The First of Many Weekend Adventures

My first weekend excursion was amazing!! All the interns rode in a rod-deng, which is a little old red truck with two benches in the bed and has a covered top. It is perfectly safe to ride outside of the truck and hang on to the back; this how Ralph likes to roll.

We enjoyed the company of new friends; a graduate student from Duke University with her 6 year old twin girls, a Duke Philosophy Professor and a South African woman with red curly hair. We shared a great lunch at Banana Leaves; Alex ordered great food and we all shared the entries. I enjoyed a delicious chocolate/banana smoothie… I now need one everyday but at 70 cents a pop, why the heck not??

We made our way to Doi Suthep; which is the most famous Wat in Northern Thailand. The Wat is high-up in the jungle and has a remarkable view of Chiang Mai. I live by the mountain clear out to the west or is it east? Anywooo I live 30km out of the city. The ancient story tells of an elephant that carried the Buddha’s shoulder bone on its back and traveled the forest until it reached the area on which the temple now resides.

The Temple has about 100 long steps up to the base of the Wat with amazing dragons coming down the staircase. When we made it to the top, we took off our shoes and explored as much of the complex Wat as possible.

There are several sets of Buddha’s that are organized according to the days of the week. Each day has a Buddha in a different position; the day of the week that one is born is how it is determined which individual Buddha represents them. I was born on a Saturday; my Buddha is the one with 7 serpents. Ralph informed me that Buddhism is one of the only religions that have serpents serve as protection. I am now in search for a Saturday Buddha pendent with a delicate gold chain.

The Wat cannot be described by pictures or words; it was a very moving, spiritual temple. There were several people worshiping and lighting insence at the Way. There are two rooms with massive shrines of several Buddha statues in all different sizes and stones. They have several different elements to the shrine and there are several pictures of the King and Queen. As I sat on my ankles, the proper way of sitting, I said a sincere pray with my palms together, bent over and touched my head to the floor. When it was my turn, I turned to my left and sat in front of a Monk. He started a beautiful chant, the language barrier made the words even more intriguing. He picked up a bamboo stick that contained several shoots, dipped into the wholly water and then splashed it on my face and hair. This is how I received the most sincere blessing from a Monk I may never see again. I have been contemplating my views and beliefs about religion since this experience.

I wondered around the Wat and took a lot pictures. I am reading a book titled, Buddha. I have several questions and I am lucky enough to have Ralph to ask, this was the perfect time to learn more about this ancient religion. This semester in Thailand, I am writing my research paper on religious influences on politics. I find this topic extremely intriguing. The first pilgrim setters came to America for religious freedom; we have “complete separation of church and state” except in Utah. Buddhism is inescapable in Thailand; school, business, homes it is virtually everywhere one looks. Thailand has the ultimate respect for their King and Queen; pictures can be observed in every home, business, signs on the side of the road and at every Wat. All of the calendars observed thus far have been of the King or Buddha.

Wat kitty, skinny little thing!

After the Wat, we went to the Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium. It was fun to see all the fish and animals but the heat made it difficult to enjoy. The constant flow of sweat running down my body makes it hard to concentrate. The animals were a little more alert than at home but basically it was no different from American zoos. We dropped our friends off at the apartment building they share with Ralph and headed to the market. We went to a lovely market that sells every imaginable animal part. We found some delicious meat on a skewer. My first personal rule in Thailand, NEVER under any circumstance ask what kind of meat you are eating while eating!! My second personal rule in Thailand, ALWAYS ask interns as many questions about shady food to avoid!! It is the only way to survive! I find it amazing what I eat when I have been eating about 800 calories a day since Monday and there is no sign that my calorie intake will increase in the near future. The meat was tasty and the sticky rice was not boring. We got dried fruit to share and I got a fresh pineapple juice, so yummy. At this market, I experienced my first Durian aka I wanna throw up cuz it smells like rotten garlic, onions, soaking in dirty socks from my HOT boyfriend in Iraq. Sorry Chase but it’s probably true, you probably have funky socks! The fruit is so gross and it’s slimy!! Side note: I later found out it’s my Thai Mom's favorite fruit and makes her so happy. She loves her children more than Drainan but she may possibly love it more that her husband!! Pukey fruit!

We ate in the back of the rod-deng; it was so fun and refreshing. It was one of the many moments when I start smiling and say I love my life!! I cannot believe I am in South East Asia and experiencing so many simple experiences that are changing my views about my life and the world I thought I knew.

We arrived at the Night Safari in Chiang Mai and were immediately approached by the prettiest baby tiger. The tiger, I like to call him Kitty Kat, was on a chain leash and was biting a stick. His master was nice enough to let us pet the Kitty Kat and he rolled around on the grass. Stanley, got bit by a fish at the aquamarine and got swatted by the tiger!! It was an intense moment but luckily his man purse protected him from the little ol’ baby’s massive paw! Once again, I got this smile on my face and was loving my life!! My internship paid the high price of 250bu ($7US dollars) to get me into the park.

This attraction is truly better than the happiest place on earth Disneyland! Immediately we ran into a baby elephant wearing a beautiful zebra outfit. The elephant did tricks for us and we got to sit on this leg. I was loving this massive creature!! As most already know the elephant’s name is Dolly. We got a special kiss from Dolly! We then walked around a small lake and saw all different kinds of wild life. The most memorable exhibit was the turtles! They were making funny noises and were rockin each other! Alex was particularly amused by these creatures! I could have spent a lot more time observing the creatures and animals but we had to get back to ride the safari bus. As luck would have it, we missed the bus and got to see an amazing laser light show over the lake. I am so glad we missed the bus because we got to stay 2 hours longer to wait for the next bus. There are 2 safari bus rides; the first has less fierce animals. The buses are open on the sides and the darkness of the night made it feel like Jurassic park. The animals are just yards away from the bus or roaming in front of it. The man killing animals are behind an invisible electric fence and are almost too close for comfort. Two huge tigers started fighting on their back paws as we drove pass; it was the highlight of the bus ride. I was worried about getting home late to my family because I have a curfew of 10:30pm and my babies don’t like to sleep until I get home.

Sunday, I was up and ready for church at 7:30, getting up that early feels natural and the rosters in my yard makes it hard to sleep. Stanley and I rode the rod-deng into Chiang Mai. We met the other interns at the church. The church was not different from the church at home except the language barrier. We have the option of wearing headphones to hear the missionaries translate the words into English. I preferred to listen in Thai. We went to an English Sunday school lesson; there was about 10 American’s in the class. Relief Society, at home is so boring and true for Thailand as well. The most passive American woman I have ever seen taught the most boring lesson but maybe she was just nervous. I was laughing because her object lesson back fired. Anywoo, we met with the branch president afterwards and I told him I do best in primary.

We enjoyed another delicious lunch and it cost 20bu haha I love this place! We then found a delicious bakery so I bought my babies some treats and enjoyed a sweet cake. I then saved Stanley’s life by punching him in the gut while he was choking and he never has said thank you… kinda rude! I then enjoyed an internet café for 2 hours and barely had time to check and respond to all of my emails. After that, Stanley, Kimi, Sondra and I then explored Chiang Mai. It was about 5pm and we were waiting for the Sunday market to start, when we used a restroom and found out it was a Thai massage business. we negotiated a price of 250bu (about$7US) and I have never experienced a better massage! Kimi and I were in the same room, we took turns showering. The shower and AC in the building was worth the $7 dollars. We put on these comfortable, huge pants that tied at the waist and a light cotton shirt. The Thai women then came into the room and got on the bed and proceeded to use her whole body to massage and twist mine. I LOVE Thai Massages!! After the massage, the Sunday market was in full swing. All of the items are handmade by Thai people. I didn’t purchase a lot because I want to see everything before I start buying special gifts for myself, family and friends. I did buy my second waffle snack; its waffle batter mixed with different fillings or fruit cooked in different shaped irons. I ate a banana waffle on a stick at Doi Suthrep. At the market I enjoyed a fish with chocolate filling for 5bu. After the market I hurried home, so I wouldn't upset my mom and so I could be well rested for school.

MY NEW LIFE!

Stanley’s new home was the first stop after Ralph’s apartment. If it was any indication of my new home I was getting nervous and the potential bug bites were making me itch. When I saw my new home for the first time, I feel in love! I live in the most beautiful Thai home.

This is our spirit house. Everyday we give it offerings of water, food and flowers. The spirit house is the home of the spirits that reside on the property. My mom grew up in an old house that was tore down once her parents died. She built a new home and continues to reside on this beautiful plot of land. The family wants to keep all the spirit happy! No wonder nothing bad ever happens here...

The home has two beautiful patios; they are connected by the stairs. I enjoy writing in my journal or reading my book in the evenings. I love watching the kids run around and get in water fights and splash my feet!

My new Thai family is so fabulous! My new siblings; Poo (8) is a wild big brother and made me laugh the second I met him. Pee (5) is the cutest Thai boy ever and is my monkey cuz he immediately started hanging on me, and the baby Pim (3) is the next Miss Universe; she is gorgeous. They are extraordinary cute kids and very well behaved and polite!!... At least that day.

My mom’s name is Ma Tu and she is the most petite thing I have ever seen. The Pa works in Bangkok as a police officer and only comes home every few months. My Ma’s grandma lives in the house and mostly we laugh at each other because we can‘t use words to communicate. The Pa’s grandpa lives at the house but he has a way of never being around. The Grandma’s brother lives on the property in Ma Tu’s parents’ old house. The family has 4 dogs, 2 skinny cats, about 4-20 lizards that live on the walls (mostly in the kitchen, family room, and upstairs bathrooms) and we also have a chicken farm in the yard.

My bedroom is unbelievable!! I live upstairs and have the most amazing view of the untamed jungle. Originally, my only furniture was my bed, which made my room more furnished than Stanley’s (he thought he would be sleeping on a mat). The first night at my new home was relaxing, comfortable and exactly where I want to be this summer. I knew I was placed in the perfect country, in the perfect village, and in the perfect home with the perfect bedroom. I woke up several times in the night my first week; I loved the quite sound of frogs and creatures outside of my window. I wake just in time to see the sunrise and I arrived at my own level of Zen.

The first weekend I woke up at 7:30am to the sound of Poo opening the curtains and sweeping the floor. When I am ready to get out of bed, he takes me downstairs to the table and serves me breakfast. Without asking, he gets me water, I decided, I must get my hands on a Thai baby! Poo is the perfect little boy until his brother Pee enters the room and they usually began to fight. My room is the best room to hang out in. The kids play on my laptop while I stared out my window and write in my journal. The last few days have been the most relaxing mornings I can remember in the history of my life. I have forgotten how I got out of bed in America. No offense Katey but I am sick of having you not treat me like a princess every single day!

The uncle Nikro, took me to lunch the day after I arrived. I didn’t want to leave the kids but decided exploring my village was more enticing then babysitting. We went to a restaurant in San Kamphang, I live outside of this village. The place had no front wall, had not been sanitized with cleaning supplies ever and it was very sketchy!! Luckily, my Mexico adventures helped me relax and just enjoy whatever parasites I would be encountering. The food was really good but I took it slow because I have one fear while in Thailand… THE KNOT!! Side note: I do not feel comfortable sharing THE KNOT just yet… it is the graphically disgusting portion of the blog that must wait until I feel more comfortable… some of the readers may already know about THE KNOT. I avoided the ice and totally got called out by the uncle, who speaks English. After lunch, we went to a convenience store. I needed a razor ASAP and had no money of worth. When the uncle offered to buy me some items I asked for a razor and I thought he would never stop laughing after discovering it was for my legs not my face. Apparently, Thai women don’t grow hair on their body but American woman grow hair on their face… well partial true, I do make a living waxing women’s faces. At the store the uncle asked if we could stop and see his friends for a half an hour. Naturally I had no choice but to say yes and I didn’t mind. He bought me sticky rice w/mango w/coconut milk. When we arrived at the friend’s house, there were 10 men waiting outside that immediately started hollering when they saw me. Turns out we were at a pool hall. I enjoyed the most delicious food put on this earth while they played for 2 hours. I was not bored because I was enjoying the breeze and contemplating why I have never taken a Thursday afternoon off just to chillax with my friends. The pool hall changed my life! I no longer want to live my stressed-out crazy busy life; I want more chillaxin time with friends and to enjoy life more! The whole day made me fall in love with Thailand; they may not have all the necessary luxuries that Americans treasure, but they enjoy life. I think the secret to life is happiness, not collecting worldly possessions. Northern Thailand has a slow economy that sees little impact from the current global recession; this is purely based on my observations thus far. I will probably go off on more of these tangents because I will be conducting research for my internship paper on a related topic.

My children at home called to see where I was and to whine about how the uncle should have just bought food from the lady on the motorcycle that stops by the house every day. Truth be told, I was starting to miss my new babies after being separated for 2 hours.

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's off to South East Asia I Go

My journey to South East Asia begins in the unruly jungle of Salt Lake City, Utah. I worked my way up the food chain @ the University of Utah to become a prestigious Hinckley Institute of Politics intern. I thrived in Washington DC and was granted my wish of an exotic adventure across the world. I was paired with the most fabulous mate Stanley! Together we had to concur five airports; SLC, LAX, Taipei Taiwan, Bangkok and finally Chiang Mai. The journey was long! The outfit choice was extremely important for many reasons. I had to wear the same outfit for three days! Ugggggh wearing the same outfit for three days goes against every personal rule I have made for myself! Secondly, I usually change my outfit at least twice a day and some days I change four times a day! Thirdly, my new family first impression was ultra important! I decide to wear my white n pink cowgirl boots cuz I'm totally a cowgirl contrary to popular belief! I then wore my favorite traveling purple skirt paired with a black peace shirt and my white poncho!! I actually wore the perfect outfit but what can I say this usually always happens!!

I have been working so hard I promised myself for the last month that I could sleep when I got onto the plane. The flight from SLC to LAX was short and sweet and I was out before we took off :) I was awake long enough to enjoy a Delta airline “cookie” tasted and looked more like a dog treat. If I only knew what I know now, I would have taken 10 cookies to last me the rest of the flights! Arriving in LAX was the most cultural shock I experienced during the journey. Changing gates was complicated and finding the right building was kinda hard! When Stanley and I entered the Bradley Terminal, we were surrounded by a sea of Asians; definitely in the right spot! The line was so long to check into China Air; Stanley and I decided to develop a traveling tactic, play dumb American. When we made it to our gate we got hassled by the most beautiful Chinese woman. We were supposed to check in downstairs and get new boarding passes but the line made that not an option! The worse part of the traveling was waiting for the 1am flight; I was up at 8am and did 20 last minute errands before my SLC flight.

When boarding the flight to Taiwan I was under the impression the flight was 6 hours because that is what I read on the itinerary. Once again I feel asleep before we left the gate! I was exhausted!! At one point during the flight I heard the most disturbing news about the length of the flight. I had no idea that I was riding a 13 hour flight to Taiwan. I was completely disoriented! I had no watch, no concept of time, how long I had been flying or sleeping or how much longer the flight would take. This feeling of being completely clueless happens more than I like to admit and frightens most that know me! I failed to read the most important part of the itinerary; Monday night turned to Wednesday morning! Stanley had to inform me about the day change; I was very upset because Tuesday May 12, 2009 never happened!! I was served chicken n’ rice with a side of worm! Uggggh I was not in America anymore; the plane food was spicy!! I kinda ate my dinner but it was sooooo gross. I keep sleeping, waking up long enough to reposition the head rest and fall asleep again. I was awakened by the flight attendant taking orders for breakfast. I could barely understand her. I decided Chinese plane eggs sounded dangerous and the girl next to me got rice soup so I ordered rice soup. Without a doubt the most disgusting thing I have ever eaten!! Once again, if I only knew then what I know now… At least the soup did not contain a worm just shrimp (possibly worse than the worm but that will never be determined)! The only reason I amused myself with these meals was utter boredom!

The Taipei airport had internet access and it made me so happy! I had been gone a day, possibly 2 days… I am still a little confused about the missing day and I had 16 emails. I was feeling the love and it took the entire lay-over to respond. I met a friend on the flight into Bangkok! He 

helped pass the time and made my trip seem completely organized. He had no place to live in Bangkok and started work in the morning! At least I had a home in Chiang Mai. My living situation changed two days before my departure which makes flying across the world slightly more scary! Once again I fell asleep on the flight; in hind sight all the sleeping helped me avoid jet lag. Before the plane descended into the Bangkok, I had to fill out transfer paper work. It can be worrisome if you are unsure of most of the answers on the questionnaire. Anywho I guessed right on most of them and got to transfer J The Bangkok airport is massive! Stanley and I were nervous about the immigration process. Turns out the immigration process was quick and easy. Our fourth security check, however, was HORRIBLE!! I almost got in a huge fight! The dumb Thai man stole my expensive facial sunscreen, facial moisturizer and body lotion!! I tried to reason with him but to no avail. He laughed as he stole it; uggggh I will never forgive him! Stan and I easily found the tallest white man at the airport, Ralph. Ralph could easily make Barbara Walter’s Top 10 most interesting people in 2009 list. He is amazing and I am so glad that he is helping us navigate S.E.A.!! Ralph is very wise and helps me understand a lot about the cultural differences that seem backwards. Ralph is a high roller and treated us to lunch! He must have spent $2.50 for the three of us to have a delicious Thai meal, including two drinks each! I had the most amazing chocolate milky drink which was not too sweet and a green soda that was bubble gum flavored. We had fatty chicken with rice which was amazing, also a total false advertising for some of the food to come…

I swear that whoever designed the branding for Thai airplanes was my twin sister or ladybrother! I love the color scheme!! The prettiest pink, purple and yellow plane with matching Thai flight attendants! The flight was an hour and once again the tired Barbie fell asleep. Arriving in Chiang Mai was glorious! It took about 10 minutes to walk to baggage claim and find our bags. I was so grateful to see my bag. I had mentally prepped myself for having my bag lost. Alex and Nate picked up Stanley and me. Before they dropped us off at our host families though, we had to drop off Ralph at his apartment. Ralph lives in a fancy apartment which offers airport pick-up. I love his building and his rent is only $300 per month. To become a exceptional jungle Barbie I need to live in Ralph’s building for one year of my life…now deciding what year.