Something special to come home to.

Kim again. When I arrived home, I was welcomed with this bouquet of flowers and this sauce called, "Memories of Thailand fiery chili pepper sauce". Brian (my husband) thought it would serve as a reminder of my trip. Yep! There were many hot things I tried in Thailand. Thankfully though, my new friends became my "watch dogs" warding off the dangers of spice. You see, to the Thai people their "mild" spice was nothing but to me the "mild" made my mouth numb. So, thanks to the team for helping me.

I have fond memories of Thailand so this was the perfect gift to receive upon my return.

Chow once more.
P.S. Does anyone want any of this sauce because we know I won't be eating it. :-)

Home, Sweet Home.

Kim here.... Alive and well after our 34 hour venture home. Our return started at the Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. Because of our flight time, we agreed to go to the airport immediately following our last Rotary meeting in NakornPrathom on Monday, March 19th. So, we got there at 11:45pm to catch our 6:40am flight home. Sitting in an airport for 7 hours was surprisingly humorous......... especially waiting in line at 3:00am to check in. There were people we were ready to "take out" if they tried to cut ahead of us in line. You see, I didn't get a window seat for this flight so I was determined to be the first one at check-in (especially since we were there 3 hours before opening time). Good news ! I got a window seat. Bad news! There were no earlier flights to get us home quicker. The bummer was that we had a 5 hour stop over (which turned into 6) in Washington only to fly an hour and a half to get to Detroit.

Any way, after much laughter, eating, and sleeping we finally landed in Detroit at 11:30pm on Tuesday, March 20th. The end of an extraordinary venture. As you can see, we are still talking. We have made new friends. For some (Lee and Eileen), it was a tearful departure. Nicole and I are just too "tough" to cry (or was that fatigue) and Brandon was just too excited to see her new husband ( I think she was ready for this day 28 days ago). So, we said our good-byes and now look forward to seeing each other again when we are a little more refreshed and a whole lot cleaner. I think most of our clothes could stand on their own right now.

We are so appreciative of the simple things in life like a washer and dryer, HOT shower and toilet paper. Never again will I take these things for granted..... I hope.

Thanks again for following our blog. It has been fun to post our entries and read your comments. Our trip was a totally unforgettable experience. Each of us has taken a piece of Thailand with us. Our hearts have been forever touched by the warmth of the people of Thailand. Words cannot explain our appreciation and the sincere gratitude we have for Rotary in allowing us to enjoy this remarkable time.

I hope to see you soon.
With love and many thanks,
Kim.

Arrival at District Conference

Friday morning, we were on our way to Kanchanaburi for the District Conference about 3 hours from Hua Hin. Since we are nearing the end of our trip it is funny to see that our luggage amounts have doubled. It is quite entertaining watching our hosts and drivers pack the vehicles. But somehow, all the luggage fits and we are on our way.

This picture shows our luggage at the hotel in Kanchanaburi.

Elephant Massage

Kim, following the ride, enjoyed the entertainment by the 5 year old elephant. She, along with me, was lifted up into the air with the elephant’s trunk between our legs. No pictures will be shown. After the lift, Kim enjoyed an elephant massage (seen above).

Elephant Ride in Hua Hin

Eileen and Brandon enjoyed the ride also.

Elephant Ride in Hua Hin

Following the tailor shop, we went for the elephant ride and show. Lee and Nicole are pictured during their ride together.

Tailored Clothes

Then we enjoyed a lunch with the Rotarians. We then were taken to meet another Rotarian at her tailor shop. After a few minutes of visiting and introductions, Kim embarked on having a dress made, Nicole had a business suit designed, Lee had a blazer designed and I had a pair of pants and shirt designed. We will take a picture of some of our new clothes at the District Conference this weekend.

Silk Factory in Hua Hin

Following the Batik clothing shop, we headed to the Silk Factory in Hua Hin. We were shown how silk was formed and the steps that it takes to make the silk threads and clothing. Nicole, Eileen and Lee all had pieces designed and sown together. We are seen in the picture with the Rotarians who brought us, the store manager and some of his employees, one of the GSE members coming to our district and our team.

Hua Hin Wednesday, March 14th

Eileen, Kim and Nicole all enjoyed shopping for different pieces. As a close knit team, we have been catch sharing some close spaces together (i.e. seen above in the dressing room shot).

Hua Hin - Wednesday, March 14th

Our day began around 10:30am when Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Hua Hin picked us up to go check out Hua Hin. Our first stop was at a Batik clothing shop. The artists draw on cloth with wax and then paint it in with water paint. Then the wax is washed away leaving a border between the colours seen in the picture.

Our 11 Hour Train Ride from Trang to Hua Hin

We arrived late into Hua Hin around 3:45am. What an aweful hour to have to pick up the GSE team at the train station. There were three Rotarians that greeted us at the train station with smiles upon their faces. How kind. It was nice to chat with them for a few minutes before retiring around 4:15am.

Our 11 Hour Train Ride from Trang to Hua Hin

Kim and I hung out writing in our journals and reading. We did not make our seats into sleeping quarters. I enjoyed the time to talk with Kim and catch up on my journal.

Our 11 Hour Train Ride from Trang to Hua Hin

Lee spent most of the trip talking with a fellow German traveler. Lee finally retired around 10:30pm into his sleeping bunk.

Our 11 Hour Train Ride from Trang to Hua Hin

Our 11 hour train ride went by extremely fast. Though our train ride started around 5:40pm and was to arrive in 3am at Hua Hin, we were dreading how long the trip was going to feel. Nicole and Eileen (pictured here) were the first two to embark on sleep time around 9pm.

Le Khaokob Cave

At Le Khaokob cave in Trang, we experienced something totally incredible. We went on a small boat, through a narrow canal before heading into caves filled with crevices flowing in every direction. There were times in our excursion that we actually had to lay down in order to get through the passages. One area was very dark, which added suspense to our excitement. I was most thankful for the 2 knowledgeable guides we had. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be the one leading the way. If I was, we would still be there.

The rock formations seemed to be growing from above and below. The air was cool, yet warm. It wis very difficult to explain but it was a most unusual experience.

By the time we left the cave, we were happy to see we survived it and somehow we felt "closer" ... not to mention the fact that we were literally laying on each other. Yet antoehr unforgettable day in Thailand.

Farewell to Trang

Farewell to Trang.
This is my hostess, Pannee and her 2 daughters.

My Trip to the Salon

After returning from the cave and touring through the grounds of the ex-Prime Minister's property, my hostess, Pannee, wanted to treat me to a Thai salon shampoo, massage and style. Here I am relaxing, soaking (or should I say "soaping") it all in. Pannee was right. The shampoo felt wonderful after a long busy day. With the realization that the 11 hour train ride was just an hour or so away, she knew I would appreciate feeling clean and refreshed before boarding the train.

Smiling Fish Factory

Today we went to the Smiling Fish canning factory in Trang, where we observed cans being made that will contain fish products to be used in Thailand or shipped to other areas. A Rotarian from Trang (seen in the picture), gave us the grand tour. In this picture, the ladies are checking the lids for any imperfections. It was quite an amazing process watching how quickly the machines cut, bent and assembled each can.

Water Projects

While in Trang, the Rotarians took us to several water projects that they helped to sponsor since the tsunami. This is a picture of a water retention container that they provided for Muk Island.

Travel Breakdown between Phuket and Trang

After relaxing at our mid-trip break hotel at the Dusit Laguna on Phuket Island, Thailand, we are off to Trang. Destination number 7 of 10 in this month long journey. As we have learned along the way, the plans can be altered at any time and any place depending on what is presented.

About 1 hour from our destination (approximately 3-4 hour trip), our tour van started to overheat. The driver quickly pulled to the side of the road. We hung out on the side of the road in the limited shade. As a team, we have been able to handle the changes or situations stress free. Much different for some of our lives back in North America. Yes... at home, I like to be on time and ready.

We waited as the driver tried to cool the engine down. We were back on the road about a half hour later to find ... that we needed to pull over the van for good (or at least longer). The Rotarians with us, called ahead to Trang to find some help for us. We were able to relax, read our books, write in our journals and laugh that the schedule is a merely a guideline and things happen.

About an hour later, reinforcement had arrived and we were off to Trang.
(As soon as we can, we will add some pictures of this adventure.)

Rotary Meetings

We are about to give our 7th presentation and have seen many kinds of Rotary meetings both big and small. We attended the Club Charter Presentation for the new Rotary Club of Laguna in Phucket and danced at the conclusion of the meeting in NakornSrithammaraj. It is fun to see the differences and similarities in the meetings.

Horseback Riding on the Beach (Nicole)

I spent my 36 hours of "free time" here in Phuket on the beach, horseback riding, and exploring sea caves by canoe! As far as "fun stuff" goes, the amazing horseback riding on the beach was my favorite experience here!!! It was just me out there (and the guide) and I was able to really go all out and ride as hard as I wanted all up and down the crescent beach.... it was a mile or two stretch and I rode all up and down the bay from one point to the other for 2.5 hours. It was also a great tour of the seaside resorts and a chance to get a look at all the tourists up and down the beach. All of the kids on the beach waved to me, and it was fun to say hi to them!

Tsunami in Phuket.

I have had some people ask about Phuket being the area hit by the Tsunami. As Brandon has already said, Patong Beach was hit much harder than Phuket town. She also mentioned how the people picked up and started a new life once again. This picture shows a part of Patong Beach that was completely wiped out. As you can see, they have reconstructed everything. It is hard to believe that such a short time ago, there was nothing here. Although the construction seems more primative than ours, they have done an incredible job getting back on their feet. Kudos to the Thais for showing us how to start again.

Please Note....

As our trip has been progressing and internet is sometimes scare, as of today, we should be up to date. Please take a moment and look back at the additional entries.

Thank you so much for following and commenting on our trip. We really appreciate it.

Brandon

Life in Thailand.

Kim here with a Thai update. It has been difficult lately to get on a computer. Yesterday and today we have been staying at a hotel in Phuket. The entire team is enjoying our free time here at the resort.I spent my morning walking around, climbing a look-out tower and strolling through a park that is home to 3 elephants. This afternoon, I spent time in the sun.

So, now it is official. As you can see from the photo, I am getting darker. I am no longer the "beautiful farang" (foreigner) that I was when I arrived. The Thai people love white skin so the darker we get, the less attractive we become. I am going to be one sorry sight by the time we leave...... especially after today and even more so if we continue to get sun time. In Thailand,being white is a social status. Those who work outside get darker so they are considered to be of the lower class. Count me in as a worker!!!!!!!!!

We will be meeting with a new Rotary group tonight. They are having an inauguration at our hotel.

Tomorrow we leave for Trang. That is as far south as we will be going before heading back towards Bangkok. We are anticipating a wonderful 11 hour train ride to our next destination, Hua Hin. Yikes !!!!!!!!!!! Let's hope we're in first class like our last train ride.

Well, it's time to get back to chilling out in the oh so hot sun !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chow for now !!!

Note re: Blog Posts

I've been writing posts when I don't have internet-- and today I had a chance to post two of them belatedly. They have "belated" in the title, so you can read down and find them easily if you'd like to see what they're about. Thanks to everyone who's been reading and commenting. It's good to have you guys along on the trip!

8 Month Old Elephant

There were other elephants in the area. I had a picture taken with the 8th month old elephant. I am actually taller than the elephant right now.

Elephant Ride

We are currently on our mid-trip break at the Dusit Laguna Beach Resort on the Indian Ocean. There are a total of five resorts locating together that make up the Laguna Beach Resort. This area was an old tin mine that 23 years ago someone had a vision to make this a tourist destination. It is truly beautiful. Today, Saturday, March 10th, I got to ride a 35 year old elephant for 15 minutes. I had to choose to ride on the elephant’s neck or in a chair; I chose the neck. It was very cool.

Giant Catfish and the Falls in Nakorn

Here I am working up the courage to swim with some HUGE catfish at the waterfall near Nakorn SiThammarat... As you can see, I'm wearing shorts and a Tshirt over my bathing suit-- because everyone else was swimming in clothes! I've pretty much given up tank tops and swimsuits here in favor of more modest dress like the native Thais. Even I raise my eyebrows to see spaghetti straps on the street now! No one wore a bathing suit to swim at the falls, for the combined reasons of modesty and not wanting to get too much sun. At first I thought everyone just decided to have an impromptu swim in their clothes, but then I realized it's just normal to swim in shorts and t shirt or even jeans. Just a tidbit of Thai culture! P.S. In Phuket all the falang on holiday wear bathing suits, speedos and skimpy "international standard" resort wear (and FYI there were plenty of topless sunbathers here, even though technically it's frowned upon). (Picture to Come)

The Courts in Phuket

Today I had the honor of visiting both the general court in Phuket and the Juvenile Court. In the photo, you see me and my host family just after I met the Head Judge at the general court. The judges and I compared our respective court system structures, and the criminal procedures governing Thailand's version of a Prosecuting Attorney. At the family court, I learned that there is a basis for dividing property 50/50 in a divorce in Thailand, similar to the US. I also learned that either parent can gain custody of the child--or have shared custody after a divorce, and the child' best interests are the number one factor judge consider.

The keyboard here is different and difficult to use, so I'll keep this short-- but I've been compiling blog entries on my personal computer and I'll update the blog just as soon as I can connect it to the internet!

A school water project in Thailand

The GSE team visited the Watsamakyaram School in NakhonSrithammaraj. Tin mining in the district has left the water undrinkable. The polluted water supply is causing serious health problems for the young students at the school including black spots on their hands. The Rotary Club of Nakhonsri-Veerathai is working to help with this project. They need 300,000 baht ($8,571). The school has already raised one-third of the amount needed. The GSE team has donated $250 USD of their personal funds for the project. The Rotary Club of Troy Michigan in the USA and Rotary Club of Tongkah in Thailand has now matched this. Including a personal donation of $70 USD, we now have $820 USD or 26,945 THB. Anyone interested in donating directly to this project can make their checks payable to The Rotary Club of Nakhonsri-Veerathai and send it to PAG Asa Saligupta, 40 Moo7 T.Srakaew, A. Tasala, NakhonSrithammaraj in Thailand or PE Eileen Heasley, Troy Rotary, 190 Paragon, Troy, MI 48098 in the USA.

Thai cooking class.

For those of you that know me well..... or even not well, know that I am not a cook. In fact, I don't remember the last time I did cook. Well, here you have it. Me, in an apron, in front of a stove cooking. Can you imagine that? I had to have a picture because I didn't think anyone would actually believe I did it. And better yet, the finished product was even edible....... but not for me. I can't eat all the spice they use. I tried a few taste-tests but my mouth lost feeling so I let a Thai be my tester from there on in.

So, Brian I have recipes and for the other team members' families, you can expect a wonderful Thai meal when we get home.

Radio Station Appearance in Nakorn Si Thammarat

The morning of Wednesday, March 7th, prior to leaving Nakorn Si Thammarat, we had the opportunity to be on Mr. Asa Saligupta’s English radio show from 9 – 10am. We each gave a brief introduction of ourselves and selected a song. It was a pretty cool experience.

Sunset Beach Resort, Patong Beach, Phuket Isalnd

Late afternoon on Wednesday, March 7th, we arrived on Phuket Island to meet our next host. I did not realize how big this island was. I was being hosted by Mr. Veerachai Ungtrakul and his family. They let me stay at their hotel, Sunset Beach Resort, in Patong Beach. The hotel was beautiful. Mr. Ungtrakul and I had a good conversation about the Tsunami that hit Thailand about 2.5 years ago (December 26th, 2004). Patong Beach was the hardest hit in Thailand. However, I did not see to much damage today or even know that it had occured. He said that the waves were 6 – 7 feet high at his hotel. At least one of the hotel vehicles were picked up by the wave and thrown into the building. There were motorcycles thrown into the pool along with many fish from the Indian Ocean. It took 3 – 6 months for them to fix up everything, replace chairs and clean before business resumed. I also learned that the Thai people’s way of thinking is to just pick up and move on. The picture is from my 5th floor room looking at the pool. The ocean would be to the right of the picture.

Khamon Gas Separation & Electric Plant

The plant is supplied by a 24” diameter pipeline from a 160 km out in the Gulf of Thailand. Other neat things he mentioned included that the gas found is a joint venture between Thailand and Malaysia. They also inspect their pipelines using PIGS. Since this facility is a Gas Separation Plant, they get many products from the gas brought in. Some include natural gas for vehicles (NGV), propane for cooking and they use some of the fuel is supplied to the Electric Plants. The picture is of the team outside with our hard hats.

I really enjoyed visiting the plant and am very appreciative to the Rotarians in Nakorn Si Thammarat for giving us this opportunity.

Khamon Gas Separation & Electric Plant

On Tuesday, March 6th in Nakorn Si Thammarat, we were accompanied by Lee’s host family to the Khamon Gas Separation and Electric Plant. This plant was built in 1996 and supplies Southern Thailand with all its electricity and natural gas at the pumps. We were shown an English video on its company and then taken on a tour. We spent most of our time talking in the control room of the plant. We were given the tour by Mr. Chailikit, the Operations Manager. The picture is of Mr. Chailikit and myself in the control room.

Yong Waterfall, Nakorn Si Thammarat

On Monday, March 5th, our first day in Nakorn Si Thammarat, we spent part of the afternoon visiting a beautiful waterfall. Kim, Lee and Nicole enjoyed a dip in the water hole below the waterfall. While Eileen enjoyed a nap in the shad and I put my feet in the water. It was neat being at the water hole on the first day of summer vacation for the Thai people. There were hundreds of people present. We were the only North Americans present and the only individuals wearing bathing suits. Everyone else was swimming in their clothing.

Surat Thani and on to Nakorn

Leaving Surat Thani for NakornSiThamarat (say that fives times fast!)
After a rowdy Karaoke birthday party last night where the Thais got us to dance, the birthday gentleman gave us each a lovely gift of a pendant with a picture of the King. The pendant has been blessed by Buddhist monks. We have learned by trial and error never to put anything associated with the king in our bags on the floor or in our pants pockets. The bottom half of your body (including your feet and the floor) are considered lowly. Maasha sang Torn by Natalie Imbruglia at the party, and she even looks like the original singer. Also, tall dark haired North Americans get mistaken for a different Natalie, the Miss Universe winner who is dating a Thai man. Both Maria and Maasha get mistaken for that Natalie all over Thailand!
Mr. Oh-Pat Sirawej, our host Father, is a court appointed mediator for civil cases, probate (wills/estates) and land disputes. We were able to have a chat with him about mediation techniques and the increasing popularity of alternative dispute resolution in both Thailand and the United States. We also got a quick peek at the beautiful new local court and government complex in the city of Surat Thani.

New foods

Eileen here. This GSE trip includes an amazing variety of foods. Every meal brings something different to try. I never thought that I liked seafood but I do now! I stopped asking what it is and just try to taste everything. Here is a picture of the soup we had yesterday for lunch. It was really very good.

Thai Legal System, and Samut Prakarn

Since computer time and internet access are very limited, I haven't yet had the chance to share my experiences and my notes after visiting the High Court and Juvenile court last week...
This was an amazing opportunity and I'm very lucky that Rotarians and their friends were able to arrange it! It was an invaluable chance to learn about Thai law and the court system. We were welcomed at the state supreme court by a panel of the most senior administrative staff and the Head Judge. The senior female administrator gave a perfect presentation in English, and this reinforced the information I learned about the Thai legal system in order to prepare for the trip.
We were able to observe two trials--one criminal and one juvenile. For the second trial, we traveled from the local high court to the juvenile courthouse and were received graciously there as well. I had a few minutes after the trial to discuss family law and juvenile law with the panel of judges and the top judge-administrator. We compared sentencing procedures and guidelines, and learned about juvenile detention practices. When the juvenile defendant we saw is sentenced, they will consider: his school and community record, previous offenses, attitude/remorse after the crime, and his conduct both in and out of court during the trial and sentencing period.
Overall, the Thai civil law system is very similar in structure to the Western system. One very notable difference is that the mid level judges are chosen on more of a “jury” system and work on panels of two (or more). This was new information, and very interesting! The judges are not legal professionals and may not have law training. In fact, they have full time jobs in all kinds of non-legal fields and they take time off to “volunteer” when they are called to serve in the courts as panel judges. As I said, it's almost like jury service! Both of my host parents in Surat Thani have volunteered and been called to serve many times over a period of almost twenty years, and it is an honor for them. Now that they are taking more time to themselves (although they are not retired yet) they have more time to do this.
I can't wait to see the next court and meet more legal professionals. It looks like I am staying with a lawyer/accountant later in the trip, and I'm looking forward to it!

Surat Thani from Nicole

As Kim said, we were so sad to leave our new friends and "family" in Chumporn; it's a smaller town with a very close-knit feeling. I can certainly understand why Maria (a former GSE team member from the west coast) has just moved to Thailand and why Chumporn is one of her favorite places on earth (it's the people)!

In Surat Thani, Eileen and I are staying in the home of a Past District Governor and it's very lovely. They have three very enthusiastic guard dogs at our house- Sugar, Honey and Jam. We were able to visit the local temple, and I enjoyed a peacful moment of reflection and positive intent. Yesterday we walked downtown and went through the Afternoon Market, and tonight we shopped for fruit at a night market.

The fruit here is amazing! Today we saw or ate pineapple, jackfruit, durian, rambutan, mangosteen, mango, papaya, saala(cca), green apples, rose apples, tangerines, oranges, grapes, coconut, bright orange coconut?, watermelon, pears, lemons/limes, strawberries-- and most of them before we even got to the fruit market. We were able to tour two suans or fruit gardens. The vegetables here are also delicious and varied and everyone enjoys Pad Pak Ruam, a veggie stirfry dish with a (relatively) light oyster sauce. We are really enjoying all the food, including the spicy and rich dishes, but Pad Pak Ruam and cow (the Thai word for white rice) makes a great staple that's healthy and easy on our stomachs.

We're looking forward to touring the local dam tomorrow, and spending more time with the rotarians and Youth Exchange participant Masha, who speaks great Thai.

Presentation #3 and Factory Visit

Today was another action packed day. We started the day off by visiting a Salacca (a Thai fruit) Garden in the region, as well as checking out other fruit trees and flowers on our way to lunch.

Lunch was great. We stopped on the highway at a very nice open, outdoor style restaurant. The Rotarians with us called ahead and had some of the dishes made without spices for Kim and I (Brandon). Eileen, Lee and Nicole have been enjoying the spices. The Thai people look to cook everything with a lot of chili peppers.

Following lunch, we headed to the Vanachai Panel Industrial Company. They manufacture particle board and MDF (Medium Density Fiber) board. I (Brandon) found this very interesting and will definitely use this experience part of my vocational experience here in Thailand. We were treated to a presentation on how they manufacture the particle board. Once with presentation was completed, we were treated to a visit to one of their three plants. This was a great opportunity to see the different steps in action. The main raw material for this company is the rubber tree lumber, which is waste from another company, who uses the rubber tree leaves to manufacture rubber. The picture above is of the Plant Manager (to the left) and an Employee (to the right). So much for squinting looking at the sun for the picture.

Back in Surat Thani, we were able to relax a little before dinner. Our days are so interesting and funfilled that it feels like we are always eating. We had dinner with a group of Rotarians beside the river in town.

Tonight was presented Presentation #3 and were presented with more wonderful gifts. The presentation was fun. There were two clubs at this meeting; Rotary Club of Surat Thani and the Rotary Club of Sritapee.

Surat Thani, Thailand & Host #3

Today started out with the group meeting for a North American style breakfast. We had a great chance to talk to our hosts in Chumphon. We had a tearful and emotional good- bye as we loaded up in the two vehicles for Surat Thani. We had roughly a 2.5 hour drive to get to the next town.

We were met with hellos, traditional Thai flowers and a North American style lunch. It was really good. Once the meal ended, Lee was able to check out the kitchen. The Rotary Clubs had a welcome banner in which we took some pictures.

After lunch we went our separate ways. Brandon and Kim ended up having yet another Thai massage. To date, this is our fourth. This one was especially awesome because it lasted 2 hours. We can now move in ways we never thought possible. Thai people really take us out of our comfort zones.

For those of you keeping up with the blog, our itinerary continuously changes. We were unable to plant the mangrove trees in Chumphon but we were able to tour and learn about the mangrove reforestation.

Well, for now it's time to say good-bye. We will keep you posted !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:-) Kim & Brandon.