re-entry--return to Real Life

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My sister laughed: "Only Sue would feel the need for a vacation after four and a half months in Thailand." True. But even before heading to Thailand I knew I'd want a transition, de-briefing and reorienting before being functional back home. I chose Lopez Island off the coast of Washington, visiting my friends Mary and Glen. An excellent choice it proved to be.

Lopez is about the size and shape of Manhatten Island (thus about the size and shape of Bellingham, MA), beautiful and varied, mostly pasture and farms with some wonderful state parks. We hiked, enjoyed the wind and water, and I re-acclimated to a chilly climate.
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One day was spent in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. While Mary played duplicate bridge and Glen recovered from a cold, I explored on my own--my first time in five months to wander independently. Fun shops, nice people, Northwest art, always the orienting point of the slope down to the water.

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It was great to be a welcomed observer in American activities in which I didn't need to function, and Mary and Glen were wonderful at absorbing my need to talk about Thailand non-stop for a few days.

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Mt. Baker in the background is a reminder that the islands are surrounded by active volcanoes, which could erupt at any time; in the meantime the snowy peaks are stunningly beautiful. The ferry is the only way to get out to the islands, so all inter-island planning needs to work around ferry schedules. Some meetings are held on the ferry so all islanders can attend.

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The gulls looked quite familiar, same as on Cha-am beach in Petchaburi and the same as in Rockport, MA.

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Hallowe'en on Lopez was fun; this is Glen's jack-o'-lantern. Mary and I made rice crispy treats, got about 70 kids trooping up to show their costumes. Everyone knows everyone on the island, and I think every Lopezite has had a personal hug from Mary.

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Now I'm back in Massachusetts, slowly unpacking and shifting my thoughts to family, holidays, getting back to work (where?) This afternoon Dave will give me a driving lesson, to re-acquaint me with my car and Massachusetts drivers.

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In some ways Thailand now seems very far away; and yet it will always be with me in every place I go. Tangible take-aways: many photos, many gifts, new skills in Thai cooking and massage, an admiration (no mastery yet) of the Thai language. Less tangible: a Buddhist appreciation for what is rather than what ought to be, some ideas on teaching English, increasing fondness for spicy food. And vivid memories of fine people.

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south Thailand

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Ranong is lovely. In the south we saw more hills and trees than Bangkok, more mosques than central or north Thailand. This mosque is walking distance from my home in Ranong, the hills a short drive away. Aom and family laughed as I scrambled up the hill for a better view; they thought it was too hot. Means I must be becoming acclimated to Thai weather, just in time for our US winter.
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Ranong is famous for its pearls, so we went shopping. Also famous for rubber plantations, which I found interesting and pretty, trees all in orderly rows.
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And Aom's family took me to Phuket, rightfully famous for its beautiful beaches. The family pose is in the hotel where Aom's parents went for their honeymoon, quite elegant and now outrageously expensive. Just like Mom and Dad for their 50th, evidence that you chose a good location the first time 'round.

Currently with AFS for end-of-stay in Thailand; I think my next post will be a wrap-up from the States. It has been a wonderful visit, rich and varied.
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the people of Taweewattana

Just a few of the people I grew to know and love in Taweewattana (part of Bangkok, near Nakhon Pathom):

Boom's niece and nephew, Naan's kids.









My two Thai language teachers, Ajahn Siribun on the left and Ajahn Suriporn on the right, in the Thai department admiring the new baby of another teacher.









My music teacher Ajahn Siranat (in the tie) and one of the student photographers. The student is the brother of the xylophone player, can't miss the resemblance.









YaJing from China, my AFS adviser Ajahn Jiaranai, Julian from Germany. We were dressed up for the Wisdom ceremony, and seated in our seats of honor (AFSers always get the sofa, while the students sit cross-legged on the floor.)









This is Master Jeffrey, English teacher at the local elementary school. He's from New Jersey, has lived in Thailand for thirteen years.




































These are Mae and Gan, my favorite kid-friends. Their mother is on the left, is a science teacher at the school.

the people of Isaan

The glimpse of Isaan is incomplete without a view of the people. I found them to be diligent, generous, observant, fun.

Isn't she lovely? Dana's host sister Miw loves pink. This is on a walk we all took through the forest near the temple. The umbrella is a standard Thai precaution against the strong afternoon sun, also handy if it suddenly starts to rain. I always carry one, as do most women and some men.











These are the silk weavers of Boeng Khae. They clearly love fine fabric and are justifiably proud of their work. We went to visit them with Dana's AFS adviser Ajahn Benjaporn, who grew up nearby. The weaving operation is part of OTOP, one tambon one product. The concept is clearly successful here.











From the back of the table at our outdoor cafe: Khun Paw, Dana's host dad; Khun Maa, the mom; Miw, older sister; Nong, younger sister; Dana from Wisconsin and Irine from the Philippines.











One of many interesting forms of transportation in Thailand; this is one I never saw in Bangkok.











Dana, Miw and Nong playing chinese checkers in the family living room. The girls had never played before, but they caught on quickly.

Isaan

This shows the contrast that is Isaan--the beauty of elegant temples and the vast expanses of forested hills.

























We went to a village with long looms to weave gorgeous silk fabrics. Yes, I'll be bringing home some silk, and some more pictures. I wish we could've spent longer; anyway it was a wonderful chance to meet the weavers, see their looms, see some of the dying process--fascinating.








And this is the cows who live at the host family of Dana, the American AFS teaching assistant from Wisconsin whom I visited for the five days. Wonderful family, and cute cows. They came to the fence to nuzzle me--

temples in Ayuttaya, for real

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This is Saiparn, YaJing's host sister, at the famous bo tree that grew up around a fallen stone head of a Buddha. Wat MahaThat.
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Wat PhananChoeng, with its Chinese part and the older Thai part, both Buddhist.

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Wat Phra Srisanpetch, ruined during the wars with Burma in the 18th century.

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And Wat PhananChoeng at night...

temples in Ayuttaya