Sanuk Sanuk!

Hello! It is monday afternoon, and I just returned from a very fun (sanuk) weekend! I stayed with a lovely host family in Bangkok. The mother, Pii Touch, is a commercial marketer for a bank in Thailand. The father, Pii Arm, is an architect and designed their beautiful home. Pii Ya (grandmother) lives with the family and she used to be a teacher of Thai Literature. Her English is wonderful, and it was great to hear her stories! My new "brothers," Art and Aun, are 13 and 16 respectively. The boys love to watch action movies and they enjoy playing football (or soccer) so we bonded over these activities! We visited the Museum of Siam which gave a very in depth and innovative account of Thailand's history. We also went to a modern art exhibit at the Bangkok Culture and Art Center. On both Saturday and Sunday we went to temples (wat) to pray and show our respect to Buddha. The family was very helpful, and taught me the appropriate way to sit, bow, and pray. Yesterday we also went on a boat tour of the Koh Kert Island in the Nonthaburi Province. We got out of the boat many times during the trip to visit craft, food, and pottery markets on the island.

Overall, the weekend was fabulous! The family was so thoughtful and generous. I really enjoyed getting to know them, and hopefully I will meet up with them again soon! Though, I don't think I have ever eaten so much food! They were constantly serving me meals and snacks, and all of it was so delicious. But finally I would have to say "im maak kha" to get across the message that I was very full! Usually they would laugh and put more rice on my plate :)

This week we are continuing with our Thai language classes and teaching classes! Next week we are going to a Bangkok high school to actually teach! Yikes!

Have to run to class! But thinking of you! And keep me posted on your adventures!

เคท