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