July 28, 2008

I just got back from Naresuan University where the university students and faculty held a sort of "exhibition" for the public (our primary school, level 5 students went). It was very interesting- tons of music and food surrounded us as we weaved through crowds of people who were looking at the different booths. It almost reminded me of "Career Day" in America where are there different booths for different careers. I saw many booths for medical science.

Cece

Above: This booth exhibited a certain type of Thai massage where the massagist would step on the patient with the sole of his foot (dipped in hot water, it seemed) and use the stick to balance. On the right, where the mats are, there was another type of massage that used two wood implements that looked a lot like a broader hammer and chisel. One would "chisel" the patient with the wood. 

Also, Thai herbs are very popular. There were many booths that were selling these herbs (which were made into tea or other products). A common thing for Thai people, that I've noticed, is that they carry around a tube of liquid (made from herbs) with a very strong, almost medicinal, smell. They sometimes place this tube very close to their nostrils or even dab some on their wrists or neck, in a sort of "healing" manner.

Ah- yes, and the other day I went with my Thai friends to their tutoring session for English, held at their English Teacher's house. I had a very interesting conversation with their teacher about Thai students and their struggle with English. She explained that a huge obstacle in their ability to learn good English is that the students do not get a chance to practice their English. After the mandated 1 or 2 hours of English class in school, students talk in Thai with their friends and go home and speak Thai. Some English teachers even speak mainly Thai when they are teaching in their English classes. The need for cultural immersion is important in learning a language, which is why she encourages studying abroad in England or America.

4

Above: Thai Friends :) 

And that leads me back to, well, myself. I've just come to understand the strength in coming to Thailand. Though I do regret not learning some Thai language before coming here, the opportunity to enter a new culture with new people and a new language is rare and I am extremely thankful to be here.