The organization I am here with is called Cross Cultural Solutions, and they have 2 amazing in-country staff here who take care of all of our needs. From planning our field trips to making sure we get to work safely and on time, and to helping us plan our own private excursions/travel plans, they really are an incredible support system here. The past two weeks have been full of amazing cultural field trips throughout the city. Here's a shot of one of the directors, Jack, who is all business even on our boat ride.
The second field trip we went on was another boat ride, this time through the Klong Mahasawat.
On this trip we visited a gorgeous lotus field. I can't even imagine how incredible it must be when they all are blooming, but it was pretty powerful nonetheless when we were there. We were taken in a little paddle boat all through the field. There was green everywhere and I wish I could have stayed alone in that boat for a while. Everything was so quiet and serene.
Our guide did find a few that had already bloomed and peeled them and presented them to each of us beautifully.
One of my favorite stops on this trip was to visit a women's group where they make this delicious rice cake type snacks. We got to see where they make the ones that get packaged and sold to stores across the country, but best of all we were taught how to make our own. There's two kinds, one that has pork on it or in it, something like that. Obviously, I went for the vegetarian option which according to Vicki who tried both, the vegetarian ones were better.
Basically, you take these dry flattened rice crackers that have already been made and you put them in oil. After 20 seconds you turn it once in the oil, and after another 20 you take it out. Then you rub on a delicious chili paste (I discovered the more you put on the better) and sprinkle sesame seeds over it. Voila! You have the best rice cake ever, and we got to eat them warm! They sell them packaged in stores and I am determined to find them when I return to the states.
We also visited a breathtaking orchid farm. I did not know that most orchids are grown in Thailand. This particular farm had two wings, one that grows and exports around the world, and one that grows specifically for local use. I saw some incredible varieties and was very grateful for the macro setting on my camera to capture some of the beauty.
Equally as beautiful was our tour through a fruit orchard and rice patty. We had the craziest wagon ride ever, unfortunately that was not able to be captured on film but I do have a great shot of the rice patty that makes me incredible excited to spend a few weeks in Bali when I leave Thailand.
Bangkok is pretty incredible. Similar to LA, it is very crowded and congested, but there are so many gorgeous areas that you never would have thought existed if you just went to the city. Now, Bangkok is much worse than LA. The traffic and pollution are a million times worse, the streets reek of sewage and food carts, and the bathroom/toilet situation is atrocious. But somehow, in places that you never would have known about had someone not taken you, there are some of the most naturally beautiful and peaceful places imaginable. I feel so fortunate to be here and to have the opportunity to experience an entirely different world and culture than I have ever known. I'm actually kind of sad that my program is 1/3 of the way over already. At least almost wherever I go here there's always a stunning Wat to remind me of the bigger picture, no matter where I am. And on this trip I was lucky enough to see one right on the river bank.
For more stunning images from this excursion, check out Facebook or email me your address and I can send over the link to my Kodak Gallery album.
Time goes too fast. So jealous! Flower field trips would be my favorite too. Everything looks amazing. Keep going- and don't forget to take some time to meditate and think and reflect and be alone too. Love ya, Alina
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