Get your bahts worth

The Thai currency is called the Baht. Every note has a picture of the king on it. In fact, you are not supposed to put your bag or backpack (yeah, I still have my backpack) on the ground because your money is usually is probably in the bag and that means that you are putting the king on the ground which is an insult to the king and his monarchy.

Anyways, 32 baht is equal to $1.
So here is what you can get for some Baht

Yes, I am telling the truth on these prices:

soda water= 7 baht

A liter of beer= 95 baht

Iced coffee (made with carnation milk and other amazing things that aren't good for you) =20 baht

5 apples= 50 baht (that is expensive but most of you know how much I love apples, so I splurge)

A meal in the streets = about 30 baht

Sushi= about three rolls and some miso soup (200 baht)

A Thai massage = 100 baht (Yes, that is right, $3)

I bought a used phone from a co-worker for 400 baht and then you buy credit with a SIM card, it is about 300 baht a month

You can rent a motor bike for the day for about 250 baht

You can buy a used motor bike for about 10,000 baht

Therefore, if any of you decide you want to come and visit you will get your baht's worth. Unfortunately, for me, I now earn baht and must stop converting the baht. Though I still look and use it as play money.

The beauty of being 3

This is the NP (Native Speaker Program) class that I have been substituting for for the past month. These children make me laugh every day. Their lives are so new. It is quite amazing to think about what they think and perceive every day. When they walk in the room they say: Kru Amber (with a rising tone on the "r") and proceed to talk to me in Thai even though I understand nothing. I don't know. This age is a reminder to keep things simple, I suppose. I mean, why not try and see the world in such a simple way.

In this picture they are all dressed in traditional Thai attire, as I mentioned before, it is a school tradition on Fridays. The teacher on the right is dressed in the very traditional long skirt. My skirt (picture to come) actually has wee little bells on it, so you always know when I am coming.



This is my classroom as well. A little land of numbers, colors, letters, and animals. Again, it has been an experience in creativity and simplicity. I am definitely not the artsy craftsy time which is essential for this age.

The NP class is also known as the NP Pandas. I guess there is a new baby panda, recently born, here in Thailand so on a national level there is a love for the panda bear.

Another interesting Thaism is that when the children leave at the end of class and pass me they bow as they pass. It is to show a sign of respect. Beautiful children, being three, simply.

Chiang Mai, Thailand

I came to Thailand because I was ready to experience Asia. Asia was always an unknown place to me, an eastern land that is intriguing, romantic, and intimidating. There was also always a spiritual draw for me as well, which resonated even stronger after Fede's death. When he died I talked to my professor and told her of my desire to come to Asia to experience its culture but to also finally find this spiritual "thing" that I have been looking for, or avoiding most of my life. However, due to experiences, circumstances and other "ances" I knew it was time to face this "thing". She told me that it made sense after I physically lost my husband to spiritually perhaps, seek him, or some sort of connection to him or to my new self. Perhaps, I think that is to be found in India, or here, but anyways...

My curiosity about Asia has been growing for quite some time. My professor suggested that I go to Thailand to begin my Asian experience. She told that the people in Thailand are friendly and kind, which is very true. So, I researched different areas in Thailand, looking for the mountains and for the possibility to climb: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is in the northern part of Thailand. If you go to Google earth you can see where I am. They call Chiang Mai the mountainous region of Thailand but the highest mountain here, Doi Pui, is only approx 5000 feet! ("doi" means mountain in Thai) Ha, what a place I chose. It is still quite beautiful, though. It is very green, it's a nice color to see every day.

There are two sacred peaks here that I hope to "summit": Doi Pui and Doi Suthep, which are both located in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
The main form of transportation in Thailand is the moped and they are everywhere. " Farangs" (foreigners) that visit even rent them because it is so easy to get around and the breeze that being on one gives you is wonderful.

I, however have chosen to use a bike. The woman that I am house-sitting for lent me her bicycle. I hope to eventually buy one. No, I don't get the breeze from the moped but I really enjoy wandering around the city on my bike, especially
at night. It is a great way to explore the city and just look at things. Chiang Mai is quite touristy. There are many ex-pats that live here and then just others that come here for the food, or the meditation, or the fine textiles. I, of course, came here to see and feel something new and of course, to climb.

There are three seasons in Thailand: the hot season, the rainy season and the cold season. We have just entered the rainy season. It rains almost every day but only for about an hour. I love it when it rains when I am at school. It cools everything down and you get a burst of energy because, often, the heat affects everything. When it is very dramatic. However, I have yet to see and experience (many have told me) the true rainy season.
We all complain about the heat but it does add to the simplicity of life. I never have to take a jacket or socks anywhere. I just jump on my bike and go, simply. For a girl that is seeking simplicity, this is one nice thing about being here.

A really wonderful thing about Chiang Mai are all
of the street vendors. It is not common to go and buy everything at a grocery store (I am starting to think that Thailand is an Asian version of Argentina: The people are friendly, the food is amazing and fresh, and people live simply. Every evening after climbing I pass through the market and buy fresh vegetables or fruit for the next couple of days and, sometimes, buy a kabob of some random meat and continue on my bike to "home".



I

Time

Time

How does time really function, work, process itself? We allow it to somewhat control us. You think about it, I am in Thailand, at the present moment in time it is 3:08p.m. In Utah, at the present moment, it is 2:08a.m. In Argentina, at the present moment, it is 6:08a.m. My conocidos are in these different zones of time. I am here. Today, at lunch someone commented on how fast time has been passing for her here. She feels like it was "just yesterday" when she wrote on the board "June 1st" and today is June 14. I told her I had the opposite feeling. I have been here for two weeks and it feels like two months. Time is subjetive, yet, it functions at a determined rate. Weird-really is a time warp.

I also received an email today from Fede's brother, Marcelo. I remember, after Fede died, he told me: " just two years Amber", it will take two years and then you will be fine. It has been one year and a half (on June 8th it was, to be exact) and in 6 months, according to his predictions I will be fine.

Its those certain calculated periods of time that get me, that make me stop, for a moment (I cannot specify how long that moment is) and wonder about "it" ("it" is another matter for another day). Just how is it all measured.

Then you think about what you can accomplish in a certain period of time.
I think about this process and the speed of time. I have to be at school at 8:00a.m. and I teach 6 classes. Each one is 30 minutes long. i truly enjoy teaching but in 30 minutes time those children can do a lot and need to do a lot. It is amazing the number of activities I must come up with and I still often have "extra time". My mom would have been so good at this job Kru Ann that would have called her, she would have been a Thai legend with her smile.

Then, there is that something else, wanting time to pass, wanting time to pass. Kindof contrasts the whole live life and every moment to the fullest.

My intention isn't to go deep but to try and grasp the concept of this space that we are all in. Wading, running, gasping for air, and then holding our breath.

Ha, time to go climbing.

Waikru day

Today is Waikru day in Thailand. "Wai" basically means "respect" in Thai. It is a gesture that you do upon entering a store, a school, a restaurant. The gesture is made by putting your palms together, as if you were going to pray, and then you bow your head slightly to the individual. "kru" means teacher, so basically today is Teacher Appreciation Day, Thai style. There is a formal ceremony at the school in which all the children and teachers gather together and the children sing songs and then give teachers flowers to say thanks. Most of the children make the flower arrangements at home the night before with their families. Each flower in the arrangement stands for something. The red flowers symbolize energy. The white ones humility and then the other flower added is for patience. They are qualities that every student, teacher and human being should have, I suppose. It was a nice lesson this morning as I struggle with meaning and purpose and feeling uncomfortable and awkward, yet still sad in this new space. I am in a very humble culture where it is common to smile at everyone. I don't feel afraid or threatened here, at all. Especially when I have three year olds that call me "kru Amber" in the most endearing manner. the beauty of youth; their energy, humility and patience (though they do need change often) is going to help me keep moving mountains.

Waikru day and every Friday all teachers must dress in traditional Thai attire which consists of a long skirt. Textiles are very important in Thailand, especially in this particular region of Chiang Mai.

As I said before, I teach three and five year olds. I see the three year olds (also referred to as NP 1) twice a day. These are the children that get more English than the other students. These children are the high point of my day. For 30 minutes I must be silly and laugh and shine and they are loving and truly in the moments. They teach me this lesson every day. They are also really smart, I am impressed. The speak much more English than I do Thai.

Just call me Kru Amber

Dara Academy: The school where I teach is the oldest and largest Christian private school in Thailand. Seven thousand students attend the school. I teach in a program called the NP program (Native Speaker Program--terrible acronym). the school is divided into primary/kindergarten (Anuban), elementary (Pratom) and high school (Mattayom). I was hired to teach in Mattayom, but a few days before I was set to come to Thailand the school informed me of their need for me to substitute for the kindergarten/preschool teacher for a month. I couldn't really say "no" so I decided to be flexible and I said "yes".I am currently substituting for Anuban. Yes, the teacher who has a Masters in Second Language Teaching to adults is teaching three and five year olds. It is a challenge, but perhaps it is a good one. It is all oral and I must be animated and silly and I probably need a bit of that. There are also never any grammar questions which is always nice. We sing and repeat words and they always make me laugh and smile. Its nice to be able to say that I smile every day.

The students you see in the pictures are the three years actually enrolled in the NP program. They pay more and receive two 30 minute sessions of English every day. They are quick learners and often are more atttentive than my college students. They are wearing headbands so that I can learn their names (examples of names that are written phonetically so that I can pronounce them: Frame, Unda, Pawin, Yok, Pixie, Pai, Friend, In, and Phang ("ph" makes the "f" sound).

And my name...my name is Kru Amber. ("kru" means teacher and is pronounced "croo"). Its lovely to hear them yell to me on campus: Kru Amber.....

My new home, I think

Well, today it is officially one week since I arrived in Thailand. Thus far it has been so many things: adventurous, difficult, lonely, overwhelming, and amazing. I remember arriving last Sunday at the airport and everyone there was very kind in trying to help me recover my IPODs, which, unfortunately, are gone forever. Then, I walked outside and felt the Thai heat for the first time. The heat and a constant sweat have been with me ever since but, luckily, there is air conditioning in my dorm room, in the school rooms and in all of the 7-11s that decorate this city.

To the right are some pictures of my room, equipped with a bathroom, shower, closet, desk, television, with a few English channels, a fridge, microwave and, of course, and definitely most important, air conditioning. The dorms are free and on campus. The school also gives a grocery stipend in which we choose items per week and month in which to eat for breakfast. Someone told me that dairy wasn't found here, but not true, everything is found here, even peanut butter and cereal. Funny.

So, the heat, definitely is the one of the most difficult aspects of this place. You constantly sweat, though, ironically, my skin looks great.

My favorite Thaism (so far):

Upon entering the dorm and every other public place (the school and its classrooms) one must remove their shoes. Which means that all day long I teach barefoot! I love that.

What you are aware of/what are you aware of?

Travel itinerary:

May 28: SLC to LAX at 11:15a.m.
May 28: LAX to Taipei, Taiwan at 3:15 p.m. (14 hour flight) arriving the next day in Taiwan.
May 30: Taipei, Taiwan to Chiang Mai, Thailand at 9:45a.m. (Yes, that's right, I 12 hour layover in Taipei).

May 28 in L.A.
When I arrived in LA I felt like I had already entered a new world. I had to leave the airport in order to find the international terminal. Before everything foreign in my life was Spanish, Latin American, the double “rr” and latino attitude. Now, everything is Asian. I notice Asian people more and their foods, and the language and their humility . I am excited to enter another culture, another world, another awareness. Ironically, after writing that sentence I grabbed a candy that Melanie gave me, a candy produced in Argentina... “mi otra vida”. Perhaps it isn't about separating one's experiences rather letting them add to new ones, complement new ones without has been learned and experienced...So, it is all about change and I know that I have to give up my cell phone. Before shutting it off from its service for the last time I wrote down text messages that I had received beginning with today and going back from the life of my cell phone:
Dana: fly safe, you're much stronger than your fear...thailand awaits
Chels: hi ladies, love you, last night was too awesome!
Nate: Happy Fede's birthday. I miss that pizza eater!
Bree: Me too, Amber. Lucky to have known him
Marilyn: I LOVE YOUR MOUNTAIN MOVING!
Justin: We love you, keep in touch, let us know if you need anything
Bree: Move em girl! Then get home! I love you sis
Colleen: u rock!
Audra: One year later and look what you've done...amazing Amber. Well done! I'm glad to have hd the chance. Thank you and much success movign that mountain.
Colleen: Hurray! May the present and your future be filled with explorations, discoveries, and the movement of great things
Anna: I'd wish you good luck but you dont' need it. Go get em darlin
Mel: If anyone can do it its you!
Isabel: hi from san diego. Looking at the ducks and hearing gulls on bay. Thinking of you. Glad family is there with you. Have a merry christmas
Phil: Krisy Yamagushi
Chels: congratulations. 11 months. Love love you
Justin cell: I feel her, I hope you do too
Bree: oh amber, you say the perfect things. I love u
Mick: No worries about the book. Give it to someone who needs the insprirational spirit of Fede and your mom. Love u tons!
Mel: What we call the end is also a beginning The end is where we start from T.S. Eliot Love you guys!
Bree: Lets get beers!
aafede: te amo amberita


May 28: LA to Taipei

I had a window seat and I remember that it was always dark outside, the entire 14 hour flight as we moved eastbound into this Asian land. I was excited and terrified and very aware of the Asian"ness" surrounding me. No more Spanish, a new culture a new forma de ser. The flight even brought different snacks and foods and the hospitality was amazing. When I arrived at the airport in Taipei the hospitality continued as I was directed to the transfer lounge. Here, one can enjoy the amenities of free internet, a lounge area with comfy seats and a big screen tv with a movie. Film:  “Cloudy with a chance of meat balls”. There is also a place to shower and everyone's English is pretty good, and I could use dollars! I bought a tea that came with a free Taiwanese dessert and it was just like my brother Justin had told me, dessert just isn't the same, it was kindof a sugarless flour dough thing, but I was hungry and it was free, so I eventually ate them. I was quite enjoying the lounge area because of the 12 hour layover that I had. It was all fine until I went to try and sleep and realized that my Ipods (yes plural, a Nano and a shuffle) were missing. I had taken them out during the flight and put them in this nifty little mesh holder on the flight and forgotten them. My newfound love of the people here changed quickly when they claimed that nothing had been found.  Yes, it was my stupidity, my stupid act of being careless but I guess I've always wanted to believe that people are honest. It ruined my night and I was scared to start this new journey.  Especially without the comfort of my own music, there is something about ones own music, we need comforts in this life, something that we can count on.  I fear it has started me off on a wrong note and it has activated all of the sadness of this past year and a half.  Now I feel alone in an Asian land with only the foreign sounds around me, it is not music, yet I must embrace it, like I do with everything that has happened, but I will miss my music, just like I already miss my family and culture.

May 30, 9:09a.m.

Oh, would like to have hope, hope in the things I do, in my convictions. I wonder why I do this, put myself in these challenging situations of the heart. I felt this way when I went to peru som many years ago but it is so different this time. I feel like a failure a bit, a lonely woman who is searching for something. Don't want to be do ing this forever, I miss my music, whatever. Don't feel inspried to write, though the Taipei airport already was an interesting mini-culture piece. There were so many samples of liquors and sweets, very cool, though I didn't try the liquors, I already lost two Ipods, sleep deprived on shots would not be good for me.

I do return, keep returning to my Fede. Here I am, I left all that I know to immerse myself in something else. Does make you realize that there are so many of us. Lives and paths keep crossing, right?
in something else. Does make you realize that there are so many of us. Lives and paths keep crossing, right?