8 Interesting Cultural Traits in Thailand You Wish Your Country Had: Part 2

4. Using the weather as an excuse for anything and everything

I had a friend from the States recently say to me "Man, it's such a good day outside here but it must be awesome all the time in Thailand." To set the record straight: No. Granted it is generally nice but it does get very hot some days. And the hot days are often followed by heavy rains which is preferable for most. A good, sunny day also means carrying around umbrellas while riding motorcycles or standing/working in the shade so your skin doesn't turn "black." I sometimes get dragged out of the sun so my skin doesn't turn "ugly" and tan. It is now the rainy season which means that there is an abundance of precipitation. The rain comes in waves (sometimes literally) so Thais will wait for it to stop before adventuring outside to carry on with their day. On a more personal level, the Thais fear for my health. When it starts to rain they believe I will get sick which in all fairness could happen. And when they aren't worrying about my immune system they are worried I will crash my bike which, again, could happen. Coming from Washington State, it's difficult for me to understand why daily activities can be hindered from a little ran. But again, different climate = different culture. So weather it's hot or cold (see what I did there?), the climate plays into everyday living just as in other parts of the world. Now I just need to get used to holding an umbrella.

3. Having a 'Color-A-Day'

Having trouble deciding what to wear today? Do you know what day of the week it is? No problem. This makes it incredibly easy to get dressed each day because certain colors coordinate with the days of the week. Just throw on the right polo shirt and you're set. No standing in front of your dresser starting at clothes. No trying on multiple outfits to find "the one." Just look at the calendar, coordinate the color, and you day is ready to go. And if folks are really into this tradition they even do their underwear. Or so I'm told.

Sunday-Red
Monday- Yellow
Tuesday- Pink
Wednesday- Green
Thursday- Orange
Friday- Blue
Saturday- Purple


Right now I almost have my collection complete of polos for every day. I call it my personal game of "Polomon." Gotta catch 'em all!


2. Being a child lasts until you are 25(ish)

At first I thought people were treating me like a child because I'm a farang (foreigner) and new to the country. Then I found out it is because of that and also the fact that I am under 30 years old. No joke. I asked when a person is considered an adult in Thailand and the answer was 25-30 years old. This explains why I get food/money/rides offered to me constantly. If I don't eat much I get brought something else in the hopes that I will like that better. If I don't eat that, I get asked if I need to go see the doctor. There are some times when this is great but it takes me back to the awkward, teenage, rebelliousness phase of life. Choosing not to do things they way people tell me to because I want to (and can) do it differently. This is just because I'm so familiar with an independent lifestyle and Thai 'youth' are familiar with being taken care of in a close-knit community setting. Having college paid for in-full and pants with pocket money is considered the norm. Thais take care of their kin in a nice rotation of age and responsibility. Plus it's funny to see their faces when they find out I can cook for myself. And not just Top Ramen.

1.Fitting the whole family and the dog on one (1) motorbike/scooter

It's not out of the ordinary to see a motorbike crammed with people. Some volunteers have reported seeing 5 (or more) people. The most I've seen is 2 adults and 2 kids with a dog in the basket. That could be considered a family of five I guess. They looked really happy weaving through traffic with the kids acting like they learned to ride before walking; which is probably true. Being a PC volunteer, we are not allowed to drive or ride on a motorbike. If we do, we get sent home. There is a convenience factor that we miss out on when all we have is our bicycle but I understand the reason. Still, you wouldn't see a whole family making their way around town on a scooter in the States and there would probably be some child endangerment laws or something other. There are helmet laws but they find it difficult to enforce. In the smaller, rural parts I rarely see people wear them. Granted, there are few accidents at my site but with that many people on one motorbike it wouldn't take much. Wear your helmets kids. It keeps the smarts inside.

8 Interesting Cultural Traits in Thailand You Wish Your Country Had Part 1

I didn't know what to call the next list so I came up with an alternative title
"8 Interesting cultural norms in Thailand" or "8 Things I like to do here but won't be able to when I return to the States for fear of widespread social isolation from friends and family, possibly the rest of the American public." I'll let you decide which one I should go with. Also, let it be noted that these aren't exclusive to Thailand.

8. Picking your nose in public

Ok. So I've never done this here (yet) but it is on my 'To Do' list. Many volunteers were first engrossed and just plain grossed when we first noticed people doing this. One moment you are telling someone about your job as a volunteer and what you find most appealing about their culture then the next you find yourself staring at a hand that use to have 5 fingers but lost one because their index become greedy and wanted to dig for gold. (Insert corny joke about ring finger wanting a cut). Soon after discovering this was acceptable, the boys in our group felt that this was a norm that they could easily conform to. It's all about assimilation here, people. The nice thing about this norm is that it carriers over many demographics. There is no age, gender, or other basis for discrimination. It's not uncommon to see see children wiping their fingers on their clothes or seeing them give their nose a nice rub on the shirt of an unsuspecting adult; not unlike in the States. Nothing shameful stands in the way between a person and their sniffer.

7. Talking in the third person

So for this one Lacey thinks of Tarzan. Why yes! Lacey likes fruit! There are many languages out there that have used this type of grammar and it is interesting here in Thailand. Thai has many forms of the word 'I' and Lacey thinks Lacey has counted at least five different ways to say it. Lacey has also seen ways to use those different forms based on who you are talking with and the setting. With Lacey's close friends, for example, Lacey says 'Lacey' instead of the more formal 'Dii Chan' (sounds like dee-chon). Lacey thinks this is a very interesting trait of Thais but Lacey hopes Lacey can get it out of her system before she comes home. Lacey hopes that this wasn't too confusing for everyone because I (Lacey) am pretty sure I am at this point.

6. Eating constantly

Still trying to get used to this one too. Thais eat a lot and they aren't ashamed about it or reaffirming that point with me. It's not uncommon that I come to work and see the staff enjoying a nice selection of canome (again, no English word to define it but basically desserts). When I don't partake in the morning canome or (heaven forbid) I'm not hungry at lunch, I am then, very seriously, asked if I am feeling well and wish to go to the doctor. So the cliff-notes of it: Thais are serious about their food, sharing it with others, and love eating around the clock.

And this is just the midnight snack

If a Thai gives you food, it's polite to take it or tell them you're full already. And it is always nice to bring something to share for an informal meeting or get together. Food could easily be considered in the Top 5 (if not Top 3) of the "Most Important Cultural Aspects of Thailand." Which leads me to my next entry.

5. Greet people by asking "Have you eaten yet?"

Just so you know, you do say "Hello/Sa wat dii" before this greeting so it isn't as blunt as I make it sound. Plus, this is actually somewhat brilliant and way more meaningful than I once thought. I've said it already but Thais love to eat. So imagine how fun it is to go around and ask people their eating schedule and then go into detail about the foods you already ate, just ate, and will eat in the future. Or when it's just a way to break the ice. For example:

Me: "Have you eaten today yet?"
Random Thai: "Yes, I've eaten already."
Me: "What did you have?"
Random Thai: "Uhh....Rice." (Which is then followed by a look that asks "Is this foreigner serious?!?! Did she just ask me what I ate?")

I've heard a few different greetings from around the world and some of them are easy to understand the emotion behind it. The Thai greeting here is a motherly instinct but there is also time for joking. The food in the South is exceptionally spicy and I basically have the same conversation everyday.

Random Thai: "Can you eat spicy food?"
Me: "Yes" (plain, simple and straight to the point)
Random Thai: "Really?!"

At this point 1. Random Thai is wondering if the foreigner knows the word for 'yes' in Thai and answered correctly and 2. Random Thai just pulled off their glove, slapped me across the face, and challenged me to a Battle of the (Taste) Buds

Me:   "Yes, really" (Challenge accepted, Sir)

This is followed by me eating, occasionally sweating but loving the food, and the entire table trying to be sneaky about watching me eat. Nowadays, my Thai peeps will intercede for me and proudly tell others that "Yeah, our farang can eat like us! How cool is that?!" I'm not sure if I'm getting 5 plates of rice a day because I'm a foreigner and I'm not sure if they like telling others my spicy food eating ability because they have seen the amazing act first hand. But whatever the case I feel the love. Also, they think I can't cook which is maybe a plus. I think.

Talking with other present and returned volunteers, I know that my time here is going to be one roller coaster after another. But I've been riding the same roller coaster for months now. Think about when you were little and you went to an amusement park. So far, I've been on everything from the ferris wheel to tilt-a-whirl here. Hell, I've been stuck at the kiddie park with the rubber flooring to prevent any type of injury possible while everyone watches me while anticipating some sort of accident that can only be brought on by negligence.

Lately, I've been feeling like the little kid who got on the roller coaster ride. I am strapped (almost forced) into place by a metal bar in a rickety seat. Then, without warning, the carnie turns the machine on and speaks some sort of mumbled, indecipherable jargon at me which I can only assume is supposed to be about safety and other concerns. What does he want me to do? It only makes me more anxious. Then I begin the climb. Nervousness creeps up every one of the disks of my spine with every crank of the wheel; every foot gained higher off the ground in my little cart. I hold any noise from my voice in the hopes that I don't appear weak to the other riders/volunteers. As riders, we are all in the same position; the same ride. Even though we are feeling the same thing we don't talk about it. Sure we talk about how much fun we are having and how exciting the experience is. We just accept the fact that everyone on the ride is the same spot and has to last the entirety of the trip. If we didn't want to go through with it, we shouldn't have waited in the long line when others more willing could have easily taken our place. If we didn't want to go through with it, we should have gotten off or told the carnie "it isn't for me" before they put down that metal latch. That metal latch is now in place and locked over my lap. I've gone through the first part; where the cart jerks violently upwards and puts itself in line for the biggest impact/drop of the ride. This moment takes forever. The anticipation grows exponentially with each second. Each jerk, however painful, is a sign of progress and one more step closer to the goal. This climb is lasting forever. As it finally cascades over the highest incline, I am torn. I am both excited and scared for the intense change of pace. Looking out over the top of the ride, is it okay for me to initially regret my decision? Have I reached the top already? What the f**k did I just agree to? Can we put this ride in reverse? Would I be considered a wimp if I closed my eyes? I don't have enough courage to put my hands in the air so instead I clutch the cold metal bar close to me which I can only assume was grasped by those that shared the same characteristics. Oh gosh, I can feel the cart leveling off!

Right before the cart begins its steep decline, I realize that it will only get better than this and that it will all be over before I know it. But this roller coaster is different. My roller coaster is different. I've had to wait patiently and anxiously for my cart to make the first and most difficult climb. I've had to endure holding onto my screams of excitement and fear while my cart was racing at the highest drop, all the while not knowing which turns or drops where ahead of me. But the turns, climbs, and drops are not ending. I have finally gotten the strength and opened my eyes only to realize that this ride has its own design. My hold on that metal bar is still strong. Sure, I have an idea when it is going to end, but I have no idea what the ride actually looks like. I have no way to plan for the track that lays ahead for it is strictly laid out by my reactions alone. I am responsible. Once I realize this I feel calm. I still get anxious when I feel the cart jolt violently downward, yet I know that it has no choice but to either turn upward or level off. I also know that at anytime, there will be a camera to go off and take a horrible candid photo of every cart that is with me. That proves that I have to be 'on all the time." We all do. But this also makes me wonder...

Can I get medical leave for mental whiplash?

June came too soon. This is good in one way because that means I have 21 months to go. However, it also reminds me how much work still needs to be done. My most recent projects will be focusing on Information Communications Technology (ICT), behavior modification towards diabetes with at-risk groups, and a Youth Life Skills Camp pertaining to Drug Abuse and Awareness. Here's the rundown:

ICT: I will be working with my office and leaders in the area to provide an alloted time each week to teach a program (ie.Word, PowerPoint, Excel) by myself to a group a individuals who are interested in learning to do more with their computers. There will be a couple different types of audiences so I will have to change the structure depending if I have my office staff, adults in the community, or children. The goal is to promote the use of the ICT center so it can be used to better the needs of the community members. Teenagers can use the programs to work on homework/presentations for their present school and create applications and resumes for future university or jobs. The rubber tree market is a prominent feature in southern Thailand and the center can be used by farmers to check market status and agricultural products.

Diabetes: I mentioned the amount of processed sugar that Thais eat in an older post so it is nice to see that my community wants to implement this type of project. It's been an issue for some time now in Thailand and even has a catch phrase: 'Thai-a-betes.' And even though the comparative average of people with diabetes is lower here than in the US (7.1% Thailand to 10.3% US source International Diabetes Foundation) it is estimated that the numbers here will rise. That is why an increase in prevention awareness and education is essential. I say behavior modification I don't mean rolling up a newspaper and bopping people on the head like a dog and telling them "No. Drop it. Drop the cake." There is a cultural aspect that needs to be considered as well. For those already familiar with 'kanomes' (basically any Thai sweet) they play an important role in relationship building. Wanna make a new friend? Share a kanome. Have a meeting to attend? Bring a kanome. A VIP is coming to the village to do a presentation? Give 'em a kanome (and a box of kanomes 'to-go'). It's an integral part of Thai culture so my role is to try and balance the attitude of holding onto its importance while instilling a moderation attitude. This means educating people about the cause, cost and aftermath of dealing with diabetes or helping a family member with diabetes while not sugar-coating any of the details.

Youth Life Skills Camp: I don't know if this is really going to be a camp or perhaps a bi-monthly presentation to the community or maybe just a two day experiment. Whatever it is, it will include important issues such as health, diet and exercise, sex-ed, and drug awareness. The main objective is drug awareness. My community has youth members who engage in illegal drug activity and my job will be to show them the effects of drug use  while also showing outside risks such as community vulnerability and long term effects physically and socially. It is also important to reach out to the kids who are not using to rid some of the myths out there pertaining to drug use and addiction.It's just the matter of giving it a push to get started.

I did get to play for a bit last month in Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi which are gorgeous. I've also discovered that I really don't like trying to fall asleep without some sort of noise. Does it mean I'm afraid to be left with my own thoughts? Would I find them boring? Nahhh. If they were boring they would probably help me sleep better. Would I find them frightening? Nahhh. I put enough thoughts like that in my head to create a pretty nice layer of anxiousness on my mind during the day already. And then I forget about them 5 minutes later anyway. Or maybe the reason I need noise is to drown out the mysterious scratching that comes from my roof that is followed by the sounds of some sort of rat/monkey/bird.

(The monkeys have curly rabies? Another project idea)

And this reminds me of Wizard of Oz. Which reminds me of Wicked (which is about a witch). Which is showing in Vancouver BC. Which makes me miss the Pacific Northwest and going to shows. So how do I cope with missing American climate and culture? I'm still trying to figure that out. This weekend I did make peanut butter by scratch which helped but I didn't have any salt so I just used my tears instead. FYI try not to eat it when you are crying because you don't want excess tears to fall into the jar. Too much salt is bad for the body.

So yes. I made peanut butter. I also made a lemon sugar body scrub from all natural ingredients too. It was very easy and I'm surprised how well it works. Now all I need is to wait until I can get a ride to the market again to load up on supplies. This would be a great project to do in my village and I am going to try to spark some interest. I have a feeling that it will be difficult, however, when it seems most people would prefer their skin-whitening products.

It's amazing to me how much Thailand can bring out the kid in you. This month it was the epic water fight known as Songkran, the Thai Traditional New Year. This week long festival is a chance for soul purification, cleaning Buddha images, and a chance for individuals to return to their home villages and spend quality time with their community. Luckily for me, there is a temple right across from my house where I can witness all of these events. Being a foreigner/farang I am not familiar with the rules (if there are any) of a water fight. I was also stuck with the dilemma of upholding my confident, professional, government employee stature or just going crazy and running to grab the first hose I saw and show them how we do things in Amerrrrica. Needless to say, I took the more appropriate route even though I secretly wanted to run around with everyone with buckets of perfume infused water.

I take that back; there was one kid asking for it and I broke character for a bit. He came out of no where with a backpack (yes... I said backpack) attached to a gigantic two-chambered, 5-pump, semi-automatic water gun. We just stare at one another, sizing up each other and checking out our surroundings and possible hiding spots. I look at the impressive weapon he's holding and then to his once 'innocent' face which now shows a toothy grin as we both realize he has the upper hand. There are trees everywhere I could run to if needed be. Should I call out "CHUIY DUIY!' (HELP!) and then be rescued like the fragile American I am? But then it hits me. I remember I have at least one weapon I can rely on. Being the 'farang' I am being watched all the time. The boy knows this. I know that the boy knows this. And he knows that I know that he knows this. So I smile right back at him. It's time for the impact. He sprays me on leg. Okay. That wasn't bad. People have noticed and started laughing  Good....Good. I have their attention. He sprays me again. Some others tell him to stop which is what I was expecting. But his clothing is soaked from head to foot which tells me he is not one to give up so easily. He sprays me again. I am utterly helpless and waiting for someone to help level the playing field. He sprays me again. I force a laugh which muffles a silent cry born from cultural confusion and the deeper realization of my vulnerability; not only in this moment but what has accumulated for the past four months. The flowing water has created its own river of thoughts in my mind. Why didn't Peace Corps talk to us about the do's and don'ts of water warfare during Songkran? How far does my humiliation have to go in order help bring about sustainable community development? Why the heck didn't I just buy that $1 water pistol back there? Then the water stops. I look up to see a goddess standing before me grasping the barrel of the little boy's gun. His toothy grin wiped from his face like....well...  when candy is taken from a baby. His gun suddenly becomes heavy under his small arms as they fall limp to his side in defeat. Our spirits are both crushed as we stand facing each other both drenched in water and failure. His pain is one all too familiar to me. We look at each other again. This time, something is different; it feels lighter. He smiles his toothy grin which coerces me into smiling. As I slowly approach him, I can feel the significant change of weight of my clothes.  Building trust can be the most difficult task in integrating into a community and because I always have eyes on me I want to do it right. I ask him the usual question: Have you eaten yet? Then more questions about the festival and eventually if I can see his water gun. His toothy-grinned face turns to one of shock. I explain that in America we don't have guns like the one he has and I want to see how it works. He is still hesitant. Clever boy. But then, in his last and fatal moment of weakness he hands me his only means of defense. As I look over the machine that once brought about my demise I realize I have two options: 1. Hand back the gun and tell him I had fun playing with him so I build a potential beneficial community relationship OR 2. Put him in his place and send a message to all the others that I am not the fragile farang as they initially thought. I chose the latter. I pull the trigger and start spraying him unmercifully. The same look of confusion that I once wore is now on his face as he tries to escape my watery wrath but is stopped by his own device which is still secured to his backpack full of water. I notice the water level is still high. Excellent. Just when I can taste the victory our match is stopped suddenly. The once heavenly goddess whom I once deemed my protector is pulling my prey away from me and telling me it is time to eat. Again? Now?? That toothy grin will be the last image I remember from that brief and bitter battle.

Oh well.
There's always next year.

Other more notable stuff that happened:

- Lost my Life
When I say I 'lost my life' I realize that is a bit extreme but that is certainly how I felt. When you loose your external hard drive that has EVERYTHING from your past on it, you get a little upset. Pictures from my all my travels, friends and family, papers from school, project ideas, music, movies and so forth. Gone. When I say loose, I mean Mother Nature and Irony get together and decide to have a one-night stand. So Mother Nature (flooding) hits and I moved everything up or at least out of the path of the flood water coming into my room. Enter stage right Irony. I have a degree in this exact field and I know better than to leave my technological toys out in the open when there is water up to my calf. I realize my mistake because someone had moved some objects (which were in a perfectly stable and comfortable place located on my bed) to a 'more secure' spot higher, and thus further away, from the water. Higher = Better. Mother Nature and Irony look at each other and their worlds collide. My hard drive falls into the water. Mother Nature and Irony laugh at life and enjoy the moment they are sharing. The water creeps its way into the plastic casing of my hard drive and silently washes away the moments that made me who I am. Irony wakes up the next morning and quietly sneaks out, not wanting to wake up Mother Nature who is still sleeping soundly in my room (ie flood water won't leave).What seemed like a fun idea to Mother Nature and Irony is now just an awkward situation in where someone doesn't call the next day, ignores texts, someone gets hurt, and has a big breakdown. Namely me. After a good afternoon of just sitting and staring at the flood waters mocking me, I realize that the situation can't be helped. I can't fix the situation and have to leave it in its awkwardness. I go to my room and grab my camera to take the first picture of my new life: the flooded backyard of my house. Moral of the story is don't get caught up in the memories of the past and because it takes away from creating new ones. Also, respect Mother Nature; she's been through a lot.

- Me teach English Good
As a Community-Based Organizational Development (CBOD) volunteer, we are not considered teachers like the Teacher Collaboration and Community Outreach (TCCO) volunteers. But for some strange reason, any farang is automatically labeled an English teacher.  I can speak English and Thailand wants English teachers. 1+1= 2.  I get it. the math doesn't lie. That being said, one activity that I have started to really enjoy is teaching English. I do it every Friday with children anywhere from 7-12. So far, the numbers have gone from 10 children to 20. One of my biggest obstacles it that they are all at different levels so I've just been teaching the alphabet and some basic vocabulary. I give teachers a ton of credit in balancing the lesson plan to adapt to everyone's levels. Last week, I had one little boy who became so overwhelmed that he started to cry after writing the first few letters of the alphabet. I went over to ask him what the matter was and he told me "he can't write well". Nearly broke my heart so I gave the rest of the students a coloring task and tried to get him caught up with the help of another adult. FYI, coloring is the best time-waster if you are ever in a crunch. After the lesson, I gave him and a few of the other students letter tracing worksheets and they seemed happy to learn more English. They were also printed on scrap paper (enter your own clever segue here). Earth Day also landed on a Friday this year so I was able to incorporate a small project around that. I made a "hands on" project and had all of the children and even some adults make a cut out of their hand and then draw a picture of something they think about when they think of Earth. Now, I have a nice poster board at my SAO which is covered in doodles of trees, mountains, and lakes. I am slowly getting the hang of the teaching thing but still not used to the little ones calling me "Teacher." With my lessons there aren't tests, just fun and games and a project they can take home at the end of the day. My goal is to create an army of little teachers so when they go home they share what they have learned with their families. That is the first phase of my plan for world domination.. I mean... er... building a network for stronger community collaboration. Yeah that's it.

- I'm homeless
After a month of living at site the volunteers get to find their own place to live. My host family has given me the option to stay with them for the next two years and I accepted it. It has been a month and I am seeing all of my friends move into gorgeous homes at their sites. I think about how it would have been if I would have moved out on my own but then I think about my current situation. My sister is also my field counterpart at my SAO. She knows practically everyone in my area which will help me in project planning. I don't have to worry about finding furniture and other appliances such as air-conditioning and wireless. Plus, this will force me to improve my Thai. I actually have a pretty nice little set up here and they are building me a room off of their house so I will have my privacy but still be around if I need them. Having a little sister, 7 years old, is a great way to learn Thai and teach her English. The past few nights we have been playing word search games and I will ask her what it is in Thai. This turns into charades in which we both say the word in Thai and English then act it out. My favorite is 'bee' or 'pung' in which we fly around and try to sting each other with our rears. Don't judge. It's all in the name of education.

- Thai-napped for a day
Many volunteers have experienced this already. The definition of "Thai-napped" is the act or situation where an individual is unknowingly thrown into a different situation than they intended/planned. This can be initiated by a familiar Thai person or complete stranger. Some examples include being dragged to a funeral, festival parade, a huge luncheon, or a stressful vacation or relaxing business trip (yes, I meant it that way). The duration of the Thai-nap is unknown to the victim and can last anywhere from a few hours to days. So, the weekends are our time to relax. However, last weekend I felt that I didn't show my face enough in my community. My sister's supervisor/my counterpart wanted her to come to an event where they were handing out food kits that were donated by Honda. We had just finished an intense week of work and both didn't want to go but knew that it would be better if we did. So we made a plan to go for 3 hours and return at noon. That was mistake #1. Never expect to return home at a specific time. Turns out the Nai-Amphur (similar to a county head/commissioner) and his wife were making an appearance. I had met his wife before and she speaks English so it was nice to see her again. My sister and I were enjoying our time being able to stand in the back and observe and thankful we didn't have to work. That was mistake #2. Always look your best and be prepared because your duties will always change. Before I knew it I was being told I was to sit next to them at the front of the crowd and hand out the kits. Twenty minutes later, I am being invited to have lunch at their table. Oh no, now they are talking with my sister and keep looking at me. This can't be good. Twenty minutes after that (which is now 1:00pm) I am being wisked away in the Thai Red Cross Society van with the Nai-Amphur's wife back to her house. I have no idea where I am going, who these people are, or when I was going to see my house again. That was my last mistake; having certain expectations. I had only met her once before so, needless to say, I felt nervous. She ended up giving me one of the most relaxing and life enlightening experiences so far. She gave me a pair of Thai fisherman's pants, which has to be the most comfortable piece of clothing I have ever worn. She showed me pictures of her wedding and explained some of the differences between Thai and Western ceremonies. She shared some of the simple pleasures and hobbies of hers such as traveling and photography and flowers which I also enjoy. And then she arranged for us to visit one of the many waterfalls in the area. So instead of returning home around noon and relaxing at home, I returned home around 6:00pm and learned a few life lessons and made a new (VIP) friend. However, this last weekend she called me and told me that her and her husband were set to move out of Thung Song. We will keep in touch as we both enjoy talking in our mix of Thai-English but I can't help but feel the situation is bittersweet. It seems a lot of my relationships with my most important friends (both in Thailand and the U.S.) have been put to the distance test lately. Being Thai-napped is just another ambiguous situation that you have to learn to appreciate and embrace. One aspect of Thai life that is shared by everyone is that we live day by day and never know what is going to happen. It is almost like a create your own story book. If you go down a certain path, it influences the rest of your day. You can't choose a path and then keep your thumb on the page and go back to where you were if you don't like it. You generally have to stick it out for better or worse because you never know how it's going to end. So for me, the question is should I go to page 24 and save the princess or turn to page 47 and travel through the graveyard?

I really wasn't expecting to write so soon after my last entry so how about a condensed version?  Someone told me that they "want MORE bullet points." Ok, if that is what you really want.... nah just kidding. No one said that for reals. I am just saying that because I like BPs. They are so much easier and nicer for me and you guys won't have to hear about how "this was the moment I felt I belonged" or "I came out of that situation a better person." I am emotionally stagnant at this point but I promise you I will get to that point in the future. I realize there is a time for that type of self reflection and if I feel the need to share then I will gladly do so. As for now, I was just knee-deep in water so learn to deal. (please?) And on to why I was just knee-deep in water...

(also I mean for my sarcastic humor to have a hilarious twinge to it. Please don't take anything I say literally. I'm from the Pacific NW and that's how we do.)

I've been at site for 2 days.

It's Saturday.

It's 11:14pm. 

I just got home. 

I just got home from visiting my tambon (Namaipai) with my amazing field counterpart who I work with at the office. What were we doing visiting everyone so late? Well, about 7 of my 14 villages have flooded. Mine being one of them. Not all of the areas are completely underwater but it is getting close in most of the rest. If I step 5 feet from my room I will be swimming. 

Here are a few interesting questions I thought about:

1. Weren't we supposed to have a lull in activity our first month? (not complaining; just find it funny)

2. Can't frogs and snakes find a better place to congregate than the road during a flood?

3. Why aren't any of the labels in the emergency response vehicle (like radio and emergency lights) changed to Thai?

The last one is pretty coincidental because of my degree and the fact that I speak English. Sounds like a Win-Win Situation to me. If was an odd feeling to be in a emergency response vehicle in a foreign land for once but I did feel like I had a purpose. Even though my technical Thai vocabulary is still in the toddler stage, everyone knows I have the mind of an adult with a background related to rural development and emergency management. If you are wondering, nobody was hurt. We just made a point to visit all of the villages and warn them of the dangers of the increase of rain, where the floods would hit, and who they could go to for help. For the houses that were already hit by the floods, we checked to make sure everyone was ok and had supplies. It seems that most people are pretty comfortable with where they are at even if they are standing in 1 foot of water. Being more family and community orientated does have its perks.

Other main points of interest: 

• I, and 65 amazing people became Official Peace Corps Volunteers on March 21, 2011
• Sarcasm does not exist here
• I found this out after I told my counterpart (in Thai) that "I do not like fun"; when in fact I do like fun; very much in fact
• I have the unique ability to sleep soundly on a bus or in a pickup for more than 10 hours but still be able to wake for peeing and eating stops

And speaking of sleep I am off to bed and getting ready to see the damage in the light (both literally and figuratively). And please think about those who have been impacted by negative events this past month. If there is anything that I've learned since my short time of being here it is that language and distance mean little when it comes to compassion for humanity.

Site Placement and Sugar

Permanent site is going to be in Amphur Tung Song, Jangwat Nakohnsrithammarat. It is a province on the east coast in the southern region of Thailand. And I leave in about 6 days. I could try to do a detailed version of everything I have done in the past month but, to be honest, I just don't feel like I could do it justice. I am feeling very "bullet-pointy" today so you all can enjoy the rest of the post via list format.

Stuff I've Done:

• Got my site placement and visited my supervisor and potential host family
• Found out a member of my graduate committee at UAF has been to my site
• Visited a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) who is getting ready to finish up her two year term and gave the whole PC experience to me without the sugar coating
• Been to 3 weddings/ reception dinners
• Had my language proficiency test (I passed)

Stuff I HaveYet to Do:

• Say goodbye to my host family in Ayutthaya
• Learn to keep my face in check and not show negative emotion
• Understand the difference between a "good" car honk and a "bad" car honk; I'm not even sure there is a "bad" car honk
• Learn to cook like a Thai

Stuff I Still Need to Get Used to Here:

• Waking up early
• Eating rice for every meal
• Eating more than three meals in a day
• Sugar is practically used in everything
• Riding my bike on a busy street
• Coffee- 3 in 1 (instant coffee, sugar, and creamer)
• Having Thais come up to me and compare skin color

Stuff I Love About This Country:

• Taking 2 showers a day is acceptable and highly recommended
• Taking the time to complete takes
• Seafood
• Fruit seasons (right now it is mango)
• Everyone here smiles (regardless of how many teeth they are missing; which I think is from all the sugar they eat)

Thank you to everyone for all the support these past months. It means a tremendous amount to me when I receive an email, text or simple wall post. I will have a new address soon so keep your eyes out for that as well. 

Extra!!!: If you can tell me how many times I mentioned the word "sugar" in this post I will send you a genuine postcard and canome (Thai dessert with sugar).

Four weeks in. This last weekend was a crash course in Thai culture for me. Saturday, our Peace Corps group engaged in a Thai Day extravaganza which inlcuded Thai food, dance and music. After that, the group living in Tambon Uthai was invited to the Nayoke's house for lunch and entertainment (she would be considered the mayor). Then my family took me into town for some shopping at the Tesco Lotus. Just wow. It was a bit overwhelming but I did manage to find some things. Think of it like a classy Wal-mart (if there is such a thing). Sunday, we went to see some history and visited Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, dancing elephants and Wat (I can't remember the name but it was long) which has a floating market with food vendors. Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was absolutely stunning and huge! It was a great view from the top and it was amazing on the inside as well. Then we went to see dancing elephants and I have to say I was impressed. I got to feed them and pet them and watch them hula hoop. There were 2 toddlers which were 2 years old and so cute. I saw that they also had elephant rides which was wonderful. It would be great to go on one at some point in the future but I have two years to go and why not space out the fun?

Along with that, I also received my nickname from my family. Everyone has a nickname here and I think it is because their birth names are generally long and because they have some significance to the individual. My nickname is "Maylee" which is a white flower that is fragrant. I have to say that I agree with the white part but I can't smell that great given it is so humid and I'm always on my bike. Then finally, we had a cross culture experience when I made my family dinner. One the menu was spaghetti. I was really worried that my family wouldn't like it; especially the kids. But it turned out great and I was soooo relieved when the kids went back for seconds. We even had a neighbor that came over and finished up the leftovers straight from the pot. That made me feel like I have some culinary skills. Horray.... Still working on pics so I just need to gain motivation and time. 

It seems there is some confusion as to who, what, where, when, why and how my role is going to be played out in the next couple years. To tell the truth I do not fully understand the extent myself but I will try to shine some light.

Right now, there are 66 trainees which have been divided into 6 sub-districts (Tambon) inside of the district (Amphur) Uthai. I am living in Tambon Uthai, Amphur Uthai, Jangwot Ayutthaya.We live with individual host families in the first 2 months of training which consists of cross cultural learning, safety and security, health, and language. It is full on immersion. After a week of orientation/staging we were placed in our host family without any knowledge of the language. I take that back... we knew how to say "Hello. My name is-----." And that was it. I didn't know what to think at first. I wasn't nervous until about the time I was getting in the car with my new family and they were asking me all sorts of questions that I couldn't answer. Since then we have been attending class from 8 AM until 5 PM which consists of language and assignment specifications. There are two groups: Community-Based Organizational Development (CBOD) and Teacher Collaboration and Community Outreach (TCCO). I am in the training class for CBOD and we are currently learning about the stakeholders and citizen communication strategies to reach the Thai Government. It begins at the individual level, then comes Mooban (village), Tambon (sub-district or cluster of villages), Amphur (district), Jangwat (province), then finally Thailand (which includes the Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy). More to come on that.

My host family is amazing! My mom is such a wonderful cook and see is always asking me if I am hungry. I learned the word for full right away. I figured since I can't handle spicy food that I would have a hard time. I have since learned I love it and surprised myself by how much I can handle. At dinner one night my mom actually said "pet! pet! (hot)" and reached over to grab the pepper off my spoon. Then I tried to explain the more spice I have the more accustomed I will get and I actually like it. Another night, I was putting this spicy oil on my rice and and my dad said "noy (little)." Yep, he was right on that one. Another thing that makes my family laugh is my inability to say the Thai word for '8.' No matter how hard I try I can't seem to get it. It sounds like a sheep's baa but with a 'p' at the beginning and your mouth is supposed to be in a huge grin. Oh well. As long as my family and I can laugh at it, that is what counts :) I have two older brothers and 2 older sisters who are all wonderful teachers. They are always telling me new words, very patient, and taking me to cultural events throughout the area. My younger sister and brother are so much fun too. The first night we had a ton of their friends over to hula hoop. I even got to show them how to play memory with some children's cards I brought from home. Everyone in this area is friendly and welcoming. If there is ever an awkward situation all one has to do is smile. It truly owns up to it's chuu-len (nickname) and I consider myself extremely lucky to be where I am and surrounded by such wonderful people.

Arriving in Thailand

It's warm. A lot warmer than I expected for 11:00pm. But we are all finally here. We ran into some snags at JFK when our airline didn't reconnect us all after our initial flight was delayed. Then we landed in Japan and had to stay the night at a hotel near Tokyo. Then we ran into more snags at Japan's airport when some members of our group (including myself) were "confirmed" for the flight and others weren't; meaning we had to split up and take a few different airlines. After a few days of travel we have all made it safely and in good shape. And I think it's safe to say we are happy to be rid of our airport squatter lifestyle.

Now here it is about 5:45am Bangkok time (73 degrees F)and we have our first all-day session in about 2 hours. We are staying at a hotel until January 15th after which we will be relocating to our host families in the tambon (or sub-districts) we are assigned. Tomorrow is orientation on ...well, everything, including health and safety, language, and bike riding in rural Thailand. It is also the start of our first set of immunizations :D

It's the Final Countdown DOO DOO DOO DOOOOO!!!

Wow. My blog really needs to get decorated and not look so naked. At this point, I have 2 days until I leave for Spokane and then off to Pennsylvania. For those who came across here and are wondering 'what's going on?!'or my friends who got an email saying 'Lacey's Got Blog Fever!', let me fill you in.

About 25 years ago, the world was blessed with an individual of cosmic proportions who will make the world a more positive place by her presence. As a mere babe, it was obvious she would do everything in her power to get her way. And those around her were grateful; for her Screams of Want were likened to that of the hymns sung by angels. But enough about the Laceolithic era and into the present.

Two years ago I applied to Peace Corps and the University of Alaska Fairbanks as part of the Master's International program which combines to form an academic/volunteer based means to obtain a degree. The application process doesn't last that long for most volunteer applicants but there were (as most of you remember) many hoops for me to jump through. I'm a pretty short person so it wasn't easy to jump through them all. But I did. And after a year of coursework at UAF I am getting ready to spend 2 years using what I have learned and am ready to learn more skills from my host country. 

I will be pretty busy in the next couple of weeks but I hope to post again soon. Got questions or recommendations? Let me know.