Blogs from Lopburi, Central Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 3

Sorry about the lull with updating my blog. Two weeks ago we traveled as a group to Bangkok, stayed in a lovely hotel on the banks of the Chao Praya River (any hotel with a western toilet and shower is considered 'lovely"). Gee, how my standards have changed. We were broken into groups of 5 and dropped off at different locations throughout Bangkok and then told we were playing the "Amazing race" and had to locate the PC office on our own. It was a fun exercise being we had others to fall back on. Two days hence, we had to find our way out of Bangkok, TOTALLY ON OUR OWN!. For some reason it was not as much fun. I will be living in Chaiyaphum, another Province north east of Chaibadan. My new home for ... read more

Where has week 5 gone? This week was used for planning a presentation on our (PCT) perception of the needs and strengths of the local Moo. The Moo is like a village and the official government office is called a Tambon. We have been studying Moo 2 for the last couple of weeks, interviewing and gathering information about the occupations, local business, health and education issues. It has been interesting doing this especially with the lack of language skills. The locals are very patient with us and we all laugh a lot. The presentation, to be held in front of local officials, must be in Thai! We have until the 25th to practice. Friday we did an English camp at the larger elementary school in Chaibadaan. Think about explaining snow to kids who have never seen ... read more

I have been living with a Thai familly for 4 days (I was looking for a hotel and they invited me to stay at their home). It's been great ! Everybody's so nice and the kids are great ! Going back on the road tomorrow :p... read more

This week was more of the same ...... I actually think the merry-go-round is going faster. I did have a good weekend though which started with a huge party for a young man entering the "Monk-hood". That's my own word because I don't know the puut paa saa Thai. There must have been between 300 and 400 people. Entertainment was bought in from Lopburi and was very seductive with young women scantly clothed doing very provacative dancing. Seemed to contradict Thai culture where no one wears tank tops or swimsuits because too much of the body shows. Sunday my family took myself and two friends to a beautiful water fall where we went swimming and they watched. I think we were the oldest swimmers around. Quite funny. Hope you enjoy the pictures.... read more

Sawadee kha sabaaydeemia kha puen korp kun Sorry for the Thai but I must practice at every turn. My objective is to learn several new words a day. No, it's not been happening so I think I'll just change my objective and not worry about it!!!!! This week we moved in with our host famlilies. My family name is Samchai, which is the first name of the father. We don't, nor do the Thais for that matter, consider the last name because they are sooooooo long. Everyone in my village knows my father. It seems strange to refer to him as my father because he is 42 and everyone (!!) now knows how old I am. Samchai's home is very typical in the countryside villages...the house is made of cement block and contains 2 bedrooms, a ... read more