As we live in Chiang Mai, learning Thai, we also want to learn culture. Think about our language, how much of the understanding of it is driven by a shared and understood culture? We were just watching the movie Cars, and I was struck by how much of the conversation between the characters was culture specific. That movie came out here in Chiang Mai, with Thai subtitles, but I wonder how much was truly understood, not having the shared common background and culture of America. As you watch it again, notice how many jokes and comments are only explained and understood by past cultural knowledge you have.
As we learn Thai, we are also looking for opportunities to learn more about Thai culture, how they relax, enjoy entertainment and interact with each other on an informal level.
We have been attending a new church for the last couple of weeks here in Chiang Mai. It is a largely tribal church, with many of the members from the Lawa tribe who live here in Chiang Mai. In an effort to mingle better and try to get to know some of the guys who go there, Greg and his friend Dan went to watch them play takraw, a Thai game that resembles volleyball, except the only parts of your body you may not use are your hand and arms.
The pastor Boontip plays too!
They asked if Greg wanted to play, but he said he did not know how yet. I do want him to be able to walk the next day!
There were some other practicing off to the side, that look like pretty formidable players too! Be ready to call the ambulance if I were to try that!
It amazing to watch them, kick, jump, twist and spike the ball, and then land on their feet ready for the return! I think for now we will just watch.
Oh my goodness! This looks amazingly difficult and a bit crazy. I’m so glad you are posting!!! More, more more.
YIPPEE!! So great to read more about your life in Thailand and so interesting to learn about the cultural differences.
Keep the blogs coming! And the pictures are wonderful.
my first comments, thanks Casey and Kathy! I will be taking lots of pictures of our trip out to the NE this week and will post them when we get back. Our first Thai Easter, here we come!
Very nice pictures, and fun to see a small slice of your life. Is the Takraw ball hard or soft, as compared to a volleyball?
Looks like Kathy fixed your comments so that people don’t have to log in to comment. You’ll still have to moderate, though …
We miss you, Burts.