Oh.. Uttaraditt

It's been a while since the last I've posted here. The last thing  I remembered was the time  I've made a decision to move and try a different place. It's indeed a crazy decision. But just like what my friend said... "life's a bitch"! It bites you in the ass sometimes. lol... Forgive and forget and move on with life, yet sometimes memories will haunt you back and you can't do anything about it. 

To cut this short, we were assigned to help someone in an essay writing competition. Surprisingly, she needed to write something about her place, and lo and behold, she was from the same crib where I was before.

“My Town”

“Round my hometown, memories are fresh
Round my hometown, ooh, the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world, are the wonders of my world”

These are famous lines from my favorite song and it reminds me of my lovely hometown. I was born in Uttaraditt, a place in the northern Thailand. There are numerous reasons why I would consider myself lucky to be from my town. First and foremost, my town was blessed with an abundance of natural resources and due to its somewhat central demographic location, going to different cities and other prominent places in Thailand is very easy and convenient.

Aside from that, life in Uttaraditt is extremely laid back and the people are very warm and welcoming. It is easy to move around and see different landmarks because you could ask for directions from anyone whom you may happen to come across. The environment is conducive for learning because of the prestigious schools and universities that the city has to offer. It is indeed a lovely place to call home. People have a sense of hospitality and most of them are cheerful givers. Almost everyone greets one another and the environment is always friendly. Furthermore, although the town is a bit far Bangkok, children are able to inculcate knowledge. As one strolls around town, they can definitely sense that there is no segregation in Uttaraditt. The gap between the rich and the poor is nonexistent here. A gentleman with a BMW or Mercedes could sit along street and eat dinner with common folks and this would be nothing out of the ordinary.

For those of you interested in nature, the largest Teak Tree in the world happily resides in Uttaraditt! However, the tallest and oldest Teak Tree in the world is the Kannimara Teak located India; but as for the largest, this one happily sits in the Tree Forest National Park in Nam Pat District, Uttaraditt. It has an approximate age of 1,511 years and measures in at a massive 37 meters in height and 6.57 meters in diameter. It is a must see if you are ever in town!

  

Another lovely and breathtaking scene in town is the Sirikit Dam. The dam was created for irrigation and to supply electricity, but its beautiful characteristics capture people’s attention when they visit. People from out of town  can rent and ride bicycles and even surf the North part of the dam to see "Lake Suriian Moon."

I often go home during weekends because I miss my family and my town. What even surprised me the last time I went there was that I happened to see a lot of foreigners enjoying their stay in Uttaraditt.  This place is like an oasis!  One could completely take a sit back and relax here and enjoy their stay. Everything in my place is just stunning and spectacular and I could not ask for more. Though it’s small and simple, it has been nesting and hiding a beauty so unique and wonderful. I really do appreciate it.

Run

It was a sweet, cold Thursday morning when everybody did wake up early, put on their shoes and run. The school carried out the activity "Run For The King" as the King is about to celebrate his birthday on the fifth of December. Parents, students and teachers as well did participate in the said activity. 

For Thai people, King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the King of all kings. He is the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and is loved and respected by the people of Thailand and take note, he earned that respect, not forced.

It's just so different here, we often hear news about people of most countries overthrowing their rulers and so on.

So why do Thai people love him? 

Simply put, it is because he cared for his people especially the poor ones in rural areas. He doesn't indulge in luxuries or extravagant lifestyle, he is morally upright, righteous, compassionate, he possesses charisma and good leadership qualities, a pious and holy man.  

The said program was done annually as a sign of support for their King's intention which is largely to help everyone in every possible way and be a stronger nation. But this year, an even greater reason was put and that is  for the speedy recovery of the country and the King. The flood situation really did cause depressing moments to the people and the King who was reportedly upset about the current condition. 

The run was fun and impressive, and again showed how these people stand as one and support their leader. 

Opening Borders

Last week was full of fun and surprise as the Anuban Uttaraditt School held the English Camp 2011.

 "To Open Borders to the ASEAN Community"

Photo Courtesy: Make A Difference

Students get to know more of the South East Asian regions and the amazing places and culture, at the same time integrating their English communication skills. The event was another good opportunity for students to focus and develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while enjoying and interacting with peers in doing activities. 

Photo Courtesy: Make A Difference

At first, a handbook was given to everyone as guide for them to enjoy  the planned activities. Sports were played to build up self awareness and various lectures about one's surroundings were done to widen minds in protecting  the environment.


Photo Courtesy: Make A Difference

It's the second time I took part in the camp and was just happy seein them in smiles and having fun...:) 

Ninth

Its freezin in here as the cold season was approaching and it kinda irk me a bit. The last two months of the year here is pretty much the same with that of the Philippines. 



Photo Courtesy: Google Images



For sure, everybody will miss a lot of things about "Paskong Pinoy Celebration" and it's sad but true. In little ways though, we still find time to gather and share festive nights like everybody's doin in the old place.

And again, today, I find myself another reason to have fun coz' today marks another month of my page and I have a lot to be thankful for....

Yahoo!!! Ninth Month!!! 



Separation

Just last week, the whole Thai community celebrated their most anticipated festival which is the Loi Krathong Festival. Loi Krathong takes place during the full moon of the 12th Thai month. This celebration is not only observed by Thai but even Laotians and Burmeses.

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Loi means "to float", while a Krathong is like a lotus shaped receptacle often made upon banana leaves and trunks. The thing here is that they go to rivers and prays fervently, repenting for all the sins and asking for forgiveness and blessings. They let the Krathong flowed with their prayers, hoping for a second chance and a greater opportunity to change.

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

The same principle is true with the Chinese Lantern, they lit it and at the same time wished and prayed for a brighter future and more chance to live a better life. 

I was able to witness Thai people doing Loi Krathong for the second time and the celebration caught my attention and reminded me of many things. To believe in power of prayer and the thing that most people find hard to do "to forgive". It was just so amazing how space and separation can do, like to think  out and reflect on things . A well known author once said that to forgive is actually not a sign of weakness but a sign of greatness. "Everybody needs a little time away", as the song goes. 

Hope everybody enjoyed the "Loi Krathong"!!! :)

Wet...Wet...Wet...

It's been two to three months now since the biggest and catastrophic flooding beset and submerged places in Thailand. People here considered it to be the worst flooding ever occurred in their history.

To be honest, I was thinking twice whether to post this article or not. I'd rather share ideas that would suggest looking at the brighter side of life than writing a thing about devastation. I reckon there are still significant thoughts though and perhaps, we could glean something brilliant here like personal vigilance and understanding the world we live.



Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Before this mad and sad situation started, Yingluck won the election as the new prime minister of Thailand. I couldn't say that she got a bit unlucky but it was an event full of surprise for her and for all. The said flooding was totally saddening and frightening . It took lives of many and damage properties, both residential and commercial and even industrial. It caused delays to land transportation and flights were even disrupted. All sorts of worst thing one could possibly imagine did happen.

Thailand is prone to seasonal flush flooding due to its seasonal savanna climate. Some claim that it's due to climate change and the poor drainage system. Heavy downpours filled and stored large amount of water in rivers and its tributaries and as a result, it overflows and seek grounds. A basic water phenomenon: Water flows from higher to lower level of grounds and if you put boulders in the way of its flow, it will in time gets collected in sufficient amount and will break the barrier created by the boulder. A lot of effort was done in preventing the water to completely reach the capital city but they failed to stop nature.

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

On the brighter side of the picture, all never did cease in helping and reaching out. Temporary shelter was provided and all possible aids and relief efforts were exerted to all affected communities. A strong, determined and bold Thailand emerged amidst the crisis. I once go across a news update and saw people of different walks carrying and passing sand bags used as rip raps that would somehow or even just a bit stop an insignificant amount of water to move in. They never lose their faith... :)

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

Eight

Happy Eight Month "Make A Difference"

Photo Courtesy: Google Images

I love the Chinese proverb, "The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it"

Isn't it interesting that so many people who have never tried something are quick to tell you that a thing can't be done?

Almost all the times, I find myself on both my sides of this proverbs. To be honest, I rarely see myself initiating something to be done but find myself to be the one interrupting someone.  I just always like to stay on my comfort zone and play safe.

Again, I was inspired as I was reading the reflection about this proverb. But in one way or another it made me think that there's always room for improvement and it reminded me of another proverb saying " The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now. So I'm planting and making my tree grow now!

Just do it and believe!!!

To wrap things up. Life is like a chess match every single move changes a situation and every single move is a new oppotunity... :)