I've been really trying to observe and take in Thailand more now that the end is in sight. I was realizing how much I take for granted here that is so different from life in America. I want to try to record as much of this as possible before I leave. Here goes the first instalment of Thai-tid-bits.
I can't remember if we ever wrote about this, so sorry if it's a repeat. In Thailand people don't say "how are you?" when they see you unless they really mean it- like if you've been sick or they haven't seen you in a long time and truly are interested in how you are. For the day to day greeting people ask "where are you going?" and "have you eaten rice yet?". The where are you going thing makes me feel a bit like I'm being stalked and I still haven't figured out the standard reply. I like the have you eaten rice yet? because it seems to epitomize the food centered aspect of the Thai culture.
Thai people I've met also seem to work very long hours. When we've talked about this with others in the country they say that Thai people tend to combine their socializing with their work. So they may work from 8am-8pm but a good part of the day is spent on a long lunch break, chatting with coworkers and so on. We also see this with the Thai people who work at Mathus. I think part of this comes from Thai houses not seeming to be places to hang out with friends. The home seems mostly for sleeping. Most Thai homes I've seen are pretty bare- not decorated or made for entertaining. If people want to socialize out of work they typically go out to dinner. I haven't heard of anyone being invited over to someone's home. Possibly for this reason a lot of Thai people put great love and affection into their vehicles. The big purchase they've made that can be seen regularly are their vehicles not their homes so, our neighbors at least, spend a great deal of time on the weekends cleaning and caring for their cars.
Thai-velopments:
For the 4th there was a party in Khanom at the bar where we bought our car (also the bar owned by a guy who used to work at Quatros!). All of the Mathus teachers went except for Jason. The party was pretty good. They barbecued (although not as good as Justin could have done) and made pie, potato salad (also not as good as Dan's), etc. There was a fire show like you would see on Ko Phanghan, involving two guys with fire balls on the end of two strings twirling them around. It definitely wasn't America, but the spirit was there. My favorite part of the weekend was renting two mountain bikes with Justin and biking around on country roads. It was so great to be biking without all the traffic that's in Surat.
Last night we had our first "Boat Love" experience for our boss Jason's birthday. Boat Love is a boat that goes up and down the Tapei river for 3-4 hours. You get unlimited food and alcohol for 500 baht (~S16). There were around 40 teachers and friends on there. Justin and I were in charge of the music which I think was a success. It's pretty stressful DJing. I don't think I'll do it again. It was an excellent party all around. Lots and lots of dancing. Justin ending up shirtless and in red short shorts by the end of the night. He was pretty popular with the ladies :)
Justin with Shaun and Lisa. Check out the shorts!
Aleza on the boat.
Justin in the truck on the ride home. He was very sleepy.
And in case I haven't mentioned it yet, Jon made it to Australia and is now working as a musician on a cruise ship. He says he likes the people so far and he seems happy. If all goes well maybe Justin and I will try and get jobs on a cruise ship. I'm thinking I could teach dance classes or something like that??
Thai-snap shot:
Just to help everyone visual us here in Thailand I thought I'd give you our current status. It's 2:36 pm on a Sunday. I'm in the bedroom on the bed with my laptop. Justin's taking an afternoon nap next to me. The door to the balcony is open and there are some song birds going. We've got a red, very dusty, fan blowing on us and I just put laundry out on the balcony to dry. Smashing Pumpkins is playing on Justin's computer. Our blanket on the bed has multi-colored numbers all over it. It's about 90 degrees out and very sunny.
I'd love to hear some American snap shots if anyone has time.
Love and hugs to all!
2 comments:
Hey guys! I love reading and keeping up with what you are up to! I could be better at commenting...blah, blah, blah! I can't even imagine Justin is the red shorts but as long as the ladies love it... Dan and Jan have left for Wisconsin and Nova has somewhat calmed down from the intense weeks leading up to the deadline for Dan's greening book. The book is awesome and we are all pretty spent! Only two more sunset concerts left this Summer, this week is country music and the final one is Reggae. Should be almost 90 degrees today but overall we have had a fairly mild summer. Can't believe that summer is half over I hope you both enjoy the remaining time you have there and know that everyone here misses you and speaks of you often. It sure will be nice to have you guys around again. Behave and I will talk to you soon! -Melanie
hey guys! great to hear the latest news going on over east!! sounds like, although you're happy to be leaving fairly soon, maybe it will be bittersweet, too. at least you're taking things all in before it's too late! carbondale it typical HOT summer-time. lots of pool and swimming. very little outdoor activity, until nighttime when it cools down. me and kai are leaving tomorrow morning for wisconsin...wish you guys could be here! although, grandma and grandpa both won't be home. they're temporarily in nursing home and hospital. but i think they will both be fine...just need some resting. it will still be a little weird going there with them not around. after a few days there, we are heading to chicago to hang out for a few days and then back to carbondale. i'm hoping to also get one more current river float trip in before school starts! anyway, that's the lowdown here. by the way...istanbul? hadn't heard that plan yet. maybe next post, give me some more details! all right. i love you guys and hope your last couple months are fantastic!! thinking of you always :) love, jess!
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