Dear Mom,

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Not to be redundant, but the differences in visible poverty between Thailand and India were reinforced this morning: I found a 1/2 baat on the ground on the way to work. I found one last week as well, and I have racked up three 1/4 baat pieces. I'm sure Jerry Hembd would not see this as an indicator of socioeconomic status in Bangkok, but I do. There were no coins to be found on the streets in India. The children dancing through traffic day and night wouldn't let one rupee drop in the gutter. I still wonder what the state of that nation would be like if it had always been The Republic of India and never had a history as British India. Without having to regain independance and learn to rule themselves after 73 years, perhaps the India could have maintained traditional governmental and social organization, characteristic acceptance for cultural diversity, and distinctive morals and values of the religious society prevalent in ancient and medieval times. Sorry, that sounds like a thesis statement, but I've been thinking about it a lot.
Anyways, I went to aerobics again last night. I always have fun there, and I find it easy to imagine that you and I are doing it together, like we exercised the summer before last. I feel like I'm in the Jillian video when I'm there. There's always someone on the high box showing the moves for the greatest calorie burn-- the Natalie; someone with a microphone counting and giving encouragment ( I don't know what she's encouraging me to do because she speaks Thai)--the Jillian; and a row of expert aerobic-doers modifying the dance moves in the front--the Anita. The first day I tried aerobics, I was remembering the first day we attempted The Firm; we couldn't even do it because we were laughing so hard. I was remembering because I was surprised at my ability to pick up the moves the Thais were doing. Good thing I practiced The Firm and Core Rhythms; and good thing I have "good-jumper" genes from you!
I always have to get there about 5 minutes early so I can find a spot to stand. There are a lot of people there, A LOT. ITs easier to see than to explain the enormity of this exercise outing; thus, I made a video of my time in the park (and the rain). So this blog is EXTRA special today😊 I'll be thinking of you tonight when I'm doing toe-taps and sunshines!
Until we meet again,
Amy

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Photos

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Before aerobics....

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FLower:)

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All in green. I think they got those T-shirts through a public exercise initiative. Something we should implement in the States I think.

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They play good old 90's songs and techno mostly; its easy to get into.

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There's only one set of steps I can't do and I think it is a traditional Thai dance or something, because no else seems to have a problem.

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People actually use the park. How nice!

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Found a better alternative to reading the master's thesis on my project: propping open my garbage can while I peel rambutans!

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Grape like texture with a nut in it. My PI couldn't beleive we ate the nuts. Thats what Michelle told us to do when we first got here....I think it tastes like an almond. I like these a lot better than mangosteins, lychee, or sala. I think I'm allergic to sala though haha

Comments

[mom]

"I Love aerobics" It's a great way to get in the best shape of your life!

[Alli]

Thanks!
Way to make a video and upload aerobics pictures. I love it!