Miscellaneous
I could not think of a topic this week, so here are some random thoughts, observations and plans.
This past weekend was Songkran, the Thai new year. It lasts 3 days, at least. Water is a big player. Being a necessity of life, it is offered to the Buddha at the temples, poured over the hands of elders in gratitude, then it is a free-for-all water throwing party. People travel in pickups with huge barrels of water and people stand on the side of the road to throw water on passers by, many in the pickups throwing at the throwers. Needless to say, it is enjoyed mostly by teens and little kids. They laugh and dance in the street. I observed some in the village and they loved getting me (the farang) completely wet as I rode by on my bike, but it is all done with laughter and in fun. Never thrown in the face, mostly poured down your back or splashed on your legs. Today Muanthong, one of my co-teachers, took me to Nong Kai and I saw all sorts of celebrations. The temples were packed as were the beaches on the Mekone River and the busy streets. Water was being thrown everywhere and kids were dancing in the streets. My home stay family did a lot of visiting, playing cards, big meals and the kids were all in and out for 3 days.
I had my first Thai massage last week. I really liked it. There is some of the rubbing we know, but they also move your body to stretch muscles. The therapist gets on the bed with you to more easily stretch. I liked it a lot and it was cheap enough to go often. I was in Pone Psai for that one, so I need to find the local person in the village.
When I was first assigned here, I thought there was no public transportation out of the village and I would have to rely on rides. I am learning that is not the case. I can take a bus to Fao Rai and from there to just about anywhere. I can also go by bus to Udon Tani and again from there it is possible to travel anywhere, even by air. So, this week I a going to take the bus to Fao Rai and on to Pone Psai and back home. Muanthong showed me the bus stops and what color bus to take between places. I am hoping to get someone to come with me, but I have time now and can investigate.
Lastly, someone asked about cell phones here. Virtually everyone has a cell phone. In fact I have not seen a land line phone anywhere. We were given an allowance for a cell from Peace Corp and are required to have one. I did not get a plan and just add minutes as I go. No one has a message service, you just keep calling and/or texting.
It comes in so handy.
We have a meeting at school tomorrow so maybe work will get started a little at a time. I am ready and anxious to start planning. Looks like I will get to move into the house I was hoping for. I am going to try to move that up a bit and be in by the end of April, and if not May 1st. I will email the address once I am moved.
Hoping Denver got lots of snow and the Rockies continue to win.
Picture of Faith, a PCV near me and the wonderful Director of English teachers, Sa new Sutheeporn
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