muay thai

This is what I am up to this week. More to come!

fishin' time

Today I went fishing for the first time, and there were no fishing poles involved, just sticks and nets. The Burmese string up a net across a pond and then walk around in the water hitting it with a stick to scare the fish into the net. I got in the water to try the technique and also found a few snails in the process. Once the fish are in the net you grab them by the gills and toss them in a bucket. Who knew fish fins were so sharp?!

 The catch of the day, tilapia

 Taking the fish out of the net

 Cooking up the fish

 Tada! Burmese fishing.

an isaan friday

Friday evening took us to an Isaan festival that was very similar to a Thai version of a county fair. I was asked to be in more than a few photos with curious locals who wanted to be by the 'farang!' (foreigner)

                   "Sit down!"

Lots of dancing and glittery costumes.

yum

Coming back to Thailand I realize how much I missed the food! Here is a photo of one of my favorite Thai meals- som tam (papaya salad), fish, sticky rice. All for under $3.

Also, as I saw this morning, you know you live in Asia when you wake up and have rice stuck to your foot.

coconut? or perhaps some cane ball...

Every day has something new here in Thailand- here are a few favorites from the past week!

Climbing the tree for coconuts

Chin lone, or cane ball, is the national sport of Myanmar and involves keeping in the ball using feet, legs or heads. Some movements and kicks are similar to a dance or martial arts, and the game is about 1,500 years old and once played for Burma royalty. Here's a look as I work on a continuing photo essay about the sport.

soccer saturday

 For the win!

Burmese and Thai flags

a new routine

Studying and working hard

Teaching a yoga session Wednesday morning...

Warrior 3

Shivasana

the night train north

Lots of luggage

 Night train

the burmese

Honored and lucky to work with the Burmese staff! The arrival two weeks ago into Bangkok from Yangon.

Arriving to Bangkok

For many it is the first time they have left their country, their families, and friends. The next eight weeks they hope to learn English and work and study in Thailand so that they may help support their family, get better jobs and improve the quality of their lives.

Which flip flops are mine?

Getting cell phones

 Taking the sky train