Experiencing a country is much more than seeing ancient architecture. Its about the food, the people, and the culture. We got a touch of these in Thailand.
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| fresh durian did not stink! |
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| these signs were everywhere - airport, hotel, stores |
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| BBQing rats with soy sauce |
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| eating said rat- did not taste like chicken |
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| bananas everywhere in Kom Pac Pic province |
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| frying banana slices |
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| banana plants ready for planting |
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| food court in mall - lunch prep |
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| their version of walmart - jeans sold across isle from fish |
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| no explanation |
We stopped in Phrae, the city of indigo dye and teak. The indigo business had reduced to no longer support the community. As people left the town, one woman made it her mission to bring it back. Once she got the attention of the Queen of Thailand, the area gained recognition and popularity. We met this woman, and then stamped our own fabric that they dyed for us.
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| woman who reintroduced indigo business to Thailand |
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| dying process |
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| stamping the fabric with wax |
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| Rural elementary school supported by our tour company, not the government, due to its size and being rural. |
A highlight was visiting Ban Prop Prahn elementary school with 49 students. We were greeted by the kids as soon as we got off our bus. Each of us was accompanied by our escort who would take care of us for our short visit. My escort held my hand the entire time, pulling me to the next activity. The kids do this for each of the tour groups so they have the routine down. First the kids line up by age, sign the national anthem, pray and then we exercised with the kids to music. We handed out school supplies that included a bunch of high bouncing balls that made their way to every corner of the school.
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| my student in the flowered sweater escorted me around the classrooms |
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| kite was made my the Turk for his student who flew it the rest of the morning |
Other adventures in this trip included going to the fabric museum. It was interesting to me how the woven patterns were similar to old Turkish carpet patterns.
This area is also known for their teak, and so, their furniture. We passed furniture stores along the roadside for many miles on our way to Chaing Rai.
Each of our hosts took us to their classroom where we did a joint paper folding project. Then it was time to sing - they and us. Followed by a trip to the library - donated by our tour company - and a visit to the modern bathrooms - also donated by tour company. We all got to play in the play yard until it was time to leave.
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