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.

Water Project

This is Eileen. We had a chance to visit a water project that is dear to my heart. The Chumphon Cabana is a resort but also a center for people to learn to live harmoniously with nature. They had several water projects that promote natural ways to purify water. Thanks again Rotary for giving me this outstanding opportunity to learn from the Thai people.

Presentation # 2

Wow!!!!!!!!! Another action-packed day in Thailand. Kim here. We started by going to a Hair salon where I had the opportunity to cut the owner's hair. I was then able to watch another stylist cut a client's (Arit - a member of the Rotary) hair. It was very fascinating. The price of their equipment is incredibly less expensive than in Canada. I hope to order some scissors to take home.

Lee helped a chef cook our lunch. He had fun preparing the meal and learning the Thai cooking techniques. The meal was scrumptuous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the best we have had.

We also did our second GSE presentation today. The Rotary club made up a special banner for us that was posted on the window. The group was extremely nice to us. The District Director of Sawee was our guest. He has invited us to plant mangrove trees in order to preserve the sea life. Apparently what we plant tomorrow will provide life for many sea animals in about 5 years. How exciting to be a part of such an important project.

Our host families have been most hospitable once again. Everyone here is so friendly. It will be difficult to leave.

We went to the Chumphon Cabana Resort this afternoon. They have a totally self contained resort that is run by the environment around them. They grow their own food, purify their water and even destroy bad bacteria. It was incredible to see how much we can do to save our environment. After our tour, it was beach time. What a lovely way to spend our day.

Tonight we experienced cutting our own crab in half in order to eat it. The Thai culture is so fun. We are learning a lot.

Well, I will sign off now. Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. Until next time.....Sawadee ka. (Good bye!)

Sunday, February 25th

Today was another amazing day. We got up early this morning and went to the Floating Market. We were able to look at the different venders and was able to buy different gifts. I (Brandon) purchased some homemade soap and candles. We were also given some gifts. One gift was a corsages made from fish scales. They are beautiful. Another one of the gifts were our shirts (seen in the picture). We also had an opportunity to ride in an boat along the Floating Market (picture above).

After the Floating Market we went for lunch along the river. Weena (my host sister, also seen in the above picture) ordered some different dishes. Even at restaurants their way to serve the meal is to bring the different dishes to the table and we all share. Instead of us ordering individual meals. The dishes never seem to have a lot of food on it but there is also so much. The food is very good and sometimes really spicy.

Following lunch, we were treated to an hour long foot massage. What an amazing experience. Though their massage technique seem rough, it was really relaxing. The thai people are really in to massage. I look forward to having another one real soon.

Tonight we are meeting the District Governor and a party for us. I am looking forward to trying the food and meeting all the Rotary Clubs. There are nine clubs in the Bangkok area.

Kim's Host Family Employee Party

Saturday was a day full of excitement. After seeing the Grand Palace, going for lunch, then shopping, we had a Thai foot massage. What a treat !!!!!!!!! The Rotary has been very generous to us. They have completely spoiled us.

In the evening we were treated to dinner at Mrs. Seemake's. The feast went on all night while we were entertained by her employees and Bim ( a famous singer here in Thailand). I (Kim) was surprised with a beautiful hand painted pot with lid from Mrs. Seemake. She has been so gracious and generous to me. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate all she has done. She has treated me to many bags from her factory and she cooked me a wonderful meal after a long day.

I am thoroughly enjoying Thailand and I am especially grateful to Mrs. Seemake and all her family for their care and hospitality.

We have arrived....

After nearly being in the air for 23 hours yesterday, not counting time on the ground, we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand at 11:30pm on Wednesday, February 21st.

Once we made it through customs, gathered our luggage (no lost luggage to talk about) and off to the exit to this unknown world to us. We turned the corner and scanned the sheer people to see if we could figure out who was picking us up. But we noticed right away a great big yellow sign welcoming us. As we approached, there were 15 - 20 Rotarians excited to meet us all. Talk about overwhelming and exciting. Pictures, welcomes, hand shakes all around. Funny looks as they gathered our luggage. I think some commented ... heavy.

For the next 15 minutes, there were a lot of pictures taken and introduction made. We look forward to meeting them all again tonight at our first Rotary Meeting.

We were swept away to our hotel for some much needed rest.

Itinerary

With only a couple of days to go, I thought this would be a good time to post our itinerary for all to see. It looks like it is going to be a packed thirty days. I cannot wait to start the experience.

Thank you to our friends, family, Rotary International, Rotary District 6380 and Rotary District 3330 for supporting this trip and for all the work it takes to pull a trip like this together.

Itinerary

February 20th - Leaving Canada & USA
February 21st - Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand (roughly 24 hours of flying - 3 flights)
February 22 - 26 - Samutprakarn
February 26 - March 1 - Chumphon
March 1 - 4 - Surat Thani
March 4 - 7 - Nakorn Sri Thammaraj
March 7 - 9 - Phuket
March 9 - 11 Mid Trip Break in Phuket
March 11 - 14 - Trang
March 14 - 17 - Hua Hin
March 17 - 18 - Karnchanahuri
March 18 - 20 - Nakorn Prathom
March 20 - Leaving Thailand and living March 20th over again in Canada and USA

Show and Tell Dinner

We had a farewell dinner to thank the Rotarians who are sponsoring us and to show our friends and family our presentations. We picked a date 10 days before our departure so that we are not rushed at the last minute. It was a great evening for all.

Bringing Rotary Flags to Thailand

We're all looking forward to sharing tokens of appreciation and goodwill with our Thai friends and "families" when we arrive. We'll be bringing rotary club flags to exchange with the clubs we visit. Let us know if you have some you'd like us to pass on in Thailand for your club!