Sawaadee kha,
During a conversation with a friend the other day she commented on the "paradoxes" she was observing. "Doesn't make sense" she said.... "why is it like that". I was reminded of a comment a wise woman made when I first arrived and was pondering the same questions. She said... "you'll soon learn not to ask why." While there are obvious value/thought differences between Eastern and Western cultures- one of them is that here in the East there is culture of accepting what is and in the West a tendency to want to know why... I've come to appreciate this wisdom of the East and instead try to mainly choose to be mindful of the teachings in just observing and enjoying the uniqueness that pervades this delightful country. I discover I'm less judgemental this way and more appreciative of the rich diversity. 
As the rainy season ends, the cold season begins. Temperatures will be in the 27-30 degrees, less humidity and very comfortable to be outdoors without having to find air conditioning respite.
It's obvious how important food and dining is in Thai culture. Eating isn’t confined to certain times of the day, it’s an all day and night affair. There is no excuse for going hungry in Thailand. Food is cheap and available 24 hours a day from night markets, restaurants, hawker stalls and food-carts. Eating is generally a social affair in Thailand with Thai people seldom dining alone. The food can be very, very spicy and even if you like spicy food, it is wise to wean your system gently. True to their service oriented nature most cooks when asked will happily make it mai phet ( not spicy.) Thai food is eaten with a spoon and fork (if you’re right-handed, spoon in the right hand). It is the spoon that is placed into the mouth; the fork is used to push food on to the spoon. Chopsticks are only used for Chinese dishes or noodle soup which is eaten with a combination of spoon and chopsticks. Most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before serving or is made soft enough to cut with a spoon or fork and a knife isn’t required.
As the rainy season ends, the cold season begins. Temperatures will be in the 27-30 degrees, less humidity and very comfortable to be outdoors without having to find air conditioning respite.
It's obvious how important food and dining is in Thai culture. Eating isn’t confined to certain times of the day, it’s an all day and night affair. There is no excuse for going hungry in Thailand. Food is cheap and available 24 hours a day from night markets, restaurants, hawker stalls and food-carts. Eating is generally a social affair in Thailand with Thai people seldom dining alone. The food can be very, very spicy and even if you like spicy food, it is wise to wean your system gently. True to their service oriented nature most cooks when asked will happily make it mai phet ( not spicy.) Thai food is eaten with a spoon and fork (if you’re right-handed, spoon in the right hand). It is the spoon that is placed into the mouth; the fork is used to push food on to the spoon. Chopsticks are only used for Chinese dishes or noodle soup which is eaten with a combination of spoon and chopsticks. Most Thai food is already cut into small pieces before serving or is made soft enough to cut with a spoon or fork and a knife isn’t required.
Despite Thailand’s apparently laid-back and relaxed attitude, manners are important to Thai people and what may be acceptable in Western society is not always appropriate in Thailand
Thai people however are very understanding of Western ways so do not display any offense with our western tendencies :) Thais consider the head to be the most important part of the body as they are at the highest level. Many Thai people don’t like to be touched on the head and to do so may be considered disrespectful. The feet are the lowest part of the body both physically and symbolically. It is best to sit with your feet down on the ground and not resting on tables or chairs. When entering a Thai house or religious shrine, always remove your shoes. For extra politeness, when receiving things from elder people or those higher ranked socially, Thais will use both hands by using the left hand to support the elbow of the right arm while receiving. When beckoning somebody (such as a waiter or taxi driver), the palm faces downwards, never upwards.
The last leg of our journey is creeping along. South East Asia has afforded us so much particularly in terms of exposure to a multi cultural environment and inexpensive traveling opportunities . We continue to enjoy our weekend excursions outside of Bangkok and longer trips to nearby countries.
The Thailand long boat races were a spectacle to watch. Long-boat racing is one of the traditional rites which marks the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. It mainly takes place in the 11 th or 12 th lunar months (around September or October)when the water level is at its highest.
The Thailand long boat races were a spectacle to watch. Long-boat racing is one of the traditional rites which marks the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. It mainly takes place in the 11 th or 12 th lunar months (around September or October)when the water level is at its highest.
If you thought the domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, the annual buffalo race in Chonburi province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand will change your mind. This annual event is definitely a crowd pleaser. This celebration goes back many years when Thai farmers bring their buffalos to this area to race. Jockeys ride bareback on these favoured animals of Thai farmers as they race down the short course. 
What a site to see these buffalos racing down the track to the cheers of the crowd. Although somewhat slower than a race horse, these buffalos are a force as they make their dash for glory.
What passes as normal in Thailand can be the sort of thing that is frowned upon in many countries in the West. We're particularly aware of the more casual approach that often exists towards safety matters in Thailand. There is a noticeably different outlook in Thailand towards life (and death). Combined with the more relaxed attitude towards rules and regulations, this actually is part of the appeal of the country. 
A visit to Lopburi, the monkey capital of Thailand to view the sunflowers in bloom always delights us. Hundreds of monkeys roam free about the town, delighting and annoying people with their mischief and amusing ways. Seen sitting on the rooftops, on the power lines, crossing the street- they seem to actually outnumber the people. They are cute but beware if they spot people with food or backpacks as they will quickly snatch it and run off. The town is filled with monkey images and monkey sculptures. Locals believe that providing food for Lopburi's most famous residents, brings good fortune and prosperity. 
It is believed the monkeys are the children of the Hindu god Kala- harming one would therefore bring great wrath.
Religion plays a very inportant role in thai life. It's considered an essential pillar of society and considered to be a contributing factor in the moulding of a freedom loving and tolerant people. It finds expression in the Thai's kindness toward their fellow man regardless of race, creed or nationality. The study group in Comparative Religions I'm taking is inspiring and thought provoking. Topics such as prophets and founders, music and dance, mythology, rituals, and science and religion are giving me a new perspective on commonalities in world religions despite their surface differences.
Religious observance is practiced everyday here. It still astounds me during the early morning rush to see people on their way to work pause at a shrine and pay homage by displaying the prayer like greeting to Lord Buddah. While the national religion is Theravada Buddhism there is absolute freedom of religion - Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judiaism and other faiths are all practiced here.
Michel can be found in unlikely places when we're on one of our excursions. He'll find his way to get the photo whether it's capturing a Thai train steam engine or climbing difficult terrain to capture that captivating view- he enjoys our weekend travels, inspired by the sites of this country.
He'll be off to work at one of Michelin's plants in China for a couple of weeks at the end of November. I look forward to my first trip to China when I join him there for 1 week.
Kelsey is preparing to do an internship at one of Bangkok's hotels in January. A 6 month internship is a component of the Hotel and Tourism Diploma program that she is taking. She now has two pets sharing her apartment. Gulliver and Cha Cha have become her much loved roommates. 
We were thrilled to have Bill Denyar spend a week with us recently. In China on a work trip, he took the opportunity to visit with us. In the province of Kanchanaburi he took time to get aquainted with one of Thailand's elephant.
I continue to stay involved in a number of activities which enable me the opportunity to learn as well as contribute. My involvement in WINGS a group that stands for Women Investigating and Nurturing Gifts and Skills provides me with an opportunity to network with other amazing women who wish to explore their values and work toward a greater cause.
The Canada Club of Thailand women recently hosted a welcome back luncheon for all those returning or arrving in Bangkok following the summer hiatus. This small group of women are active supporting scholarships and children's charities, not to mention opportunities to learn more about the culture here and of course as Canadians do.... have fun together!
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The Thai/Burma Border Consortium where I occasionally facilitate workshops will soon celebrate its 25th year of providing food, shelter and capacity building support to Burmese refugees along the border. It is hoped that in the years ahead changes will come about which will improve livelihoods for the approximately 140,000 Burmese refugees.
A little rain never 
hampers an outing. A trip to an elephant show and a floating market with Mae from Hammonds Plains who was in Thailand visiting her sister Rosalie proved to be a "dance in the rain".
hampers an outing. A trip to an elephant show and a floating market with Mae from Hammonds Plains who was in Thailand visiting her sister Rosalie proved to be a "dance in the rain".
Bangkok - a city of contrasts. While modernization is well underway, the city tells a tale of a country that is still developing. As we take in life here, we're mindful of the gap that exists between the rich and poor. Street beggars are a familiar site although Thailand is making strides to improve self reliance and working to improve the lives and to change a culture of street begging. Street dogs go about their business of survival touching at our heart strings, yet 
we feel a sense of awe and respect for their ability to survive despite major injuries and illnesses.
we feel a sense of awe and respect for their ability to survive despite major injuries and illnesses. 
The chaotic pace of a city on the move and the traditional lifestyle of the Thai people is present in this city. Venturing outside of the city one glimpses a truly unique and colourful portrait that we have come to savour.
Until next time,
Blessings
Go well
Kelsey, Michel and Dorothy
