The framework for today is that as soon as our Bangkok liaison left I packed up our team and set out for Phuket. I needed to finish up those never-ending vaccinations with a final two and rather than leaving the team to their own devices (since we haven't really started work yet) I decided that it would be a bonding experience. And 6 of us packed into one small car really was bonding!
First let me say that I proudly had my very first practice drive on the wrong side of the road. I think I did well although my backseat drivers were mostly screaming. I love the Thai. They are so sweet and gently mannered. Instead of yelling at me they would just gasp or inhale deeply at every turn.
We got ourselves to Phuket, which is about an hour and a half south, and spent the morning in Office Depot!!! Can you believe it? Even though we had a list it took quite a lot of negotiation and discussion to get our selections finalized. It was quite fun picking through all of the different pens, notebooks, paperclips, etc with the team. I have never set up an office before and it is amazing all of the little things you take for granted that normally just seem to appear in the copy room.
We decided also to go to a stationary store and buy crayons, paper and other small things that we can use while we interact with children on the field visits. I think it got everyone more excited for the work to come and thinking creatively about how we'll get the information we need.
Over lunch I invented a new game. Here are the rules. I look in my (newly purchased) Thai phrase book and try to say a phrase as written (without knowing the tones.) They try to guess what I am saying-usually this involves a lot of discussion amongst themselves. The winner then takes the book and does the same in English. It is hilarious! I highly recommend it. We spent a good hour amusing ourselves today. Unfortunately they now think I know and have perfected the phrases we worked on and have been trying to repeat them back to me while I stare dumbly at them. I am starting to wonder if they question my mental faculties since I often stare out the window of the car while they are talking to each other and practice mouthing different words to myself. Considering I have been told that I haven't yet mastered the name of the town we live in, Bang Niang, I have found the self practice time very helpful.
So. A little bit of everything. Hm. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road, sun and rain, shopping, eating, language practice, bonding, a bit of hiking in Phuket, a very exciting police stop which my team blamed on my presence in the car. However, just as the police began rummaging through the car and bags I, brilliantly, remembered our SCUK ID cards and when we all pulled them out we were allowed to pass without problem. Thanks Save the Children!
Oh, not to be overlooked was the most wonderful hospital on the planet. Please note, if I am ever ill I want to be sent, even from the US, straight to Bangkok Phuket Hospital. We spent a beautiful hour there today for my vaccinations. I was met at the door by a lovely hostess in yellow who escorted me around and translated for me. She never left my side and cooed over my health and concern about needles. The nurse was gentle and sweet and actually wore a nurse's cap with wings! The injections were nearly painless! Afterwards the nurse rubbed the injection site with a miracle lotion to reduce the pain and I left wanting more! This is compared to the travel clinic in DC where they jabbed me painfully and left me to rot in the waiting room for hours without a magazine. And, the final beauty, the bill. Which was equivalent to $40. Compared to the approx. $500 SCUK had to foot each time I went for my series in DC. Unbelievable. Such a wonderful place.
Now I am back at our guesthouse and enjoying the company of Ta ro who is a little Cocker Spaniel puppy living here. Her name means fish chip. I know she wants to cuddle up in my room but I have had to put a limit on her entrance there as her owners have some rules about her interaction with guests. She is at my feet now.
That's it from here.
Love, me
First let me say that I proudly had my very first practice drive on the wrong side of the road. I think I did well although my backseat drivers were mostly screaming. I love the Thai. They are so sweet and gently mannered. Instead of yelling at me they would just gasp or inhale deeply at every turn.
We got ourselves to Phuket, which is about an hour and a half south, and spent the morning in Office Depot!!! Can you believe it? Even though we had a list it took quite a lot of negotiation and discussion to get our selections finalized. It was quite fun picking through all of the different pens, notebooks, paperclips, etc with the team. I have never set up an office before and it is amazing all of the little things you take for granted that normally just seem to appear in the copy room.
We decided also to go to a stationary store and buy crayons, paper and other small things that we can use while we interact with children on the field visits. I think it got everyone more excited for the work to come and thinking creatively about how we'll get the information we need.
Over lunch I invented a new game. Here are the rules. I look in my (newly purchased) Thai phrase book and try to say a phrase as written (without knowing the tones.) They try to guess what I am saying-usually this involves a lot of discussion amongst themselves. The winner then takes the book and does the same in English. It is hilarious! I highly recommend it. We spent a good hour amusing ourselves today. Unfortunately they now think I know and have perfected the phrases we worked on and have been trying to repeat them back to me while I stare dumbly at them. I am starting to wonder if they question my mental faculties since I often stare out the window of the car while they are talking to each other and practice mouthing different words to myself. Considering I have been told that I haven't yet mastered the name of the town we live in, Bang Niang, I have found the self practice time very helpful.
So. A little bit of everything. Hm. Driving on the "wrong" side of the road, sun and rain, shopping, eating, language practice, bonding, a bit of hiking in Phuket, a very exciting police stop which my team blamed on my presence in the car. However, just as the police began rummaging through the car and bags I, brilliantly, remembered our SCUK ID cards and when we all pulled them out we were allowed to pass without problem. Thanks Save the Children!Oh, not to be overlooked was the most wonderful hospital on the planet. Please note, if I am ever ill I want to be sent, even from the US, straight to Bangkok Phuket Hospital. We spent a beautiful hour there today for my vaccinations. I was met at the door by a lovely hostess in yellow who escorted me around and translated for me. She never left my side and cooed over my health and concern about needles. The nurse was gentle and sweet and actually wore a nurse's cap with wings! The injections were nearly painless! Afterwards the nurse rubbed the injection site with a miracle lotion to reduce the pain and I left wanting more! This is compared to the travel clinic in DC where they jabbed me painfully and left me to rot in the waiting room for hours without a magazine. And, the final beauty, the bill. Which was equivalent to $40. Compared to the approx. $500 SCUK had to foot each time I went for my series in DC. Unbelievable. Such a wonderful place.
Now I am back at our guesthouse and enjoying the company of Ta ro who is a little Cocker Spaniel puppy living here. Her name means fish chip. I know she wants to cuddle up in my room but I have had to put a limit on her entrance there as her owners have some rules about her interaction with guests. She is at my feet now.
That's it from here.
Love, me
1 comment:
Oh - Penny and Cassidy better watch out...Ta ro is on the move! LOL. Love your posts Amanda!
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