A Taste of Thailand

             Similar to its food, Thailand is spicy and full of surprises.  Amidst its vibrant and inviting ways, I've also found Thailand to be very peaceful.  Here’s a sampling of life in Chiang Mai, probably just enough to whet your appetite and maybe leaving you with a desire to experience the full-course-meal for yourself! J

            Thailand is known as “The Land of Smiles,” as is evident with almost every interaction I have with Thais.  They are such a friendly people and always want you to feel comfortable and welcome.  A traditional greeting incudes a polite wai and is coupled with a bright smile.  I’m greeted this way almost every time I pass the guards in my mooban (neighborhood) or at the entrance of our school; what a great way to start each morning! 

Meghan, my roommate and driving instructor, testing out Ruby!

It’s said that every Thai owns at least these three things: a cell phone, a DVD player, and motorbike.  Well, I now feel more connected to the Thai way of living since I’ve purchased my very own motorbike!  We call her Ruby, a smooth-riding red Honda Click.  An automatic, of course, since having to think about shifting gears in the middle of Chiang Mai traffic did not seem to bode well for my safety.  Whether I’m flying down Hang Dong at 80kmp, weaving through traffic around the Chiang Mai moat, cautiously winding up the mountain roads, or enjoying the beautiful rice paddies in the countryside, I feel more intimately connected to Thailand and it’s people.  Because of this and the freedom that comes from having my own transportation, I think Ruby is my favorite Thai spice. :) 

Rather large beetles at the market that I have not yet braved.

       

Adjusting to the culinary ways in Thailand has taken some time. Finding food in Thailand is never a problem, as there are markets everywhere and food vendors around almost every corner, but finding food that’s familiar and safe is another story.  It’s a possibility that I’ve unknowingly eaten dog meat here, but I can’t prove that; let’s just say I’d suggest only buying meat at the market via recommendation.  My paranoia has overtaken me sometimes and I’ve thought that for sure I have worms or a parasite.  Thankfully, lunches are provided by the GIS kitchen staff who spoil us with incredible Thai food throughout the week; they even make gluten-free substitutes for those of us with an allergy.  Some things you’re sure to find everywhere are rice ("khao") and chicken ("gai").  My favorite dishes so far are fried Indian curry, cashew chicken, mooping (pork on a stick with sticky rice), and green curry.  Also, while utensils are almost always provided (at which point you eat with the spoon, not the fork), it’s not uncommon to see people eating with their hands at street-side stalls.  Meals are also a very communal event, so people often get several dishes to share amongst the group.  

A Kantok Dinner is a must-see cultural experience in Chiang Mai, where you're entertained by traditional dance and music while enjoying an assortment of popular Thai dishes.   As part of our Thai culture training through the school, we had the privilege of attending a Kantok Dinner with the GIS Thai staff members.  The dancing, costumes, and music beautifully reflect various cultural values and characteristics of Thailand’s regional groups.  If you’re lucky, you might even get to join the dancers on stage! 

 

We get to enjoy the freshest of fruits here! Yes, that's a coconut tree. Yes, that's a man with a machete. Yes, he's on our roof about to take a whack at it. ;)   We also have papaya and mango trees in the yard.  Jen, our maeban, loves to share these fresh fruits with us when they're ripe 'n ready; she's the best! 

As a Buddhist country, Thailand obviously displays countless wats, or temples.   A giant white-washed Buddha can be viewed from Grace International School atop Doi Kham.  An energetic group of GIS staff members walk to the wat every Saturday morning as it heralds one of the most beautiful views of Chiang Mai.  My own visit to the wat produced mixed emotions: I was awed by the temple’s ornate beauty, but also saddened by the void of hope and peace that this religious site brings.  We witnessed individuals and families worshipping man-made idols, praying to ancestors, and offering various atonement for their sins to monks.  Please continue to pray that these beautiful Thai people would come to see the Truth and personally know their Maker and Savior.     

I was privileged to see some of the fruits of faithful evangelism and Christian community-building efforts at “Pray for Chiang Mai,” an event organized by the church I’m currently attending, The ACTS Church of Chiang Mai.  This powerful evening of prayer was devoted to lifting up different individuals and groups to the Lord, from the country’s King to its media personnel to its missionaries.   The culminating prayer involved the crowds placing their hands on the wall of the old city, looking through the gate and up the mountain that marks the traditional entrance point of the King of Thailand.  Beautiful symbolism of the city’s sin leaving through the same gate where the True King is being welcomed in!  

Some of my favorite Thailand adventures to-date include experiences with elephants!! But that will have to be for another day. If you're anxious to taste more of Thailand, hope on over for dinner any time! :)