Day 29: September 25:
The alarm went off and we hit the snooze. Sleep was much desired. We awoke to the phone ringing. It was Nui's mother. It was time for breakfast and we both still had to get up, shower, dress, and pack. We did so very quickly. We rushed down to breakfast, which most others had finished already. We quickly ate and loaded onto the bus. We had a very long ride ahead of us. Nui handed me one of her ear buds so I could listen to music with her. The first song she chose was a song by the A Teens. Who knew that a cheesy pre-teen chick song from the 90s could bring me such joy. It was windy and rainy as we wound our way through the narrow road making its way through the mountains. The trip reminded me much of our adventure in Italy, with our driver maneuvering our bus through the windy road leading us up that steep mountain. At times seeming as though the turns would be impossible without us toppling over and rolling down the cliffs, but we made it. This trip wasn't as intense as that, because the turns weren't as sharp, but we were going at a very fast speed, as always. Thais are crazy drivers. We stopped for lunch along the way, but we mostly just slept until we reached the border. We all rushed off the bus for it was not actually parked, just pulled off to the side. We were then handed our passports and two copies of them, just in case. I was not sure at that moment just exactly what we were doing, but I heard the woman in charge say one hour, then Nui grabbed my hand and off we went into the crowd. Nui and I held hands for the majority of the time because it was so crowded and I did not want to be lost. After pushing our way through tourists, travelers, vendors, thieves, and beggars we made it to customs. I would rather have each of my finger- and toenails removed, one-by-one, with no anesthesia, than go through customs again. Lucky me I was able to go through twice to get into Myanmar. Oh joy. The first time, we payed money and they stamped my passport then sent us on our way. Nui's parents had gotten ahead of us and people quickly filled the gap like water between rocks. Just at that moment a man in a uniform shouted to us: "Excuse me! Come here please!" He indicated that we should go in a room through some curtain, we decided to wait outside until Nui's parents arrived. We then had to pay more money and they took my passport and gave me a card instead. They took my picture, printed it on the card, and told me to hand that in when I leave to get my passport back. I guess they are afraid that I will flee and not come back to Thailand. After being in Myanmar for one hour, that was the furthest thing from my mind.
The moment you step into Myanmar, you are flocked with beggars like a fry is flocked with pigeons on the streets of the city. The first word to describe this place in your mind will be dirty. The streets are littered with garbage and beggars. Everything is covered in dirt. Anything that was unwanted and cast aside now lays in the streets, including people and animals. We finally made our way down the dirt covered cement steps and into the "market". Anything there that was not fake was stolen, most of what was fake was probable stolen as well. You can't walk for more than five minutes without being harassed by someone desperately trying to sell over-priced junk to pay for their next meal. Not only adults, but children as well. Children who had been cast aside, unwanted, unable to be taken care of, like the many stray animals that roamed the streets, picking through garbage among the more desperate of the beggars. The most desperate lay down on the street, not even with a cup to accept any spare change someone is willing to give. Those are the ones who have given up hope and accepted their fate. This poverty is the reason the customs is so strict leaving Myanmar. Many people, in true desperation illegally immigrate from Myanmar into Thailand. These people are considered to be third-class citizens, but they are the ones who work the hardest. They do not care about getting caught, because they would just be sent back to their country, only to flee once more, and there is always work for them here. I have been there one hour and I would rather not go back. Thais flock there because everything is so cheap. The vendors are so desperate to have you buy what they are selling that they are willing to drop their prices to whatever you are willing to pay. When you think about more than just how great the prices are, it really is quite sad. We were finally done with Myanmar and began to head out. Leaving was just as hard is getting in. I had to go into a crowded room, show a man what I had bought, then try to get out again. It was like trying to swim upstream in a very strong current; nearly impossible. I finally made it out then had to go to another building to pick up my passport. After they confirmed that I actually was Courtney Yonce and not someone trying to impersonate me to leave that dreaded country, I received my passport. I was not done yet, oh no. I then had to wait in line, behind a bunch of foreigners here strictly to shop, to get my passport stamped to allow me back into the country. That was finally done and we had to rush through the crowd of people bustling about. The bus arrived and we piled back on with our new buys. We rode to a new hotel in Chiang Rai and had dinner.
After dinner was done, instead of going back to our rooms to sleep, we decided to go out to the markets. Unfortunately it was raining so we had to wait for a bit. When it finally stopped, Nui, her mother, and I set out. We went to many little shops and mostly just looked. Nui's mother bought herself and I matching anklets with bells that jingled as we walked. While we were roaming around this one strip in the market, I heard music that sounded familiar. I stopped an listened, then I realized a man was playing "Poor Boy" by Simon and Garfunkle. My heart soared at the sound of it. I don't think I had ever been happier on the whole trip. I sang along quietly as Nui and her mother shopped. We then went to an area where I could no longer hear the music, but that was quite alright because it was still playing in my mind and in my heart. On our way out, we heard him once again, this time playing "Tears in Heaven". We made a quick stop for ice cream at Swenson's, the best place to have ice cream. Ever. No joke. Their sundaes are absolutely divine. I have never had a more delicious sundae than the ones I have had at Swenson's. We went up to our rooms exhausted, and turned on the T.V. We watched soap operas for a bit before falling asleep.
Day 30: September 26:
We woke up earlier today so we would have time to shower and get ready but not have to rush. Breakfast today was a bit fancier than at the last hotel and with more options, such as waffles. However, there wasn't any of that delicious condensed milk they have on toast and to get coffee was too complicated for me to bother. After a hearty breakfast, we loaded all of our luggage and boarded the bus. It was very quiet for a few hours as everyone slept. The bus stopped across from a temple and we stepped, blinking, into the sun, wiping the sleep from our eyes. We were then herded across the street to the temple. So far, this was the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. It was called Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). The temple was completely white, to represent Lord Buddha's purity, and covered in mirrored mosaics. The temple is currently still under construction and isn't expected to be completed for about 90 years. Nearby the temple is an exhibited displaying the creators many beautiful paintings. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting this temple. After we hustled back across the street, we piled back onto the bus and continued our long journey back home. We stopped for a few bathroom breaks and a quick lunch, then again for dinner. Dinner for me was Thai style noodles with balls of fish and various sauces. A-roy. And guess what, ladies and gentlemen, I ate my noodles with chopsticks this time. Yes, I have mastered the art of chopsticks. It was a little difficult at first, but I managed. I think I will be quite good at it in no time. We got back on the bus and I promptly fell asleep. I woke up just as we arrive to the Whale Hotel at 11:30 at night. I was absolutely exhausted and would have to get up early the next morning. Ugh.
Day 31: September 27:
I arrived to school at my normal time, ten till eight. My dance class didn't start until nine. Nick wasn't in yet, so I sat with Tina and told her about my weekend. I always enjoy swapping stories with Tina. Around 8:30 Nick arrived and one of the other teachers whisked me away to help one of her students study for the spelling bee. It turned out this very same student was also going to be in the dance with me. We went down to the dance room, but the teacher was not there so the other girls began teaching me the dance on their own. To say I am not very good at this would be the understatement of the millennium. I an awful, but they insist that I am good. "Chompoo rum Thai geng mak ma!" Which means "Chompoo Thai dances very well!" They are too kind. Around 10:30, we began to be very hungry. Faa, the girl I was helping study, and Muuk, Ajan Leck's daughter, brought me to go have lunch. They somehow managed to find a place for me that makes frozen mocha with Oreos in it. A kind of cold heaven in a flimsy plastic cup. Then we sat down to eat our kiao-pat gai. Soon two other girls joined us as well. Faa and I finished first so the two of us made our way back to the school. It was then that I decided to practice my Thai on her, because none of the girls know very much English, I have more opportunities to speak Thai. We had a very simple conversation about music, but the more I speak, the easier it is for me to understand and talk. The rest of the girls slowly trickled in and we turned on the cartoons. Much to my surprise Bleach was on, dubbed in Thai of course. I was so excited to sit there with those girls who were probably about 15 or 16 and just watch cartoons with them. Then our teacher arrived. Then we became serious, somewhat.
Day 32: September 28:
Today was my second day of dance practice. I didn't have to be at school until 9 am today. It felt good being able to sleep in for once. Yai couldn't make it to take me to school today though so I went with my dad and a driver. Practice was a little easier today because I knew most of the steps. Our teachers taught us more today and went through each of the steps one-by-one. We still have a lot of trouble with the ending though. After class I went to Ajan Leck's office and waited. My dad and Kung arrived in the little Suzuki to pick me up. We went out to lunch at the same place Kung and Fon took me my first day with them. This time I was significantly more relaxed and laughed as my dad chose to sit outside so he could watch the movie that was playing. We laughed even more as he pulled up a chair directly in front of the T.V. and stared, open-mouthed, at it.
Day 33: September 29:
Today was my third day of dance practice. Yai was unable to take me again so I went with just the driver. Our dance teacher decided to change the ending because we were having trouble with it. She said she wanted to mix American jazz dance with traditional Thai dance. It wasn't exactly jazz dancing, but it was fun. It was definitely easier than what we were originally doing. The driver picked me up after class and took me home.
Fon arrived and asked if I wanted to go with her, Kung, and her sister to take her father to the hospital. Of course I wanted to go! It was a bit of a drive, but that was quite alright. We mostly just waited in the waiting room, but Fon taught me more Thai while we were waiting. We ended up on the topic of hair, which mine was all over the place as always. I simply mentioned I needed a hair-cut and they agreed. Maybe I will get my hair cut here, who knows.
Day 34: September 30:
I had just finished my breakfast when Kung came into the room. She was all smiles when she said to me "We go to get hair cut! Want hair cut?" "OK!" I said and jumped up off the couch. We met with Fon in the other room and climbed into the little Suzuki. First we stopped at the bank to deposit some money for the factory, then we were back in the car again. We went down many side streets and pulled into this sketchy looking alley. We walked down a long line of hairdressers and went into one they knew. One of the hairdressers knew Fon by her first name; I knew I was in good hands here.As we waited for our turns, they had me look at the magazine full of many different hairstyles, but it wasn't too helpful. My host dad called us saying my school had called and I needed to be there at one. It was twelve at this point. Soon it was my turn and a quiet tall girl directed me to the sink to wash my hair. I think I spent more time having my hair washed than having it cut. It felt very good though. I was so relaxed I could almost sleep, but instead I talked with the girl, in Thai. It was another very simple conversation consisting of, "what's your name" "where are you from", "how old are you", "how long will you be in Thailand", etc. After my hair was and combed, I was directed to the cutting chair. They placed that black shawl around me an asked me how I wanted my hair to be styled. I showed her about where I wanted it and she began her cutting. Within moments my hair was shorter than it had ever been., Then she asked if I wanted bangs, I figured why not. Then began the long process of drying and styling my hair. This took even longer than the washing. By the time I was finished, I didn't even recognize myself. I was also very hungry, and beginning to be late. This man from down the street delivered kiao-pat and Fon and I ate while we waited for Kung to be finished. Then we raced into the car and quickly made our way to the school.
I was out of uniform with my new hair.At first no one recognized me, but there weren't any other farrang around, let alone any that would be in the dance, so they figured out it was me. They sat me down in a chair and proceeded to do my hair, again. Once that was done, I was brought to another chair among many other girls applying layers and layers of make up. One of my teachers came up to me and began applying my makeup. I sat there for about half hour as many others watched in excitement. They had never seen me with makeup before. As soon as that was finally over with, another girl lead me away to the dressing room, where she proceeded to dress me in my traditional Thai dress. I now know how a Barbie doll must feel. We still had quite a bit of time before our performance and we were all very hungry. Two other girls in my dance group went out and bought us all food. We ate slowly, all nervous and excited with anticipation for our dance. Then it was time. I have rock climbed up a steep cliff, I have waited on a starting block to swim 500 meters in a race, I have flown 29 hours on my own to meet a foreign family I would be spending ten months with, but I had never been so nervous in my life. As soon as we started, people rushed up to take pictures. I'm sure it was quite the site to see me, a very white girl, dressed in traditional Thai dress, among seven other Thai girls, doing a traditional Thai dance. To my surprise, I relaxed almost instantly and everything was all right. At one point in our dance, all the mothers came up to join us, and somehow poor Ajan Tina was roped into it. I could tell she was having fun. I was too. We were then presented with teddy bears by our teachers. Ah! Such a great gift! When we were finally finished I went down to meet with Fon, Kung, and my host mom. Of course they began taking tons of pictures, not only them, but others as well. Everyone always wants their picture taken with the farrang. My dance teacher found me amidst many people and rescued me from the pictures to go eat food. She had to make sure I ate. Before I even sat down she was piling food on my plate and another girl was pouring Dum yung into my bowl. I ate quickly though because I was tired and antsy to go home. Fon and I went to the dance room and she helped me attempt to turn back into myself. We said hello to Finns dead then we were home free.
Day 35: October 1:
Today was one of my many lazy days. My dad came into the room and told me there would be a Rotary dinner at seven. It was a Saturday instead of the usual Monday, so I knew it must be something special. When I arrived I quickly learned that this wasn't as serious as I thought it was; when I noticed it was karaoke as well as dinner. I waied everyone and was seated between a teacher and the woman who is always feeding me at the meetings. They all were trying to convince me to go up and sing, and I was trying my best to explain to them that I actually couldn't sing. They found this little routine very entertaining. Each time a new person sat down at the table, usually a man because I was at the men table, they would ask me to sing, then the rest of the table would erupt into laughter and shouting, trying to convince me to get up there. Again, I would have to explain, each time louder, and each time would take longer. Of course, because this was a social event and they are Thai, there was drinking. As the night went on, they became happy and more talkative. One man decided that, since I wouldn't go up and sing, he would instead. He got up there and said: "This is for you Chompoo" and pointed to me. Then an old cheesy love song came on, one that I had never heard before. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight was the first time I had ever been serenaded to and it was by this silly Thai man who probably had no idea what he was singing, and that was quite alright with me. I have come to learn that the later the night goes on, the more they want to talk to me. All night people would rotate through my table. At first some would be hesitant to sit next to me, I think I scare them a bit, but after an encourage smile and "Sa-wat-dee kha" they relax and try to talk with me. We were originally going to go home at nine, but then it became ten, then ten-thirty. The man sitting next to me at the time, when my dad said: "sip na-tee" (ten minutes), told me we may just end up staying all night. I was quite alright with this. I enjoyed being with them when they were relaxed and not worrying about the meeting. Not that they're not relaxed at the meetings, they are very, but I don't get to sit next to my club president while my dad jokes about him being my grandfather. Each rotary even I attend with my club makes them feel more and more like my family. We left a little after 10:30. I was exhausted on our ride home, but my dad was all smiles. "Poot Thai geng!" He announced just before a fit of giggles. My dad may be old, but he is still very young at heart. I think one could say the same about most Thais.
Day 36: October 2:
Today, Kung, my host sister, Fon, Kung close friend and my closest friends here, and my host mom took me to Kanchanaburi, which is a province in Thailand, a very big province about an hour away from my city. They first took me to walk on the Bridge over the Kwai River, which is famous because there was a movie named after it. It also used to be a part of the Death Railway back around WWII. It was absolutely beautiful, but very hot and it was going to rain, so we made that trip quick. We then headed further north to Wat Sua, Tiger Temple. Originally, there was just one tiger, it had been abandoned when his mother was killed by poachers, so a monk there took him in. It now is a famous tiger sanctuary. There building a "Tiger Island" where the tigers can roam around freely without harming anyone and still be taken care of. They have many tiger cubs and Kung, Fon, and I were able to pet one! It was so amazing! The tiger cub was basically sitting in my lap! It soon began to downpour, but that was after we left Wat Sua. Fon and I went back to her dads house because she had to do his medicine stuff. He is very sick, I think because of diabetes. It's causing him to have heart problems and it's hard for him to walk. Also his kidneys are failing so he has to be hooked up to an IV to clean his system for him. Asian culture is amazing. Fon and her sisters all take turns watching him, taking care of him, feeding him, and such. He sleeps on the couch in their living room and they put a bed in there too so who ever watches him at night is right there with him. I love Fon's family. They're all so nice and so much fun. Her oldest sister, who is 30, is a dentist and took me out to Vietnamese food the other day with her, her dad, her boyfriend, and Fon. She wants me to come over all the time so we can teach each other and just hang out. While we were at her house, I met her twin sister Fun. Her boyfriend was driving up the next day and they were going to go to Bangkok for their pre-anniversary and she wanted me to go with her. I told her I would and she was so excited to show me around and meet her boyfriend. We returned home around eight and met some of Kung's other friends there, Jept, Uun, and Kuk. Soon two of her other friends arrived with food. It was a nice night so we went up to their sort of patio on the roof. They sky was turning red, which meant rain. We quickly picked up the table and moved everything under a sort of roof that took up about a quarter of the roof. Sure enough, just after we moved, it began to downpour. We were up there until almost two in the morning just eating and talking. I never knew people who could eat so much, but it was so much fun. I went to bed absolutely exhausted.
Day 37: October 3:
I woke up around 10:30 today and headed downstairs. I was greeted by Fon with bags of food. Apparently no one else had gotten up yet. We went into the kitchen and put the food on plates. Breakfast today was Sump Tuum, roasted chicken on a stick, and sticky rice. Around 11 o'clock, Fun, Fon's twin sister, and her boyfriend, Aof arrived. I quickly finished eating and we piled into Aof's truck. I want to mention that Fon speaks the most English in her family, and it's not very much. Fun and Aof, her boyfriend, picked me up around 11 and we headed to Bangkok. First, though, we made a quick pit stop. We started driving down these random back roads and I had no idea where we were when we got out. Then I read the sign above this little building "Thai Toy Museum". It was very cool. The first floor was all old Thai toys and traditional Thai candy, all made in Thailand, and all for sale. The second and third floors were more of what we think of as a museum. There were small rooms crammed with various, antique, related items. For example, there was one room that was dedicated to a traditional Thai kitchen on one side and the other side was a history of cameras in Thailand. Another room was dedicated to old hairdressers of Thailand with all of the old instruments used to cut hair. Those were slightly frightening. Fun is so much like Fon I felt comfortable with her right away, and her boyfriend was so nice. They have quickly become family to me, all of Fon's family has. We spent a few hours in the toy museum, and not only did I take many pictures, but they were very eager to take lots and lots of pictures of me as well. It looked as though it was about to rain so we quickly climbed back into the truck and set off to Bangkok.
We got to Bangkok and it was raining so we went to eat first. We went to a Japanese restaurant that was absolutely delicious, all of it. I used to be skeptical of Sushi, but I have changed, and I am in love with salmon now. I also ate seaweed. I had tried it before, and wasn't particularly fond of it, but this time it was a-roy mak ma! We ate quickly because we want to go to Wat Phra Kaeo, but we weren't sure when it closed. It stopped raining and we took a taxi from the department store where we were parked to the famous temple there, Wat Phr Kaeo. Again, I took many pictures, but they took many more of me. We saw the many places around the temple, including our last stop at the Grand Palace. We were afraid that it was going to rain soon so we left the temple and took a boat across the river because Aof really wanted me to see the river. Just as we got off the boat and out on the street, the street was closed and the King and Queen of Thailand drove by. Fun told me that the people believed if you could see the king just once, you were lucky. We had a quick coffee, then hopped on a Tuk Tuk. A Tuk Tuk is basically a motorcycle that is rigged to have a cart attached with seats for three people to sit on, four if you really squeeze. Tuk Tuk drivers are crazier than taxi drivers, quickly winding in and out of traffic, but it's really the only sensible way to get around the city, unless you want to sit for hours in traffic jams and pay unreasonable amounts of money. Fun then took me shopping in the market while Aof went off shopping on his own. We didn't have a lot of time because Fun didn't want me to be late and Aof's house was three hours from Nakhom Pathom. I had a lot of fun with them. We returned to Fun's home and met Fon there. Before Aof left, he told me he and Fun want to take me out again, but next time he's going to take me to his province where they have an under water fish museum!!! I'm so excited!! I had so much fun and I just love being with them, even when it's hard to understand each other sometimes. I learn a lot being with them because I have to and because they are very good teachers. They speak slowly and use mostly words they know I'll understand. They are also very patient when I don't understand.
Day 38: October 4:
This time, before our Rotary meeting, my dad took me out for dinner at Pizza Company. It was a-roy mak and I seized that opportunity to drink some coffee too, to get me through the meeting. Just before we left, we bought some movies. I seem to be in the mood for action movies all the time when I'm here.
The meetings are supposed to be boring and slightly uncomfortable, but my Rotary club has welcomed me with open arms. They all want to talk to me and take me places. They especially love when I get up to speak in front of them at the meetings. I don't usually do it too often, but tonight I did, with help from a woman who translated for me. I thanked them for welcoming me and making me feel comfortable there. I also told them to feel free to talk to me and to teach me, that I really wanted to learn. They loved that. I also presented my president with my district flag; they loved that. After I spoke and sat down, one man stoop up and said he wanted me to come to all of the meetings, then the president, who used to intimidate me, told my host dad to bring me every week now, and if he was busy, send me on a motorcycle taxi. That sent a roar of laughter throughout the crowd because I'm not allowed to ride on motor cycles or take taxis alone. They then started talking about where to put the flag I gave them and how they would have to create a special place for it. After the meeting, while we were just hanging out, they were drinking, talking, playing cards, a man came up to Sue, the woman who interpreted for me, and asked if I could talk each week and update them with what I've been doing. They want to know so much about me and what I do! He was so excited when I said yes! I then talked with many people, partially through Sue sometimes through V, her husband. I've come to love Sue and V. Sue is fluent in English, and her husband is very good as well. I knew V before Sue, I would sit next to him at some of the meetings and he explained to me what was going on and would just talk to me about other things when Big wasn't there. The two of them help me communicate with the other Rotarians, all of whom are eager to talk to me. There is one funny man who wants to be able to speak English very well and says good evening to me every time I see him. He used to say good morning, but I taught him the differences. I was wearing my Rotary blazer, as I always do to the meetings, and he pointed to the pin Alison had given me and said "star". I said yes, star. Then he said something in Thai to V, then V said to me, "He wants to know where you got that from." I told him my friend from America who is a YE in Mexico gave it to me before she left. V then explained this to the other man, then turned to me, and said "Your best friend, correct?" I guess I had talked to him about her before. The other man then got up and said "I give you one" and was about to go out and give me another star pin, but returned shortly laughing, "Fon tot! Nam tuem!" He said (It's raining, it flooded). "Next time!" Sue and I exchanged numbers before she left, and she said I could call her anytime. It's strange how my friends seem to be getting older and older.
Day 39: October 5:
Can't remember
Day 40: October 6:
My family decided to whisk me off to Bangkok to go shopping today. My two sisters, one of my brothers, my Aunt, my dad, my cousin and I all squeezed into a car meant for four, plus our driver. We then dropped my dad off and moved into a bigger car. Thais sure know how to shop. As soon as we reached Bangkok, we first dropped Peat, my brother, off at the market. It would have been an ordinary, hectic, and tiring day of shopping if it wasn't for one event. My younger sister, Koy, and I stopped to look at a pair of pants we liked. I continued my inspection of them as she went to ask the owner of the shop where we could find more of them. I heard her begin to ask, stop abruptly, then say "ao". I looked up to see what was wrong, and as I looked around the precariously posed mannequins, I noticed the man was not Asian. He seemed startled at first when he noticed me, probably just about as startled as I'm assuming I looked. He quickly recovered and went about his business as if it was nothing. He noticed which pair we were looking at and directed us to where they were on the racks. He said to us "I believe the ones you are looking for are over here." In English. He then asked us which style we preferred. He must have thought I didn't speak English because, somehow, I had forgotten that we spoke the same language. I first started speaking to him in Thai. I realized my error when I heard Koy try to talk with him in broken English. It still didn't click in my mind that he was clearly fluent in English, as well as I, and I too began to speak to him in broken English. Then, just before we were about to leave, it clicked. I asked him where he was from and he said Vancouver, then indicated to the hat on his head, which said "Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics." He then asked me where I was from. Expecting the usual blank stare, I told him Cooperstown, NY. A wide smile broke out on his face "Oh! Baseball Hall of Fame! I've been there!" Can you imagine? The two of us, halfway across the world, end up in the same city, at the same time, with over a million other people, and we somehow manage to find each other. We chatted for a little bit, but we didn't stay for too long. It was getting late, we were tired and hungry, and we still had to pick up Peat. So, we said our goodbyes and parted. Maybe I'll see him again, you never know. It sure is a small world after all.
We got back in the car and drove to a market outside of a mall. Kung, our aunt, and I continued shopping for a little bit while Koy and our cousin waited with the driver. Once we hit a point of absolute exhaustion, we used our last stores of energy to climb back into the car. We drove around some back streets, all the while I had no idea what we were doing. I soon learned we were picking up Peat and another cousin. We found them eventually and they both squeezed in the front. Then the cousin, I can't remember her name, got out at I think a bus station. We arrived at a restaurant in Nakhon Pathom and our parents were arriving just as we were. I wondered for a moment of their perfect timing of their arrival and what a coincidence it was, when I remembered the marvels of modern technology: the cell phone. We had dinner as a live band played amazing music. Music is always so much better live because you can really hear the music, and not only can you hear it, but you can feel it. When we arrived home, I learned my dad had bought a piano. No one in my family really knows how to play a piano. It came with numbers on some of the keys. I was confused why there were numbers on the keys at first, until I looked at the music book on the stand. The books had not only the words to famous Thai songs, but also numbers below the words that correspond to the number on the key you press for the correct note. Oi vey.
Day 41: October 7:
Again I was whisked off to Bangkok with no idea what we were about to do. I got in the car with my two sisters and my aunt. On our way, we picked up my older cousin, who I had met yesterday. I quickly learned we were going to see a movie. When we arrived, we didn't have much time before the movie started, but we were all hungry. Their first thought was "Find Courtney a burger." I used all of my will power to turn down this offer and ate polar snow instead. It's basically Italian ice with fruit and condensed milk on it. A-roy mak mak. We had a quick coffee, well I had a coffee they had hot chocolate, before going to our movie. I have learned that Thais have the same sense of humor about movies as I do. We all, everyone in the theater, laughed as the previews for various horror movies played. Somehow Thai horror films are far more entertaining than American ones. The film we watched wasn't a Thai horror, however, it was "Grown Ups". In English with Thai subtitles. After all of the previews and just before the actual film started, music started and everyone stood up. Practicing what I observe, I stood up as well, my popcorn laden hand halfway between the bag and my mouth, unsure if it should continue out its task, return to the popcorn bag, or remain where it was. As a result it performed many spastic motions, quickly launched itself to my mouth, then dropped to my side. No one noticed, fortunately, because they were too busy focusing on the screen which was now playing a montage of various things the king has done for his country. The music ended, the screen went black, and we all sat back down in our seats. The movie was funny, but not too great. I think what I enjoyed most from the film was my sisters' and cousin's reactions. After the movie, we had a quick round of Traditional Asian Drum Hero. Not quite like Guitar Hero, but I rocked it anyway. We returned to our car, found Peat once again, then made the long journey back home.
Day 42: October 8:
Nothing. Today had nothing of great significance occur. Just a usual day in Thailand with many more like it to come, and somehow I never tire of them.
The alarm went off and we hit the snooze. Sleep was much desired. We awoke to the phone ringing. It was Nui's mother. It was time for breakfast and we both still had to get up, shower, dress, and pack. We did so very quickly. We rushed down to breakfast, which most others had finished already. We quickly ate and loaded onto the bus. We had a very long ride ahead of us. Nui handed me one of her ear buds so I could listen to music with her. The first song she chose was a song by the A Teens. Who knew that a cheesy pre-teen chick song from the 90s could bring me such joy. It was windy and rainy as we wound our way through the narrow road making its way through the mountains. The trip reminded me much of our adventure in Italy, with our driver maneuvering our bus through the windy road leading us up that steep mountain. At times seeming as though the turns would be impossible without us toppling over and rolling down the cliffs, but we made it. This trip wasn't as intense as that, because the turns weren't as sharp, but we were going at a very fast speed, as always. Thais are crazy drivers. We stopped for lunch along the way, but we mostly just slept until we reached the border. We all rushed off the bus for it was not actually parked, just pulled off to the side. We were then handed our passports and two copies of them, just in case. I was not sure at that moment just exactly what we were doing, but I heard the woman in charge say one hour, then Nui grabbed my hand and off we went into the crowd. Nui and I held hands for the majority of the time because it was so crowded and I did not want to be lost. After pushing our way through tourists, travelers, vendors, thieves, and beggars we made it to customs. I would rather have each of my finger- and toenails removed, one-by-one, with no anesthesia, than go through customs again. Lucky me I was able to go through twice to get into Myanmar. Oh joy. The first time, we payed money and they stamped my passport then sent us on our way. Nui's parents had gotten ahead of us and people quickly filled the gap like water between rocks. Just at that moment a man in a uniform shouted to us: "Excuse me! Come here please!" He indicated that we should go in a room through some curtain, we decided to wait outside until Nui's parents arrived. We then had to pay more money and they took my passport and gave me a card instead. They took my picture, printed it on the card, and told me to hand that in when I leave to get my passport back. I guess they are afraid that I will flee and not come back to Thailand. After being in Myanmar for one hour, that was the furthest thing from my mind.
The moment you step into Myanmar, you are flocked with beggars like a fry is flocked with pigeons on the streets of the city. The first word to describe this place in your mind will be dirty. The streets are littered with garbage and beggars. Everything is covered in dirt. Anything that was unwanted and cast aside now lays in the streets, including people and animals. We finally made our way down the dirt covered cement steps and into the "market". Anything there that was not fake was stolen, most of what was fake was probable stolen as well. You can't walk for more than five minutes without being harassed by someone desperately trying to sell over-priced junk to pay for their next meal. Not only adults, but children as well. Children who had been cast aside, unwanted, unable to be taken care of, like the many stray animals that roamed the streets, picking through garbage among the more desperate of the beggars. The most desperate lay down on the street, not even with a cup to accept any spare change someone is willing to give. Those are the ones who have given up hope and accepted their fate. This poverty is the reason the customs is so strict leaving Myanmar. Many people, in true desperation illegally immigrate from Myanmar into Thailand. These people are considered to be third-class citizens, but they are the ones who work the hardest. They do not care about getting caught, because they would just be sent back to their country, only to flee once more, and there is always work for them here. I have been there one hour and I would rather not go back. Thais flock there because everything is so cheap. The vendors are so desperate to have you buy what they are selling that they are willing to drop their prices to whatever you are willing to pay. When you think about more than just how great the prices are, it really is quite sad. We were finally done with Myanmar and began to head out. Leaving was just as hard is getting in. I had to go into a crowded room, show a man what I had bought, then try to get out again. It was like trying to swim upstream in a very strong current; nearly impossible. I finally made it out then had to go to another building to pick up my passport. After they confirmed that I actually was Courtney Yonce and not someone trying to impersonate me to leave that dreaded country, I received my passport. I was not done yet, oh no. I then had to wait in line, behind a bunch of foreigners here strictly to shop, to get my passport stamped to allow me back into the country. That was finally done and we had to rush through the crowd of people bustling about. The bus arrived and we piled back on with our new buys. We rode to a new hotel in Chiang Rai and had dinner.
After dinner was done, instead of going back to our rooms to sleep, we decided to go out to the markets. Unfortunately it was raining so we had to wait for a bit. When it finally stopped, Nui, her mother, and I set out. We went to many little shops and mostly just looked. Nui's mother bought herself and I matching anklets with bells that jingled as we walked. While we were roaming around this one strip in the market, I heard music that sounded familiar. I stopped an listened, then I realized a man was playing "Poor Boy" by Simon and Garfunkle. My heart soared at the sound of it. I don't think I had ever been happier on the whole trip. I sang along quietly as Nui and her mother shopped. We then went to an area where I could no longer hear the music, but that was quite alright because it was still playing in my mind and in my heart. On our way out, we heard him once again, this time playing "Tears in Heaven". We made a quick stop for ice cream at Swenson's, the best place to have ice cream. Ever. No joke. Their sundaes are absolutely divine. I have never had a more delicious sundae than the ones I have had at Swenson's. We went up to our rooms exhausted, and turned on the T.V. We watched soap operas for a bit before falling asleep.
Day 30: September 26:
We woke up earlier today so we would have time to shower and get ready but not have to rush. Breakfast today was a bit fancier than at the last hotel and with more options, such as waffles. However, there wasn't any of that delicious condensed milk they have on toast and to get coffee was too complicated for me to bother. After a hearty breakfast, we loaded all of our luggage and boarded the bus. It was very quiet for a few hours as everyone slept. The bus stopped across from a temple and we stepped, blinking, into the sun, wiping the sleep from our eyes. We were then herded across the street to the temple. So far, this was the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. It was called Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). The temple was completely white, to represent Lord Buddha's purity, and covered in mirrored mosaics. The temple is currently still under construction and isn't expected to be completed for about 90 years. Nearby the temple is an exhibited displaying the creators many beautiful paintings. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting this temple. After we hustled back across the street, we piled back onto the bus and continued our long journey back home. We stopped for a few bathroom breaks and a quick lunch, then again for dinner. Dinner for me was Thai style noodles with balls of fish and various sauces. A-roy. And guess what, ladies and gentlemen, I ate my noodles with chopsticks this time. Yes, I have mastered the art of chopsticks. It was a little difficult at first, but I managed. I think I will be quite good at it in no time. We got back on the bus and I promptly fell asleep. I woke up just as we arrive to the Whale Hotel at 11:30 at night. I was absolutely exhausted and would have to get up early the next morning. Ugh.
Day 31: September 27:
I arrived to school at my normal time, ten till eight. My dance class didn't start until nine. Nick wasn't in yet, so I sat with Tina and told her about my weekend. I always enjoy swapping stories with Tina. Around 8:30 Nick arrived and one of the other teachers whisked me away to help one of her students study for the spelling bee. It turned out this very same student was also going to be in the dance with me. We went down to the dance room, but the teacher was not there so the other girls began teaching me the dance on their own. To say I am not very good at this would be the understatement of the millennium. I an awful, but they insist that I am good. "Chompoo rum Thai geng mak ma!" Which means "Chompoo Thai dances very well!" They are too kind. Around 10:30, we began to be very hungry. Faa, the girl I was helping study, and Muuk, Ajan Leck's daughter, brought me to go have lunch. They somehow managed to find a place for me that makes frozen mocha with Oreos in it. A kind of cold heaven in a flimsy plastic cup. Then we sat down to eat our kiao-pat gai. Soon two other girls joined us as well. Faa and I finished first so the two of us made our way back to the school. It was then that I decided to practice my Thai on her, because none of the girls know very much English, I have more opportunities to speak Thai. We had a very simple conversation about music, but the more I speak, the easier it is for me to understand and talk. The rest of the girls slowly trickled in and we turned on the cartoons. Much to my surprise Bleach was on, dubbed in Thai of course. I was so excited to sit there with those girls who were probably about 15 or 16 and just watch cartoons with them. Then our teacher arrived. Then we became serious, somewhat.
Day 32: September 28:
Today was my second day of dance practice. I didn't have to be at school until 9 am today. It felt good being able to sleep in for once. Yai couldn't make it to take me to school today though so I went with my dad and a driver. Practice was a little easier today because I knew most of the steps. Our teachers taught us more today and went through each of the steps one-by-one. We still have a lot of trouble with the ending though. After class I went to Ajan Leck's office and waited. My dad and Kung arrived in the little Suzuki to pick me up. We went out to lunch at the same place Kung and Fon took me my first day with them. This time I was significantly more relaxed and laughed as my dad chose to sit outside so he could watch the movie that was playing. We laughed even more as he pulled up a chair directly in front of the T.V. and stared, open-mouthed, at it.
Day 33: September 29:
Today was my third day of dance practice. Yai was unable to take me again so I went with just the driver. Our dance teacher decided to change the ending because we were having trouble with it. She said she wanted to mix American jazz dance with traditional Thai dance. It wasn't exactly jazz dancing, but it was fun. It was definitely easier than what we were originally doing. The driver picked me up after class and took me home.
Fon arrived and asked if I wanted to go with her, Kung, and her sister to take her father to the hospital. Of course I wanted to go! It was a bit of a drive, but that was quite alright. We mostly just waited in the waiting room, but Fon taught me more Thai while we were waiting. We ended up on the topic of hair, which mine was all over the place as always. I simply mentioned I needed a hair-cut and they agreed. Maybe I will get my hair cut here, who knows.
Day 34: September 30:
I had just finished my breakfast when Kung came into the room. She was all smiles when she said to me "We go to get hair cut! Want hair cut?" "OK!" I said and jumped up off the couch. We met with Fon in the other room and climbed into the little Suzuki. First we stopped at the bank to deposit some money for the factory, then we were back in the car again. We went down many side streets and pulled into this sketchy looking alley. We walked down a long line of hairdressers and went into one they knew. One of the hairdressers knew Fon by her first name; I knew I was in good hands here.As we waited for our turns, they had me look at the magazine full of many different hairstyles, but it wasn't too helpful. My host dad called us saying my school had called and I needed to be there at one. It was twelve at this point. Soon it was my turn and a quiet tall girl directed me to the sink to wash my hair. I think I spent more time having my hair washed than having it cut. It felt very good though. I was so relaxed I could almost sleep, but instead I talked with the girl, in Thai. It was another very simple conversation consisting of, "what's your name" "where are you from", "how old are you", "how long will you be in Thailand", etc. After my hair was and combed, I was directed to the cutting chair. They placed that black shawl around me an asked me how I wanted my hair to be styled. I showed her about where I wanted it and she began her cutting. Within moments my hair was shorter than it had ever been., Then she asked if I wanted bangs, I figured why not. Then began the long process of drying and styling my hair. This took even longer than the washing. By the time I was finished, I didn't even recognize myself. I was also very hungry, and beginning to be late. This man from down the street delivered kiao-pat and Fon and I ate while we waited for Kung to be finished. Then we raced into the car and quickly made our way to the school.
I was out of uniform with my new hair.At first no one recognized me, but there weren't any other farrang around, let alone any that would be in the dance, so they figured out it was me. They sat me down in a chair and proceeded to do my hair, again. Once that was done, I was brought to another chair among many other girls applying layers and layers of make up. One of my teachers came up to me and began applying my makeup. I sat there for about half hour as many others watched in excitement. They had never seen me with makeup before. As soon as that was finally over with, another girl lead me away to the dressing room, where she proceeded to dress me in my traditional Thai dress. I now know how a Barbie doll must feel. We still had quite a bit of time before our performance and we were all very hungry. Two other girls in my dance group went out and bought us all food. We ate slowly, all nervous and excited with anticipation for our dance. Then it was time. I have rock climbed up a steep cliff, I have waited on a starting block to swim 500 meters in a race, I have flown 29 hours on my own to meet a foreign family I would be spending ten months with, but I had never been so nervous in my life. As soon as we started, people rushed up to take pictures. I'm sure it was quite the site to see me, a very white girl, dressed in traditional Thai dress, among seven other Thai girls, doing a traditional Thai dance. To my surprise, I relaxed almost instantly and everything was all right. At one point in our dance, all the mothers came up to join us, and somehow poor Ajan Tina was roped into it. I could tell she was having fun. I was too. We were then presented with teddy bears by our teachers. Ah! Such a great gift! When we were finally finished I went down to meet with Fon, Kung, and my host mom. Of course they began taking tons of pictures, not only them, but others as well. Everyone always wants their picture taken with the farrang. My dance teacher found me amidst many people and rescued me from the pictures to go eat food. She had to make sure I ate. Before I even sat down she was piling food on my plate and another girl was pouring Dum yung into my bowl. I ate quickly though because I was tired and antsy to go home. Fon and I went to the dance room and she helped me attempt to turn back into myself. We said hello to Finns dead then we were home free.
Day 35: October 1:
Today was one of my many lazy days. My dad came into the room and told me there would be a Rotary dinner at seven. It was a Saturday instead of the usual Monday, so I knew it must be something special. When I arrived I quickly learned that this wasn't as serious as I thought it was; when I noticed it was karaoke as well as dinner. I waied everyone and was seated between a teacher and the woman who is always feeding me at the meetings. They all were trying to convince me to go up and sing, and I was trying my best to explain to them that I actually couldn't sing. They found this little routine very entertaining. Each time a new person sat down at the table, usually a man because I was at the men table, they would ask me to sing, then the rest of the table would erupt into laughter and shouting, trying to convince me to get up there. Again, I would have to explain, each time louder, and each time would take longer. Of course, because this was a social event and they are Thai, there was drinking. As the night went on, they became happy and more talkative. One man decided that, since I wouldn't go up and sing, he would instead. He got up there and said: "This is for you Chompoo" and pointed to me. Then an old cheesy love song came on, one that I had never heard before. Ladies and gentlemen, tonight was the first time I had ever been serenaded to and it was by this silly Thai man who probably had no idea what he was singing, and that was quite alright with me. I have come to learn that the later the night goes on, the more they want to talk to me. All night people would rotate through my table. At first some would be hesitant to sit next to me, I think I scare them a bit, but after an encourage smile and "Sa-wat-dee kha" they relax and try to talk with me. We were originally going to go home at nine, but then it became ten, then ten-thirty. The man sitting next to me at the time, when my dad said: "sip na-tee" (ten minutes), told me we may just end up staying all night. I was quite alright with this. I enjoyed being with them when they were relaxed and not worrying about the meeting. Not that they're not relaxed at the meetings, they are very, but I don't get to sit next to my club president while my dad jokes about him being my grandfather. Each rotary even I attend with my club makes them feel more and more like my family. We left a little after 10:30. I was exhausted on our ride home, but my dad was all smiles. "Poot Thai geng!" He announced just before a fit of giggles. My dad may be old, but he is still very young at heart. I think one could say the same about most Thais.
Day 36: October 2:
Today, Kung, my host sister, Fon, Kung close friend and my closest friends here, and my host mom took me to Kanchanaburi, which is a province in Thailand, a very big province about an hour away from my city. They first took me to walk on the Bridge over the Kwai River, which is famous because there was a movie named after it. It also used to be a part of the Death Railway back around WWII. It was absolutely beautiful, but very hot and it was going to rain, so we made that trip quick. We then headed further north to Wat Sua, Tiger Temple. Originally, there was just one tiger, it had been abandoned when his mother was killed by poachers, so a monk there took him in. It now is a famous tiger sanctuary. There building a "Tiger Island" where the tigers can roam around freely without harming anyone and still be taken care of. They have many tiger cubs and Kung, Fon, and I were able to pet one! It was so amazing! The tiger cub was basically sitting in my lap! It soon began to downpour, but that was after we left Wat Sua. Fon and I went back to her dads house because she had to do his medicine stuff. He is very sick, I think because of diabetes. It's causing him to have heart problems and it's hard for him to walk. Also his kidneys are failing so he has to be hooked up to an IV to clean his system for him. Asian culture is amazing. Fon and her sisters all take turns watching him, taking care of him, feeding him, and such. He sleeps on the couch in their living room and they put a bed in there too so who ever watches him at night is right there with him. I love Fon's family. They're all so nice and so much fun. Her oldest sister, who is 30, is a dentist and took me out to Vietnamese food the other day with her, her dad, her boyfriend, and Fon. She wants me to come over all the time so we can teach each other and just hang out. While we were at her house, I met her twin sister Fun. Her boyfriend was driving up the next day and they were going to go to Bangkok for their pre-anniversary and she wanted me to go with her. I told her I would and she was so excited to show me around and meet her boyfriend. We returned home around eight and met some of Kung's other friends there, Jept, Uun, and Kuk. Soon two of her other friends arrived with food. It was a nice night so we went up to their sort of patio on the roof. They sky was turning red, which meant rain. We quickly picked up the table and moved everything under a sort of roof that took up about a quarter of the roof. Sure enough, just after we moved, it began to downpour. We were up there until almost two in the morning just eating and talking. I never knew people who could eat so much, but it was so much fun. I went to bed absolutely exhausted.
Day 37: October 3:
I woke up around 10:30 today and headed downstairs. I was greeted by Fon with bags of food. Apparently no one else had gotten up yet. We went into the kitchen and put the food on plates. Breakfast today was Sump Tuum, roasted chicken on a stick, and sticky rice. Around 11 o'clock, Fun, Fon's twin sister, and her boyfriend, Aof arrived. I quickly finished eating and we piled into Aof's truck. I want to mention that Fon speaks the most English in her family, and it's not very much. Fun and Aof, her boyfriend, picked me up around 11 and we headed to Bangkok. First, though, we made a quick pit stop. We started driving down these random back roads and I had no idea where we were when we got out. Then I read the sign above this little building "Thai Toy Museum". It was very cool. The first floor was all old Thai toys and traditional Thai candy, all made in Thailand, and all for sale. The second and third floors were more of what we think of as a museum. There were small rooms crammed with various, antique, related items. For example, there was one room that was dedicated to a traditional Thai kitchen on one side and the other side was a history of cameras in Thailand. Another room was dedicated to old hairdressers of Thailand with all of the old instruments used to cut hair. Those were slightly frightening. Fun is so much like Fon I felt comfortable with her right away, and her boyfriend was so nice. They have quickly become family to me, all of Fon's family has. We spent a few hours in the toy museum, and not only did I take many pictures, but they were very eager to take lots and lots of pictures of me as well. It looked as though it was about to rain so we quickly climbed back into the truck and set off to Bangkok.
We got to Bangkok and it was raining so we went to eat first. We went to a Japanese restaurant that was absolutely delicious, all of it. I used to be skeptical of Sushi, but I have changed, and I am in love with salmon now. I also ate seaweed. I had tried it before, and wasn't particularly fond of it, but this time it was a-roy mak ma! We ate quickly because we want to go to Wat Phra Kaeo, but we weren't sure when it closed. It stopped raining and we took a taxi from the department store where we were parked to the famous temple there, Wat Phr Kaeo. Again, I took many pictures, but they took many more of me. We saw the many places around the temple, including our last stop at the Grand Palace. We were afraid that it was going to rain soon so we left the temple and took a boat across the river because Aof really wanted me to see the river. Just as we got off the boat and out on the street, the street was closed and the King and Queen of Thailand drove by. Fun told me that the people believed if you could see the king just once, you were lucky. We had a quick coffee, then hopped on a Tuk Tuk. A Tuk Tuk is basically a motorcycle that is rigged to have a cart attached with seats for three people to sit on, four if you really squeeze. Tuk Tuk drivers are crazier than taxi drivers, quickly winding in and out of traffic, but it's really the only sensible way to get around the city, unless you want to sit for hours in traffic jams and pay unreasonable amounts of money. Fun then took me shopping in the market while Aof went off shopping on his own. We didn't have a lot of time because Fun didn't want me to be late and Aof's house was three hours from Nakhom Pathom. I had a lot of fun with them. We returned to Fun's home and met Fon there. Before Aof left, he told me he and Fun want to take me out again, but next time he's going to take me to his province where they have an under water fish museum!!! I'm so excited!! I had so much fun and I just love being with them, even when it's hard to understand each other sometimes. I learn a lot being with them because I have to and because they are very good teachers. They speak slowly and use mostly words they know I'll understand. They are also very patient when I don't understand.
Day 38: October 4:
This time, before our Rotary meeting, my dad took me out for dinner at Pizza Company. It was a-roy mak and I seized that opportunity to drink some coffee too, to get me through the meeting. Just before we left, we bought some movies. I seem to be in the mood for action movies all the time when I'm here.
The meetings are supposed to be boring and slightly uncomfortable, but my Rotary club has welcomed me with open arms. They all want to talk to me and take me places. They especially love when I get up to speak in front of them at the meetings. I don't usually do it too often, but tonight I did, with help from a woman who translated for me. I thanked them for welcoming me and making me feel comfortable there. I also told them to feel free to talk to me and to teach me, that I really wanted to learn. They loved that. I also presented my president with my district flag; they loved that. After I spoke and sat down, one man stoop up and said he wanted me to come to all of the meetings, then the president, who used to intimidate me, told my host dad to bring me every week now, and if he was busy, send me on a motorcycle taxi. That sent a roar of laughter throughout the crowd because I'm not allowed to ride on motor cycles or take taxis alone. They then started talking about where to put the flag I gave them and how they would have to create a special place for it. After the meeting, while we were just hanging out, they were drinking, talking, playing cards, a man came up to Sue, the woman who interpreted for me, and asked if I could talk each week and update them with what I've been doing. They want to know so much about me and what I do! He was so excited when I said yes! I then talked with many people, partially through Sue sometimes through V, her husband. I've come to love Sue and V. Sue is fluent in English, and her husband is very good as well. I knew V before Sue, I would sit next to him at some of the meetings and he explained to me what was going on and would just talk to me about other things when Big wasn't there. The two of them help me communicate with the other Rotarians, all of whom are eager to talk to me. There is one funny man who wants to be able to speak English very well and says good evening to me every time I see him. He used to say good morning, but I taught him the differences. I was wearing my Rotary blazer, as I always do to the meetings, and he pointed to the pin Alison had given me and said "star". I said yes, star. Then he said something in Thai to V, then V said to me, "He wants to know where you got that from." I told him my friend from America who is a YE in Mexico gave it to me before she left. V then explained this to the other man, then turned to me, and said "Your best friend, correct?" I guess I had talked to him about her before. The other man then got up and said "I give you one" and was about to go out and give me another star pin, but returned shortly laughing, "Fon tot! Nam tuem!" He said (It's raining, it flooded). "Next time!" Sue and I exchanged numbers before she left, and she said I could call her anytime. It's strange how my friends seem to be getting older and older.
Day 39: October 5:
Can't remember
Day 40: October 6:
My family decided to whisk me off to Bangkok to go shopping today. My two sisters, one of my brothers, my Aunt, my dad, my cousin and I all squeezed into a car meant for four, plus our driver. We then dropped my dad off and moved into a bigger car. Thais sure know how to shop. As soon as we reached Bangkok, we first dropped Peat, my brother, off at the market. It would have been an ordinary, hectic, and tiring day of shopping if it wasn't for one event. My younger sister, Koy, and I stopped to look at a pair of pants we liked. I continued my inspection of them as she went to ask the owner of the shop where we could find more of them. I heard her begin to ask, stop abruptly, then say "ao". I looked up to see what was wrong, and as I looked around the precariously posed mannequins, I noticed the man was not Asian. He seemed startled at first when he noticed me, probably just about as startled as I'm assuming I looked. He quickly recovered and went about his business as if it was nothing. He noticed which pair we were looking at and directed us to where they were on the racks. He said to us "I believe the ones you are looking for are over here." In English. He then asked us which style we preferred. He must have thought I didn't speak English because, somehow, I had forgotten that we spoke the same language. I first started speaking to him in Thai. I realized my error when I heard Koy try to talk with him in broken English. It still didn't click in my mind that he was clearly fluent in English, as well as I, and I too began to speak to him in broken English. Then, just before we were about to leave, it clicked. I asked him where he was from and he said Vancouver, then indicated to the hat on his head, which said "Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics." He then asked me where I was from. Expecting the usual blank stare, I told him Cooperstown, NY. A wide smile broke out on his face "Oh! Baseball Hall of Fame! I've been there!" Can you imagine? The two of us, halfway across the world, end up in the same city, at the same time, with over a million other people, and we somehow manage to find each other. We chatted for a little bit, but we didn't stay for too long. It was getting late, we were tired and hungry, and we still had to pick up Peat. So, we said our goodbyes and parted. Maybe I'll see him again, you never know. It sure is a small world after all.
We got back in the car and drove to a market outside of a mall. Kung, our aunt, and I continued shopping for a little bit while Koy and our cousin waited with the driver. Once we hit a point of absolute exhaustion, we used our last stores of energy to climb back into the car. We drove around some back streets, all the while I had no idea what we were doing. I soon learned we were picking up Peat and another cousin. We found them eventually and they both squeezed in the front. Then the cousin, I can't remember her name, got out at I think a bus station. We arrived at a restaurant in Nakhon Pathom and our parents were arriving just as we were. I wondered for a moment of their perfect timing of their arrival and what a coincidence it was, when I remembered the marvels of modern technology: the cell phone. We had dinner as a live band played amazing music. Music is always so much better live because you can really hear the music, and not only can you hear it, but you can feel it. When we arrived home, I learned my dad had bought a piano. No one in my family really knows how to play a piano. It came with numbers on some of the keys. I was confused why there were numbers on the keys at first, until I looked at the music book on the stand. The books had not only the words to famous Thai songs, but also numbers below the words that correspond to the number on the key you press for the correct note. Oi vey.
Day 41: October 7:
Again I was whisked off to Bangkok with no idea what we were about to do. I got in the car with my two sisters and my aunt. On our way, we picked up my older cousin, who I had met yesterday. I quickly learned we were going to see a movie. When we arrived, we didn't have much time before the movie started, but we were all hungry. Their first thought was "Find Courtney a burger." I used all of my will power to turn down this offer and ate polar snow instead. It's basically Italian ice with fruit and condensed milk on it. A-roy mak mak. We had a quick coffee, well I had a coffee they had hot chocolate, before going to our movie. I have learned that Thais have the same sense of humor about movies as I do. We all, everyone in the theater, laughed as the previews for various horror movies played. Somehow Thai horror films are far more entertaining than American ones. The film we watched wasn't a Thai horror, however, it was "Grown Ups". In English with Thai subtitles. After all of the previews and just before the actual film started, music started and everyone stood up. Practicing what I observe, I stood up as well, my popcorn laden hand halfway between the bag and my mouth, unsure if it should continue out its task, return to the popcorn bag, or remain where it was. As a result it performed many spastic motions, quickly launched itself to my mouth, then dropped to my side. No one noticed, fortunately, because they were too busy focusing on the screen which was now playing a montage of various things the king has done for his country. The music ended, the screen went black, and we all sat back down in our seats. The movie was funny, but not too great. I think what I enjoyed most from the film was my sisters' and cousin's reactions. After the movie, we had a quick round of Traditional Asian Drum Hero. Not quite like Guitar Hero, but I rocked it anyway. We returned to our car, found Peat once again, then made the long journey back home.
Day 42: October 8:
Nothing. Today had nothing of great significance occur. Just a usual day in Thailand with many more like it to come, and somehow I never tire of them.
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