbles in order to get the most bubbles. She then gave me a tour of the yard to look at all the flowers and trees. She showed me the banana tree in the backyard which happens to have some bananas on it. Next, we played dolls and put a puzzle together. We had a nice lunch with her Mom, Sherry. We then watched Charlie Brown Thanksgiving before she took a nap. I took a nap also right after putting a load of laundry in the wash.
Friday, November 06, 2009
I Don't Ever Want to Get on Another Bus Again
This morning we had breakfast at May's house with her Mom and then the four of us went to Doi Luang Forest where we hiked about 1 1/2 miles round trip. It was pretty much straight up a mountain. It was well worth the hike because we saw the Pu Kaeng Waterfalls. There were nine waterfalls in total. It was suwai (beautiful).
We then went to the small town they live in and had lunch. I had red pork and rice. It was good.
After lunch, we came to the house to have a rest since we are riding the bus overnight back to Khon Kaen.
After a 12 hour bus ride, we made it back to Khon Kaen. The first thing I did was post the earlier blog post since it had been a while since I posted. Then I took a nice long shower. I can't thank the Lewis' enough for letting me stay with them the first part of my time in Khon Kaen. And Sherry had hot coffee for me each morning... what a blessing!
I hope I never have to ride a bus again that is over two hours. I'm glad I am staying put for a while in Khon Kaen. Chiang Rai was beautiful. The next several days is filled with spending time with all my friends here.
We then went to the small town they live in and had lunch. I had red pork and rice. It was good.
After lunch, we came to the house to have a rest since we are riding the bus overnight back to Khon Kaen.
After a 12 hour bus ride, we made it back to Khon Kaen. The first thing I did was post the earlier blog post since it had been a while since I posted. Then I took a nice long shower. I can't thank the Lewis' enough for letting me stay with them the first part of my time in Khon Kaen. And Sherry had hot coffee for me each morning... what a blessing!
I hope I never have to ride a bus again that is over two hours. I'm glad I am staying put for a while in Khon Kaen. Chiang Rai was beautiful. The next several days is filled with spending time with all my friends here.
Phu Chi Fa
We awoke at 3:30 am to get dressed. A driver picked us up and drove us two and a half hours away to the top of a mountain. The sun was still not up when we climbed/hiked half a mile to the summit to watch the sun rise through the clouds and fog. A cloud would pass and for 15 seconds you could get a quick glance at the surrounding mountains and sun peeking through the clouds/fog. A new cloud would quickly blanket where we were standing and everything was hidden again. While climbing to the summit, one moment I would see others standing on it and the next moment they were hidden behind a curtain of fog. It was beautiful. Phu Chi Fa means Mountain Point in the Sky.
It was freezing this morning on the mountain. Talk about extremes, sweat pouring down my body in Bangkok and not being able to get warm on the mountain.
I was so exhausted from not sleeping well last night and from such an early wake up call that I slept for over an hour as we descended the winding road. I don't know how I slept upright under the snaking road without a seatbelt.
We stopped at Parabola coffee shop and I had an espresso to help wake up. It also gave me a chance to post to the blog and download email. Free wifi is hit or miss these days and I don't have access to a computer to upload pictures. Michael spoiled me in Bangkok.
By the way, our driver speaks only Thai so if Blaa and May are not with me, we just grin and nod.
Yesterday and today, we have passed many green rice fields. I did see a few that were golden and ready for harvest.
The countryside in Chiang Rai province is beautiful! Everything is lush and green. Along with rice, I have seen banana trees, crops of corn, lime trees, and pineapple. We stopped on the side of the road on Wednesday and I bought some fresh pineapple... Aroy (delicious)!
This morning on Phu Chi Fa, I saw people setting up their stalls before first light. The headlights from the van revealed them in the darkness. After dawn, I saw people heading to work walking, motorcycle and a few cars. The majority were a mom with a basket on her back, a child in between her and her husband who was driving the motorcycle. There were no helmets. I am so sad we were rapidly descending the mountain and could not get pictures of their wrinkled, weather-worn faces that were highlighted by their beautiful white smiles.
After my shot of espresso, we conquered another hairpin turn after hairpin turn mountain to go to Maesolong where they grow crops of tea. It was extraordinary. The crops of tea grow on the sides of the mountains on tiers. In the midst of these crops, you will see small hut-like structures with thatched roofs. There are no walls and they are raised off the ground on stilts. Their homes are further up the mountain from the crops. A farmer uses these huts to have his lunch or take a break and get a short nap in the middle of day as he tends his crops.
This region use to grow opium. However, the Royalty pursuaded the people to grow tea in order to help stop the drug trade in Thailand. This is actually extremely simplified and there is much more to it along with some other crops.
We stopped for lunch at 1:30 and I had khao thom. Then we snaked our way back up another mountain - Doi Tung. At the top, we saw the Princess Mother's home named Doi Tung Royal Villa. She is the King's mother. She is named Mae Fah Luang. We saw her gardens that are exquisite and a Commemorative Hall. She has passed away. However, her impact on this country is astounding.
We made it home to May's about 7:30 and I was tired. I took a shower which involves dipping a bowl into a ten-gallon bucket of hot water. It was very refreshing.
It was freezing this morning on the mountain. Talk about extremes, sweat pouring down my body in Bangkok and not being able to get warm on the mountain.
I was so exhausted from not sleeping well last night and from such an early wake up call that I slept for over an hour as we descended the winding road. I don't know how I slept upright under the snaking road without a seatbelt.
We stopped at Parabola coffee shop and I had an espresso to help wake up. It also gave me a chance to post to the blog and download email. Free wifi is hit or miss these days and I don't have access to a computer to upload pictures. Michael spoiled me in Bangkok.
By the way, our driver speaks only Thai so if Blaa and May are not with me, we just grin and nod.
Yesterday and today, we have passed many green rice fields. I did see a few that were golden and ready for harvest.
The countryside in Chiang Rai province is beautiful! Everything is lush and green. Along with rice, I have seen banana trees, crops of corn, lime trees, and pineapple. We stopped on the side of the road on Wednesday and I bought some fresh pineapple... Aroy (delicious)!
This morning on Phu Chi Fa, I saw people setting up their stalls before first light. The headlights from the van revealed them in the darkness. After dawn, I saw people heading to work walking, motorcycle and a few cars. The majority were a mom with a basket on her back, a child in between her and her husband who was driving the motorcycle. There were no helmets. I am so sad we were rapidly descending the mountain and could not get pictures of their wrinkled, weather-worn faces that were highlighted by their beautiful white smiles.
After my shot of espresso, we conquered another hairpin turn after hairpin turn mountain to go to Maesolong where they grow crops of tea. It was extraordinary. The crops of tea grow on the sides of the mountains on tiers. In the midst of these crops, you will see small hut-like structures with thatched roofs. There are no walls and they are raised off the ground on stilts. Their homes are further up the mountain from the crops. A farmer uses these huts to have his lunch or take a break and get a short nap in the middle of day as he tends his crops.
This region use to grow opium. However, the Royalty pursuaded the people to grow tea in order to help stop the drug trade in Thailand. This is actually extremely simplified and there is much more to it along with some other crops.
We stopped for lunch at 1:30 and I had khao thom. Then we snaked our way back up another mountain - Doi Tung. At the top, we saw the Princess Mother's home named Doi Tung Royal Villa. She is the King's mother. She is named Mae Fah Luang. We saw her gardens that are exquisite and a Commemorative Hall. She has passed away. However, her impact on this country is astounding.
We made it home to May's about 7:30 and I was tired. I took a shower which involves dipping a bowl into a ten-gallon bucket of hot water. It was very refreshing.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
11 Hour Bus Trip
Tuesday night, Blaa, May and I boarded a bus heading towards Chiang Rai. An hour south of Chiang Rai, we got off the bus around 5:00 am where May's mom was waiting for us. We are staying with her while we visit the Chiang Rai area.
Wednesday morning, we went to see Wat Rong Kuhn. It is white.
After lunch, we went to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Burma (Mynamar) and Laos all connect.
I had my hair washed and dried for the first time in Thailand. It cost 60 baht which is about $2.00. She washed it 3 times and massaged my head. Thai women love to go and get their hair washed.
We then went to the Chiang Rai night market and had dinner with Dan and Rose Ellen Blosser who were here vacationing. We did a little shopping afterwards.
We then drove back to May's home to get some sleep.
Wednesday morning, we went to see Wat Rong Kuhn. It is white.
After lunch, we went to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Burma (Mynamar) and Laos all connect.
I had my hair washed and dried for the first time in Thailand. It cost 60 baht which is about $2.00. She washed it 3 times and massaged my head. Thai women love to go and get their hair washed.
We then went to the Chiang Rai night market and had dinner with Dan and Rose Ellen Blosser who were here vacationing. We did a little shopping afterwards.
We then drove back to May's home to get some sleep.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Blessing Bookshop and Loy Gratong
The Blessing Book Shop was a happening place yesterday. Blaa had many customers come in which made it a very good day. Blaa's bookshop ministers to several ministries with a pastor from another church coming in, a couple of girls that are Swedish missionaries, several staff and students from NEU (Northeastern University) Campus Outreach (CO), and a couple from Singapore that do mission work here in Khon Kaen as well.
I had a wonderful time hanging out with Blaa as she conducted business with everyone. I really enjoyed meeting Judy and Vincent from Singapore and I hope to see them again in the future. Judy has a wonderful sense of humor.
It was also fun to see Sano (snow) and Honey that are NEU staff girls with CO. I met them five years ago when I first came to Thailand. I knew them when they were students and it is so encouraging to see them growing in their faith and continuing to share the Gospel with Thai students.
One of the highlights of the day was getting to know Milk. She was so much fun and I enjoyed getting to hear about her walk with God. Her English is wonderful and she has been to one of the three states I have not visited, Delaware. It made me laugh that of all the states she has been to she has been to one that I have not visited. What are the odds?
I can't wait until I am able to post pictures so I can introduce you to so many wonderful people.
For dinner, Blaa and I joined Fluke, Sano, Honey, Yute and Nai at a restaurant on Campus at KKU ( Khon Kaen University), and we had a feast. I really enjoy eating Thai style. They order several dishes and put them in the middle of the table and then everyone gets a small plate (salad plate size) full of rice and a fork and spoon. You use the fork to load your spoon. You use the spoon to eat. I like using the spoon because the rice doesn't fall off. We were all so hungry that we dove right into the food and I forgot to take any pictures. I love the food; it is all so fresh.
After dinner, we went to Loy Gratong. Loy Gratong is a Thai religious holiday. They place a small boat-like thing traditionally made of banana leaves decorated with flowers into the water to float away their "sins". There is a candle and incense also in the gratong that they float away in the water. They pray to the god of the water to thank her for water. If a couple floats (loy) their gratong together, they believe they will be together in the next life. People are also asking for a blessing from the water god. I also saw some very large gratongs in the water. People also release live fish and eels into the water which is one way to make merit. The number one principle of Buddhism is not to kill anything and that includes mosquitoes. They believe it is a "sin" to kill anything, so by releasing live animals they are making merit. If you release a turtle, they believe you will live a longer life.
The rest of what I saw was like a big carnival. There were booths set up selling clothes, jewelry, sunglasses, lots of food, dart games for prizes and carnival rides. There was a fireworks show when we first arrived. In addition, there was a concert. The guys estimated there was 50,000 people there and most of them were about my height.
I had a wonderful time hanging out with Blaa as she conducted business with everyone. I really enjoyed meeting Judy and Vincent from Singapore and I hope to see them again in the future. Judy has a wonderful sense of humor.
It was also fun to see Sano (snow) and Honey that are NEU staff girls with CO. I met them five years ago when I first came to Thailand. I knew them when they were students and it is so encouraging to see them growing in their faith and continuing to share the Gospel with Thai students.
One of the highlights of the day was getting to know Milk. She was so much fun and I enjoyed getting to hear about her walk with God. Her English is wonderful and she has been to one of the three states I have not visited, Delaware. It made me laugh that of all the states she has been to she has been to one that I have not visited. What are the odds?
I can't wait until I am able to post pictures so I can introduce you to so many wonderful people.
For dinner, Blaa and I joined Fluke, Sano, Honey, Yute and Nai at a restaurant on Campus at KKU ( Khon Kaen University), and we had a feast. I really enjoy eating Thai style. They order several dishes and put them in the middle of the table and then everyone gets a small plate (salad plate size) full of rice and a fork and spoon. You use the fork to load your spoon. You use the spoon to eat. I like using the spoon because the rice doesn't fall off. We were all so hungry that we dove right into the food and I forgot to take any pictures. I love the food; it is all so fresh.
After dinner, we went to Loy Gratong. Loy Gratong is a Thai religious holiday. They place a small boat-like thing traditionally made of banana leaves decorated with flowers into the water to float away their "sins". There is a candle and incense also in the gratong that they float away in the water. They pray to the god of the water to thank her for water. If a couple floats (loy) their gratong together, they believe they will be together in the next life. People are also asking for a blessing from the water god. I also saw some very large gratongs in the water. People also release live fish and eels into the water which is one way to make merit. The number one principle of Buddhism is not to kill anything and that includes mosquitoes. They believe it is a "sin" to kill anything, so by releasing live animals they are making merit. If you release a turtle, they believe you will live a longer life.
The rest of what I saw was like a big carnival. There were booths set up selling clothes, jewelry, sunglasses, lots of food, dart games for prizes and carnival rides. There was a fireworks show when we first arrived. In addition, there was a concert. The guys estimated there was 50,000 people there and most of them were about my height.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Arrived in Khon Kaen
Sunday, I went to Covenant Church in Bangkok and heard Tote preach.
Ayr interpreted for me. I'm not exactly sure how I ended up in a skit
but I was on the Red team. It was crazy and fun. My world became
even smaller in church when Bee from Rattanakiri, Cambodia was there
to share about what is going with her ministry with Bible translation
and discipleship. When I saw the pictures in her presentation, I
recognized people I met and a village church I visited in 2007 when I
was in Cambodia. Seeing the Blosser's earlier in the week and now Bee
was encouraging to hear.
I flew to Khon Kaen Sunday night greeted by Blaa, Git and Sherry at the
airport. It was so good to see Blaa and Git. It was nice to finally
meet Sherry; I have been hearing about her for so long.
At the moment, I am sitting in Blaa's book shop named Blessing.
It is much cooler in Khon Kaen!! I would guess that it is 10 degrees
cooler than Bangkok.
This point moving forward being able to post to the blog will be hit
or miss because of free wifi or access to a computer. Posting pictures
will be even harder, but I will try to post as much as possible.
Mindy and John, I trust you made it home safely. It was fun having
adventures with you my first week in Thailand.
Sent from my iPhone
Ayr interpreted for me. I'm not exactly sure how I ended up in a skit
but I was on the Red team. It was crazy and fun. My world became
even smaller in church when Bee from Rattanakiri, Cambodia was there
to share about what is going with her ministry with Bible translation
and discipleship. When I saw the pictures in her presentation, I
recognized people I met and a village church I visited in 2007 when I
was in Cambodia. Seeing the Blosser's earlier in the week and now Bee
was encouraging to hear.
I flew to Khon Kaen Sunday night greeted by Blaa, Git and Sherry at the
airport. It was so good to see Blaa and Git. It was nice to finally
meet Sherry; I have been hearing about her for so long.
At the moment, I am sitting in Blaa's book shop named Blessing.
It is much cooler in Khon Kaen!! I would guess that it is 10 degrees
cooler than Bangkok.
This point moving forward being able to post to the blog will be hit
or miss because of free wifi or access to a computer. Posting pictures
will be even harder, but I will try to post as much as possible.
Mindy and John, I trust you made it home safely. It was fun having
adventures with you my first week in Thailand.
Sent from my iPhone
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