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| Clinging on for dear life to the Buffalo's rump |
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| A successful mount! |
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| The locals laugh at us and our lack of skills |
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| Plowing the field |
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| The professionals show us how to mount the Buffalo |
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| My Gumboots fail in the flooding |
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Buffalo Farm in the Rain
Under My Umbrella..ella...ella..
Wow! Wet season here has come late, but with a vengeance! Yesterday didn't even reach the 30's and rained nearly all day. The same again yesterday. It is much more comfortable heat wise, but you are in a constant state of wetness- either from the rain or the sweat.I bought some gumboots at the market the other day as my sneakers got thoroughly trashed during Community Service and I have been wearing them around (quite smugly).
This week I joined one group to paint umbrellas in the traditional style. We were taught by an expert and they turned out to be quite beautiful. That art minor paid off. We drew images of Frangipani, Elephants, Butterflies and Birds.
We have all gone to the night market a few times now- a kilometre long shopping market with really good imitation knock-offs of major brands. Dad, I cant promise that the Hugo Boss t-shirt I got you is actually 'genuine'. You get to haggle with steely determination and they chase you down the street and give in each time. They kind of expect you to get down to about half price. It makes me feel a little bad, as I am so privileged, but a bit exhilarated at the same time! You get hassled a lot to buy, but the best phrase you can say is "Mai pen rai" ( No worries/problem) and they leave you alone.
Today I went with 9M to the Buffalo Farm. Riding along on the bike and in my gum boots my smugness quickly turned to concern as the torrential rain filled them up to the brim. And then when we got the the Buffalo farm, which was flooded, they filled up the other way as we walked in the fields, and Buddha knows what else! We got to plow some fields, pick rice and then jump onto the Buffalo's back. I got out of the plowing, afeared that I would loose my boots, but not the buffalo mounting. I had a really Lucille Ball moment as I tried to jump up from behind, acutely aware that the girls had all done it effortlessly before me, as my back legs clung to it's bottom and my arm were reaching up its back, trying to wiggle on. Very inelegant! But I did it and the girls were please I had given it a go... they have pictures...
We rode back, full of mud, and are now washed and clean to go to the night market again. I will post some photos of the buffalo farm tomorrow.
This week I joined one group to paint umbrellas in the traditional style. We were taught by an expert and they turned out to be quite beautiful. That art minor paid off. We drew images of Frangipani, Elephants, Butterflies and Birds.
We have all gone to the night market a few times now- a kilometre long shopping market with really good imitation knock-offs of major brands. Dad, I cant promise that the Hugo Boss t-shirt I got you is actually 'genuine'. You get to haggle with steely determination and they chase you down the street and give in each time. They kind of expect you to get down to about half price. It makes me feel a little bad, as I am so privileged, but a bit exhilarated at the same time! You get hassled a lot to buy, but the best phrase you can say is "Mai pen rai" ( No worries/problem) and they leave you alone.
Today I went with 9M to the Buffalo Farm. Riding along on the bike and in my gum boots my smugness quickly turned to concern as the torrential rain filled them up to the brim. And then when we got the the Buffalo farm, which was flooded, they filled up the other way as we walked in the fields, and Buddha knows what else! We got to plow some fields, pick rice and then jump onto the Buffalo's back. I got out of the plowing, afeared that I would loose my boots, but not the buffalo mounting. I had a really Lucille Ball moment as I tried to jump up from behind, acutely aware that the girls had all done it effortlessly before me, as my back legs clung to it's bottom and my arm were reaching up its back, trying to wiggle on. Very inelegant! But I did it and the girls were please I had given it a go... they have pictures...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
To Market, to Market to Buy...
Yesterday I went with Group Three (9J) to learn about Thai Massage at the Chiang Mai Massage School. I need to mention that Thai hospitality is so lovely- they had a welcoming sign for us, served a beautiful afternoon tea and the kitch graduation ceremony with a backing tape and more photos than a paparazzi convention was great.
The girls spent quite a few hours being instructed on the principles and techniques of Thai Massage, starting with the head and neck, then the back and then out to the legs and arms. We were very relaxed at the end of it after practising on each other and I quite craftily made myself available for all of the demonstrations from the expert!
We then travelled into the centre of Chiang Mai where we sat and talked to a Buddhist Monk- a Monk Chat. The Monks of the temple make themselves available to chat to tourists for a couple of times a day to answer questions about Buddhist and Monk life. We had a wonderful young Monk talk to us and we were totally disarmed by his excellent knowledge of English and very funny sense of humour. He had a real spark in his eye and may I say with all respect due- he was a spunky Monk. From talking to him he seemed very devoted to being a Monk and the principles of Buddhist life, but he was also making the most of his excellent and free education where he gets to study any subject he likes, from Maths and Politics to English and Japanese. Becoming a Monk certainly allows him to have a far better education and future than many other people of his background and culture. The girls asked really thoughtful questions and were fascinated by his stories and way of life. An anecdote he shared on the reason Thai Monks shave their eyebrows is that around 400years ago Thailand was under attack from Burma. Burmese spies were infiltrating the city and were under the guise of a Monk. The King, hearing of this decreed that all Thai Monks shave their eyebrows that night. In the morning the Monks that still had eyebrows were revealed to be Burmese and were "dealt with".
The girls spent quite a few hours being instructed on the principles and techniques of Thai Massage, starting with the head and neck, then the back and then out to the legs and arms. We were very relaxed at the end of it after practising on each other and I quite craftily made myself available for all of the demonstrations from the expert!
We then travelled into the centre of Chiang Mai where we sat and talked to a Buddhist Monk- a Monk Chat. The Monks of the temple make themselves available to chat to tourists for a couple of times a day to answer questions about Buddhist and Monk life. We had a wonderful young Monk talk to us and we were totally disarmed by his excellent knowledge of English and very funny sense of humour. He had a real spark in his eye and may I say with all respect due- he was a spunky Monk. From talking to him he seemed very devoted to being a Monk and the principles of Buddhist life, but he was also making the most of his excellent and free education where he gets to study any subject he likes, from Maths and Politics to English and Japanese. Becoming a Monk certainly allows him to have a far better education and future than many other people of his background and culture. The girls asked really thoughtful questions and were fascinated by his stories and way of life. An anecdote he shared on the reason Thai Monks shave their eyebrows is that around 400years ago Thailand was under attack from Burma. Burmese spies were infiltrating the city and were under the guise of a Monk. The King, hearing of this decreed that all Thai Monks shave their eyebrows that night. In the morning the Monks that still had eyebrows were revealed to be Burmese and were "dealt with".
We then went to the Sunday Night Walking Market which sprawls a few kilometres and is abundant with locally made products and craft. My friends and family will be happy to know I spent a fair amount of Baht (which is very little in Australian Dollars) and will be coming home with some prezzies. And to my surprise some clothes for myself. I was certain that there would be nothing to fit me here- being a fair bit bigger than your average small framed Thai woman, but I got some great tops and pants and a dress. I was well pleased with myself! The market quickly filled last night and by eight it was hard to move forward. The human traffic moves up one side of the stalls and in the opposite direction on the other side of the street and low and betide the person who goes against the grain! The girls had a fantastic time using their Thai language and bartering with the store owners. They made some great purchases and a few of them proved themselves to be canny hagglers. The girls also had a chance to eat some local produce and the spicy smells of cooking filled the streets and mingled with the damp air and bodies. Street buskers sang and danced; it really was a place tostimulate all of your senses. It was a great night for everyone.
Arge-ee Barge-ee
As I don't go on the Barge tour I thought I would let you know from a staff member what it is like to experience it. Our leader of Group One will now fill you in:
Group 1 (9K) have spent the first 6 days of their Thailand adventure living on a Barge travelling on the Chao Phraya river. The girls were very excited on the flight over and couldn't resist the latest release movies available to them! As you can imagine the girls were already tired when they arrived in Bangkok and therefore the first day seemed extremely long for everyone...and it was clear that we were being kept very busy to avoid falling asleep on the deck of the Barge!
We met our Group Leaders - Stan, Pare and Daniella - and quickly settled in to life on the Barge. This consisted of sharing a wooden box as a wardrobe between 2, cooking all meals, cleaning, navigating, creating group games and of course, the widely talked about 3 minute showers! Yes the girls adapted very quickly to undressing washing, drying and dressing all in 3minutes! I was very impressed with their positive attitude, sense of humour and commitment to not only conquer the 3 minute shower challenge but all of the group and individual challenges presented to them.
Sleeping arrangements on the Barge were comfortable and very 'social' with everyone sleeping below deck together! After a very welcomed 'lights out' on the first night we were ready to face our first full day on the river. Essentially the Barge program encompasses the other 3 principles of our Thailand adventure (Environmental Studies, Community Service and Thai Culture) within its own unique environment. Our days began at first light and consisted of visiting the ancient city of Ayuttaya, the historical sights of Bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi. The girls also participated in Alms Giving to Buddhist Monks, buying lunch in a local market (a great way to practise their Thai language skills), talking with Buddhist Nuns, shopping in the Ko Kret island market whilst learning about the Mon culture and their history.
After an exciting and rewarding 6 days we are now settled into the Prem Centre and preparing for our trek into the Karin Hill tribe village before embarking on our 5 days of Community Service.
Deb Cassar
Group 1 (9K) have spent the first 6 days of their Thailand adventure living on a Barge travelling on the Chao Phraya river. The girls were very excited on the flight over and couldn't resist the latest release movies available to them! As you can imagine the girls were already tired when they arrived in Bangkok and therefore the first day seemed extremely long for everyone...and it was clear that we were being kept very busy to avoid falling asleep on the deck of the Barge!
We met our Group Leaders - Stan, Pare and Daniella - and quickly settled in to life on the Barge. This consisted of sharing a wooden box as a wardrobe between 2, cooking all meals, cleaning, navigating, creating group games and of course, the widely talked about 3 minute showers! Yes the girls adapted very quickly to undressing washing, drying and dressing all in 3minutes! I was very impressed with their positive attitude, sense of humour and commitment to not only conquer the 3 minute shower challenge but all of the group and individual challenges presented to them.
Sleeping arrangements on the Barge were comfortable and very 'social' with everyone sleeping below deck together! After a very welcomed 'lights out' on the first night we were ready to face our first full day on the river. Essentially the Barge program encompasses the other 3 principles of our Thailand adventure (Environmental Studies, Community Service and Thai Culture) within its own unique environment. Our days began at first light and consisted of visiting the ancient city of Ayuttaya, the historical sights of Bridge on the River Kwai and Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi. The girls also participated in Alms Giving to Buddhist Monks, buying lunch in a local market (a great way to practise their Thai language skills), talking with Buddhist Nuns, shopping in the Ko Kret island market whilst learning about the Mon culture and their history.
Deb Cassar
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Fun Fun at Pun Pun!
Yesterday I went with Group One (9K) out to a farm called Pun Pun. Pun Pun (which means thousands of thousands which then translates to mean diversity) is a farm nestled up in the hills that focuses on sustainable living and tending to their four basic principles. Principle one- Food- which is not genetically modified, natural, harvested by themselves and that produces seeds that can be used again and again rather than for just a one off crop use. The food they eat is all vegetarian, to promote good health in the body and mind. Principle two- Home- they have built all of their structures out of earthen bricks, which are made from mud, rice husks and recycled products. The mud homes are cool and have a calm feel about them... if a house can be calm! Principle three- Clothes- they all have just enough clothes that they need, they don't follow fashion or buy into commercialism or materialism. They avoid technology and don't have TV and reject the trappings of a busy modern life that makes the mind and body unwell. Principle four- Diversity- of people, food, crops, seeds and ideas. In short- they are Hippies!
We were shown around the farm and then how to make soy milk and tofu. The soy milk was really yum- especially when flavoured with a bit of vanilla and cocoa. We then enjoyed a scrumptious lunch of home made bread, salads, noodles and sooooooo many avocados. Some of us had fruit smoothies and tried the Moselle tea (which tastes like a red wine tea; best served chilled with a bit of sugar). After lunch we watched a film on making mud brick homes and then we went and made some mud bricks. This was a lot of fun and there was more mud on the girls than in the brick moulds. They then jumped into a dam to clean off and relive themselves from the heat. We popped into a market on the way home and I bought some short gumboots; my sneakers are completely ruined from community service and I need some protective shoes to go up to the Karin tribe next week. They will be perfect for the wet season!
Now that we are coming to the end of the first week the girls seem to have really adjusted to the heat, the food and the changes to their environment. It has really taken it out of some of them and we are constantly reminding them to drink more, take electrolytes, rest and clean their hands. It is quite a challenge to adjust to so many changes but I have been really impressed with their attitude and even when they have been feeling a bit unwell they have kept a positive attitude and their friends have been very supportive and kind. They are learning so much so quickly and proving to be resilient. It excites me that there is still two weeks to go and I feel like we have done so much already.
We were shown around the farm and then how to make soy milk and tofu. The soy milk was really yum- especially when flavoured with a bit of vanilla and cocoa. We then enjoyed a scrumptious lunch of home made bread, salads, noodles and sooooooo many avocados. Some of us had fruit smoothies and tried the Moselle tea (which tastes like a red wine tea; best served chilled with a bit of sugar). After lunch we watched a film on making mud brick homes and then we went and made some mud bricks. This was a lot of fun and there was more mud on the girls than in the brick moulds. They then jumped into a dam to clean off and relive themselves from the heat. We popped into a market on the way home and I bought some short gumboots; my sneakers are completely ruined from community service and I need some protective shoes to go up to the Karin tribe next week. They will be perfect for the wet season!
Now that we are coming to the end of the first week the girls seem to have really adjusted to the heat, the food and the changes to their environment. It has really taken it out of some of them and we are constantly reminding them to drink more, take electrolytes, rest and clean their hands. It is quite a challenge to adjust to so many changes but I have been really impressed with their attitude and even when they have been feeling a bit unwell they have kept a positive attitude and their friends have been very supportive and kind. They are learning so much so quickly and proving to be resilient. It excites me that there is still two weeks to go and I feel like we have done so much already.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Some interesting tid bits about Thailand
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| Grasshopper anyone? |
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