The Land of Smiles-final thoughts

There is something about the smell of Thailand-it’s a pleasant smell. And its definitely food related (this culture is totally centered around food!) I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. I kind of think it’s a mixture of the spices and the smell of the rice too.
Bangkok is definitely more developed than I expected to see. It is SO large! People everywhere. And boy are they overly stimulated visually. Beyond billboards and TV screens, even at a checkout line at a drugstore, there was a monitor on the counter for people to watch some advertisement. They constantly have to be watching something.
This language is confusing to say the least. Its tonal-not sure exactly how many tones. But there are like 40 some consonants and vowels. 3 consonants just for S. To show what a difference the tone can make. The word kow can mean: rice, to enter, news, white, him, horn, or mountain all depending on the tone. Ufta! I think you kind of have to learn the words thinking of them visually as mountains and valleys-kind of helps (but still hard!)
A couple other observations: Motorbikes are a way of life here too. Everyone has one. They are iced coffee (and sweetener) fanatics! Its everywhere-which I’m not complaining in the heat for a pick-me-up. Because there is no Thai word just for brother or sister (in Thai it all depends on if they are older or younger than you) at meetings when they call on ones they use the English words “brother” and “sister”. Kinda cute 

So my last week in Trang (pronounced dtrong, the city where kate lives) was quite nice. I was able to settle in one place for a bit, made myself quite at home in Kate’s room . I was able to accompany them in the ministry most days. I went on a few studies with deaf people, which was a lot of fun. I showed them some of my pictures of Ecuador and the deaf there, even a few videos of them signing. They all seemed to enjoy that! Learned to give my tract out in Thai and also call out at a door for someone to come (although I learned this from a Korean sister and I’m told I sound like a Korean speaking Thai ). The ministry is such a great way to really get to see what the people are really like and what life here in Thailand is really like. Family is really important in their culture.
As you saw, I got a cooking lesson in Thai food as well. So much of the food here were things I had never seen before. With Kate’s help, I tried to try a wide selection of typical dishes. Can’t say there was anything I didn’t like. All good!
I also managed to squeeze in a VERY reasonably priced spa treatment! Kate told me its part of the experience and she didn’t have to twist my arm much to convince me to try it! It was wonderful-reinvigorated my skin and muscles. And something I probably wouldn’t afford in the states.
My last day in Thailand was spent up at a mountain resort eating. Gorgeous scenery-a nice last memory of my stay here.
Well, signing off from Asia. I’ll be back again from Africa!!!