Someone said that I could walk to Queen's Park so I decided to try it this afternoon.
I set out at about 5:50pm. It took me 30 minutes to get there...including window viewing and waiting to cross side streets.
I am so glad I did this. When I got there the park was alive with people;joggers,groups doing Tai Chi and other types of Chinese dancing,kids doing skateboarding,basket ball,volley ball,and soccor-like but using much smaller and lighter ball with holes in them and hitting it over a net,and of course lovers and others just sitting and talking and enjoying the evening and the full moon. The park is well lighted and has many beautiful scultures all well spot lighted.
First I joinned a Tai chi like group. They ended at about 8pm. They told me every morning at 6:30am a group meets so please come.
Next I joinned a group dancing to Chinese sounding music. A young man was leading them and the motions were so graceful with many twists and turns.
There were food vendors on the sidewalk just outside the park so I went over to a woman who was making Thai papaya salad. I motioned to her I wanted some,but she didn't understand what I was asking her so she motioned to a younger vendor next to her for help. I said I wanted some salad but please no chilly pepper. She made a funny face so I said okay just one. It was good but still too hot. I also got two sticks of chicken and pork barbeque from the young lady next to her. I sat on a bench in the park. Later a girl who also got something to eat sat next to me. The salad was burning my tongue so I had to get something to drink. Later I got a small bottle of orange juice from the knack stand in the park. It is fresh orange juice and cost only 10 baht. Food in Thailand costs so little. It is wonderful. I later got 2 more bottles for the girl and her friend.
It really was wonderful going to the park in the evening. I stayed there until almost 9pm. The steps to the sky train is right infront of the park so I took it back to Soi 38. The park is at Soi 22 so it must be a little over a mile away.
I am thinking perhaps tomorrow morning I will join the Tai Chi group at 6:30am.
tomorrow my class at the Well starts at 11am so I will have enough time to go to the park,return,get ready,take the sky train to the end of On Nut,walk about 3/4 of a mile to catch the truck that takes me to Well.
I am so glad I decided to take that walk to Queens Park this evening.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Life at the "Well"
Today is Sunday January 20,2008. I have now been at the "Well" for a full month.
The "Well" is short for The Women at the Well,a mission began by Mike and Kay Killar about 31/2 years ago. It's mission is to support girls who had once worked as Bar girls/prostitutes but now wish to live a different life.
Three years ago they had only one Center. Today there are four Centers. I asked Kay why did they expand so fast? Center II started as Center I. Center I now focuses on teens. Center II focuses on girls ages 22 - 42. However, just last week a 17 year old Laotian girl joinned the Center. She is the first Laotian. All the others are Thais. She contacted the "Well" after they did an outreach. She lived with her Aunty here in Bangko,but did not want to live like her. She contacted the Well. Kay interviewed her and they decided she would be a good canidate. Many of the girls have their own place,but six live at the Well. This girl did not have a place so has moved into the Well.
This was Pix's first Sunday at the Well. She brought three new girls to worship service at the Well today.
Kong and his wife Sue(short for her real Thai name)joined the Well staff this past year. Kong some of you remember is Kay's brother. Both came to Kauai seven years ago and were doing part of their seminary trainning under Pastor Mitchell Young who was then the minister of Hanapepe UCC.
Kong still attends classes at the Bangkok Institute of Theology but completed his training and had his own church for several years. He provides the spiritual trainning for the girls. He provides two hour Bible sessions twice a week. Every morning the girls have morning devotional time from 8-9am lead by the girls themselves. The girls also take an active part in Sunday worship service. The other types of classes the girls attend are "Life Skills","English"taught by an American who is a staff member at Center 1,guitar lessons taught by a blind musician,etc. Mornings are for lessons and afternoons from 1-4 the girls make very nice bead jewelry which supports the Center. They also run a Beauty shop. A section displays their jewelry and other handcrafts made by the girls. Couple of the girls are good at giving massages.I have used their services at least once a week. Many churches on the mainland U.S. help sell their jewelry and handcraft.
Kay also has consuling sessions with each girl regularly.
Since I have been at the Well there has been four mission groups who have stopped to visit the Well. At Christmas time a group from a church in Atlanta,Georgia came to put on a program which included personal testimonies of how their Christian faith has helped them change their life. The girls at the Well also gave some testimonies of their life changes. Three YWAM groups dropped in at different times. One put a skit on during Sunday worship service. The Well seem to have a close connection with YWAM. Fern,one of the Well girls,was asked to be an interpreter for them at one of their trainning camps. Fern also left recently on a 6 months YWAM trainning camp in Ching Lai.
Noy,42 years old,who joinned the Well recently has said that she really feels different since being at the Well. Although raised Buddhist she is very interested in becoming a Christian. I noticed a real deep appreciation and passion by the girls in their new found faith in Jesus. I really enjoy being with the girls.
Noy who is going to England soon asked to be tutored in English. She has had lessons before,but is eager to increase her skill. So I have been helping her. Next week her lessons end and I will teaching a class twice a week.
Kay and one of the girls at the Well had babies this past week. They both returned from the hospital today. Kay has two girls. Today she brought home a boy.I dropped in and there was Mike holding the baby. I asked Mikayla their 3 year old,"Is daddy carrying a doll?" She answered,"Yes". Tomorrow after my session with Noy,I will be going over to help Kay.
It has been very interesting and I have been enjoying myself very much.
Aloha, Joanne
The "Well" is short for The Women at the Well,a mission began by Mike and Kay Killar about 31/2 years ago. It's mission is to support girls who had once worked as Bar girls/prostitutes but now wish to live a different life.
Three years ago they had only one Center. Today there are four Centers. I asked Kay why did they expand so fast? Center II started as Center I. Center I now focuses on teens. Center II focuses on girls ages 22 - 42. However, just last week a 17 year old Laotian girl joinned the Center. She is the first Laotian. All the others are Thais. She contacted the "Well" after they did an outreach. She lived with her Aunty here in Bangko,but did not want to live like her. She contacted the Well. Kay interviewed her and they decided she would be a good canidate. Many of the girls have their own place,but six live at the Well. This girl did not have a place so has moved into the Well.
This was Pix's first Sunday at the Well. She brought three new girls to worship service at the Well today.
Kong and his wife Sue(short for her real Thai name)joined the Well staff this past year. Kong some of you remember is Kay's brother. Both came to Kauai seven years ago and were doing part of their seminary trainning under Pastor Mitchell Young who was then the minister of Hanapepe UCC.
Kong still attends classes at the Bangkok Institute of Theology but completed his training and had his own church for several years. He provides the spiritual trainning for the girls. He provides two hour Bible sessions twice a week. Every morning the girls have morning devotional time from 8-9am lead by the girls themselves. The girls also take an active part in Sunday worship service. The other types of classes the girls attend are "Life Skills","English"taught by an American who is a staff member at Center 1,guitar lessons taught by a blind musician,etc. Mornings are for lessons and afternoons from 1-4 the girls make very nice bead jewelry which supports the Center. They also run a Beauty shop. A section displays their jewelry and other handcrafts made by the girls. Couple of the girls are good at giving massages.I have used their services at least once a week. Many churches on the mainland U.S. help sell their jewelry and handcraft.
Kay also has consuling sessions with each girl regularly.
Since I have been at the Well there has been four mission groups who have stopped to visit the Well. At Christmas time a group from a church in Atlanta,Georgia came to put on a program which included personal testimonies of how their Christian faith has helped them change their life. The girls at the Well also gave some testimonies of their life changes. Three YWAM groups dropped in at different times. One put a skit on during Sunday worship service. The Well seem to have a close connection with YWAM. Fern,one of the Well girls,was asked to be an interpreter for them at one of their trainning camps. Fern also left recently on a 6 months YWAM trainning camp in Ching Lai.
Noy,42 years old,who joinned the Well recently has said that she really feels different since being at the Well. Although raised Buddhist she is very interested in becoming a Christian. I noticed a real deep appreciation and passion by the girls in their new found faith in Jesus. I really enjoy being with the girls.
Noy who is going to England soon asked to be tutored in English. She has had lessons before,but is eager to increase her skill. So I have been helping her. Next week her lessons end and I will teaching a class twice a week.
Kay and one of the girls at the Well had babies this past week. They both returned from the hospital today. Kay has two girls. Today she brought home a boy.I dropped in and there was Mike holding the baby. I asked Mikayla their 3 year old,"Is daddy carrying a doll?" She answered,"Yes". Tomorrow after my session with Noy,I will be going over to help Kay.
It has been very interesting and I have been enjoying myself very much.
Aloha, Joanne
Friday, January 18, 2008
Living at the Sukhumvit hostel
Many I discovered have not heard of hostels. I really like living at a hostel.
The concept of hostels was started by a teacher in Germany. Because he felt that children should learn to appreciate their environment especially the outdoors and to do so needed a place that was clean and inexpensive the hostels were born.
Most of the people who stay at hostels are young,backpacker-independent travelers.
Every day I meet new young and old people who really enjoy discovering the world.
Many are interested in going to the most remote places.
So many who stayed at the girls' dorm were headed to Chang Mai and Chang Lai and Cambodia. Many to the beaches in the southern section of Thailand. Many places that I had never heard about.
This morning I had a wonderful conversation with a young Japanese boy who has lived in Australia for a year. He graduated as an engineer and applied for a job there.
Why Australia? He said that he discovered he likes sailing. But I think his other reasons are more interesting. He likes Australia because they are more "free" In Japan it is work,work,work. In Australia if you work,work,work and don'take time to play you are considered odd. They are very casual in life style. Clothing style is casual. He really likes their life style. He has a younger sister but he doesn't think she would want to go to Australia. He said she is happy being a traditional Japanese girl. He is very thankful his parents supported him in his decision to go to Australia to work. His father is a land developer in Osaka.
In the girls' dorm I have met girls from Spain,London,New Zealand,Australia,Belgium,Canada,Phillippines,Germany,England,China,Singapore,and Iceland. I forgot the girls from Malaysia and Korea. So far no one else from Hawaii.
And the hostel I am in now is exceptional. The staff is very nice,the whole place is set up beautifully...quaint rustic furniture and lots of plants all around with a pool of carps under the entrance way. It is very conveniently located. The blinker says I am almost out of time.
Aloha, Joanne
The concept of hostels was started by a teacher in Germany. Because he felt that children should learn to appreciate their environment especially the outdoors and to do so needed a place that was clean and inexpensive the hostels were born.
Most of the people who stay at hostels are young,backpacker-independent travelers.
Every day I meet new young and old people who really enjoy discovering the world.
Many are interested in going to the most remote places.
So many who stayed at the girls' dorm were headed to Chang Mai and Chang Lai and Cambodia. Many to the beaches in the southern section of Thailand. Many places that I had never heard about.
This morning I had a wonderful conversation with a young Japanese boy who has lived in Australia for a year. He graduated as an engineer and applied for a job there.
Why Australia? He said that he discovered he likes sailing. But I think his other reasons are more interesting. He likes Australia because they are more "free" In Japan it is work,work,work. In Australia if you work,work,work and don'take time to play you are considered odd. They are very casual in life style. Clothing style is casual. He really likes their life style. He has a younger sister but he doesn't think she would want to go to Australia. He said she is happy being a traditional Japanese girl. He is very thankful his parents supported him in his decision to go to Australia to work. His father is a land developer in Osaka.
In the girls' dorm I have met girls from Spain,London,New Zealand,Australia,Belgium,Canada,Phillippines,Germany,England,China,Singapore,and Iceland. I forgot the girls from Malaysia and Korea. So far no one else from Hawaii.
And the hostel I am in now is exceptional. The staff is very nice,the whole place is set up beautifully...quaint rustic furniture and lots of plants all around with a pool of carps under the entrance way. It is very conveniently located. The blinker says I am almost out of time.
Aloha, Joanne
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
SIAM NIRAMIT...continuation
I didn't have a chance to finish before my time was up.
I am so glad Fern and I were able to see this show. She left the next day for her 6 months Disciple Training Course.
I had no idea what the show would be like. It is FANTASTIC!!!
I have always liked stage shows. While in Brecksville, Ohio I joined a Community Players group and helped backstage. Also while teaching in Cleveland,Ohio I used to attend the theater in the round productions. I saw Tea House of the August Moon with Marlon Brando doing the lead and The King and I. This of course was a long long time ago.
If you come to Bangkok and love stage shows this is it. It was fabulous;costuming,color,stage set up,etc. The stage is billed as one of the highest and largest. The cast is huge about 150. The scenes and staging is unbeliebeable.
The story is about Thailand;history,the old capital,the coming of the foreigners,religion,and the many festivals. They even had live animals on stage;goats and roosters in the rural life scenes. As well as elephants. They created a river across the stage with water deep enough for someone to swim in and boats sailing by. Like the Bon season in Hawaii lighted lanterns sail down the river in one of the religious scenes.
Before the show we had a buffet dinner which featured Thai, Indian, and Western foods. Then like the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu they reconstructed hill villages of Thailand. Vern got so excited. She said that it was just like her house. She too used to weave on a similar weaving loom. They also had miniature rice paddies and ponds for fishing. On an outdoor stage they had music played on traditional instruments with dancers in elaborate custumes. Also live elephants for those who wish to ride them.
Mike was curious about the show. He wanted to know if it would be something his parents would want to go to when they came from Pennsylvania. It was a bit expensive but I think it would be worth going.
I am so glad Fern and I were able to see this show. She left the next day for her 6 months Disciple Training Course.
I had no idea what the show would be like. It is FANTASTIC!!!
I have always liked stage shows. While in Brecksville, Ohio I joined a Community Players group and helped backstage. Also while teaching in Cleveland,Ohio I used to attend the theater in the round productions. I saw Tea House of the August Moon with Marlon Brando doing the lead and The King and I. This of course was a long long time ago.
If you come to Bangkok and love stage shows this is it. It was fabulous;costuming,color,stage set up,etc. The stage is billed as one of the highest and largest. The cast is huge about 150. The scenes and staging is unbeliebeable.
The story is about Thailand;history,the old capital,the coming of the foreigners,religion,and the many festivals. They even had live animals on stage;goats and roosters in the rural life scenes. As well as elephants. They created a river across the stage with water deep enough for someone to swim in and boats sailing by. Like the Bon season in Hawaii lighted lanterns sail down the river in one of the religious scenes.
Before the show we had a buffet dinner which featured Thai, Indian, and Western foods. Then like the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu they reconstructed hill villages of Thailand. Vern got so excited. She said that it was just like her house. She too used to weave on a similar weaving loom. They also had miniature rice paddies and ponds for fishing. On an outdoor stage they had music played on traditional instruments with dancers in elaborate custumes. Also live elephants for those who wish to ride them.
Mike was curious about the show. He wanted to know if it would be something his parents would want to go to when they came from Pennsylvania. It was a bit expensive but I think it would be worth going.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
SIAM NIRAMIT
Vern one of the girls at the Well was leaving today for a six month training in Vietnam so I decided to take her for dinner and show at the Siam Niamit.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
To Cambodia and back in one day.
Yesterday Sat. Jan. 12 I took a bus...one of those big high buses...left at 7am and returned 7pm. I enjoyed it but it was also very tiring.
A U.S. citizen is allowed to stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days. I didn't know how long I would be staying in Thailand last June. Since I decided to stay for 2 1/2 months I needed to have a Thai visa befire the 30 days were up.
Mike set me up with Jack Total Golf, Inc. They began as a Golf packager,but now another business is procuring visas for people who need it. A parently this is a better way or cheaper way.
I took the sky train to get to the sidewalk near their office to be there by 6:30am.
There were many people there from many different countries. They had us sign our names on many papers and sent us into the bus so we could take off by 7am. The bus was airconditioned but the leg rest and the back of the seats could not be adjusted.
A woman in a very heavy Thai accent explained the process. To make our trip comfortable they had magazines for us to read,continuous movies, and tea or coffee.
I enjoyed looking out the window. Some parts of the landscape looked like Kekaha.
I saw sugar cane fields, banana,mango,citris orchards, and acres and acres of Euculypse(spl)trees in all stages. I notice that it is a tree used in many countries..Spain,Kenya,Pakistan. Some fields look like they might have been used for rice,but right now nothing was growing in them.
We were given a rest stop before we reached the border. We were distributed back our passports and we all stood in line to be processed. After going through the line and leaving our passports and papers with some other people they had us go over a bridge into Cambodia. We were directed to a large building where we were served a buffet lunch of Thai or Cambodian food. I enjoy all foods so this was perfect for me.
But before getting to the dinning room we had to pass rooms that looked like Las Vegas casinos. There were lots of tables with card dealers and players. There was also a VIP room. The sliding door was open and I could see the toilet sign so I went there thinking it had better toilet facilities and I was probably right.
After lunch we were told to wait at another building which said Jack Total Golf.
Some boys from Australia went into a building with sliding doors so I followed them. That was a good move by me. It was air conditioned and I was told that I could have a free foot massage. I was told ordinarily we leave about 12:30pm,but today we did not leave until 2pm and therefore did not get back to Bangkok until 7pm.
All in all it was very interesting but very tiring and I did get my 30 day extension visa. The girl who sat next to me in the bus didn't and she said that she has to go back tomorrow.
Anyway I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about my one day trip to Cambodia.
Aloha, Joanne
A U.S. citizen is allowed to stay in Thailand without a visa for 30 days. I didn't know how long I would be staying in Thailand last June. Since I decided to stay for 2 1/2 months I needed to have a Thai visa befire the 30 days were up.
Mike set me up with Jack Total Golf, Inc. They began as a Golf packager,but now another business is procuring visas for people who need it. A parently this is a better way or cheaper way.
I took the sky train to get to the sidewalk near their office to be there by 6:30am.
There were many people there from many different countries. They had us sign our names on many papers and sent us into the bus so we could take off by 7am. The bus was airconditioned but the leg rest and the back of the seats could not be adjusted.
A woman in a very heavy Thai accent explained the process. To make our trip comfortable they had magazines for us to read,continuous movies, and tea or coffee.
I enjoyed looking out the window. Some parts of the landscape looked like Kekaha.
I saw sugar cane fields, banana,mango,citris orchards, and acres and acres of Euculypse(spl)trees in all stages. I notice that it is a tree used in many countries..Spain,Kenya,Pakistan. Some fields look like they might have been used for rice,but right now nothing was growing in them.
We were given a rest stop before we reached the border. We were distributed back our passports and we all stood in line to be processed. After going through the line and leaving our passports and papers with some other people they had us go over a bridge into Cambodia. We were directed to a large building where we were served a buffet lunch of Thai or Cambodian food. I enjoy all foods so this was perfect for me.
But before getting to the dinning room we had to pass rooms that looked like Las Vegas casinos. There were lots of tables with card dealers and players. There was also a VIP room. The sliding door was open and I could see the toilet sign so I went there thinking it had better toilet facilities and I was probably right.
After lunch we were told to wait at another building which said Jack Total Golf.
Some boys from Australia went into a building with sliding doors so I followed them. That was a good move by me. It was air conditioned and I was told that I could have a free foot massage. I was told ordinarily we leave about 12:30pm,but today we did not leave until 2pm and therefore did not get back to Bangkok until 7pm.
All in all it was very interesting but very tiring and I did get my 30 day extension visa. The girl who sat next to me in the bus didn't and she said that she has to go back tomorrow.
Anyway I thought some of you might be interested in hearing about my one day trip to Cambodia.
Aloha, Joanne
Friday, January 11, 2008
Soi 38
I find Soi 38 to be an interesting street. When I moved to the hostel which on Soi 38 off Sukhumvit I decided to walk all the way down to the deadend of Soi 38. It must have been at one time a "high class" street. Looking through the beautiful iron gates and fence there seems to be quite a few beautiful estates. When I followed the head housekeeper of the hostel one morning I got a better view. The gate was open and she talked to the guards. There were two beautiful shaggy dogs and the house and grounds were very impressive. I was told it belongs to a very rich Chinese.
One of the former Kings daughter also lives on this street. And at the end there is a military compound.
One of the former Kings daughter also lives on this street. And at the end there is a military compound.
It touches my silly bones
Things make me laugh that I know isn't funny to other people. I guess that is way I laugh in a movie theater when no one else is laughing.
Here's one of those things that hits my silly bones.
Motorcycles are very popular in Thailand,Kenya,and Pakistan I notice. They whizz between cars and cars travel so close to each other. I will say that drivers in Thailand are much better than Kenya and Pakistan.
Anyway, one day I was going to Lumpini Park about 7am. I saw a long line of people on the side walk which included men as well as women. I wondered why? Then came the motorcyclist all in purple vests. Every two minutes it stopped and a person hopped on the back and they speeded away down the street. There must have been a business or factory down that way because they all went the same direction. I thought it was so funny I just stood there watching,fascinated,and laughing to myself.
I now realize that all over Bangkok there are motorcycle taxis just like car taxis.
I found that watching the traffic go by from Sarwat's fourth floor apartment in Karachi,Pakistan was most fascinating. You see carts being pulled by man,donkeys,horses,and camels. And also at the same time huge colorfully decorated buses,huge logging trucks,as well as small motorized cars they call richshaws..but they don't look like the richshaws in China or Honolulu. The variety of vehicles from modern Honda/Toyota/Susuki sedans and trucks(Japan makes seem to be the most popular in Pakistan and Kenya)and ancient style man and animal drawn carts all sharing the roads at the same time was facinating to me.
I really enjoy traveling on the Sky Trains in Bangkok. They are clean,air conditioned,and fast. They are more expensive than buses and taxis. But sometimes taxis can be cheaper if more than one person is/or are traveling together.
Here's one of those things that hits my silly bones.
Motorcycles are very popular in Thailand,Kenya,and Pakistan I notice. They whizz between cars and cars travel so close to each other. I will say that drivers in Thailand are much better than Kenya and Pakistan.
Anyway, one day I was going to Lumpini Park about 7am. I saw a long line of people on the side walk which included men as well as women. I wondered why? Then came the motorcyclist all in purple vests. Every two minutes it stopped and a person hopped on the back and they speeded away down the street. There must have been a business or factory down that way because they all went the same direction. I thought it was so funny I just stood there watching,fascinated,and laughing to myself.
I now realize that all over Bangkok there are motorcycle taxis just like car taxis.
I found that watching the traffic go by from Sarwat's fourth floor apartment in Karachi,Pakistan was most fascinating. You see carts being pulled by man,donkeys,horses,and camels. And also at the same time huge colorfully decorated buses,huge logging trucks,as well as small motorized cars they call richshaws..but they don't look like the richshaws in China or Honolulu. The variety of vehicles from modern Honda/Toyota/Susuki sedans and trucks(Japan makes seem to be the most popular in Pakistan and Kenya)and ancient style man and animal drawn carts all sharing the roads at the same time was facinating to me.
I really enjoy traveling on the Sky Trains in Bangkok. They are clean,air conditioned,and fast. They are more expensive than buses and taxis. But sometimes taxis can be cheaper if more than one person is/or are traveling together.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Bangkok,early morning
As is my custom I get up around 5am every morning. I do my bed Qi Gong and my face Qi Gong then go up to the roof top which is fixed up so lovely with lots of potted plants to do my Rejuvenation Qi Gong. And every morning between 5:30am and 6:30am I hear "Whoooos thereeeeeeeeee" "Whoooooos thereeeeeeeee"Whoooooos thereeeeeeeeeeee."
Anyway it sounds like that. Maybe it is saying Whipoowill. It is so loud and clear that it drowns the sounds of all the other birds. And from a distance there is answer..."Iam hereeeeeeeee, Iam hereeeeeeeeeee,Iam hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee." This usually goes on for almost a whole hour. It is still fairly dark. In the too fare distance I can hear and see the sky train going back and forth. The hostel is located in a very convenient place. It is close to bus stations also.
Since moving here I have been walking around the neighborhood. The first day I noticed a sign on the street "American Women's Club of Thailand." So yesterday which was my OFF day from the Well I decided to visit it. It is very well furnished. It is a place for American women as well as other women who were relocated here by their husbands company or for other reasons to meet and support each other while they are in Thailand. They included any foreigner as well as local Thai women. On Wednesdays they run a Thirft shop below. They also run a English camp for Thai teens and do other volunteer work as well as plan social gatherings and support groups.
Today was my fourth day teaching English. Iam enjoying it very much.
More about the "Well" next time.
Anyway it sounds like that. Maybe it is saying Whipoowill. It is so loud and clear that it drowns the sounds of all the other birds. And from a distance there is answer..."Iam hereeeeeeeee, Iam hereeeeeeeeeee,Iam hereeeeeeeeeeeeeee." This usually goes on for almost a whole hour. It is still fairly dark. In the too fare distance I can hear and see the sky train going back and forth. The hostel is located in a very convenient place. It is close to bus stations also.
Since moving here I have been walking around the neighborhood. The first day I noticed a sign on the street "American Women's Club of Thailand." So yesterday which was my OFF day from the Well I decided to visit it. It is very well furnished. It is a place for American women as well as other women who were relocated here by their husbands company or for other reasons to meet and support each other while they are in Thailand. They included any foreigner as well as local Thai women. On Wednesdays they run a Thirft shop below. They also run a English camp for Thai teens and do other volunteer work as well as plan social gatherings and support groups.
Today was my fourth day teaching English. Iam enjoying it very much.
More about the "Well" next time.
Special!!!!
Just received word from my son Gregory in Layton,Utah that Iam now a Great Grandmother. Grandson Travis had a baby boy January 7,2008. He came a little early.
However he came two days before grandfather Gregory's 45th birthday;January 9.
Parents: Travis and Alexis Kimoto
New addition
Gavin Tadashi Kimoto 31/2 lbs. Aside from coming too early mom and baby are doing okay.
I feel very blessed. Not only am I a new great grandmother,but I also left Kenya and Pakistan a very good time.
G
However he came two days before grandfather Gregory's 45th birthday;January 9.
Parents: Travis and Alexis Kimoto
New addition
Gavin Tadashi Kimoto 31/2 lbs. Aside from coming too early mom and baby are doing okay.
I feel very blessed. Not only am I a new great grandmother,but I also left Kenya and Pakistan a very good time.
G
Monday, January 7, 2008
My last blog said nothing about "The Awesone Palace Grounds"
I was having such a hard time with the computer I didn't say anything about the Grand Palace Grounds. I was awe struck. I enjoyed just sitting and looking and looking. Each time I saw something I hadn't noticed before. I felt like I was in a fairy world. I hope to cruise down the river again and revisit the Grand Palace Grounds.
Thailand's climate is very similar to ours so many of the trees,flowers and plants are ones we also see in Hawaii. Maybe that is why I enjoy going to Lumpini Park. It is a park well landscaped and maintained. And because I recognized so many of the growing things it makes me feel at home. And I love it that so many people enjoy being in it. At 7:30am and again at 5:30pm there are many joggers;groups and individuals. There are many clubs and groups doing Tai Chi,yoga,or other forms of preventive health practices;some with fans and swords,etc. And from early morning moms and dads with their children are paddling around in the duck headed paddle boats and watching the fish jump up as they throw bread into the water. One morning all the fountains in the middle of the lake were on and it looked so beautiful and peaceful. There are many dogs sleepng everywhere. Nobody seems to mind. Traffic is better here than Nairobi and Karachi, but I wouldn't want to drive here.
At first I didn't care for the street food vendors, but Iam beginning to appreciate them. The sign on the computer screen says I must quit so I will before I loose everything again.
Everyday I am learning to appreciate more.
Aloha, Joanne
.
Thailand's climate is very similar to ours so many of the trees,flowers and plants are ones we also see in Hawaii. Maybe that is why I enjoy going to Lumpini Park. It is a park well landscaped and maintained. And because I recognized so many of the growing things it makes me feel at home. And I love it that so many people enjoy being in it. At 7:30am and again at 5:30pm there are many joggers;groups and individuals. There are many clubs and groups doing Tai Chi,yoga,or other forms of preventive health practices;some with fans and swords,etc. And from early morning moms and dads with their children are paddling around in the duck headed paddle boats and watching the fish jump up as they throw bread into the water. One morning all the fountains in the middle of the lake were on and it looked so beautiful and peaceful. There are many dogs sleepng everywhere. Nobody seems to mind. Traffic is better here than Nairobi and Karachi, but I wouldn't want to drive here.
At first I didn't care for the street food vendors, but Iam beginning to appreciate them. The sign on the computer screen says I must quit so I will before I loose everything again.
Everyday I am learning to appreciate more.
Aloha, Joanne
.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Grand Palace Grounds is AWESOME!!!!
I just erased all that I had put in the blog in the last hour.
I will have to get on the internet when I move today to the Sukhumvit hostel.
I arrived in Bangkok on the 18th of December. I stayed at the BIT Bangkok Institute of Theology for four nights then moved to Bangkok Christian Guest House where I had stayed three and a half years ago when I came to Thailand with Rev. Mitchell Young of Hanapepe UCC. On that trip we attended the wedding of Kay and Mike Killar. Kay and her brother Kong came to Kauai seven years ago and stayed on Kauai for three months. Kay and Mike started a mission called,"Women At the Well" I will be staying in Thailand for two months helping at the "Well" The goal of the "Well" is to help former prostitutes retrain so they can heal and make a living in other ways.
Since last Friday the "Well" has been closed and most of the girls have let for the holidays until January 6, 2008. Fern and Ying are the only ones remaining.
I met Fern at the "Well" I asked her to be our guide to the river taxi excursion so that she would get practice in using her English. She has been at the "Well" for two years and has been working as an interpreter for YWAM,Youth With A Mission. She will be leaving for a training session to Vietnam on the 15th of January. She says that she still needs to raise about 1,000 US dollars or 33000 bahts or Thailand currency to pay for all expenses. They also do outreach work.
I was advised by others who had done this trip not to take the Express tour boat. Of course this was Fern's first assignment to be a tour guide. So what does she do. Yes, gets us on the Express boat. Why? She said so that she didn't have to tell us about the river and the sights. Because the guide on the Express boat does that. Oh,Oh,Oh, I had to remind her that I asked her to be a guide so she can practice her English.
Even though she didn't want to be a guide Fern was extremely helpful when Ann needed her to explain things to Lucknam. There were many times on the trip Lucknam didn't want to do things because she didn't understand the reason. Like when she didn't want to where a wrap around which she needed to because no one is allowed into the Grand Palace Grounds if their legs are not covered to the ankles. And Ann was especially thankful when Fern explained to Lucknam why Ann needed to wake her up at 3:00am to catch the flight to Pittsburgh,Penn.
Today at Sunday worship at the "Well" Fern testified how thankful she was that Ann donated $250.00USD towards her trainning to Vietnam. I had to add the portion about how helpful she was to Ann. We had about 20 new US YWAM youngsters at fhe "Well" worship service today. They were from all over U.S. but all from a training program in Tennesee.
This blog is not all coesive,but there is so much to tell and I having been able to record them. Anyway I will end this one this way.
Aloha, Joanne
I will have to get on the internet when I move today to the Sukhumvit hostel.
I arrived in Bangkok on the 18th of December. I stayed at the BIT Bangkok Institute of Theology for four nights then moved to Bangkok Christian Guest House where I had stayed three and a half years ago when I came to Thailand with Rev. Mitchell Young of Hanapepe UCC. On that trip we attended the wedding of Kay and Mike Killar. Kay and her brother Kong came to Kauai seven years ago and stayed on Kauai for three months. Kay and Mike started a mission called,"Women At the Well" I will be staying in Thailand for two months helping at the "Well" The goal of the "Well" is to help former prostitutes retrain so they can heal and make a living in other ways.
Since last Friday the "Well" has been closed and most of the girls have let for the holidays until January 6, 2008. Fern and Ying are the only ones remaining.
I met Fern at the "Well" I asked her to be our guide to the river taxi excursion so that she would get practice in using her English. She has been at the "Well" for two years and has been working as an interpreter for YWAM,Youth With A Mission. She will be leaving for a training session to Vietnam on the 15th of January. She says that she still needs to raise about 1,000 US dollars or 33000 bahts or Thailand currency to pay for all expenses. They also do outreach work.
I was advised by others who had done this trip not to take the Express tour boat. Of course this was Fern's first assignment to be a tour guide. So what does she do. Yes, gets us on the Express boat. Why? She said so that she didn't have to tell us about the river and the sights. Because the guide on the Express boat does that. Oh,Oh,Oh, I had to remind her that I asked her to be a guide so she can practice her English.
Even though she didn't want to be a guide Fern was extremely helpful when Ann needed her to explain things to Lucknam. There were many times on the trip Lucknam didn't want to do things because she didn't understand the reason. Like when she didn't want to where a wrap around which she needed to because no one is allowed into the Grand Palace Grounds if their legs are not covered to the ankles. And Ann was especially thankful when Fern explained to Lucknam why Ann needed to wake her up at 3:00am to catch the flight to Pittsburgh,Penn.
Today at Sunday worship at the "Well" Fern testified how thankful she was that Ann donated $250.00USD towards her trainning to Vietnam. I had to add the portion about how helpful she was to Ann. We had about 20 new US YWAM youngsters at fhe "Well" worship service today. They were from all over U.S. but all from a training program in Tennesee.
This blog is not all coesive,but there is so much to tell and I having been able to record them. Anyway I will end this one this way.
Aloha, Joanne
Life with Sarwat Murtaza and her family in Pakistan
I wrote this article for Mrs. Farah S. Kamal,Country Coordinator for the YES exchange program at her request. Since I was not able to do a blog while in Karachi, I hope this story will take its place.
Life with Sarwat Murtaza and her family in Pakistan
I had no idea what it would be like to live for three weeks with Sarwat and her family,but to my delight I had a wonderful time and enjoyed my visit very much. They welcomed me warmly and they were so kind and concerned and attentive to my every need. They also expressed deep appreciation for the time Sarwat spent with me in Hawaii/America.
Life in Pakistan and Hawaii/America are worlds apart not only by miles but in many many different ways. Yet there are similarities. Similarities of wants and desires of families all over the world. I found that Pakistani and American families all love their children deeply and want the best for them. They want for their children the best education possible and want their children to grow into honest,respectful citizens. They also want for their children a world that is safe and peaceful.
While in Karachi I had the good fortune of meeting members of iEARN-Pakistan. Sarwat, her 14 year old brother Ahmed and I were invited to the home of M. Saleem Ibrahim,Senior Program Officer. There we also met Farah S. Kamal, Country Coordinator and other members of their staff. I was so happy to learn that they belong to a Society for International Education and for a Global Community. It was Farah Kamal who asked me to write a short story of my experiences as a host-parent to a YES exchange student and my role as a visiting host parent to Sarwat in Karachi.
"Choroo,Choroo,Choroo" shouted Sarwat,20 year old Zeenat,and 11 year old sister Nuzhat at Ahmed, their 14year old brother who loves to tell "Tall Tales" Ahmed says that he does it to make people laugh. Sometimes the girls also call each other "choroo-liar" Ours is a "Talking and Choroo" family said Sarwat. This is a family where parents and children believe in lots of free dialogue between and among parents and children. Especially at meal times laughter fills the air because of joking and kidding.The Murtaza's are a close,fun loving family who love each other very much.
Looking down from the fouth story apartment,they call home,to the busy street below there are always masses of people,animals,motor vehicles big and small in every shape and size. In contrast when Sarwat looked out of my house she was amazed that the streets were empty. She asked "Where are the people?"I told her everyone is at work. I live in a residential area where there are no business establishments. Most women also hold jobs outside their home. In contrast Sarwat's mom and most of her relatives keep their traditonal roles and remain full-time homemakers. Yet in this modern age they too feel the need to supplement the family income. Everyday Mrs. Murtaza and Zeenat tutor children of friends and relatives. Mrs. Murtaza also sews for outsiders when ever she can.
One day after washing her clothes Sarwat asked where she could hang them to dry. I told her on the clothes line in my back yard. With unbelieving eyes she said that if she did that at home in Karachi she'd never see her clothes again.
Weekends are often the only time families in both Karachi and Hawaii get to do family outings like shopping at big discount stores, picnics at the park or beach,and eating out. Most people in Hawaii own cars, This is the most common mode of transportation. Sometimes Sarwat caught the school bus to go to school. But sometimes she was offered a ride by friends or teachers who live in our neighborhood. In Karachi,not owning a car the Murtazas used several different ways to travel. When we went to a wedding party at 10pm at night...that is something I never did at home...we (about 20 plus relatives) all piled into the back of a Susuki truck. A couple of times Sarwat and I rode a "Rickshaw" When we had dinner at a Chinese Restaurant we went in a horse and buggy,the one Nuzhat takes to school everyday. It was very romantic.
Mrs. Murtaza is a very good cook. I enjoyed the Pakistani foods she prepared. Mr. Murtaza instructed me on how I should cover my head and say BismiAllah before each meal.
I learned to eat with my fingers and sit on the floor. At my home on Kauai Sarwat sat at the table and ate with utensils,but sometimes she was allowed to eat with her fingers.
Hawaii is a multi-culturalled community so there are many more faith based religions; Buddhists, Hindus,Protestant Christians with its many different sects.Catholic Christians,Mormons, Seven Day Adventist,etc. Sarwat recited her Quran and did her prayers,but she also attended my Christian Church services a few times.
Nuzhat and Ahmed returned from school in time to have mid-day meals with the family.
Then they rested and did their homework. The school day is longer in Hawaii. Most of the children eat lunch at school. After school most children participate in some kind of sports; baseball,football,basket ball, volley ball,soccor,track,canoe paddling,etc. or found jobs to earn spending money.
Yes, life in Karachi,Pakistan and the island of Kauai, Hawaii/America are very different.
Yet we also have similarities. We all want a world where we are accepted, appreciated and acknowledged. More and More we live in a Global Community and parents everywhere want for their children a safe and peaceful place to live.
.
.
Life with Sarwat Murtaza and her family in Pakistan
I had no idea what it would be like to live for three weeks with Sarwat and her family,but to my delight I had a wonderful time and enjoyed my visit very much. They welcomed me warmly and they were so kind and concerned and attentive to my every need. They also expressed deep appreciation for the time Sarwat spent with me in Hawaii/America.
Life in Pakistan and Hawaii/America are worlds apart not only by miles but in many many different ways. Yet there are similarities. Similarities of wants and desires of families all over the world. I found that Pakistani and American families all love their children deeply and want the best for them. They want for their children the best education possible and want their children to grow into honest,respectful citizens. They also want for their children a world that is safe and peaceful.
While in Karachi I had the good fortune of meeting members of iEARN-Pakistan. Sarwat, her 14 year old brother Ahmed and I were invited to the home of M. Saleem Ibrahim,Senior Program Officer. There we also met Farah S. Kamal, Country Coordinator and other members of their staff. I was so happy to learn that they belong to a Society for International Education and for a Global Community. It was Farah Kamal who asked me to write a short story of my experiences as a host-parent to a YES exchange student and my role as a visiting host parent to Sarwat in Karachi.
"Choroo,Choroo,Choroo" shouted Sarwat,20 year old Zeenat,and 11 year old sister Nuzhat at Ahmed, their 14year old brother who loves to tell "Tall Tales" Ahmed says that he does it to make people laugh. Sometimes the girls also call each other "choroo-liar" Ours is a "Talking and Choroo" family said Sarwat. This is a family where parents and children believe in lots of free dialogue between and among parents and children. Especially at meal times laughter fills the air because of joking and kidding.The Murtaza's are a close,fun loving family who love each other very much.
Looking down from the fouth story apartment,they call home,to the busy street below there are always masses of people,animals,motor vehicles big and small in every shape and size. In contrast when Sarwat looked out of my house she was amazed that the streets were empty. She asked "Where are the people?"I told her everyone is at work. I live in a residential area where there are no business establishments. Most women also hold jobs outside their home. In contrast Sarwat's mom and most of her relatives keep their traditonal roles and remain full-time homemakers. Yet in this modern age they too feel the need to supplement the family income. Everyday Mrs. Murtaza and Zeenat tutor children of friends and relatives. Mrs. Murtaza also sews for outsiders when ever she can.
One day after washing her clothes Sarwat asked where she could hang them to dry. I told her on the clothes line in my back yard. With unbelieving eyes she said that if she did that at home in Karachi she'd never see her clothes again.
Weekends are often the only time families in both Karachi and Hawaii get to do family outings like shopping at big discount stores, picnics at the park or beach,and eating out. Most people in Hawaii own cars, This is the most common mode of transportation. Sometimes Sarwat caught the school bus to go to school. But sometimes she was offered a ride by friends or teachers who live in our neighborhood. In Karachi,not owning a car the Murtazas used several different ways to travel. When we went to a wedding party at 10pm at night...that is something I never did at home...we (about 20 plus relatives) all piled into the back of a Susuki truck. A couple of times Sarwat and I rode a "Rickshaw" When we had dinner at a Chinese Restaurant we went in a horse and buggy,the one Nuzhat takes to school everyday. It was very romantic.
Mrs. Murtaza is a very good cook. I enjoyed the Pakistani foods she prepared. Mr. Murtaza instructed me on how I should cover my head and say BismiAllah before each meal.
I learned to eat with my fingers and sit on the floor. At my home on Kauai Sarwat sat at the table and ate with utensils,but sometimes she was allowed to eat with her fingers.
Hawaii is a multi-culturalled community so there are many more faith based religions; Buddhists, Hindus,Protestant Christians with its many different sects.Catholic Christians,Mormons, Seven Day Adventist,etc. Sarwat recited her Quran and did her prayers,but she also attended my Christian Church services a few times.
Nuzhat and Ahmed returned from school in time to have mid-day meals with the family.
Then they rested and did their homework. The school day is longer in Hawaii. Most of the children eat lunch at school. After school most children participate in some kind of sports; baseball,football,basket ball, volley ball,soccor,track,canoe paddling,etc. or found jobs to earn spending money.
Yes, life in Karachi,Pakistan and the island of Kauai, Hawaii/America are very different.
Yet we also have similarities. We all want a world where we are accepted, appreciated and acknowledged. More and More we live in a Global Community and parents everywhere want for their children a safe and peaceful place to live.
.
.
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