Week 2 in Sing Buri

Week 2 in Thailand

There is so much to learn and we are kept very busy learning. Last week we met the staff, started vaccinations, had medical talks and some cultural education. We have an amazing Thai staff. They teach language, take care of home stay, teach about culture, answer hundreds of questions and now interpret for us with our host families.

I am living in Mai Dat with a couple my age. They have 3 daughters and, I think, 4 grandchildren. I met one daughter, Pam and her children. They speak some English. I spoke to another daughter on the phone. They are very cordial people. Sutin and Kanya do not speak English, except for a few words and I don’t speak Thai, but I guess immersion is the best way to learn. I watch about 1/2 hour of TV with them, can kind of follow the soap-like show. There was a commercial for KFC last night and I started laughing, but guess what we had with dinner tonight? Yep, Thai (spicy) KFC wings.
That is along with a fish curry, pork, noodles and rice. Food is very good. I have not developed a discriminating pallet, but am still enjoying it. Sing Buri, our province, is known for its fish. It is mild, like a sole.

After taking care of lots of paperwork, banking, getting bikes and medical start up, we seem to be into a routine of language class in the morning and teacher training in the afternoon. There is a movement to unite Asian countries like Europe did a while back. Thailand wants to be able to compete and participate in this and there is a push to teach English as a part of the effort. The volunteer who has been here for 2 years shared some of the struggle teaching English in a non-English speaking country and also how valuable we can be as fluent, native speakers.

Some language training is taking place at small schools in Wats (temples). The children are very curious about us, smile, approach and run away. Some people are feeling that they stand out more than I have felt, but we definitely attract attention. Most people greet us, but waving does not seem to be part of this culture, more verbal greetings.

I have been remiss in picture taking, but hope to catch up. We are touring the community on Sat. to find places like the post office, internet cafes, clothing shops, and of course 7 11’s.

Thanks for the emails. The internet is not available where I am living, but hopefully I will find a place where I can communicate more regularly, but who knows.

My bike ride goes by many vast, green, beautiful rice paddies, some water buffalo and LOTS of dogs, too many!
The pictures are of my host “ma” Kanya, her daughter Pam and Pam’s son Ing. Ing rode my bike from the hub site the their home on Sunday.
Then there is Ing, Kanya and me.