Sawwadee kai... Well I finally set up this blog! After 6 weeks in Bangkok I'm beginnning to adjust and cope with the culture shock not to mention the heat and humidity! The first few weeks were spent looking for a place to live and finding our way around the city. The traffic is incredible yet there are many modes of transporation. Our main mode is the sky train however the Tuk-tuk is great for short distances. Motor bike taxis are easily found for those brave souls who want to get to a destination quickly. They weave in and out of traffic- passengers in most cases are not wearing helmets. A couple of weeks ago we moved into our new 'digs' - on the 33rd floor of a condominium in the heart of Bangkok. Kelsey has settled into school and has a 40 minute drive on the bus. Wake up time is 5:45am. School begins at 7:20am here. Michel began work and after four weeks here left for a six week training stint in France and Spain. The language barrier challenges us however one can usually find someone who speaks English and the Thais can generally understand English better than speak it. They are very patient and tolerant. My Thai language guide book is helpful at times although we hope to enrol in some Thai language courses eventually. Primarily a Buddhist country ( temples can be found everywhere here) one rarely sees much expression of anger or impatience. The Thais generally do not like any outward expression of anger or impatience. Maipenrai is the Thai term for "no worries" and is used with harried foreigners!
The food is something else... every cultural cusine in the world is offered here. There are Thai street chefs everwhere ready to cook up a Thai delicacy for 30-40 baht ( $1 cdn).
There is much visible poverty and homelessness here. The slums are found tucked away amongst some of the more affluent areas of Bangkok. There are many orphanages here filled with homeless children with AIDS and wiht children who have been deserted. They are crying out for support and the children love to get visits from people who will spend time with them. The Anglican Church that I attend here is very involved in Mission work. I hope to make a three day trip in November to the Burma (Mynamar) border to take personal supplies and food to a refugee camp there. They are always in need of washing powder, soap, talcum powder and shampoo as well as games and books.
The gap between the rich and poor is SO visible. Without a welfare system many young people from poor families leave school - many of those residing in the slum areas of Bangkok move into street work to support their families. There is good work going on though and many groups established who are trying to help. The injustice of it fills me and I still struggle to find a way to make a difference - even in some small way.
This journey has really touched me- my limitations and perceptions are open - like an open wound. Yet I am thankful to be here and there is a sense of knowing that it is all necessary and a part of the journey.
I continue to discover and explore and we'll continue to share this experience for those who wish to follow it.
Go well
Dorothy
