Northern Thailand, the Journey of a UW-Madison Stu

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20 Days of Travel
2007-12-15 04:03:00
This evening I will be boarding a train for Bangkok. I will spend a few days in the capital city of Thailand. Then, on Wednesday I will fly to China for a 10 day visit. I am going to be visiting and celebrating Christmas with couple of really good friends that have been teaching English in China since February. I will return to Thailand to celebrate the New Year on an island in the Gulf. My return train to Chiang Mai will be on January 5th.Throughout the last couple weeks, I have had a chance to see some new places in Northern Thailand. I have taken a lot of pictures. After the New Year, I will be blogging about those experiences and my 20 Days of Travel .Warm Regards,~b

Buddhist Cigarettes
2007-12-09 03:36:00
Yesterday, I saw a monk smoking a cigarette. I got to thinking and I realized that he must know that finals time is nearing for many university students in the U.S. Therefore, he must have been trying to radiate a sense of calm and relaxation to the thousands of students who are currently stressed out as they prepare for finals.Obviously, I am kidding. However, it does highlight the fact that monks are people too! If you are ever in Thailand (or anywhere for that matter), do NOT be afraid to talk to monks. If they are free, they are quite happy to share a cup tea (or cigarette?) with you and have a conversation.I'll be spending the next three days at Wat Pa Pai in Doi Saket. Enjoy your day!
More About: Cigarettes , Buddhist

Is it really December?
2007-12-01 06:58:00
Today is Decemember 1st--and that means that I have been here for three and a half months. The time is flying by, but I continue to feel more and more comfortable each day. Today, I got the keys for an apartment that I'll be moving into soon. I know my diggs are quite nice--however, it is time for me to get into my own place. I'll let you know how the new place is soon.Other things that have been on my mind lately include the U.S. Presidential Campaigns and Global Warming--yea, I am kind of scatter-brained. I see that the Republican Candidates engaged in their first YouTube Debate. It is about time they took off their skirts. Speaking of skirts, Senator Clinton had a hostage situation at her campaign office?!?!? That cannot be good for PR and the early primaries.As for Global Warming, how the hell do we make things better? I've got some ideas here from Thailand that I'll entertain you with in the near future.Thats all for now, Happy December !

Loy Krathong Weekend in Ban Pa Pai
2007-11-30 04:47:00
Saturday, November 24, 2007I arrived in Baan Pa Pai around noon, and the first place I went was Paa Duak?s kuay thiaw restaurant. My first impression was that there were significantly more people in the village than during my previous visits. The restaurant was filled with people--a table of adults and the rest were young adults around my age. I assumed that they had returned home from college for the weekend to celebrate Loy Krathong in their home village.In Thai, Loy means "to float away." A Krathong is a small raft constructed from a banana tree trunk and elaborately decorated with banana leafs, flowers, incense, and candles. On the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar--which usually falls sometime in November--people celebrate the annual Loy Krathong festival throughout Thailand. Khom Loys or "floating laterns" are also a big part of the celebration in Northern Thailand. The floating away of these devices is symbolic of letting go of all one'...
More About: Pictures , Chiang Mai , Weekend , Academics , Hong

"Hey Pat . . . Ya wanna go to Big Mike's?"
2007-11-28 04:00:00
According to its slogan, Mike's has been converting vegetarians since 1979. Chiang Mai has at least a few of these burger joints. I am not sure how many there are exactly, or if they are exclusive to Chiang Mai. Nonetheless, Mike's proves to satisfy the craving for a burger that many westerners feel when in Asia. Pat and I have become regulars at Mike's and we've added a word to its name: hence, Big Mike's. At least once a week, one of us will ask the other, "Hey [insert name] . . . Ya wanna go to Big Mike's?" Then we gorge ourselves and feel guilty afterwards.~the sign outside of Big Mike's on Thanon Nimanhaman~~the menu at Big Mike's includes it all~~2 of the Big Mike's crew~~Pat taking the first bite of a plain double cheeseburger~When I arrived in Thailand I weighed 77 kilos (169.4 lbs). For the first few weeks I enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables, smaller portions of main dishes, and less grease than usual. A month into my stay I weighed 75 kilos (165 lbs). T...

Loy Krathong Weekend in Baan Pa Pai: Day 2
2007-11-25 16:04:00
I slept until about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday. Then I was informed that the college students were meeting at the community center before they returned to Bangkok. When I arrived most of the students were at the bamboo house. They posed for a picture with a number of the community elders. Then, students broke off into small groups and planted trees in a number of different places.~villagers walking over the canal to the bamboo house~~students and elders in front of the bamboo house~~girls planting a tree~Next, the students made their way towards the community center. Mae Luang (the women village leader who I met in my last visit) was tying white strings around the arms of each college student. As she tied, she chanted quietly in Pali. She asked if I would like one, and I gratefully accepted.~An receiving a white string from Mae Luang~Then, the students took a seat in the community center. Most of the college students sat on the left side. Their parents, siblings, and other village y...
More About: Pictures , Chiang Mai , Weekend , Academics , Baan

Loy Krathong Weekend in Baan Pa Pai: Day 1
2007-11-24 16:15:00
I arrived in Baan Pa Pai around noon, and the first place I went was Paa Duak?s kuay thiaw restaurant. My first impression was that there were significantly more people in the village than during my previous visits. The restaurant was filled with people--a table of adults and the rest were young adults around my age. I assumed that they had returned home from college for the weekend to celebrate Loy Krathong in their home village.In Thai, Loy means "to float away." A Krathong is a small raft constructed from a banana tree trunk and elaborately decorated with banana leafs, flowers, incense, and candles. On the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar--which usually falls sometime in November--people celebrate the annual Loy Krathong festival throughout Thailand. Khom Loys or "floating laterns" are also a big part of the celebration in Northern Thailand. The floating away of these devices is symbolic of letting go of all one's grudges, anger, and bad l...
More About: Pictures , Chiang Mai , Weekend , Academics

Thanksgiving 2007 in Thailand
2007-11-22 05:57:00
I have felt pretty selfish the last couple of days. Thanksgiving is today, and until a few days ago, I had given little thought to it. I have convinced myself that the weather is to blame for my lax attitude--its so damn nice over here, there is no way it could be November. However, that only goes so far. Holidays are a difficult time. The fact that no one over here is celebrating Thanksgiving allows me to ignore it a bit. But, I know that this time of year is especially difficult for my family at home. This is the first Thanksgiving any of us on the CYIT Program spent away from home. My friends and I tried to make it worthwhile. Here are some of our pictures.~Patrick guarding our feast~~L to R: me, Breta, Patrick, Sasah at the dinner table~~my plate, which includes 3 types of meat, corn, mashed potatoes and gravy, string beans, and garlic bread--we also had cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes (that didn't turn out), and a fruit salad~It was a full moon night. It was also two...
More About: Pictures , Thailand , Chiang Mai , Hank

Interested in Making Money While Surfing the Web?
2007-11-15 06:23:00
I recently joined AGLOCO because a friend recommended it to me. I am now promoting it to you because I like the idea and I want you to share in what I think will be an exciting new Internet concept.AGLOCO?s story is simple:Do you realize how valuable you are? Advertisers, search providers, and online retailers are paying billions to reach you while you surf. How much of that money are you making? NONE!AGLOCO thinks you deserve a piece of the action.AGLOCO collects money from those companies on behalf of its members. (For example, Google currently pays AOL 10 cents for every Google search by an AOL user. And Google still has enough profit to pay $1.6 billion dollars for YouTube, an 18-month old site full of content that YouTube?s users did not get paid for!)AGLOCO will work to get its Members their share of this and more.AGLOCO is building a new online community that they call an Economic Network. They are not only paying Members their fair share, but they?re building a community th...
More About: Money , Surfing , Eres

A Day Trip to Lamphun
2007-11-14 10:30:00
Aacaan Siddhichai--my host--and I took at day trip to Lamphun last Saturday. By car, it is about 45 minutes from Chiang Mai city. Lampun was once the center of the Haripunchai Kingdom that was ruled by Queen Chama Thewi and founded in 680 AD--it claims to be the oldest existing city in Thailand. The Chamdhevi dynasty was able to maintain independence from outside rule until 1932 when Thailand began a democratic country. Today, Lamphun remains a fairly quiet provincial capital. Being so close to Chiang Mai, it is a nice place to retreat to. The day that Aacaan Siddhichai and I went was beautiful--blue skies and a cool breeze.We stopped along the Highway 106 on the way to Lamphun to browse through a number of teak wood shops. I bought a present for Mother and Father, but they'll just have to wait to see what it is.Our first stop in Lampun was Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai. This temple was built on the site of Queen Chama Thewi's palace in 1044 AD. Khrubaa Siwichai--one of Nort...
More About: Pictures , Trip

Courses During My Endeavor
2007-11-14 08:09:00
Language Courses:-Languages and Cultures of Asia (LCA) 317: First Semester Thai-LCA 318: Second Semester Thai-LCA 417: Third Semester Thai-LCA 418: Fouth Semester ThaiCourses for Fieldwork:-Sociology 617: Community Development-History 438: Buddhism and Society in Southeast Asian History-LCA 466: Buddhist Thought-LCA 471: Topics in Contemporary BuddhismMore to Choose:-I have to think of one more class to include as relevant for my fieldwork.-I also need to think of one course that I will take for fun--I was thinking of a taking a digital photography class.~Visit the UW-Madison Course Catalog and Help Me Out?~
More About: Endeavor , Academics

Brad's Newest Visa Photo
2007-11-13 09:09:00
I went to the photo shop at Chiang Mai University the other day to get photos taken so I can extend my visa. When I came back to get my photos, I found that they had actually Photo shop-ed my picture: they removed my beard, played with my eyebrows, removed my cheek bones, reddened my lips, and whatever else. I don't even look like the same person!~Photoshop-ed Brad~~Photshop-ed Brad 2~
More About: Pictures , Visa

A Weekend Home Stay at Baan Pa Pai
2007-11-12 04:33:00
Friday, October 26, 2007My trip to Baan Pa Pai got off to a rough start. I arrived at Chiang Mai University, and found out that Aacaan Siddhinat would not be able to accompany me to the village like we had planned. So, I made my way to Talaat Warorot, a market located to the east of Chiang Mai city cetner, at about 11:15 a.m. When I arrived I told one of the Rot Luang (yellow car) drivers that I wanted to go to Mu Baan Pa Pai in Doi Saket?-he was intent on charging me 500 baht! On our way to the village, the truck I was in crashed into something. The sound of the scream sounded like a dog. 10 Thai people scrambled out of the back of the truck-?I was the last one out. I looked to my left and saw a girl lying face down on the pavement next to a motorcycle. She turned out to only have minor injuries, but no one seemed to be helping her. I had her sit down and found some ice to put on her leg. Before long, another Rot Luang came by and we crammed in. I took the truck to Doi S...
More About: Home , Weekend , Academics , Stay

Responses to YOUR Comments and Questions
2007-11-08 06:50:00
You, my beloved blog viewers, have been been so wonderful with posting. It is about time I respond to some of what you've said.Let's start with Matt--who has been the most diligent commenter since the inception of this pet project of mine. Matt, you were wondering what I miss most and what I miss least about home. This is a challenging question because if I think too much about home I realize that I miss a lot: Brett Favre, Chase, Jo's Cafe, MY PARENTS, MY BROTHER, Witties, Jes' stand-up career, Cooler Weather, Blaming Everything on People from Minnesota, Van Es' unquenchable sarcasm, Green Things, My Family, Seeing Matt in his Boxers, Memorial Union, My Grandparents, Shouting Random Shit, Everything that is Chris Daniels, Aaron's Quiet Smile, the People of the LGBT Campus Center, Brandi's Homemade Meals, Aunts and Uncles, Touching Steph Hill's Knees, Kelly Ryan's Hair, G-Unit, Playing Basketball in my Own Language, Driving, Seeing Kate Murray Once Every 2 Years, My Cous...
More About: Questions , Comments , Response

Chiang Rai Field Trip
2007-11-02 05:28:00
At 11:00 a.m. on October 19th, 11 people (4 American students, 4 Thai students, 1 professor, 1 staff member, and a driver) climbed into a single van headed for Chia ng Rai province. The College Year in Thailand was heading on its first field trip. We drove north from Chiang Mai, through the rolling mountains and valleys. 5 hours and a lunch later we arrived at our hotel in Chiang Khong, located on the border of Thailand and Laos. Our hotel was located right on the Mekhong River and we quickly put our stuff away to get our first glimpse.~our first view of the Mekhong River~~a fisherman on the Mekhong River~~boats, in the Mekhong River, heading south~After relaxing for a bit, we set out for a walk around Chiang Khong. This rather small settlement has a much contested history and is worth a visit. The border has been opened to Laos at this location, in the not so distant past--so tourist can cross at this point. However, the atmosphere remains laid back. We checked out a couple of templ...
More About: Pictures , Trip , Field

I need to quit drinking whiskey...
2007-10-31 06:31:00
When you go to the bar in Thailand, you don't have much to choose from for drinks: 1) Beer--having an alcohol content of 5-8%; or 2) Whiskey. Further, whiskey is usually purchased by the bottle. In a night, one's bound to go through a couple of bottles. Now, I wasn't much of a (whiskey) drinker before I came to Thailand, and I still haven't reached the status of a typical University of Wisconsin-Madison student. Nonetheless, I've matured--is that the right word?!?!?--in my drinking abilities. Today just happens to be Halloween, and I know that Madison will be partying tonight (just like the previous 6 nights). But I think the city would be better off if it had a Whiskey-Drinking -Abraham-Lincoln roaming the streets . . .
More About: Pictures , Quit

A Weekend Homestay at Baan Pa Pai: Day 2
2007-10-27 15:15:00
At 5:15 a.m. Nang Aew and I made our way out of the house. We rode our bikes to the three-way-intersection near the village entrance and stopped there. I was still unsure exactly what was happening. As we waited, village children began to congregate?-boys waited in one place and girls waited in another. By 5:45 a.m. our group had reached 9 girls and 15 boys (ranging from ages 9 to 17?-and myself at 22!). We hopped on our bikes with the moon still in the sky. We rode through the city gate and towards Wat Pa Pai. However, to my confusion, we kept biking past the temple. I found out that we were biking to Doi Saket, the district capital. One of the boys estimated that it was 9 or 10 kilometers away. During the 45 minutes bike trip, the sky changed colors from shades of dark blue to purple to pink to light blue. Rice paddies, crowing roosters, rolling mountains, and slumbering water buffaloes provided the backdrop for our journey.We arrived at Doi Saket around 6:30 a.m. and p...
More About: Pictures , Chiang Mai , Weekend , Academics , Baan

A Weekend Homestay at Baan Pa Pai: Day 1
2007-10-26 16:30:00
My trip to Baan Pa Pai got off to a rough start. I arrived at Chiang Mai University, and found out that Aacaan Siddhinat would not be able to accompany me to the village like we had planned. So, I made my way to Talaat Warorot, a market located to the east of Chiang Mai city cetner, at about 11:15 a.m. When I arrived I told one of the Rot Luang (yellow car) drivers that I wanted to go to Mu Baan Pa Pai in Doi Saket?-he was intent on charging me 500 baht! On our way to the village, the truck I was in crashed into something. The sound of the scream sounded like a dog. 10 Thai people scrambled out of the back of the truck-?I was the last one out. I looked to my left and saw a girl lying face down on the pavement next to a motorcycle. She turned out to only have minor injuries, but no one seemed to be helping her. I had her sit down and found some ice to put on her leg. Before long, another Rot Luang came by and we crammed in. I took the truck to Doi Saket. From there, I mad...
More About: Pictures , Weekend , Academics

A Night on Doi Suthep
2007-10-22 08:11:00
2 weekends ago my friend, Meen, and I set out on an expedition--and I got to use my tent for the first time. After meeting at Chiang Mai University, we flagged down a Rot Deeng (red car)--the local transportation--and asked the driver to take us to the top of Doi (mountain) Suthep. 20 minutes later we were at the peak in the National Park. We set up my tent in the camping area and decided what to do with our 90 minutes of sunlight that remained.~myself--in a rot deeng~~Meen~~winding road up Doi Suthep~~a blurry rot deeng heading down the mountain~~road to campground at the National Park~We decided to walk a little ways down the mountain to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. This magnificent temple was built in 1383, and it is worth climbing the 309 stairs to the temple grounds. However, before Meen and I could get to the base of the stairs, we came across an angry elephant. Local villagers had had to subdue it with a tranquilizer and were keeping it cornered with handmade spears. After...
More About: Pictures , Night

Will Brad be on Thai T.V.?
2007-10-18 09:20:00
So...I got interviewed by Channel 3 News yesterday when I was sitting at the local Starbucks. As some of you might be aware, His Majesty the King of Thai land has been in the hospital for the past couple of days with medical complications. Thai people--who speak of HM the King as their father--have been wearing yellow (the color of HM the King), flocking in throngs to City Halls across the nation to sign get-well books, and sleeping outside--by the 1,000s--at the hospital where he is be treated in Bangkok. The Channel 3 Newswomen was wondering if I was aware of the situation, and what I thought about it. I eloquently stated my concern for HM the King and my sincere respect of the compassion that Thai people have shown.As of yet, I have not seen myself on the tube. I will let you know of any new developments.:)
More About: Brad

Check Out My Diggs
2007-10-16 08:16:00
I've been here for almost two months now, and it is about time I show you where I am living. You might think that I am living in a bamboo-thatched hut in the middle of the forest--quite to the contrary. Here are some pictures to illustrate.~the newly redecorated front gate~~house and palm trees~~a gazebo in the front yard~~small pool located along the house~~5 of about 20 birds that my host owns~~Nang Khiaw, "little green one"~~Nang Khiaw posing for a picture~~Nang Deeng, "little red one"~~ path leading to the front door~~the big screen t.v. in the family room~~a fridge with the "ice/water pushy thing"!--i've never had one of those before~~going upstiars~~view of the fish pool from the window at the top of the stairs~~my bedroom and king-sized bed~~guest bedroom (wink, wink)~~view of the front yard from the guest bedroom balcony~~view of Doi Suthep from the balcony of guest bedroom~Pretty nice, huh? Oh yeah, in case I forgot to mention it, there is a guest bedroom if anyone is ...
More About: Pictures , Chiang Mai , Check

Attempt 1: Doi Suthep
2007-10-09 11:20:00
A few weeks ago--when I still had my long hair--my American friends, Breta and Sasha, and I set out on an adventure. Our goal was to hike from the foot of Doi (mountain) Suthep to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, which is located on top. This beautiful temple was built in 1384 to hold a relic of the Buddha--a piece of his shoulder bone. It is one of the most sacred (and popular) temples in Thailand. Unfortunately, we never made it to our end destination because we were not quite sure if we were on the right path. Regardless, we enjoyed ourselves and saw some beautiful sights along the way. Enjoy!We all met at Chiang Mai University and planned our course from there. Another friend had told us about a path located at the end of Thanon (road) Suthep that would take us to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep.~Breta poses as I make sure our safety whistle works~After much frustration, we finally discovered a nature trail near the back gate of Chiang Mai Zoo. We decided it was time to get in the wood...
More About: Pictures , Temp

"Cure Sleepiness Right Away"
2007-10-08 09:08:00
When I discovered this product at a local electronics store, I knew I had to get it! Surely, I would not be lucky enough to find this product marketed in the same way in the United States.It was only a dollar!Make sure to read the packaging closely...The packaging goes on to claim that "when driving in good mental conditions, drivers' heads are usually upright and their eyes are looking directly in front..."The makers of this product seem to have discovered how to immediately come out of a drunken state--just look forward!
More About: Pictures , Cure

Massages in Thailand
2007-09-27 10:35:00
So...Aajaan Siddhinat, my host, loves getting massages. Therefore, we go quite frequently. Usually, we go to the same place--a group of younger Thai people, mostly from Chiang Rai, operate a place to the east of Chiang Mai city center. As a "regular", I've become friends with the masseurs. Anyways, you should not worry about finding a place to get a massage in Thailand --parlors are around every corner. However, do become acquainted with the different types of massages that are available in Thailand:1) Thai Massage--an ancient and refined practice that combines yogic stretching and the release of tension through the activation of pressure points2) Foot Massage or Reflexology--need I say more?3) Oil Massage--a full body message, that is often more of a rubdown4) "Oil" Massage--when the former has crossed the line of sensualityI've tended to limit myself to the Foot Massage. However, I had an interesting experience in Mae Hong Son--the line between Oil and "Oil" Massage was bey...
More About: Massages , Ages

First Visit to Baan Pa Pai
2007-09-22 09:24:00
I visited Baan Pa Pai for the first time today. This is where I will be conducting my fieldwork research this school year. So, I was pretty excited to go.Just a little information on Baan Pa Pai:- the approximate population is 700 people- since 2000, Baan Pa Pai has operated a sufficiency economy- the Garlic Factory in Baan Pa Pai was awarded the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) Product Champion award in 2003 and 2004- the village is located in Doi Saket district in Chiang Mai province in Northern ThailandI had a chance to meet a few villagers today. I saw the Garlic Factory and Wat Pa Pai. Unfortunately the temple Abbot was not there today. Oh well, I guess I will just have to go back sometime soon...Just a little information on my fieldwork project:Broad Area of Interest:What influence does a local religious institution have on a developing rural community? [Connection to religious doctrine?]Focused Topic Question:Does Wat Pa Pai serve as a social institution that affects posit...
More About: Visit , Academics

Backstreet Boys
2007-09-17 11:51:00
While I attended Northstar Middle School I was afraid to admit the guilty pleasure I got from watching "Boy Band" videos. I mean with the dance-able beat and lyrics everyone can remember I was bound to fall in love--obviously, it has nothing to do with my sexual orientation.In Thailand, pop music and boy bands continue to be "in." And, I have to admit that I am beginning to live out some of my suppressed middle school pleasures. I think I'll be at the karaoke bar sometime soon belting out "I Want It That Way.";)
More About: Backstreet Boys , Boys

Hair Cut
2007-09-17 11:42:00
I am proud to have lasted this long in the tropics with my shaggy hair. However, yesterday marked the end of my beautiful flowing locks-of-love. You'll have to wait for later pictures to see this new man. Apparently I "look years younger."
More About: Hair , Hair cut

Squatter Toilets
2007-09-12 11:34:00
If you plan on coming to Thailand, please familiarize yourself with the practice of squatting. Undoubtedly, you will encounter a toilet that requires this skill. I have attached a photo for your convenience.
More About: Pictures , Toilets , Squat , Quat

Mae Hong Son
2007-09-11 08:38:00
From August 31 to September 2, I traveled around Mae Hong Son province. Mae Hong Son, the prinvincial capital, is only a 25 minute flight from Chiang Mai; however, a bus ride is about 8 hours. The province borders Burma, and the capital city is set in a beautiful mountain valley. On Friday, I flew into a "one-runway"/"one-gate" airport. My host, Aajaan (Professor) Sittichai, and I eventual made our way to our hotel for the night.~the main road of Mae Hong Son, seen from our hotel room~~a view of of the mountain located on the edge of the city~~the bed I slept in; I was protected by an elephant :)~~an old teak Wat (Buddhist Temple), in the Burmese style, located next to our hotel~After taking a brief nap, Aajaan Sittichai and I set out to explore the city on a motorcycle we rented for 150 baht (around $4) per day. In the middle of the city there is a small lake, which is surrounded by craft stalls and green space. I bought a bag from a Hmong women selling hand-made crafts along...
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Chiang Mai University
2007-09-11 08:20:00
I have begun attending classes. Well...actually, I don't really have "class" per se. Instead, I meet with Professors to talk about topics and then read a bunch of books. Pretty sweet, huh? Anyways, what I'm trying to say is that I have been on campus for a little while now, and I thought you might be interested in seeing some pictures of Chia ng Mai University . The campus is quite beautiful. It is located at the foot of a mountain, Doi Suthep. Also, there is a reservoir on the edge of campus, Ang Kaew Resevoir. Unfortunately, I do not have pictures of either of these. Oh well, enjoy the pictures I do have. :)~a Spirit House located at the main entrance of the University~~Dhamma Hall, located at the main entrance of the University~~a Lotus Flower coming out of the pond in front of Dhamma Hall~~the Elephant--a revered symbol in Thailand--holding the Flag of Thailand and the Flag of the Monarchy in front of Dhamma Hall~~Buddha images located at Dhamma Hall~
More About: Pictures , Academics