tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56374827129452395632024-03-18T21:12:57.356-07:00Once Upon A ThaiAmanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-71919855840879056772013-04-01T06:50:00.000-07:002013-08-13T17:05:29.027-07:00So you want to study abroad in Thailand?I know that KEI and Emory use this blog so I figured I would take some time to go over all the things that are good to know/wish I had known before coming to study abroad in Thailand.<br />
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1. <b>Don't pack more than four pairs of shoes</b>. I brought at least three pairs of shoes that I have not worn once while here. Take a minute think about where you are going and kiss those cute sequin flats goodbye. If you don't want to walk four miles in them then they should not make the cut. Extra shoes take up a ton of space and precious suitcase weight.<br />
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2. <b>You will have a school uniform. </b>I was really unclear about this before I came and was told that they weren't that strict about it for international kids, that it was more of a preference. So I just brought a ton of skirts and blouses that were a similar fashion to the uniform. If you are studying abroad in Thailand there is a 99% chance you will be wearing a uniform 80% of the time. Its alright though because it gets you discounts places and you never have to think about what you are going to wear. Also you can pack way less clothes!<br />
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3. <b>It is okay to wear shorts in public. </b>Yes some Thai people are modest, but a lot of them do wear shorts and it is not a problem. I almost didn't bring any because I was told only tourists wear them, some see it as disrespectful, and they will charge you more money because they think you are a rich American. If you are foreign I promise you will stick out...all the time. You can try to blend in, the Thai people will give you an A for effort and possibly a 20 baht discount but you aren't fooling anybody. It's okay though, I got used to it really fast and most Thai people go out of their way to help you. If you are a girl you should probably bring a knee length/modest skirt, most temples don't let women in wearing shorts/pants/short skirts.<br />
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4.<b> Don't load up your class schedule. </b>The semester you choose to study abroad anywhere isn't a great time to get all of your hard classes out of the way. In Thailand I would say this is particularly true. Most people I talk to wish they had taken less difficult courses and/or less credits. Living in a foreign country is a big adjustment. If you are like anybody I talked to you are going to find it really hard to focus. Professors are likely to teach, test, and grade in a way that is very different from your home University. Nobody wants to spend all their weekends studying abroad actually studying. You gotta have time to go out there and explore without coming back to a stress fest.<br />
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5. <b>Bring any food you can't live without. </b>There is just something comforting abut coming back to your apartment after an overwhelming day and being greeted by your favorite granola bar. Especially in the beginning before you have fully embraced the Thai food all the time mentality this will be a life saver. You can find some stuff here but chances are it is not the same and since only Foreigners eat it, it will be really expensive. If any of these items are a staple in your diet then bring them with you. You will not find them easily here. Salad dressing (they use sweet mayo everywhere here and it is gross), anything cheesy, granola bars, trail mix, chocolate (especially dark), peanut butter (you can find it but it is not the same, in teeny jars, and expensive), anything you prefer whole grain or whole wheat, protein bars, cereal, and granola. These are pretty much just the things that I missed a lot but as a general rule anything that falls in the snack or breakfast category. Plus you will have room in your suitcase for souvenirs when you come home because you ate all the food you brought with you!<br />
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6. <b>Bring any DVD's you can't live without.</b> The internet is pretty slow where ever you go, most/all t.v. here is in Thai, and if you buy movies here they might not be compatible with your computer. Most dvd drives in computers these days only let you change your region five times before it locks it for life. I know it sounds confusing but pretty much don't bother buying them here. If you are a movie buff come prepared.<br />
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7. <b>Bring any medicine you might want...ever</b>. The chances of you getting food poisoning while here are pretty close to 100% so just go ahead and make that process a lot more pleasant by brining your favorite meds with you. If by chance you go unscathed I am sure that a friend will appreciate it at some point.<br />
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8. <b>Bring enough soap to last the whole trip. </b>It is really hard to find soap that does not have bleaching agents in it because pretty much all Thai people use bleach in most skin products. Most labels are also completely in Thai so it is pretty hard to know whether or not you have found soap that won't turn you into Michael Jackson.<br />
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9. <b>If you think you might want to leave Thailand get a multiple entry visa! </b><br />
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10. <b>If you are a girl bring all of the feminine products you will need for your trip. </b><br />
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11. <b>Bring a coat and other warm accessories. </b>I know it is a tropical country but this especially applies if you are connecting through the Beijing airport. They do not have any heat in the international wing of their airport and it is all glass. On the plus side they do have a yoga/meditation room if that is your thing. Chiang Mai and other northern provinces can also get pretty chilly sometimes.<br />
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-56936869597476641962013-03-29T22:16:00.001-07:002013-04-01T06:41:01.368-07:00Thai food and other oddities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know that I haven't posted many pictures of food so during my last week in Thailand I made a concerted effort to grab pics of all the food that I eat most often. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory with hard boiled egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sukiyaki nam=best soup</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some kind of vegetable with tofu and brown rice from the schools caf.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have all kinds of animal shaped bushes in the middle of the streets<br />
but I like the elephants.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like Pad Thai without the noodles </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They serve chocolate colons at our school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried fish with lime sauce</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pumpkin, tofu, and vegetables</td></tr>
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After my last exam we celebrated by going shopping for some last minute souvenirs in Bangkok. Although it does resemble a Hangover 2 moment I don't think that this baby was on the list.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baby unattended in a shopping cart at the mall</td></tr>
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This necklace was for sale at the art museum. This local Thai lady made it and I thought it was rather amusing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDsdeKarQp0YsszAcGa6x-9d0O9W7MwBE0W9cM83sddjah5zZsb-qxr5XXIds8Y6ggp8iDP56tEhpbD1dMTi03a-KmYXMAKOG3AO4LCFUlpyAfZXvlUJcYGyFPmssAkTIyBuequrzgtCs/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDsdeKarQp0YsszAcGa6x-9d0O9W7MwBE0W9cM83sddjah5zZsb-qxr5XXIds8Y6ggp8iDP56tEhpbD1dMTi03a-KmYXMAKOG3AO4LCFUlpyAfZXvlUJcYGyFPmssAkTIyBuequrzgtCs/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a Thai version of super Mario on exhibit at the arts center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yummy Thai candy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The making of the crepes that the Thai candy was wrapped in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIIKUb1hwWtXIFw7NxvVVc1woaMdEo0KSsVrm8KEfjkoJOA_GtJwlvmrwCVgzmi-qG8bZys4VjFihfgVeoMjEodliegRFEszKG3l6v60n24mGo8dytmNrOToWslx-nCHnxYdra56ADoo2/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIIKUb1hwWtXIFw7NxvVVc1woaMdEo0KSsVrm8KEfjkoJOA_GtJwlvmrwCVgzmi-qG8bZys4VjFihfgVeoMjEodliegRFEszKG3l6v60n24mGo8dytmNrOToWslx-nCHnxYdra56ADoo2/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sushi at the market, in the 98 degree weather...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHWDGE2Ix8JOkYoi4YSBHqWsoSNAm4aEboMGe5SPSo0k7c7M0gZJNuB1U_DFEwbwg5LlGCQd7YfnOQVwQWk2ldjxULKQGsI2fFFzxTGOY4ss9X-hYYyej84-8CKD0ScP4HMY9xJiUClly/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpHWDGE2Ix8JOkYoi4YSBHqWsoSNAm4aEboMGe5SPSo0k7c7M0gZJNuB1U_DFEwbwg5LlGCQd7YfnOQVwQWk2ldjxULKQGsI2fFFzxTGOY4ss9X-hYYyej84-8CKD0ScP4HMY9xJiUClly/s320/IMG_0970.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's like a cabbage shrimp cake, not too bad in ball form.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Taro ball in coconut milk dessert.</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-20035762228850406152013-03-26T07:02:00.002-07:002013-03-26T19:09:24.524-07:00Phra Pathom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Last weekend View took us to the largest chedi in Thailand. Legend has it that long ago there was a king who visited some kind of fortune teller. It was predicted that his next son would kill him. The king was distraught and when his son was born he abandoned him and floated down the river. One day there was a battle, the queen recognized her long lost son by a scar on his face. Before she could stop him he had slain the King aka his father. Later on he found out the truth and built the largest Chedi in Thailand in honor of his dad. He said that he wanted it to be as high as the birds fly. The chedi is surrounded by many caves that are filled with statues and used for worshipping purposes. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the chedi from above.</td></tr>
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We took a train across the province to visit the chedi. Although it was a rather long wait at the station it was a nice ride. View also told us a lot about Thai food, plants, and other things we were curious about while we ate. Apparently the clear noodles are made of green beans. Who would've thought?!?! While we were eating lunch one of the guys working at the food stall came up to View and asked her how old he was. After that he asked if I was married. After that I couldn't understand their Thai anymore, but I think he might've been the first Thai guy to almost creep me out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFlZofV2s5lOhdW0WHAHdouOh4pSTjm0h54DIpqojPjE1xYhkiINO1ZK9007_zk39XCdLdNJEsvOvs-DVuVPEtP3NaysM9_adoD7-n-Za1qzV0WaVsrVP63h46F94jVjB2n2Fb95zX8c8/s1600/IMG_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFlZofV2s5lOhdW0WHAHdouOh4pSTjm0h54DIpqojPjE1xYhkiINO1ZK9007_zk39XCdLdNJEsvOvs-DVuVPEtP3NaysM9_adoD7-n-Za1qzV0WaVsrVP63h46F94jVjB2n2Fb95zX8c8/s320/IMG_0907.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raisin and corn waffles on the street.<br />
I tried a corn one and it wasn't bad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cashana and I outside Phra Pathom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the caves at the temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even inside a cave you had to remove your shoes</td></tr>
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While in the caves this man who worked there called Sean and I over. He took a bunch of bamboo sticks, dipped them in some kind of water, and tapped them on our heads. Apparently he was blessing us but View said on monks do that and he wasn't wearing a monks robes so who knows what happened.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to another cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This watermelon is cheap and awesome<br />
but it sure is awkward to eat those big slices armed with nothing but that little stick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little boy held onto those loops the whole train ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A monk who reached enlightenment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical lunch at the MUIC cafeteria. </td></tr>
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Anyways I am officially in the home stretch of this trip. After my tropical medicine final I will be headed back to America. Although flying back easter Sunday is kind of a bummer my Aunt is going to pick me up from JFK and taking me to easter dinner during my layover before I go back to North Carolina, so that should be really nice. I haven't started packing yet, but I am armed with space bags, a vacuum, a scale, and lots of determination to leave a minimal amount of stuff behind. I hope that everybody's week is off to a nice start!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view walking back from the hospital.</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-12882852227008568282013-03-24T06:30:00.003-07:002013-03-27T04:47:30.219-07:00The fated busThere is something magical about barely making it to the bus. After my exam Cashana, Quin, and I went to JJ market to do some last minute souvenir shopping. Well within 30 minutes I had managed to lose them. Mind you this is 100% the largest market in the world (go ahead and google it I dare you). After ten minutes of searching I came to terms with the fact that I was on my own for this one, and I must say it was pretty cool. When it was time to leave I took the sky train to the part of Bangkok where I knew I could get a bus back to Salaya. Finding the right station I get the bus pros to be slightly more problematic. So I was walking around this giant traffic circle asking Thai people which station it was. I realize I'm heading in the right direction and then while crossing the street on the bridge I spot it. The miraculous 515 in all it's glory. Only it has already started pulling away. So I race across the bridge, down the stairs, across the street, adrenaline rushing, heart pounding. Yes I can see it! Oh no it is still driving away. I'm doomed. When you are in a city where bus schedules don't exist not missing the bus when it comes is a very big deal. Which is exactly what happened HOORAH! I ran out into the road next to the bus half expecting it to keep going, there's no way it could've seen my last desperate attempt at making it off the streets of Bangkok before dark. But somehow it did. Mister 515 screeched to a stop, the doors squeaked open, and I quickly jumped on before the cosmic fate had a chance to change its mind. Just this weekend I had waited over an hour on two occasions for a bus. There is nothing like catching the bus right at the last minute. AWESOME!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the inside of the traffic circle I was running around.</td></tr>
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A lot of other cool stuff happened today though. While on the sky train I met this really cool guy from Holand. He told me I didn't have an American accent. I have actually gotten that a lot here and I almost feel like I'm disappointing people, but I don't really know what they expect. Or what to say to that. I really am from America I promise. He asked me what North Carolina was famous for. I tried to tell him about the Wright brothers but he seemed unimpressed and asked what else. I couldn't think of anything and he found that mighty amusing. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The street outside JJ market.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men playing checkers with bottle caps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shop owner had a mohawk!</td></tr>
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I had my second to last final today. Yes for clarification it was on a Sunday. Quin and I went up to the school early to print off some final papers for the class and grab lunch. To our disappointment everything we went to on campus was closed. No food, no computer lab, no air conditioning, nothing. Now I don't mind taking a final on a Sunday but if I have to show up then some other people should too. Other positive points of the day include that I almost found the shirt I want, got a chocolate covered/almond rolled frozen banana, and had a cashier giver me pooh stickers when I bought a sandwich at 7/11. I hope the universe is treating everybody else kindly today :)Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-15277004771675137002013-03-17T06:48:00.001-07:002013-03-21T02:06:57.870-07:00Don Wai floating market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend View took us to a floating market about ten minutes down the road from our apartment. It is apparently one of the most well known floating markets in Thailand and the favorite among Thai people. It was a nice morning on the water so when we got there View bought us ticket for an hour and a half river boat ride. The captain gave us each a small loaf of bread to feed the gigantic fish jumping out of the water below us. The market is located behind a temple which means fishing in the area is prohibited, so the fish flourish like nowhere I have ever seen before. I took a bunch of pictures of them but they didn't really come out well, and without a normal sized fish to compare them to they just look kind of average. In the shallow parts of the river many farmers grew different plants that Thai people eat as vegetables (some are called morning glory and taste really yummy). I saw a few men in the water up to their shoulders harvesting these plants and throwing them up onto the small boat beside them. I thought it was pretty cool. Below you will see a completely unrelated picture of some green tea ice cream that I tried a few days ago. It was pretty good. I was expecting it to be gross so it made the blog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green tea ice cream :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">selling produce from the boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">part of the KEI group on the river boat :)<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A boat similar to the one that we took a river cruise on.</td></tr>
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Don Wai did not have many foreigners at all. In fact I think we might have been about it. At one point some of us had sat down for lunch and a Thai lady on a boat shouted over to our table that a foreign boy was down a few aisles and wanted to know if he was supposed to be with us. Indeed he was, I thought it was kind of funny that we stuck out so much a stranger felt comfortable doing that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">typical menu at a restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">live eels at the market, they believe that releasing them is good luck.<br />
View said they just get eaten by the fish immediately and she doesn't see the luck in that.</td></tr>
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Ewwww I thought the eel thing was super gross. I know you can't really tell how big that they are in the picture but I would say each one was about as big as my arm. The fact that the fish in the river eat them kind of puts into perspective my comments about the giant fish earlier. Two days before this my tropical medicine class took a field trip to a snake farm where they make all of the anti-venom for people who get snake bites in Thailand. It was pretty cool but I felt bad for the snakes. Isolated and alone in their cages, no chance for real love, poor little myanmar pit vipers. I have also found that it is hard for me to take somebody who is supposed to be a professional seriously when they can't really speak English. I know it is horrible and probably something that I should add to my personal "needs improvement" category but it is hard for me to truly respect somebody who is supposed to be an expert in their field when they can not speak intelligible English. So the guy I have been indirectly referring to for my last few sentences was our instructor at the snake farm. It was his job to tell us about all of these poisonous/venomous animals in Thailand. He got really excited every time an animal came up that you could eat a part (which according to him was most animals). Sorry for being a close minded American here but getting the recipe for how to fry an oil beetle (which produces its own oil to be fried in) started to gross me out. Anyways, the floating market was awesome, the snake farm was gross, and I now have just under two weeks left in Thailand. Yayy Thai!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow tomatos </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">traditional Thai house on the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WOOT sweetened condensed milk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is for Joanna</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-86659542276810780752013-03-10T05:04:00.000-07:002013-03-10T05:04:10.174-07:00Ayuthaya<br /><br /> On Sunday morning View picked us up in two large vans and we drove up to the town of Ayuthaya. It used to be the capital of Thailand back when it was still called Siam. Apparently it was quite the cosmopolitan city in its day and is now famous for is ruins. To be honest I was a little nervous about whether or not I would enjoy the trip (I have seen a lot of temples the past two months). It was actually really cool though and we got to see this fancy museum about it. Hey if there is a interesting museum I am always on board.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusSERzmKW8RwuCn1ScG3cGc57_Tpkit27lHXerHm1Dw4WLpVLfZ7llAKm389FVeSnxOoX0vwdfoELrdeGg7f8KWn-KTAefSkdGk0F5e0xhX7TDp9vrRI4s4nGNmJb9HdC7Fwxz3TPfweX/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusSERzmKW8RwuCn1ScG3cGc57_Tpkit27lHXerHm1Dw4WLpVLfZ7llAKm389FVeSnxOoX0vwdfoELrdeGg7f8KWn-KTAefSkdGk0F5e0xhX7TDp9vrRI4s4nGNmJb9HdC7Fwxz3TPfweX/s320/IMG_0851.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting Buddhas at the ancient temples</td></tr>
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Lunch was amazing! It was this big fancy Thai buffet, they had yummy soup, sushi, fruit, the works. This fruit in the pictures below was quite a hit!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jvJrBIy9q83D1uk05JJDtYTOE9Lw8breXO4aiEG-wO29gFBnpJOiYIQAzcXOfyIE27zOynMFi1Y6_1pDm16JpCyhtU0qvwzoDZ48-aRO1ZfJICjPXYcuGTqr3kv88TuM9ZIgPCHg-IYI/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2jvJrBIy9q83D1uk05JJDtYTOE9Lw8breXO4aiEG-wO29gFBnpJOiYIQAzcXOfyIE27zOynMFi1Y6_1pDm16JpCyhtU0qvwzoDZ48-aRO1ZfJICjPXYcuGTqr3kv88TuM9ZIgPCHg-IYI/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A really yummy fruit that I tried at lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think that it is called a langkan</td></tr>
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Our local guide was really interesting and even took all of us to his coffee shop. It was super hot out so the icy cool drinks were a welcome refreshment. Loaded with a fresh cup of ice I was ready to tackle the remaining three temples left on our tour of the town. I know that I haven't really said much in this blog entry, I just can't think of anything that you guys would be interested in hearing about. Don't get me wrong it was a cool place but without the spectacle in front of you the history seems semi-ordinary. Oh okay so two of the princes fought on elephant back to decide who would be the next king. I thought that was pretty cool. Turns out they both died and their younger brother was named king. I think it is pretty cool that they fought on elephants...well not so cool for the elephants I guess. You know during the Civil War the king of Thailand offered Lincoln a male and female elephant to start an elephant herd in America. I guess he thought they could use them to help crush the south during the war. Lincoln turned him down saying that he didn't think the climate would be suitable for them, but man could you imagine the look on the Confederates faces if a herd of elephants had come running toward them. It would've given a whole new meaning to the battle of Bull Run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5P67oka9d0uIiDslccbfCpDY7OLHM3wmorXqUMia31teJdbliYG_XqTTO-nF6wBT8FwB1xSFkiFW67AgNSorW8aH-dbe2LhR1pyzaUgWkhCeZEEFBjwTmZ6ZfLqy-W5GdaFkmvoS07wt/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-5P67oka9d0uIiDslccbfCpDY7OLHM3wmorXqUMia31teJdbliYG_XqTTO-nF6wBT8FwB1xSFkiFW67AgNSorW8aH-dbe2LhR1pyzaUgWkhCeZEEFBjwTmZ6ZfLqy-W5GdaFkmvoS07wt/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins in Ayuthaya</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oldest Buddha in Southeast Asia at over 1,500 years old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People riding elephants downtown.</td></tr>
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All in all it was a great day! We even got to watch Friends on the ride there and back. My friend Quinn downloaded Silver Linings Playbook last night so I think that we are gonna snuggle down and watch that in a bit. Yayy I am so excited, it should be a great way to end a nice weekend before this busy week kicks in.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this was pretty cool, the tree grew around the head all on its own.</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-41762374249498050622013-03-08T20:46:00.001-08:002013-03-09T04:10:02.377-08:00Coyote <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the past week or so I found myself to be rather sick of Thai food. This could be a slight problem since I still have three weeks here. However I am hoping that it is just a phase and I will return to fully embracing it by Monday...or Tuesday at the latest. As a temporary solution Quin, Cashana, and I went into Bangkok last night to get some Mexican food at a place called Coyote. According to trip advisor it is the best Mexican food in the city. Although we arrived five minutes after happy hour which was mildly disappointing the yummy food more than made up for it. It definitely wasn't the same as Mexican food in America but it wasn't bad. It's hard to explain but the sauces had more of a meaty/savory quality. After eating we spent some time exploring the city. While walking around we passed a Dairy Queen that was serving both mango sticky rice and mango pudding blizzards. I'm not sure how exactly they make it, but I would say that it would be a safe assumption that it has sweetened condensed milk in it, because it is in everything here. One of my friends classes is having some sort of pot luck. She lives with us so of course we do not have a kitchen or real access to food besides the 7/11. So she was struggling with what food she should bring. We all agreed that sweetened condensed milk shots would be a perfect appetizer for this crowd.</div>
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In the pictures below you can see the symbols for bathroom that the district we were in seemed to be rather fond of. We kept seeing the silhouettes on the walls in different building and weren't quite sure what they meant. After stumbling past these life sized ones at the real bathroom it became ver clear. I thought that they were pretty funny.</div>
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During our adventures that evening we also found the Magnum Cafe. Where chocolate was a main ingredient in most of the entrees and you could make your own Magnum bar. Cashana stopped to take advantage of this decadent opportunity, having still been slightly scarred from my last Magnum experience I decided to hold off.<br />
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Not too much else has been going on in my world the past few days. Finals are coming up in two short weeks so I have been starting to get my information organized for that. The educational system here is a lot different. I'm not a huge fan of it and from what I have heard from my American classmates they aren't either. The relationship students have with professors is a lot different. Overall I would describe it as less trusting, more critical, and unclear expectations that are none the less expected to be met. I was sick earlier this week and told some students to let the teacher know I wouldn't be in class for the quiz (because she did not give us her e-mail). She told them to message me and let me know that if I did not come to her next period class to make up the quiz that she was going to fail me. This was rather distressing and I can not imagine any of my professors in America doing something like this. In the end I went to the hospital, got a doctors note, and convinced her to let me make it up next week. In general teachers here are also much more dependent on powerpoint. There is also a chance that they will be thrown off if you ask questions. Thai students as a whole don't really ask questions...ever. It has something to do with saving face and not looking silly, apparently it is a big deal here. Of course I didn't really get that memo and found that sometimes professors react slightly negatively to some questions. Especially if it is a question they don't know the answer to. Don't get me wrong I really do like most of the professors I have met here I am just trying to compare it to my experience in America. Thai people are aware that education is better in America. I have had several people baffled at why I left America to come to school here. It simply blows their mind. I always try to explain it but the language and perhaps cultural barrier proves too much. Most people here do not travel to much, it is not something that is valued the way it is in America. So it is hard for them to comprehend the benefits that I would get from going to school here for a semester. Well that is about all for now. I hope that everybody has a nice day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latest crocodile hunter find. Isn't she a beaut!</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-23417330174443303352013-03-05T00:56:00.000-08:002013-03-05T00:56:07.133-08:00Koh Samet Early Friday morning we woke up and left for the beautiful island of Koh Samet. We took a mini van over which had a nice built in t.v. It would have been a lot nicer if we hadn't been watching a mash up of 80s/90s love song music videos. In fact at this point I am pretty sure that song "Wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be riiiight here waiting for you" is Thailand's second national anthem. Not only have I heard it here more than I did in America, I am also pretty sure that I have heard it more than I hear the national anthem. I don't know if I have mentioned this but they broadcast the national anthem on the loud speakers at 8 am, 6 pm, and every movie theater. Anyways yea 90s love songs are big here, moving forward. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing gas, never try, never know....<br />for clarification I still don't know.</td></tr>
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After the van ride we got on a speed boat (which was super fun) to get to the island. Where we stayed in these really cute bungalows right near the ocean. That night we had a traditional Thai dinner complete with pillow cushions on the floor and a fire show. It was really cool but I can't imagine how they do it. They were amazing! It's a good thing Thailand hasn't gotten around to starting a winterguard, we definitely wouldn't have won worlds against these beasts!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire show, that kid on the right was about 6</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koh Samet at Sunset</td></tr>
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The next day we woke up early to watch the sunrise and go swimming before everybody else was out and about. After that we hopped on a speed boat which took us to go snorkeling in the top three coral reefs in the area. I had never seen coral reefs, so many kinds of tropical fish, or been snorkeling before. It was a lot for one morning, the perfect amount of a lot though. The coral reefs were so cool but I could tell that some of them had seen better days. Global warming strikes again. All in all it was just the relaxing weekend that I needed! There were even Thai people playing ping pong on the beach. I thought it was an interesting contrast to the traditional American football on the beach. In all reality ping pong is a lot more challenging on a breezy beach than football. Maybe the Thai guys are more masculine...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Koh Samet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sunrise on the rocks of the ocean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These kids were making interesting sand castles on their dad.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Men like this walk around the beach selling lots of food and yummy coconuts.</td></tr>
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Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-77331314707041110072013-02-28T04:09:00.001-08:002013-02-28T06:23:34.488-08:00Fruit and Magnum Bars<br />
I would just like to start off by saying that I had the most amazing pineapple today. It was lovely and I don't think I will ever be able to eat America pineapple again. People always say how fruit tastes completely different in tropical countries...and it really does. I can already tell giving up young coconuts, perfect watermelon, and Thai pineapple is going to be tough. Anyways now that I got that out of my system, today in Developmental Psychology 2 we were talking about how many Thai men have mia nois or minor wives. This would be a second, third, or fourth wife taken on while they are still married to their first wife. Although they are not legally married (since it is illegal) they are still financially responsible for them and start families together. Relatively recently the government expressed concern about the presence of this practice within Thai parliament. Some members thought that officials should not have minor wives because it sets a bad example for the country. However this concern came to no consequence since literally every member of parliament had a mia noi. Even the crowned prince has several mia nois, although it is frowned upon it is socially accepted. If a husband wants a mia noi there really isn't much the wife can do to stop it. For example the man who is neighbors with my professor recently took a mia noi in a provence far away. He is no longer with his previous wife and daughter (who is 14). The wife is never home because she is off spending as much of her husbands money as possible. That leaves the daughter without any parental supervision. As a result she has latched onto my professor and his wife as sort of surrogate parents. I think its pretty said and speaks a lot to the progress that needs to be made as far as gender equality is concerned. We need to move into the modern era of women having little husbands! Haha that would be pretty cute if they were actually miniature. No really though isn't one spouse enough guys?<br />
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After dinner today I really wanted some chocolate. So I stopped by the 7/11 and got a chocolate truffle magnum ice cream bar. I don't think that magnum is very popular in America but it is legit. Anyways I was just walking down the street back to the apartment, minding my own business, and eating my ice cream when Shannon pointed out to me that the Thai people were staring a lot more than usual. I was suddenly very self-concious of my ice cream licking technique, but in 95 degree weather waiting until you get home to enjoy it isn't really an option. Sooo I kept eating it. Looking back I do remember seeing a few very sexual ice cream bar commercials while here. I tried to find a link of this particular one to reference...but it wasn't on youtube. Its okay though I'm sure my description is better. There is this shirtless guy tied to a chair and blindfolded. There is also a girl in a slinky dress with a magnum ice cream bar. She is being all weird and eating the ice cream very sexually. Then she like rubs it on him and licks it off and they end up making out. There is this weird bow chick wow wow music playing in the background too. Anyways it is pretty raunchy and I've seen it at least 5 times (as you can tell from my vivid description) during my limited exposure to Thai television. I'm pretty sure that sort of thing wouldn't fly in America. Now that I think of it I've never seen a Thai person eat ice cream in public. Opppps. Oh well at least I learned something new. If this whole college thing doesn't pan out I'm pretty sure I could make a solid living standing on the street in Thailand and charging people 10 baht to watch me eat ice cream. They would have to provide the ice cream too. Just because I like free ice cream. Except not really because that would be profiting from the objectification of women which is bad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also they have lobster hot plate Lays potato chips here.</td></tr>
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<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-72020010208535518082013-02-24T23:20:00.001-08:002013-02-24T23:20:51.165-08:00Thai Cooking School I woke up early this morning and lounged around the hotel. It was so peaceful to lay in a hammock on the river front, eating amazing fruit salad, while reading Ellen's new book. Hey I gotta get my Ellen fix somewhere! Alex and Kelly decided to rent bikes and try to find a temple cave. While this sounded awesome it felt like it was 115 degrees outside and I just wasn't feeling the whole pedaling miles up a mountain thing. Sooo I went to an amazing vegetarian restaurant that I had been to a few nights ago and signed up for a Thai cooking class. I took it with this super cute German couple. We each picked three dishes plus one desert. So at the end of the two hour session I had learned how to make ten Thai dishes. The food was great, I can't wait to make it for you guys when I get back to America!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3501.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3501.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Miss Ohn showing me how to chop banana flower.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3503.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3503.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3505.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3505.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /> Both Miss Ohn and the Germans agreed that spatula was an absurd English word. Apparently in Germany it means something the gynecologist uses as a brush. I'm not sure what they are using a brush for but I decided I was about to cross the line of appropriate cooking school conversation and decided not to ask.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3512.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3512.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Tadaaa I made my first solo dish!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3514.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3514.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Miss Ohn decided to feed me....in case you can't tell I was not expecting this!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3517.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3517.jpg' border='0' width='273' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3518.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3518.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-71880393103552605262013-02-24T23:19:00.001-08:002013-02-24T23:19:59.903-08:00Erawan national park Today we woke up early and started the day off with a hearty breakfast of fruit salad and banana pancakes! I had been missing pancakes quite a lot recently so it was a great way to kick off the morning! We weren't sure if there was food where we were headed. I guess I should go ahead and say where we were going. Erawan national park featuring a seven tier water fall! Yea we were pretty pumped. In the two pictures below you can see the pimptastic bus that we took.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3493.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3493.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3494.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3494.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The picture below was a sign that we saw posted at the entrance of the park. It was pretty much requesting that the white people keep their clothes on.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3495.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3495.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />When Thai people see a spirit somewhere they make offerings to it. That is what is going on with this wrapped up tree. Not only was is a park with a seven tiered waterfall, but apparently it was also quite haunted because we saw at least five of these trees if not more. Maybe it's the spirits of all the tourists who tried to do stupid stuff on it. That would be a good way to keep people in line on the trail. They should really consider spreading that story. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3496.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3496.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below are some of the pictures of the waterfalls. They were awesome! In the pools beneath them were fish that liked to nibble at your feet. Some of them had more snap to their bite than you would expect!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3497.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3497.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3498.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3498.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3499.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3499.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is me on top of the seventh tier of the waterfall. Funny thing about taking a picture on top of a waterfall, nobody can really tell you're on it. Oh well it was cool! The trail to get there was intense. Lots of rock climbing, tree crossing, and slippery stepping was involved. But hey that's all part of the adventure right?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/3500.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_3500.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-53392396603842729422013-02-24T02:57:00.001-08:002013-02-24T02:57:21.335-08:00Kanchanaburi day one Saturday morning Alex, Kelly, and I woke up bright and early to catch the train the kanchanaburi. The windows were large and stayed open the whole time, but it was a nice day so the breeze was welcome. The last car of the train had a sign saying it was reserved for the monks, elderly, and disabled. However we didn't notice this until a good half hour. The rest of the train didn't have seats together so we sat in the last car. Oops. Luckily the Thai people were nice enough to let it go and the confused Americans sit in the special car. <br /> It took about three hours to get to Kanchanaburi, once we arrived we got a taxi, aka back of a truck, to take us to our hotel, The Jolly Frog. It is known for being affordable and a nice place for backpackers. The four person room we stayed in cost 400 baht per night. Which is the equivalent of us paying $4 each in America. <br /> Once we had gotten settled in we walked down to the death railway museum. Perhaps some of you have heard of it but the death railway took place during World War Two. The Japanese used prisoners of war as slave laborers to construct a railway and bridge connecting Thailand to Burma. The conditions were quite brutal and thousands of people died during this process. The bridge and railway are still used today although it has been debated whether or not it is ethical. After crossing the bridge we found this beautiful temple which you can see in the three pictures below.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/454.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_454.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/455.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_455.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/456.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_456.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The picture below is the view of the river when looking down from the death railway bridge.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/457.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_457.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We saw this leopard lying on a table, on the sidewalk, just chilling. Yes he is alive.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/458.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_458.jpg' border='0' width='255' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Alex and Kelly on the roof of one of the exhibits.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/459.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_459.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='211' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />A mural inside the museum depicting Thai life during ancient times.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/24/460.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/24/s_460.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> After exploring the town we went back to the hotel and relaxed in the hammock before getting Thai massages. The massage was amazing! I believe the phrase "who needs men when you have a Thai masseuse" could sum up my experience there. All for only 150 baht per hour (the equivalent of $5 in America, not to rub it in). We got dinner at this amazing vegetarian Thai place and worked on a plan for the next day when we were going to the Erawan waterfalls!<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-20621561975546655532013-02-21T23:04:00.002-08:002013-02-21T23:04:56.373-08:00Bow vs Sup I don't understand why Thai people aren't fat. I guess it's genetics or something. Living in America, watching how Americans eat and behave, I understand why some Americans are fat. Thai people are so tiny, and they eat a lot! It's not like they really eat all that healthy. I know that I eat healthier in America because here the healthier version of food just isn't available. Most meals include lots of simple starches, a deep fried meat, and a VERY sugary drink. They eat pretty frequently too. Now I understand that on a college campus I have a skewed perception and this is not how all Thai people eat. But they are still super skinny....and most of them eat like they are getting ready for hibernation. They don't really exercise that much either. Every Thai person I have talked to think it is ridiculous that I walk 1.5 miles to get to the hospital. I think part of it is that they don't want to get dark from being in the sun. In general they eat comparably to Americans and are active about as much as Americans, so why are Americans so much more fat? Beats me. <div>
While in Thailand I have also experienced a pleasant increase in self confidence. You would think I would have been more self conscious being surrounded by super thin asians. However the whole stick figure thing quickly lost appeal in my eye and I have found myself more fully embracing my own body. Now I can not take full credit for this increase in self acceptance. A fair amount of it could be due to the fact that many people here treat me like a small scale celebrity. It is kind of nice when people that you don't know are overtly friendly and polite. That doesn't really happen a lot to me in America. Here if a guy you don't know wants to get your attention he will wave, bow, tell you you're beautiful and move on. Occasionally they will ask for your name or where you are from, but they are still polite about it Note that I am not talking about college aged guys who pretty much never try to interact with me. This behavior is a pretty stark contrast from the "sups," head nods, winks, and cheap pick up lines that I have gotten used to America. I think that some people take strangers opinions of them more seriously than those of family and friends. Of course those who love you are going to love you and say you're pretty. What can I say when strangers treat you like a classy and pretty lady you start to feel that way. Boys back home need to take note. Bowing is the new "sup."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWvta2CPRbPwP7Gw40U-1mfUFeCTZ0OKEkO432hfcKb9X-LC2YP-AbUc9VaHO_DUYaKRCU6H6BvlSyQBwRnFLUh4R8cXIZYmOKz9dCOkwXp_PrsS_lRQ9f_fvL3L_VkfF8Jm1NCkQtuXq/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWvta2CPRbPwP7Gw40U-1mfUFeCTZ0OKEkO432hfcKb9X-LC2YP-AbUc9VaHO_DUYaKRCU6H6BvlSyQBwRnFLUh4R8cXIZYmOKz9dCOkwXp_PrsS_lRQ9f_fvL3L_VkfF8Jm1NCkQtuXq/s320/IMG_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was in the post office. I thought it was interesting how America was on the right side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are parking attendants like these in every parking lot to help people park their cars.<br />I don't think it would hurt America too much to invest in a few of these.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep placenta anyone? </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77eIGsuIdnfOXkYvtIQ3S2hG9mRApRjNXLTEBFwhyphenhyphenEw5SaaJBGC2JzQjWL4ZVBjEqaTW2IFA2IzZfF5Ru57K7C6bewZbCELn3ExS6tbQx0jew7uuOBasPwPzPx30UWu2ii9aS5mA-m2oz/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77eIGsuIdnfOXkYvtIQ3S2hG9mRApRjNXLTEBFwhyphenhyphenEw5SaaJBGC2JzQjWL4ZVBjEqaTW2IFA2IzZfF5Ru57K7C6bewZbCELn3ExS6tbQx0jew7uuOBasPwPzPx30UWu2ii9aS5mA-m2oz/s320/IMG_0787.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dinner with our Thai Language class</td></tr>
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Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-26307132900491001312013-02-20T01:07:00.000-08:002013-02-20T01:15:35.812-08:00Midterms Are Over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Hello everybody, thanks for sticking around through my midterm induced blog break! Hooraahh they are over! Now I can get back to exploring Thailand! I have been having a nice time at the hospital although the communication barrier is more glaring than ever now that I am almost exclusively in the pediatric OT department. Thai children don't speak any English and the people who work with the Thai children have no need for English so it has been a bit of a struggle. I do however have some pictures of the sensory room. All of the lights are on in the pictures so you can't get the full effect of the disco lights, fiber optic spray, color wheel, magic carpet, star projector, and firework simulator, but maybe if you stick around I will take a few pictures with the lights off one day. Ooooo something to look forward to!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So far I have had two sets of OT students want to take pictures with me in this castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more of the sensory room</td></tr>
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I don't know about you but I always feel incredibly awkward around couples where one or more members of the coupling looks like they would rather be trying to swallow a spider. The lobster hand is a tell tale sign of the "I would rather be trying to eat a live spider phenomenon."Although it is an elusive site in Thailand where PDA is extremely rare I managed to capture it for you guys. In the picture below you will see that the girls fingers are completely straight avoiding as much contact with the guy's hand as possible. I had the pleasure of walking behind these two for a block during which she attempted two to three escape attempts. Also the man purse is totally normal here and should not be considered a factor in the lady's satisfaction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster hand alert!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A visual of my earlier comment about selling condoms and other weird stuff with candy at the checkout counter</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty cool tree on campus.</td></tr>
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Not too much else has happened since I last wrote. Last Friday we had a girls night and saw the new movie "Safe Haven" before going to eat at a Japanese restaurant. They had all of these really cool flavors of popcorn at the theater including cheddar cheese!!! Also kids only got kids tickets if they were under a certain height. So all the tall ones had to pay full price which I found very prejudiced of them! Poor tall kids having to pay full price! They already have to put up with too many jokes about the weather, they should at least get into movies on the cheap. Anyways that is my stance for the evening, I am about to go to a traditional Thai dinner with my Thai language and culture class. It should be yummy! I hope that you are about to eat some delicious food as well :)<br />
Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-37375965288470270522013-02-11T04:50:00.001-08:002013-02-11T04:50:13.127-08:00Midterms It is midterm week here in Thailand. This is a much bigger deal than in America where I often don't have midterms. At MUIC the midterm exam is 40% of my grade! So the pressure is on! It doesn't really help that it is super hard to focus over here. All of the exchange students agree that it is much harder to get school work done here than at our home institutions. That being said I probably will not update the blog much for the next week since I will mostly be attempting to do research and studying. On a different note I am loving working with the kids at the hospital! Here are some pictures of the OT room I am in most of the time. <br />
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There is even a sensory room just like the one at the camp I work at in America! I wasn't able to get any pictures of it yet because there were always patients in it. Although hospitals in Thailand do not have any rules regarding patient confidentiality the way America does it still seems wrong to post pictures of patients. The lack of regulation over here may be a disadvantage for the patients but it has helped to make this an amazing internship for me. I would not be able to do half of the stuff that I do in Thailand back home. <br />
Over a month into my stay here and there are still a few things that I have not gotten used to. Crossings guards for example confuse me. I always seen to do the opposite of what they want me to do, which is a pretty bad thing when crossing the street. They are rather intense and I don't understand their motions so I get stressed out and panic. One would think that the motion to come and go would be universal, it's not. Most of the time when they want me to come it looks like they are shooing me away. <br />
Everything I heard about Asian food in America made it out to be very different from the way it really is. Before coming here I was under the impression that Asians (Chinese, Japanese, and Thai) ate very healthy food. Meaning not a lot of sugar/fried food, and eating meat only a few times a week. From what I have seen so far that could not be less true. Ninety percent of food has meat, is fried, and is loaded with sugar. I have been to a few authentic Chinese restaurants and this has also been the case there. Another major cultural difference is the acceptance of gay people and cross dressers. One of my teachers said that Bangkok is so gay it makes San Francisco look like rural Texas. After spending some time here I would definitely agree with that statement. Cross dressing is the norm and "lady boys" are everywhere. I am just now learning to recognize them and am astonished to see how many of them I didn't notice previously. I am really interested in what dating culture is like here. The guys are so much more coy here than in America. There are no crude shout outs, "sup girls," or whistles to be spoken of. The most you might get is a car honk. Older guys (30's and up) sometimes try to start up a conversation or make comments about your beauty, but it never comes off as sleezy or creepy. There is also no PDA to be spoken of, with the exception of the occasional scandalous couple holding hands. Despite the fact that Thai college guys seem so shy and socially awkward compared to Americans Thailand has the second highest teen pregnancy rate in the world. There is obviously more going on than meets the eye.<br />
I thought that with Thailand being an agricultural country it would be easy to find whole fresh food here. Wrong again, everything is chalked full of additives and preservatives. Even if I could read the Thai labels on food it is not required that manufacturers list their ingredients on the products, so most of them don't. Today I learned how to tell people in restaurants not to add MSG to my food (which is also in everything) so hopefully that will help with the negative reactions to much of the food.<br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5,Phutthamonthon,Thailand%4013.786440%2C100.321453&z=10">บรมราชชนนี,Phutthamonthon,Thailand</a></div>
Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-58694221600625394942013-02-07T22:14:00.001-08:002013-02-07T22:14:56.430-08:00Chiang Rai On the last day of our trip to northern Thailand we headed up to the golden triangle. This is a spot where the borders of Laos, Burma, and Thailand meet. The picture below is a statue of Buddha see on the Thai side of the river. Our group piled onto a sleek boat and glided down the river past the border of Laos. When we docked many little Laos children ran up to us repeating, "hello, five baht." This was their not so subtle way of asking for money. I might have given then some if they weren't so demanding! After shopping and exploring for a little bit we reloaded the boat and headed back to Thailand. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2623.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2623.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Below is a map of the golden triangle.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2624.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2624.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> With the remainder of our time that day we visited the white temple. It was constructed by a famous artist and is unique from any other temple that I have ever seen. When a few of us were walking around the grounds and older man excitedly ran up to us proclaiming many greetings. He was the artist who designed and constructed the temple. I couldn't believe we were lucky enough to meet him! He took a few of us aside individually put us in certain poses and took several photos. He said that he was going to paint us inside the temple. I know this sounds hard to believe but the inside of the temple is very modern. It is filled with paintings of Spider-Man, angry birds, the twin towers, and other Hollywood scenes. So if you go to the white temple within the next year there is a chance you will see me on the wall pointing at something amazing!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2625.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2625.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2626.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2626.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2627.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2627.jpg' border='0' width='245' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I am having a great week here in Thailand! Everybody is so friendly! Although I still have trouble with a few things I am really happy here. I will leave you today with this lovely picture below. It is the latest find of my crocodile hunter adventures. I hope everybody has a delightful weekend!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/07/2628.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/07/s_2628.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='201' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B5,Phutthamonthon,Thailand%4013.786959%2C100.321812&z=10'>บรมราชชนนี,Phutthamonthon,Thailand</a></p>Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-50943221946929183692013-02-03T14:34:00.001-08:002013-02-03T14:34:34.145-08:00Elephant Park Elephant park, elephant park, today we went to the elephant park! After another decadent breakfast at the hotel we headed up north of Chiang Mai until we were deep in the misty mountains. When we arrived at the park we climbed onto a bamboo raft and two natives floated us down the river. It was so peaceful and serene, I could have stayed on it all day! The river is usually crystal clear but the storm last night stirred up the river, so it is kind of murky in the pictures.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2363.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2363.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2364.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2364.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> For the first part of the elephant ride a guy was sitting where I am in the picture below and steering the way. He is called a mahoot and known as an elephant caretaker. While on the elephant we were given sugar cane and banana to feed him. The elephant was so smart and understood the mahoot's directions when he spoke to him. Part way through the trip our mahoot gestured to me, said "switch driver," and hopped off. I was a little confused at first but eventually realized he wanted me to climb off the bench on our elephant's back and onto his head. It was an amazing experience to steer the elephant while riding through the land. He was so big that he swayed side to side while walking. This made it rather difficult to balance. I had nothing to hold onto so I squeezed my legs around him very hard to stay put.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2366.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2366.jpg' border='0' width='165' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2368.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2368.jpg' border='0' width='257' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Initially I was concerned for the elephants well being at the park. Are they happy, overworked, or neglected? However a picture that I found on my camera that the mahoot took put to ease my concerns. I know this might be inappropriate but I thought it was interesting. While looking through the pictures the mahoot took while I was steering the elephant I came across five rather strange ones. At first I wasn't sure what the pictures were of. Upon further examination (and consultation of our guide) I found out that what I was looking at was an erect elephant penis or shivaling. Apparently it only happens when they are really happy and is an extremely rare site in the wild. So my elephant, it would appear, was quite happy with his life. I don't think that it would be appropriate to post on my blog, but if you really want to see the picture just message me and I will send it to you.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2370.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2370.jpg' border='0' width='267' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> In order to get to the elephants we had to cross the rickety bridge see below. On the way over I felt just like donkey from the movie Shrek when they were on a mission to rescue princess Fiona. Riding the elephant was my princess Fiona. Just like Shrek and donkey I was able to skip quickly across the bridge without fear once I had won my prize. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2373.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2373.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> After eating lunch at the park we packed into the vans and headed for our next destination, the northern province of Chiang Rai. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/03/2374.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/03/s_2374.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='114' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> Upon arriving at our hotel we explore the Royal Project in Chiang Rai. It consisted of many beautiful gardens and local shops. We finished the day with a yummy dinner before tucking in and preparing for a big day tomorrow.<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Thailand%4019.900848%2C99.041683&z=10'>Thailand</a></p>Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-12664713912639880942013-02-02T21:49:00.001-08:002013-02-02T21:49:33.224-08:00Chiang Mai day 2 On Saturday our group woke up early and went down to the hotel cafe where we were treated to a grand American breakfast. It was my first real breakfast since I have been here! It felt like Christmas morning! We feasted on French toast, eggs, fruit salad, and toast. Normally Thai people eat some sort of rice dish for breakfast, which the hotel also served. I'll give America this much they sure know how to do breakfast right! <br /><br /> Once I was sufficiently stuffed it was time to go to a national park north of Chiang Mai. Our guide said that the trail we were going on provided the best views in Thailand! It took us a bit over three hours to make the steep trek up to the top but it was well worth it!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2766.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2766.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='92' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Above is the view from the top of the mountain and below is a rhododendron that was growing in the side of the cliff. While climbing to the top out guide calmly told us, "if you trip no trip to right, steep cliff, you will die." Luckily none of us tripped.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2768.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2768.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The mountain was so tall that we were surrounded by clouds at the top.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2769.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2769.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2770.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2770.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below is a view of what the forest looked like on the inside, which is what we were walking through for most of our trek.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2771.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2771.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We even made a special trip to see this giant waterfall. Unfortunately I think it might have been a bad omen of what was to come later that evening.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/02/2772.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/02/s_2772.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> While at the night market in Chiang Mai we were walking around, shopping for souvenirs, and eating yummy food. Out of nowhere the clouds opened up and it started raining buckets! We were soaked in now time and had to wait almost an hour for our group to get together so we could all leave. Even though the streets were flooding it was a lot of fun running through the rain and just goofing off. There was no drainage system on any of the streets that we encountered. The water was six inches up my calf and a Thai man joked with us that we could probably get there faster if we swam! <br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Thailand%4019.368218%2C98.949588&z=10'>Thailand</a></p>Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-38196919623726190992013-02-01T03:53:00.001-08:002013-02-01T15:05:11.564-08:00Chiang Mai This morning our group woke up bright and early at four in the morning to make it to our seven o'clock flight. Before long we were on our way to the beautiful province of Chiang Mai! Once we arrived there we met up with a guide who taught us about the city's history while taking us up the mountainside. In the gardens at the mop of the mountain there were some people dressed in Thai costumes who some of us took pictures with. The funny thing is after we got our picture made they handed us their camera because they wanted pictures with us! There was even a little four year old girl dressed in costume who appeared to be targeting adult white males. After playing around with them and taking pictures she would stick out her hand and say what appeared to be the only word that she knew in English, money. Of course they happily handed her some and she would skip off to her next victim. I wonder who trained her to do this? How common is it? What kind of an effect does making money by manipulating people with your cuteness have on her psychosocial development?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/491.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_491.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/492.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_492.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/493.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_493.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='184' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Once we descended from the mountain we visited a temple. While there I found some really nice handmade postcards and local crafts. I am already spoiled by the cheap prices here and know that I will have a very hard time paying more than five dollars for clothes when I come home.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/494.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_494.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='236' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/495.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_495.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After the temple it was time to grab some lunch. We went to this amazing orchid farm that was also a restaurant. I wish that I could bring you all back an orchid! Sadly America does not allow such things. <br /><br /> After lunch we went to a silk and silver factory. It was really cool to see the whole process of making silk, and they had a really cute store full of things that were handmade at the factory. Real silk is so much more expensive than the fake stuff that they sell on the streets. Go figure huh?<br />Once we were done ogling over expensive we checked in at our hotel and rested up for a bit. Later that evening we had dinner at this amazing Thai restaurant that included a traditional dance/drums/martial arts show! While there we sat on seat cushions and ate endless platters of delicious food. Towards the end of the program one of then even pulled me up to dance with them! When everybody finished eating there were fireworks and we released some of those giant paper lanterns into the sky. This was by far my favorite activity of the day. Although I know it was different it made me remember when I was a kid who did karate and Chinese dance. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/2064.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_2064.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/2065.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_2065.jpg' border='0' width='166' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/02/01/2066.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/02/01/s_2066.jpg' border='0' width='246' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Don't they look so cool! I am about to go eat breakfast and hike a mountain with our group. I hope that everybody is having a nice day!<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%8C,Chang%20Khlan,Thailand%4018.784116%2C99.000849&z=10'>ถนนลอยเคราะห์,Chang Khlan,Thailand</a></p>Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-48436141081323172982013-01-30T00:09:00.002-08:002013-01-30T00:09:52.843-08:00Muay Thai Today Tierra, Sean, and I decided to go find a Muay Thai club after classes were finished. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Muay Thai it is pretty much like boxing except more brutal, it is also Thailand's national sport. So we thought that it would be a cool thing to check out. Two hours of walking later we found a world renowned Muay Thai club! Apparently people come from all over the world to train there! Unfortunately they were all napping between training sessions by the time that we got there and they asked us to come back in an hour and a half. On the way there we ran into this really nice young italian couple! They used their house as an art exhibit/italian eatery. It is always a great feeling to run into another foreigner, especially when they speak English! They said that we should come back next week when they are having a party complete with a bunch of performances, food, and live music. Maybe if we can figure out how we got there the first time we will give it a shot!<br />
I have also recently received my official Thai nickname. This is a big deal in Thailand because once you are considered more than acquaintances with somebody it is improper to use their full name. Thai people are given their nickname by their parents at birth so it kind of makes sense that I got mine at the hospital. After all this build up I feel kind of bad telling you guys that my nickname isn't anything foreign or exciting, it's Rose, but hey it is what they picked. There is a physical therapist who's name is Jack and everybody got a good laugh out of posing us in scenes from the Titanic and attempting to sing the words to my heart will go on.<br />
While at the hospital a woman stopped me to inform me that I looked like Taylor Swift. I'm not sure how much I agree with that. Between Taylor Swift and the Kristen Stewart reference earlier I am starting to think that maybe they really do think all white people look alike. I have also discovered their Michael Buble, his name is Yannick Bovy and this is a clip of one of his music videos. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wfymwYFHuE<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yannick Bovy</td></tr>
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As long as we are on the subject of pop culture I also took it upon myself to introduce my developmental psychology professor to Modern Family. He is now quite a fan and said that he was going to use a clip of it to start our next lesson. I haven't been able to watch it since I got here so hopefully this will be enough to act as a fix. This weekend I am going to be in Chiang Mai (a province of northern Thailand) for four days! I am super excited and can't wait to tell you guys all about!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope everybody is having a bananatastic day!</td></tr>
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Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-25366043092063054592013-01-27T06:23:00.001-08:002013-01-27T07:13:37.966-08:00Ko Si ChangWe started off the day by meeting up with our Thai advisor View who took us to the zoo. It was fun to walk around and see all the animals, but the enclosures were much smaller and less authentic/natural than the ones in America and I felt really bad for them. We visited the giraffes and learned that one of their names was Bin Laden, which I thought was pretty funny.<br />
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After that we went over the the lions and tigers. I was astonished at how low the walls were that separated the animals from the visitors. This little fence thing definitely would not fly in America. This piece of wood was all there was, no wire, no plexi glass, nothing. If you look closely you can see the tiger in the cave thing.<br />
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At the reptile exhibit we were able to handle some snakes and birds.<br />
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After eating lunch at the zoo we took the bus to the sky train which we then took to the Ekami bus station. Once in this super cool Japanese district of Bangkok we took a two hour bus ride to Si Racha (a small Thai fishing town). Once there we took a tuktuk to the main pier where we caught a ferry to this perfect little island that greeted us with this beautiful lighthouse. <br />
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As you can tell it was quite the trip, but well worth it! While on the island our group of six students stayed in a gorgeous bungalow. Aside from the scorpion in the shower it was a fairly uneventful night of hanging out and exploring the island. In the morning we rented motor bikes and went to the beach! It was beautiful and the weather was gorgeous! When eating lunch our waitress asked where we were from. Upon saying America she shouted "WOOOO OBAMMMAAA!!" and gave us a discount on our meal. I thought it was pretty funny.<br />
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After swimming and eating a few of us decided to get sea kyaks and explore the ocean, island and surrounding caverns. It was stunning, but unfortunately I did not bring my camera with me on that trip. With the rest of our afternoon we explored the island and found ourselves at some very cool sites including wild monkeys and this giant Buddha!<br />
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The monkey above found some leftover takeout by a temple and was not willing to share it with his hungry friend. <br />
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The whole trip cost around $35 and was an absolutely amazing first impression of rural Thailand!<br />
<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-16673931167094635602013-01-25T06:49:00.002-08:002013-01-25T16:44:48.389-08:00Arts of the KingdomHere is a picture of a smaller monitor lizard that Sean and I found walking back from the hospital. I realize that they might seem boring to you guys but I thought that this was a nice shot of the path as well. I think it is really fascinating the way they move just like snakes that are assisted by legs, curving their body from side to side to move forward. Just like miniature dinosaurs. A Thai student told me that sometimes when the construction workers on campus find them they catch the lizards and eat them. This made me sad because they seem like such peaceful creatures, although I suppose that there are enough of them to go around.<br />
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On Friday I went to the arts of the kingdom exhibit with my Thai language and culture class. Here is a picture of the outside of the palace that the exhibit was inside.<br />
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It was filled with golden thrones, amazing carvings, and beautiful silk embroidery. Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures inside (I wasn't even supposed to take this one). Usually I would have snuck a few more for you guys but we had to check our bags and were searched before we were able to enter. The silk embroidery was my favorite, a lot of the scenes depicted focused on nature. There were many Lillys, chickens, and mythical underwater displays. This trip definitely gave me a new appreciation for the intricate skill that embroidery requires!<br />
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While at the hospital today I found myself in a somewhat awkward situation. These are pretty frequent occurrences in my life, so many times I don't even notice that it is an awkward moment until somebody else says something. This however was obviously awkward. I had just come back from the bathroom and a bunch of the therapists were sitting around talking. I approached them and one of the guys made a comment about me in Thai to the others. That same comment went around the whole circle until most of them were giggling at me. I asked them what it was, scared I had my skirt tucked into my underwear or toilet paper was on my shoe. Finally one of the therapists told me to come with her. I followed her tugging nervously on my clothes to make sure all the important parts were covered. Once far enough from the group she told me that the male therapist had said that when he saw me he felt no longer tired because I was just so refreshing to look at. I just kind of nodded awkwardly and looked down at my hands. She followed my gaze and noticed a ring on my left ring finger. Married? She asked gesturing to the offending ring. In a moment of slight panic combined with deep desire to leave the conversation about my refreshments I nodded. We then returned to the group where they immediately asked what she had told me. In another moment of panic I responded with that her hair is pretty. Later on they invited Sean and I to a new years party. They took us to this amazing Thai restaurant where we got to try the best food we had ate thus far in Thailand. The staff were so incredibly friendly! There was lots of karaoke (mostly in Thai) and dancing! So yea that was my evening, I hope that yours is going well!<br />
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Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-59016663671349705232013-01-23T00:33:00.001-08:002013-01-23T00:33:47.483-08:00Baby Elephant AlertSometimes when walking back through campus from the hospital I get caught up in the beauty of the wetland jungle atmosphere. Occasionally I will walk the long way and see how many monitor lizards I can find. It is actually a lot harder than it sounds because they are very scared of humans. What can I say it makes me feel kinda like the crocodile hunter, well before the unfortunate sting ray incident. Here is a picture of the one that I found yesterday! <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/23/25.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/23/s_25.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='271' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Yesterday while walking home from dinner we stumbled upon a baby elephant! We even got to feed him pineapple! I was really excited to find him but now I feel really bad that he is separated from his family. I wish I could free all the elephants even if they are cute, and kick out all the poachers while I am at it. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/01/23/26.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/01/23/s_26.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='273' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Isn't he a cutie though! Also today I got an awesome care package from my parents for my birthday! It included Friends and Up, I am one happy girl! I hope that everybody's day is going well <br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-88568024299567693272013-01-21T02:23:00.001-08:002013-01-21T02:54:46.096-08:00Lunch Hobbit StyleToday I arrived at the rehab center to receive a disapproving look from one of the therapists. "Ohhhh Amanda...you taaan," she said in a tone that is similar to the one I would use when reacting to somebody's appearance who had the stomach flu for 3 days. I tried to explain to her that I just get red when I am in the heat for awhile and that it would go away in 15 mins. I don't think she believed me though. I should work harder to preserve my porcelain visage while in Thailand. I think it might be the only thing getting stuff done around here.<br />
I came to the hospital today right after eating lunch to find that my lunch had only just begun. A therapist from Chiang Mai made a bunch of food from scratch for everybody and they were quite insistent that I try every single thing. It was delicious so I didn't mind, but I do think there might be a plot to fatten me up floating around here somewhere.<br />
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Yesterday we went to the mall and found the Thai version of Abercrombie/Hollister. It was called CC Double O. Here are a few pictures to prove it.<br />
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While at the mall I also found a McDonalds that sold gourmet strawberry cheesecake. They had all sorts of fancy croissants and desserts there. Now I know that you probably don't believe me, but luckily for you I got a picture of that too!<br />
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That reminds me they also served real fried chicken and some rice dish. When I come back to America I think I am going to show them these pictures and demand some McBubble drink and strawberry cheesecake! It is time to raise our standards people!<br />
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On a more positive note my friend Quinn just got a package with all the seasons of Sex and the City. I haven't really seen it much before but it's in English so I'm down. I hope that everybody's day is going swimmingly! <br />
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Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637482712945239563.post-83429936795256195492013-01-19T21:43:00.001-08:002013-01-19T21:44:51.259-08:00The Grand Palace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI46tIDpcfZ1WH4an3IHNg2y-3cnuFEDU7pAVYS12DdcXCGH25eF-Bu9f_tiOs5S3XanBLvGcQtF0_Pe6RxCL_L-NW6mcOe9BGkhRZeIMwuZmIA9AGIm1gDW5LY0YSeywyb9lN9grobnSo/s1600/IMG_0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI46tIDpcfZ1WH4an3IHNg2y-3cnuFEDU7pAVYS12DdcXCGH25eF-Bu9f_tiOs5S3XanBLvGcQtF0_Pe6RxCL_L-NW6mcOe9BGkhRZeIMwuZmIA9AGIm1gDW5LY0YSeywyb9lN9grobnSo/s400/IMG_0677.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from outside the palace</td></tr>
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On Saturday the KEI group went to go visit the grand palace and some of the surrounding temples. We got up early and took a van into Bangkok. As you can see from the picture above it was quite a crowded scene. In order to enter the grounds of the palace one had to be dressed very conservatively. If you broke their dress code then they would allow for you to borrow some cloth to wrap around yourself until you left. We weren't able to go inside many of the buildings. Those that we could enter did not allow pictures to be taken. I think it is pretty clear from the outside though that the site was rather magnificent.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the temple with Rebecca</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outside of The Emerald Buddha Temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the more modern palaces</td></tr>
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Once we were finished at the palace we went to a beautiful riverside restaurant for lunch. When I sat down I almost went overboard because the leg of my chair slid between the planks and into the dock. Luckily Tierra saved me with her lightening fast reflexes. The food was amazing!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table topper at the riverside restaurant.<br />
You know just in case you get cold during this 95 degree winter.</td></tr>
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Once we finished lunch the group headed off to visit a few more temples. While there we learned that the monks were some of the first to open a medical school in Thailand. There are many monks seen throughout Thailand. They are only allowed to eat breakfast and lunch. There are also seats of the buses and the sky train that are permanently reserved for them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The head of the reclining Buddha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The feet of the same statue</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">outside of the the temples</td></tr>
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The climb to the top of the pagodas below was a thrilling yet scary experience. The steps were so steep that you had to use the rope on the handrails to literally pull yourself up the side. After climbing the last temple we headed back to the van and went home. I was rather tired after the eventful day/week and cuddled up with "The Vow" while looking through pictures and working on the blog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from one of the pagodas that we climbed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLivWdnhZ4dYT0KfkY4K_-Y4hZSY9hdeyyTvBPI8HcDhCUkgzpdo1l4GMvwGDBTAZRVnIjbPionpueUoB0WSh74dkkizdRitW4vdYZjxI3V-Rxk4CaPCrbbgoNDIeRvjNaKJeAwvmRQp-/s1600/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLivWdnhZ4dYT0KfkY4K_-Y4hZSY9hdeyyTvBPI8HcDhCUkgzpdo1l4GMvwGDBTAZRVnIjbPionpueUoB0WSh74dkkizdRitW4vdYZjxI3V-Rxk4CaPCrbbgoNDIeRvjNaKJeAwvmRQp-/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very steep climb up the pagoda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Amanda Lazarohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10173156365898568180noreply@blogger.com1