A Rip Roi-ing Good Time

Well, we just spent an amazing week and a half at Phil's host family (from studying abroad) in Doi Saket. The family was so welcoming and kind to us, and they fully incorporated us into their lives.

Two days after the dancing class we found out that a next-door neighbor had passed away. The community they live in is very close-knit and, as they do for weddings/births/houses being built/etc everyone came to help with the funeral. The night before the funeral we went with Pi Poi (the host sister) to pay our respects to the family, light incense by the coffin, and listen to the monks chant for the deceased.

The next day, we were asked if we wanted to help with the actual funeral and we said yes of course, having no idea what this would entail. We went over and we discovered we were to help with serving food for the 200+ people there. It seemed like all the women in the village were there cooking up huge pots of stews, making bags of sticky rice, frying chicken legs, and cutting up piles and piles of cucumbers. So, Phil and I jumped right in (again with all the ladies) to put all the different food into bowls, the bowls onto platters, and then run around handing out the platters to the different tables. After everyone had eaten, all the dishes had to be cleared and then washed and dried. It was a little hectic at times, but all in all, a very impressive operation.

Washing dishes after the funeral feast. (I'm the blond one- surprise, surprise)

Aside from the dance classes and helping out the village, the time at the house was spent playing with Pop, helping cook and clean, and spending time with the neighbors.

Another picture of Pop holding one of the wooden tigers they make in the shop. Tiger was one of the two English words she could say and it was always followed with a growling noise.

Mae Lee serving some of her amazing Pumpkin Soup. Her cooking has put every restaurant we've been to so far to shame.

We also spent almost every afternoon going on bike rides through the countryside. The scenery was spectacular:

We'd head into Chiang Mai most week-days. Depending on the traffic, it would be about an hour ride on a Song Tao. Song Taos are the main way to get around this city if you don't have any transportation of your own. They are essentially pick-up trucks that have been re-done with benches and a roof in the bed and they're pretty much bus/taxis. People get on and off like a bus, but they'll take you to a specific location like a taxi.

The first couple times into town were for an interview with an English school. We both got very part time jobs and have been working teaching students of varying ages and abilities and it has been interesting. The name of the school is GEE which stands for "Gain English Easily" and their motto is: "Learn English and get a new soul". That might give you some insight into the type of organization we're dealing with here.

On one of the trips into town we were able to visit another one of Phils host mothers who comes into Chiang Mai twice a week to sell her organic produce.

Eating breakfast with the ladies at JJ's Market

So with all that going on, we decided it was time to move back into town. It was sad to leave the quiet country life and the amazing family, but we found an awesome apartment in a great part of town that is dirt-cheap by American standards. We are centrally located, near some great restaurants, and have an amazing view of the "mountains" of Chiang Mai:
Well, sorry to be so long-winded! Going to celebrate the 4th tonight by going to a burger place in town and then hunt for some firecrackers... more soon!