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Published: August 7th 2007
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Graduates of 2550?
It's 2550 in the Thai calendar. Saai and a friend holding up a license plate with their graduation year. Over 4 months after her last day of classes, Saai received her diploma from Kasetsart University today. The ceremony was held in the auditorium on their Bangkok campus, or so I was told. I missed it.
Actually, I wasn't the only one. Family & friends were not allowed in the auditorium for the ceremony where Princess Chulabhorn Walailak handed the graduates their diplomas. Instead, guests remained outside. Their involvement was limited to before and/or after the ceremony.
It's a long day for the graduates. Although the ceremony itself was in the afternoon, most of the graduates were there by 8:00 a.m. to spend time with each other, underclassmen, family & friends. I was one of the early arrivals to fulfill my role as photographer. After a quick stop to pick up flowers, I hopped on a moped taxi to get to the area where Saai's major was gathering. The next 4 hours consisted of many introductions and photo ops. My role as photographer for Saai was an active one.
The morning was fun (although the heat was brutal). Lots of activity. There is some kind of ritual that goes on between the graduates and the underclassmen (mostly freshmen?)
Who is in the middle?
Underclassmen circle around the graduates to honor them with songs & dances. where the underclassmen honor the graduates by gathering around them in circles, and performing for them (sing, bow, dance, etc.). This went on all over the place. Saai was in the middle of a circle of underclassmen several times. There also were tons of gifts being exchanged. Not only were the graduates receiving gifts, but the underclassmen were receiving money from the graduates. Huh? Not sure about this yet. I'll ask Saai later.
At about 11:00, the graduates started to gather to begin their march to the auditorium. Professors, graduates, and flag bearers were all part of this parade of sorts. At 12:00 I waved goodbye to Saai as she passed by me (amidst the throngs of people standing on the side of the road).
The whole experience was great. I got to meet a lot of Saai's family for the first time. Sa Wa Dee Krups (hello and goodbye) all around. A few of her friends do speak a little English but none of her family speaks any (one of the uncles gave it a shot though. What's his name? Bird? Strange nicknames out here). I just smile a lot and play along with stuff.
Of
Saai
Surrounded by flowers the thousands of people on campus, I saw only two other white people (female professor and another guy). Some friends of Saai said that in order to find Saai, they just searched for me. I'm pretty easy to spot. Once they saw me, they knew Saai would be close by. Pretty funny.
Saai is spending time with her family tonight. I broke tradition a little last night, but we are sticking to the Thai script tonight. There is much that is different between the western & eastern worlds. Although Saai & I have been dating for 18 months, I am not to be presented to her family, and I mean presented, until we are committed to be married. There is no casual meeting of the family. It's not America. The thinking I believe is, why waste their time unless I am to be family?
What about today? I was introduced today to her family as Saai's friend. All Saai's friends know we are dating. However, I am not seen as such by her family...yet. How was tradition broken last night? I met with Saai's mom for dinner. This was our first meeting, and a huge thing in Thailand.
Me and Saai
The photographer (me) gets in a shot Saai has shared quite a bit with her about me but I do not know what, if anything, Saai's mother has shared with the rest of the family. Dinner, by the way, went well (I think!). Saai was translator for the evening. It'll be interesting to hear what transpires tonight. Her extended family will now be wondering, "what's up with that farang (foreigner) that was taking all the pictures?" Saai may be on the hot seat. I'm not aware that anyone in her extended family has married a foreigner.
Lots more coming in future blog updates...but there are a few less interesting things to cover from last weekend.
Rewinding to Friday evening for our date night. I took Saai to one of the nicer restaurants in Bangkok. The restaurant, Pier 59, is in the Banyan Tree Hotel. Although it is not on a pier, its name comes from it being on the 59th floor and specializing in seafood. I liked the modern decor with an aquarium theme. The food and service were both excellent, and they provided a few extras which was a nice touch. Considering the cost though, I'm not sure it provides enough value to recommend
Graduates from Education Dept, Mathematics
Some of the graduates from the Education Dept, Mathematics. Can you find Saai? it. Still, it was a good evening out.
On Sunday, I went to ECB (international Christian church) again. The senior pastor spoke this time. I really like this church and would like to get more involved. There is a men’s retreat at the end of September that I would love to attend, but there are complications.
You see, I have to leave Thailand by the end of September (I can't stay in Thailand for longer than 3 months at a time, even with my multiple entry, 1 year Visa). To fulfill this requirement, I'm going to the Philippines. Umm, yep. I have a flight from K.L., Malaysia to Manila, Philippines on October 2. Wait, why K.L.? I'm in Bangkok, right? Yes, but I got a great deal between K.L & Manila ($80 round trip, including taxes). Now, I do have to get to K.L. but that's pretty easy (fly or train). I'm not sure how I can manage this retreat unless I leave the country and come back in before the retreat (and then leave again for my trip to the Philippines). Umm, maybe it could happen? All things are possible.
Anyway, back to the service. This
Mother & Daughter
Saai with her mom time I sat next to an American who is working temporarily in Bangkok until his office opens in Singapore (October). His wife is back in the states visiting family but is rejoining him this week. A friendly guy, I ended up joining him for lunch (Indian food this week) near the church. We first tried to go to Crepes & Co (which I suggested since it was recommended to me). Unfortunately, Crepes & Co was packed. I was pushed for time (meeting Saai around 2:30) so we opted for an Indian restaurant nearby (Sukhumvit Soi 8?). He's a big fan of Indian food (and really, I haven't had it all that often) so I told him to order whatever and I'd give it a go. Not sure what we had but it was pretty good. I enjoyed spending time with him too. He's got two grown sons in their 20s living in their house in Texas while he & his wife are living overseas.
Lots of interesting people out here. The people I met the previous week at church are now overseas on vacation. The international community out here is not real stable. Lots of people coming & going,
but not many staying for more than a couple of years. I don't expect to be in Bangkok for more than a year, but as for Thailand, only God knows.
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Karleen
non-member comment
Thanks for keeping us updated! Tell her congrats. :) The Klopps