| Where do I begin? In fact, the real question is where did I leave off? Recently I have been feeling a slight disconnect from back home. I feel like when I talk to anyone, it is all about “catching up” or “filling in” because I am in Thailand and up to adventures and whatnot. There is no time to just be, or to reflect on new ideas, or chat about nothing. I've realized that my blog is an excellent way to do the “catching up” and “filling in”. So I will try to utilize this more to show what I am up to! Feel free to contact me by other means to tell me about your goings-ons and thoughts on the universe! In the past few weeks I have been up to plenty of activities. I ended up going on another camping trip to a National Park. This time, it was in a large group of both CIEE students and Thai roommates. We finally arrived after our mega songtao broke down on the side of the road and we opted for a major “selfie-stick” photoshoot. Because we were up in the mountains, it got ridiculously freezing at night... but that isn't the reason I shared a 2 person tent with 4 other girls. The real reason was that we told scary stories and couldn't bear to be alone in the middle of the Thai Jungle. The most memorable part of our little weekend trip was actually the stars. We took a drive through the wilderness at night, looking for wildlife. We ended up not seeing anything (I think our voices scared anything away), but the stars were beyond incredible. It was breathtaking to see them from a different perspective. The next morning we woke up at 5 to head to a viewpoint to watch the sunrise. The gorgeous glowing red sun appeared out of the fog like a dream. The next weekend we saddled up for yet another adventure. Both CIEE girls and Thai roommates were heading to the Khon Kaen Zoo! Fun fact: the major attraction at the Khon Kaen Zoo is...drumroll please...deer. Yep, their sign has a deer on it, their programs have deer on them, they are all about those deer. I'd forgotten that the animals so native to home would be exotic in Thailand!!! Silly me. But we were also able to pet a rhino and see beautiful White Lions lounging in the sun. We also got to strut around with peacocks and feed the Sun Bears. If you didn't know, I'm actually pretty obsessed with zoos. I was pretty heartbroken when I saw that all the educational signs were in Thai. My favorite part about zoos is learning everything there is to know about the animals! I am not particularly against zoos; this zoo in particular had plenty of space and did not seem sad or inhumane to me. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about them. But I do know that I miss the Buffalo Zoo, a place where I know so much care goes into the animals! We then continued on to the Cobra Village... Here in Thailand it is important to understand that different people have different livelihoods, that function to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. They might not be the most ethical or moral, but who are we to criticize someone's livelihood? It is their way of caring for and supporting their families. Basically, the Cobra Village puts on shows where men and young boys get into a boxing ring with de-fanged cobras. They slap and kick the cobra until it lunges at them, all the while the show being commentated ESPN- style. It was hard to watch. Following the show, we were able to hold the Boa Constrictors. At first I wanted to resist being a part of this place in any way, but the boas were extremely calm and friendly and quite beautiful creatures. I took the opportunity to gently hold this magnificent animal, and I am glad that I did. A few other activities I've taken part in: As much as I love Thai food... it is all that I have eaten for a month. America is truly unique in the sense that it celebrates all different cultures somewhat equally, and has the food to prove it! We heard of a farang-owned bar that was hosting a Mexican Night last week... Needless to say we rushed on over there for tequila and burritos. It was fun to get out with my friends (I am usually much more of a homebody) and indulge in expensive, not-very-good burritos. We had a blast with our Thai friends and met some other farangs living here in Khon Kaen. I also got to attend a play!!! It was entirely in Thai, but I could still follow the plot. The set was incredible, as it was actually built by the Faculty of Architecture. The effects and dances and costumes were all top notch! I was able to pick up on a lot of the jokes and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences so far! Immediately after it ended, the skies opened up for a monsoon, and I returned home absolutely soaked to the bone and thrilled. This past weekend I had an amazing time at something called Art Lane. For Buffalo readers, it was the Thai version of the Elmwood Arts Festival! Right here in Khon Kaen! The students from the Faculty of Fine Arts all came together to show their art pieces and sell clothing, notebooks, ceramics, necklaces, sculptures, photographs, etc. There were students actively creating art (spray painting giant canvases, even carving ice sculptures!). The sheer quality of the art blew my mind. This was not just a student get-together of dinky art pieces. These were incredible show pieces, that belonged in a museum. My friends and I spent hours walking the strip, spending ample time at every single stop. We came across a group of student artists who were sketching people on the spot! We convinced ourselves to sit down and get our portraits drawn. It turned into a frenzy. Five different artists flocked over to draw us; a crowd gathered 'round to watch and take our photos. It was all rather ridiculous. The drawings themselves were actually incredible... they just didn't look like us at all (my resemblance was the most on point, but you can judge for yourself). It was all so silly and wonderful. The students were quite skilled, and probably weren't used to free sketching farang faces. We had a lot of fun though! That's a bit of catch up on all the activities I've been up to, stay tuned for a post about my previous homestay in the Organic Farming village. |