This morning was DAY 1 of working (well kind of). Today was an orientation to Cultural Canvas Thailand (CCT). We left the volunteer house at around nine thirty and headed to the office which is about a 20 minute drive away. There, Sarah (from Ireland), Maggie and I met the coordinator of Art Relief Emma, who is from Newfoundland (GO CANADA). Following that Sarah, Maggie and I accompanied Dan (the assistant director from Australia) to a cafe called Tomtom to have our orientation. We discussed everything from house rules, to expectations, norms, etiquette and safety.
Examples would be:
4 hour break... (do nothing because it's too hot)
At around 6pm Sarah, Maggie, and I went to the University market. It was beautiful and huge!! The market seemed to go on forever, so many little venders with different things. One thing I have come to realize is that I am a giant, and very large compared to some. For example none of the clothes fit me I am like an XXL. But it's amazing to see the different street food, makeup venders and clothing. We then walked to another market just outside of the mall that was equally large. When we were done we decided to go into the mall. It was six stories, each level a different theme, with the fifth having a movie theatre.
By nine we were exhausted and headed home for a good night's sleep to prepare for our first workshop tomorrow.
Examples would be:
- It is rude to point.
- It is a hierarchal system, therefore it is polite to duck your head to show that they are superior. (King and Queen, Buddhism, Monks, Doctors/Police/Military, Teachers, and so on).
- It is rude to have your feet pointing towards a buddhist statue or a picture of the king and queen.
- Thais love the concept of "Sanook" which means to have fun.
- Chai Yen - cold heart- or saving face is a way of life in Thailand. To show one's feelings is not valued in Thai society.
4 hour break... (do nothing because it's too hot)
At around 6pm Sarah, Maggie, and I went to the University market. It was beautiful and huge!! The market seemed to go on forever, so many little venders with different things. One thing I have come to realize is that I am a giant, and very large compared to some. For example none of the clothes fit me I am like an XXL. But it's amazing to see the different street food, makeup venders and clothing. We then walked to another market just outside of the mall that was equally large. When we were done we decided to go into the mall. It was six stories, each level a different theme, with the fifth having a movie theatre.
By nine we were exhausted and headed home for a good night's sleep to prepare for our first workshop tomorrow.