Home Again

Well we are home again and we bask in the memories of a wonderful adventure in Thailand. The trip home went smoothly, once we got to the airport.

Susanne came down with some bug Monday, the day we flew from Sadao to Bangkok. It continued to Tuesday and we were a little worried that we would not be allowed to board the plane home. So we went to the best hospital in Bangkok where she was examined thoroughly by one of their doctors who diagnosed it as an intestinal infection. So she got some medicine and we paid the bill ($35) and left. Outrageous, one of the premier hospitals in all of southeast Asia, a very complete exam and meds for $35? Anything seem wrong with our costs here?

Anyway, the flight home was long but uneventful. We are still feeling the jet lag of a 12 hour time difference,but that will soon pass too.

So as we returned home to ponder the experience, many thoughts come to mind. I will share a few.

First, the people we came to know and love were amazing. There is an honor and respect in the Thai culture that is very real and different than America. We certainly realize that we received some special treatment and considerations since we were friends with Beam. But I have no doubt that any American willing to embrace the culture, food and general manners would also find themselves treated as "special"in the small towns of Thailand.

Second, there must be some "happy medium" that could be reached between the "questionable"cleanliness habits of Thai street vendors and small home eating establishments and the dining places here in the States. Thai food was simply delicious and we never got sick once, even though the places would NEVER pass any health codes in place here. NOTE: I'm talking about the small home eateries here, not the nice clean restaurants. Contrast that with the codes in place here that possibly cripple the availability of more dining alternatives. (probably due to lawyers and suits)

Third, while the school fell short of standards we are accustomed to, they do some things right in our minds. The school uniforms are furnished by the government and are attractive and modest. I couldn't tell the poorest of the poor from the middle class students. What a relief for the students who sometimes feel inferior to others, the parents who have to buy them AND the teacher who has to "police" inappropriate clothing. Also school prayer is allowed and promoted. Religion is even taught in the school, Buddhism and Muslim only which makes sense since the majority of the families are those two. Students also "policed" far less and we only saw one incident of fighting. That could be because some of the kids have quit school and are out "doing their thing.

Last, we really appreciate the cleanliness of the American towns, homes, well kept yards, highways, green open spaces, etc. my brother Don is vacationing i Switzerland and sent some pictures to us. It is clear that for the regular tourist, European order and upkeep (which came to America with the immigrants) is preferable to much of Southeast Asia. There is no contest when comparing the two. But I would recommend everyone who likes to change their views of the world, take a trip to this region. Try to embrace the locals and experience the everyday life as best you can. You will come away a changed person.

So we wait for a return trip. We want to go to Moscow, Alaska, tour some of America with a camper and motorcycle. Then if everything is in place we can see ourselves returning again to see our friends and teach in the classroom one more time.

Thanks for visiting the site and I hope you enjoyed the blog. There is much more to be told and hopefully we can talk about it in person when we next visit.

Ron and Susanne

Last Day at School

Wow! Where did 8 weeks go? An extended time far from home is an interesting "tug of emotions." There was a period, about 10 days after we arrived that we thought, "this will be a long time to be away from home." The initial "missing of family and friends" was difficult, although being with a friend like Beam certainly helped. Then it kind of fades away to be replaced by the realization that time IS passing by, until at the end our emotions of coming home and leaving all that we have here truly is bittersweet.

Friday was our last day at Sadao Kanchai school. We were honored at the morning ceremony and gave a short farewell speech that was interpreted by some younger English learning students. Morning ceremonies get to be routine for the kids, and too often the speakers drone on and on, the interest wanes and kids start talking to each other. Invariably the are usually at least 1o-20 minutes late to their first period class. But while we speaking, the kids were quiet and very attentive. We adapted a song, "Leaving on a Jet Plane" and Susanne and I sang to the kids. This is a singing culture, no matter what your talent level is. It went well and the kids enjoyed it as we struggled to hold our emotions in. We were presented with a gift and the whirlwind of a day began.

Suffice it to say, we were the celebrities of the day, more than we ever could expect. Students wanting pictures with us, autographing shirts, paper (really!) and greeting students at every turn. It was unbelievable! Especially touching were two hand made books from 2 classes we taught. One class actually stayed at least 1 1/2 hours late making final preparations.

Then we also had the teachers. Many, many of them presented us with gifts and let me tell you, that is a humbling experience. This culture honors their guests in ways unlike any country I have been in. Moscow had many moments too, but not like here. We both received a handbag and pants that everyone recognized as from the northern mountain people, and Susanne at least 2 more beautiful handbags/purses. I received several collections of coins, some of them antiques from a teacher who is a collector. And, again especially touching were commemorative bills honoring their King who is highly esteemed by everyone. One lady gave me hers, the only one she had, knowing it was a limited edition. It is rather rare and probably impossible to replace. How can "thank you" really do that sacrifice justice? That is when the depth of their love and appreciation really hits you. All I could do was accept it graciously and thank her over and over.

At the day's end, we were left with our overwhelming emotions and memories. In terms of education, we probably accomplished limited results. But in terms of friendships and good will, the results were striking. I don't want to overstate our impact, and that's not my purpose here. But it is "real and true" and we did hear many times that some of the Muslim teachers were a little skeptical of American Christians in their school, but had their opinion and outlook dramatically changed. The Buddhists and the Muslims knew we were Christians and didn't try to change us, but simply explained patiently their beliefs. They too became dear friends and really, why wouldn't we expect that? That is the kind of respectful people and culture they have here.

So, we fully intend to come back in a few years to visit old friends and perhaps teach the students again. It won't be the same because of the old saying, "You can never go back."

but I expect it will be very good in a different way.

It will be interesting coming home and assimilating all our feelings and the changes into our daily lives again. I do know we both will have to work real hard not to let this experience fade into the "old and routine."

So Monday afternoon we fly to Bangkok. We will see some sights on Tuesday and fly out about 10:30 p.m. About 22 hours later we will be in Chicago and soon back to good old Delavan.

Well the English Camp was a huge success. The only complaint was the kids wanted two days! That would have meant no weekend at all, so we're happy that didn't happen.

Susanne's activities went well. She was ever creative with kids making "paper sandwiches" and learning various songs. Anything to build vocabulary. I did diamond poems where kids used adjectives and nouns to describe themselves, than antonyms with the Beatles "Hello Goodbye" song. It was a long day, but the enthusiasm of the students was fun to see.

Sunday morning at 7:00 we were at the radio station as featured guests of our teacher friend Santi. We answered 4 questions he had prepared about our impressions of Thailand. Very easy to do given the experiences we have seen. Beam interpreted for us and all in all a good time. Two regrets, it wasn't taped (they forgot), and I didn't have the website a day earlier. Possibly Eric could have accessed the website and heard and tape the show.

Last night we were again humbled by our hosts. Our time will fly by this week and soon we have to leave. So Beam's brothers took us and three other guests to a very exclusive Chinese restaurant in hat Yai. This is the featured dining place in Hat Yai and whenever the prime minister or government officials or famous people come into the city, they usually dine here. Their family is proudly part Chinese and her brother Santi is the president of a huge Chinese/Thai group that regularly meets (over 1000).

Anyway, the meal again as very similar to the wedding meal (earlier post). It consists of 8 courses, one of them being shark fin soup (very expensive) and VERY DELICIOUS! They called the outing "our welcome, thank you and farewell" and believe me it was pretty emotional at the end of the meal. Words cannot explain our feelings and humbleness. They have done EVERYTHING for us since we have arrived, including going to morning market everyday to bring home breakfast, cooking wonderful suppers every night, driven us around on tours and the list goes on. The have opened their home and arms to us and they called us "family". We also received some beautiful souvenirs from them and one other guest. In fact, we are being showered with going away gifts by many teachers as our time gets closer. And this evening and the meal was VERY expensive for them, but they wanted to honor us one more time!

Susanne and I will be forever impacted by their love, selfless generosity and care. We now know how we failed to honor foreign guests we have come in contact with in Delavan. And yes, it is the difference between U.S. and Thai cultures, but shouldn't we do more? Especially because we have so much more!

So, as the adventure comes into the last week, we will try to really appreciate and celebrate the time we have left. Today we go back to a school two Province's from here which will be fantastic again. Wednesday is the Queen's birthday, thus a holiday "Mother's Day. And we'll have to say goodbye to our students (not an easy task).

I'll try to do one more post on the weekend. Bye for now.

About 90 students at the "opening ceremonies" for English Camp on Saturday.

Susanne at her teaching station for the camp.

Me "warming up"the students and yes that is sweat that is soaking my shirt, even in an air conditioned room.

We are the featured guests at the 7:00 A.M. radio broadcast, with Beam serving as the interpreter.

Wedding Bells and Scouts

It has been a very busy week. We have been preparing for an English camp at school tomorrow. We will rotate the kids through 4 stations, so that means 4 classes in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. That will wipe us out, I'm afraid.

Last Saturday night we went to a Thai wedding party. It wasn't that much unlike ours. Some things did stand out however.

First, they had a "small wedding," only about 7-800 guests. Apparently they are commonly over 1000, and they were surprised that American weddings aren't commonly that large.

Second, they had a served meal of 8 courses! I know I write about food a lot, but believe me, it IS worth writing about. First, fried shrimp in a fruit salad. Then fish "bladder" soup. (delicious, and I couldn't really get a clear answer about the "bladder" part). Next, Chinese sausage. Fourth, Pork shank with Chinese chestnuts. Fifth, Chinese lettuce with sliced snail. It must have been a big snail because it looked just like the bamboo shoots we buy in a can. Then, steamed Butterfish in plum sauce. After that, egg noodle stir fry with shrimp. And finally a mixed fruit and grain dessert in a thin sauce. Fantastic food, but you had to pace yourself for all the courses.

Third, they had a bottle of Jack Daniels Red Label whiskey at each table. The best part was that I was the only one at our table (all ladies but me) who drank some. The bad part was someone else took the bottle home. (imagine trying to do that at ours)

Fourth, they had the traditional speeches etc. But during the wedding, people came up and "offered a song" to honor the bride and groom. There must have been at least 10 friends who sang, some better than others, but an honor nonetheless.

Fifth, the wedding party greeted each table and gave all the guests a small token gift as a memory. Then "friends" collected the gifts, which is always money. The guests simply take out the invitation and return the money in the envelope so they know who it came from.

The meal began about 7:00 and by 9:00 it was finished. I was shocked at how fast everyone cleared out then. Especially because the bride and groom were singing a duet and I thought that was cool. So it was fun, very filling with a few surprises.

I posted some pictures of scouts at our school. In Thailand, they allow the boys and girls to be together, apparently. I don't know when they separate them into Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts, but these kids looked to be at least 8th graders.

On Sunday, Susanne and I are the featured guests at the local radio station. So at 7:00 in the morning we will be answering questions about our feelings of Thailand. That will be interesting. An assistant director at school (a friend) has a 1 hour program every Sunday morning and he announced it last week, and apparently the broadcast reaches into parts of Malaysia too. I'll post if I have time.

Later Beam's family is going to take us to a famous Chinese restaurant in Hat Yai. It will be a "welcome, thanks for coming and farewell" feast all rolled into one. Speaking of farewell, it will be very hard to leave these wonderful people, students and friends. Words just can't explain the wonderful time we have spent here. Eight weeks seemed like a long time when we first arrived. Now we're wishing that time would slow down. I'm not sure how any experience could top this in my lifetime, and we are convinced we will return again to renew the bonds we have created. (maybe even teach for a semester during the cold WI winter..... November to March here.)

And seriously, they are looking for 2 teachers to start in November from anywhere in the U.S. so if you know of anyone wanting an adventure of a lifetime, let me know.

Boy Scouts (girls too) getting ready for the weekend camp. (cancelled later by weather)

Proud leader.

Stage and backdrop at the wedding.

Two 10th grade girls who sang at the wedding to honor their teacher.

The bride and groom. She teaches at our school and he at he university in Hat Yai.

Latex Processing and Orphanage Visit at Songkhla

We started the day visiting one of Beam's brother's latex processing plant. It is highly labor intensive in these early stages. Workers get up at 3:00 a.m. to tap the tree. The latex flows in the coolness of the evening and stops when he morning heats up. After the small containers are full they are emptied into pails, then small barrels, the hauled by small trucks to be weighed and poured into holding tanks. The latex is too concentrated, so it is mixed with water in long tanks and metal plates are inserted to form 1 inch thick sheets which set up in about 8 hours.

The plates are removed, sheets pressed though rollers to squeeze out excess water. The sheets are then hung to dry outside and moved into large storage sheds until completely "cured" and hauled to the exporter.

All of the workers and their families live in large, older homes which are much nicer than most we have seen. It is clear that Beam's brothers provide better living conditions than many of the plantation owners.

Forgive my musing here, but as a kid growing up on a small Wisconsin farm, and attending a small local college I could never imagine the extent of cultures I would have an opportunity to experience: Walking in Red Square and touring the Kremlin in Moscow; Meeting Mateo's family and touring Italy; Seeing the rubber plantations and processing, and best of all making lifetime world wide friendships. This certainly gives both of us a yearning for "more."

Later we went to a "Sam's Club" type warehouse and bought milk and rice for the orphanage in Songkhla. Christ Episcopal Church donated money and we were the "vehicles" for delivery. The orphanage itself is extremely neat, clean and well maintained. There are about 180 children there. We were a bit disappointed that our contact with the children was limited. Pictures of them were not allowed for "safety" reasons. We were allowed to watch the "two and under" as they were waking up from naps. I saw 2 workers in the home of 30, but there could have very well been more out of sight.

The school age children were at the public schools. There were a few 5-7 year olds that were there that we were allowed to talk to. I swung one boy in circles which he dearly loved and he didn't want to let me leave.

There is no doubt that these children have living facilities far safer and nicer than many regular kids. I don't know what would be in store for these children without this facility for them. The

one "unknown" is how much their emotional needs are being met. Holding and "loving" the kids is probably limited. Americans (and hopefully others) have adopted some of them, but I don't know how much that is promoted. It is a good place and the kindness of the Thai culture is evident.

One interesting custom; many people donate or contribute to the needy on their birthday. It is an act of kindness they do to honor those less fortunate. I get the feeling that birthday gifts aren't that common, possibly only between very good friends or family, and even then nothing elaborate.

Tonight we will go to a wedding party in Hat Yai, and beam will tell us nothing. She wants us to be surprised so we are curious. More on that to follow.