Things are beginning to wind things down here as the hot season approaches. School closes formally next Friday. Judy’s exams are over, and she’s been working hard to finagle her grade books, as every student—whatever their academic grade—must pass: It’s the Thai way. My final is tomorrow. So, this week and next we say good-bye […]
Over the past weekend Judy and I attended a wedding and reception that bordered on the regal. We were flattered to be invited by the owner of this hotel. This family is apparently among the most influential and wealthy families around here. Their eldest son–an assistant to an important local official, maybe the Mayor. We […]
Every year in Thai schools they have what’s known as Wai Khruu Day. This is a day for students to pay respect to and thank their teachers for working to educate them. A lovely concept, isn’t it? The “wai” is the traditional gesture of respect that the Thai people make to each other. Basically, […]
Now that we are in a routine, one day seems much like another, but this is always against the background of the excitement and sense of adventure of being in a foreign land. That we always like. Judy is teaching full time, but despite the pleasure teaching brings, she might like to be somewhat less busy. […]
Now, back to where we are staying. Veena, an acquaintance from last year became our agent this year and showed us the housing options in Khon Kaen. As advertised, housing costs are really low. But there’s a catch. Most in-town rentals are one-room affairs, large enough to sleep in but way too cramped for living. […]
After the customary thirty-one hour door-to-door trip from Dallas, Judy and I arrived again at the VP Tower in BKK. The next night, Doug and Yim, who owned the old hangout, Thee Sud Isaan, threw a party at their house. Half of our friends were there, and we had a great time. The next night, we […]
Ira and I are in Khon Kaen and have found a place to live!! We have new cell phones and are in the process of unpacking. A wonderful Thai woman we met last year helped us look for an apartment and, after considering several options, we have rented a serviced apartment in a hotel […]
Ira and I are doing fine. We are now in Khon Kaen in the northeast of Thailand where Ira is located as part of the International Neurosurgery volunteer program we told you about. After the first month in Bangkok at our same language school and a week-long trip to Myanmar, we came up here on […]