Day 1Hello there! – or – Sawasdee!
As we packed our gear into the busses at 8:30pm on Monday, excitement was high as the group prepared to embark on the journey of a life time. There was laughter, tears shed, and an overwhelming sense of curiosity as we departed our families and boarded the bus. Upon arrival at the airport, the Pagodas began to collaborate as a group and extend the idea of what working together can achieve. We walked onto our 9 hour flight with passion and confidence in our eyes. However by the end of the first flight, weary heads bowed as we prepared to board our second shorter flight from Bangkok to Chiang-Mai. A more luxurious flight awaited us, although for a much briefer period of time. Walking out of the airport, blasted us back to reality, as the humidity hit us hard. Upon meeting our tour guide, the group was first exposed to the availability of exchanging money, and working out the best way to benefit from the currency exchange. Then a short bus ride through the city of Chiang-Mai opened our eyes to what differences there are between street life in Thailand, and street life back at home. After arriving at Hotel Pornping we briefly dropped our bags, and headed out to witness what the chaotic traffic flow is like by touring the city on a ‘Tuk-Tuk.’ This was an experience that majority of the group were witnessing for the first time. With the fumes of petrol clogging our noses, and the towering buildings surrounding us, we were fascinated by the modern day life in northern Thailand.
A brief stop at the sacred temples and pagodas of Pasing, the group witnessed the prevelance and importance of Buddhism in modern Thailand. We witnessed locals praying to the large statue that was placed in the centre of the temple. The majority of us noted that it was the largest statue that we had ever seen. This was where we discovered the different laws and signs of respect that differentiate Australia from Thailand. For example, raising your foot and pointing it at someone is seen as a sign of disrespect. We also learnt that giving money to someone older than you, is supposed to also be a sign of respect and you must do so with 2 hands. After a brief stop at a local restaurant where we were exposed to the traditional customs of food. We were very excited, as this gave us a chance to think about what kind of food that we would be cooking for ourselves later in the day. A ride back in the ‘Tuk-Tuk’ allowed us to explore our hotel where we would be staying for the next three days. After a 2 hour rest, we eagerly raced down to the lobby to begin our cooking class. Upon taking a 1 hour bus trip, we were dropped at a local farm, where we were exposed to the natural ingredients and flavours that are produced on the farms. Many of us had not seen some of the natural fruits and vegetables that are grown in south east Asia and Thailand, and were mesmerised by the sweet, bitter and rather odd tastes and flavours. We learnt how to make spring roles, a very common entree that many of us will try to create at home. Perhaps the most interesting meal we created was a green curry, which consisted of vegetables and fruits that we had never tried before. To top off that meal, we created a stir fry, where we realised how many vegetables we were consuming that night. Who knew how many different types of eggplant there could be?
Dessert was delicious, as the rather odd blue sticky rice was served on a side of mango fruit. We experimented with different nuts and seeds, and tried to create the perfect piece of beauty and complexion. We all recognised how much effort had gone into the cooking demonstration, and really appreciate the effort that was put into our class. Food is often seen as a sign of pride, and community, so this is was the perfect time for us to connect with the natural culture around us. The Thai food was brilliant and connected us in many ways to both the people and traditions, but also to home where we will now have a greater understanding and appreciation of the food that our family creates. We took the bus trip back to the hotel, where Sophie and I are currently sitting writing this at 1:30 in the morning Melbourne time. We are absolutely thrilled to wake up at 5:30am Thai time in the morning to begin a Muay Thai kick boxing class. BRING ON TOMORROW!
Thank you – or – Khap Khun Krup
Jamie F and Sophie R
