Second homestay

This time around we each lived with a family by ourselves in the city. I really enjoyed being by myself at the homestay. It created the opportunity to really development intimate relationship with your family while it also pushed you out of your comfort zone and rely on your simple Thai skills for your every need.

This is our house

Meh never stops working.

She cooks the good food. This is breakfast.


We were paired up with either a little brother or sister (about 3rd grade) who we went to school with everyday. Everyday we would line up in the front courtyard and sing songs in Thai and do this weird song/self massage. The first day we had to stand in front of the school and introduce ourselves in Thai. I introduced myself as Ling Lek Lek. This means little monkey. They really liked me after that. A lot.

One day we didn't have classes. We had a "Fun Thai Activity". We didn't really know what was going to mean (While on that note, we don't really know what anything is as far as the schedule goes until its happening. Actually sometimes we don't don't know whats going on while it's happening either). So this "Fun Thai Activity" ended up being the 3rd grade class teaching us short children songs. Sounds fun and innocent right? Well, actually not so much. There was dancing that goes with the songs.

We also drew some pictures with some students. If you look closely there is a "chicken burger" on the left hand side and "chicken nuggets" in the top left corner. Admittedly, Melissa and I both started drawing the picture being critical of meat consumption, but the students took it to a whole new level and added a lot of gore.

One my third day at my homestay I met my pee-saw (oldest sister) for the first time. Well we got to talking and I asked her where I can get some flip flops. Of course she has to show me, so at about 9:30 we went out on a motorcycle ride to the night market. Riding a motorcycle in Thailand is maybe the most exhilarating thing in the world. Also maybe the most dangerous thing. Every other person is either in the hospital from a crash or their best friend is. So like I said, it's really fun. Although, my older sister kept asking me if I was single, which was weird.


Sometimes we wash dishes together. It's pretty romantic.We also did an exchange with an HIV+/AIDS clinic. Their organization was impressive. Since Thailand has a universal health care system people only have to pay 30 baht for a check and medicine (including the arv). Maybe someday the US can learn a lesson, but probably not. They also focus on a holistic approach which includes mental support, counseling, focus on health eating habits and home visits. We went on some home visits, this picture is of a 8 year old girl living with HIV+. She's super sweet and happy.

myspace motorcycle