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January 20, 2010
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This journal marks the beginning of my favorite season,
winter, here in
Thailand! Although
considerably warmer than your average snowy Santa scene, the weather
here is akin to that of
Florida’s, save the fact that it is
a bit shorter in length and sporadic in the frequency of temperature
drops. Nevertheless, it is a major improvement from the average day of
inevitable heatstroke.
The month of November began with the infamous Thai
holiday Loi Kratong. In the Thai language, “loi” translates as “to
float” while a kratong is a circular object usually created with
banana leafs and decorated with candles and flowers in various
designs. During this festival, people place these usually handmade
kratongs in the numerous klongs, or rivers, that flow throughout this
country in order to appease what they believe to be the goddess of the
seas that both created and maintain this wonderful nation.
Accompanying this ceremony are usually festivities such as dancing,
singing, rides, and the most frequented actions of the Thai people,
eating!
These all take place in the night close to
midnight. I luckily was able
to witness all of these events (and more) riding on the wings of the
river goddess or, in simplified terms, my uncle’s boat. We, meaning my
host father, mother, uncle, and two aunts, traveled the length of the
major artery of our small town, stopping at the gala held in the
marketplace every year. After stuffing ourselves with grilled skewered
pork and vanilla ice cream and watching the featured beauty contest,
(which my friend won!), we continued on our heavenly passage, passing
through the darkness and trials of life, catching glimpses of a pure
existence illuminated by candle light, before returning to our
starting point in the sinful yet awe-inspiring world of humanity.
We then sent our own slivers of appreciation to the deity of the river
before concluding our night.
The following week, I had the experience of a lifetime.
I was able to speak with a head monk of Buddhism. His very manner,
although expected, was still amazing to witness in practice. The calm
that overwhelmed his being and reason for existence and knowledge on
the broad subjects of humanity and religious matters was apparent from
first glance. And when he spoke, all stopped to listen in hopes of
catching a glimpse into the world of wisdom. It was an unforgettable
event.
On the 29th of November I changed
households, moving to a family with four immediate members and one
extended member living in the house. I had one younger sister, aged 15
years, and one younger brother, aged 11 years, along with a mother and
father. Unfortunately, I was unable to continue my intended three
month length of stay for various reasons and have since moved on to my
third host family, whom I absolutely adore! I have two older siblings,
one of both genders both aged nineteen years, and three younger
siblings, two boys aged twelve and ten years and one girl aged fifteen
years. The general attitude of this large family is one of high
spirits and vivacious energy.
Thus after traveling to Chiangmai once more, Bangkok
multiple times, and parties dozens of times, one of which allowed me
to wear a beautiful gold and crème traditional Thai dress, the year of
2009 has left me without an ounce of energy. So I bid farewell to that
year filled with mystery and curiosity, amazement and wonder, love and
satisfaction, and I welcome the New Year with open arms, ready and
waiting.
-Jennefer Neolan |
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September 30, 2009
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SEE JENNEFER'S RECENT PICTURES
The heat has subsided, the
sounds are like a flowing river, and I finally can say “I am Thai”.
YEAH RIGHT! It’s still hot, I
still can’t speak Thai besides the basic “sawatdee” and “mai kao jai”,
and I still don’t act like a Thai! Of course, it’s only been a little
over a monthJ. Still, it
feels like I haven’t made enough progress on this journey, both in
reaching a peak in my maturity and in embedding myself into this
wonderful and unique culture. Patience is truly a virtue…
ANYWAYS! Besides the whole
language thing I’ve been making a
LOT of good memories here. Along with the
multiple trips to various markets in the area and visits with friends
and family, I’ve been a witness to indescribable beauty. There is a
park here which seems to have an ancient yet vibrant soul to it. It
was made for the pleasure of the Buddhist monks here in
Thailand. As if the mere
size of the park and arrangement of the trees and flowers weren’t
enough to wow you, there are several monuments reflecting the age and
concept of Buddhism. My personal favorite is the Standing Buddha
Image. As soon as it revealed itself from behind the trees, I was
stunned. Besides its sheer size as it stands at over 50 feet tall, the
knowledge of life and its marvels illuminates from the seemingly
flowing robes of Buddha. Eyes cast down, palm outstretched, and foot
extended, Buddha is truly at peace.
Another favorite of mine was
the Hall of the Marble Pali Canon. The Buddhist “Bible” is engraved in
marble tablets and spread out around the statue of the first abbot to
ever reside in the park. Painted on the ceiling above the tablets is
the story of Buddhism and its existence in
Thailand. At the very end
of the marble building, behind the last “page” of the path to Nirvana,
is a scene even beyond those of National Geographic. It is the peace
reached at the end of death, it is heaven.
After that breathtaking
journey, I made my appearance at none other than the infamous
Bangkok! It certainly holds a
different kind of beauty, one exuding an aura more adept to that of a
mindful child rather than an inspiring elder. It is new, playful, and
crowded with thoughts of adventure and mischief. Yet it knows its
place and acts accordingly, not mistaking its privileges for the
freedom to forget traditions. The shopping there is fun! It’s more
like sight seeing for me, seeing supposed fashion statements and
seaweed flavored ice cream.^^ Ah!
Thailand! I also went to
the Prommit Film Studio in Ratchaburi with my fourth host family. Of
course it was touristy but it was fun to be with my soon-to-be family.
Later we went to a Rotary dinner on a sea side restaurant where I had
something I never thought I would try in over a million years, fried
frog legs! I hate to say it but it tasted just like chicken! Aroi mak
mak!
This afternoon, I learned a bit
about meditation and even tried it with my host mother’s sister who is
a fully ordained monk. She said that meditation is used to control the
monkey, our mind, which usually jumps from one thought to the next,
and allows it to concentrate on one point. She even said a well
trained mind can read and control other minds! I’m gonna have to see
that one for myself!
Now I am out of school until
the 26th of October since here the semester has ended.
Maybe I can learn enough Thai to understand at least 30% of my
friends’ conversations by the time I come back. I doubt it though!
This week I’m going to Chiangrai and Chiangmai with my school for five
days, visiting Wats and monuments in the north of
Thailand. I’ll write all
about it when I come back! As for now, my bed awaits me! TTFN! Tata
for now!
Jennefer Neolan, RYE Outbound
to Thailand District 3330, 2009-2010 |
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August 29,
2009
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Ah! Where to begin?? I guess at the
airport !:P
I left the 18th of August surrounded by
my family. I waved goodbye for the last time, not truly realizing I
wouldn’t see them for a WHOLE year! I still can’t! From Miami to
Washington, from Washington to Narita, Japan (SOOOOOOOOOOOO long!),
and finally from Japan to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
When I arrived at the “Meeting Point”
at 11 pm on the 19th, I saw the welcoming committee! Bob and Sami, my
new parents, members from the Rotary Club of Ban Phaeo, and a soon to
be Outbound from Thailand headed to Germany. I felt so loved!! We went
out for dinner (really late dinner!) at a supposedly Thai version of
“Denny’s”. Rice with Duck, fried fish (the best for me!), and even
chicken feet! I’m still too American to try it!
We then continued to my new home. It’s
so beautiful and peaceful! There’s a khlong (canal) in the back and it
runs through the whole farmland. It’s a nice change from Pompano
Beach!
Some time after my arrival we went to
the market. So many smells (both good and bad) and goods can be found
there. It was something I could never imagine. On the 24th I went to
school. It was crazy!! I had to make a speech in Thai in front of the
whole student body wearing a rather spiffy uniform J. I was nervous
but the students all applauded and giggled when I repeated it in
English. When I walk in the halls I always hear “Jennefer! Jennefer!
Hello!” I still don’t understand their “fascination”. My friend
doesn’t either! She said she’s been going to that school for four
years and no one ever calls her name. I come for four days and
everyone’s calling mine! I don’t speak even 1% of the Thai language
yet but I have made many friends already. I hope that soon I can
understand what everyone around me is saying but even now I’m not to
sure I can speak this tonal language. It sounds impossible to truly
master. I guess we’ll have to see!
I guess that’s it for now! Time for
lunch! Watdee! Bye Bye!
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