Ubon final 3 days

The 5th day in Ubon (March 1)


Today has been a special day in several ways. We actually slept in for the first time since we arrived. Mind you that was until 8:00. The sleep schedule is finally coming into the correct time zone, so that gives us a bit of energy. We need the energy to do things in the heat, since it was 42 C here today (without humidity).

We went over to Joey’s sister’s store to use her internet and get the blog updated and purchase the flight back to Bangkok on the 4th. We had planned on taking the train back but it seems it only leaves late in the afternoon and it is an 8 hour trip. We decided it would be better to get to Bangkok earlier and the fact is flying is SO CHEAP.

For lunch we went to the most interesting meal yet. They give you a bowl full of greens (lettuce, mint, basil, coriander and others we are not sure of) and some rice paper, which you have to soak, and some different meats and sauces. You wrap everything up in the rice paper and eat it. Very fun and healthy! To drink, we had this green drink which was made from plant leaves. Actually, it was cold, refreshing and not that bad.

After lunch we went back to the store and finished our internet stuff and then headed out. Joey’s sister Jin is the only one that drives, so she is always kind enough to bring us places. I tell you all of our Thai hosts are making us feel like kings. They go out of their way to make us feel like home and comfortable. Just a heads up, we’ll be expecting everyone at home to bow to us! That’s the custom here. So to our Australian friends, you have a few more days to practices your bows. hehe

The next stop was a Wat (temple) that the family likes. This past week-end just so happened to be a large Buddhist holiday, so things are still all out. We got to place pennies in 100 cups, which is to bring wealth. The Nun tried to speak a bit of English, which was nice. (Nuns, the female version of Monks, shave all their head and eye brows so as not to attract attention to their womanly beauty) We walked around and took some photos. Since we were in shorts, we were not sure about entering the Wat itself but a Monk was inside and made signs for us to come in. Like I might have said before, the detail that goes into the Wats is intricate and beautiful. You can see by a few pictures including the wax float. We also got to do something that is rarely seen/done. The ashes of a Monk are taken down from the top of the high Wat once a year for 3 days and there is a little ceremony where you add water to this little canal and the water flows over the ashes (they are in glass). We actually added water to the canal to water the ashes. How cool is that. Exciting for us as well, it was the last day for this ritual until next year.

The next part was pretty amazing. Joey wasn’t next to our side but this man sitting next to several Monks, made signs for us to come into the area. We were not sure what or what we can’t do. But he was making signs to approach the kneeling Monks. We then noticed Joey making signs not to... so what to do. Then she noticed the man making signs for us to come in. He asked me to come over (which one has to do bare feet and on your knees). He asked where I was from, in broken English, and was very excited that we were from Canada. He then got the Monk to present us with these woven coloured strings and little icons. It seems this is something one should take with great honour. Joey said that when we get back to her Mom’s place that her Mom, being the head of the house and older, can tie these strings on our wrist and give a blessing. You can see the pictures of this little ceremony. This is supposed to bring all good things about the person back to them from others. All of this was pretty amazing to take part in.

As most of you know, Thai people are great hosts and have great food. Again the whole family, 10 of them, took us out to a Thai/Chinese BBQ. Now this is not your normal BBQ. They bring hot coals to your table and raw stuff and you do the cooking. As the meat is cooking on the upper dome part of the grill, you add water and vegetables around the base of the grill. Presto... instant soup. Now they did bring other dishes and they didn’t stop. We ate and ate and ate. We had some great laughs and PIGGED OUT for sure. Our hosts kept putting food on our plates. We felt like little birds being fed by the mother bird. They said that we are now part of their family.

As I finish this, which is now shortly after 10pm, the day is now done and it is still 36 C outside. Again, Thank goodness for AC!



March 2

Hello from a very hot but relaxing day in Ubon. Today was treating ourselves day!


Right after breakfast we gathered up some water bottles and our sun umbrellas and headed of for a 20 minute walk to the store. It is kind of like a mall but with groceries. We purchased some clothing (new nice stuff) for about $3.00 a shirt. It was great getting such great deals. The real interesting thing about the little trip was getting across the roads. Other than they come at you from the other side (like Australia) there are just as many motorbikes/mopads everywhere... AND THEY DON'T FOLLOW THE RULES! They will pass a car and turn anywhere. The other thing one quickly notices is that Thai people are very friendly but not when you are on the road. They don't get mad or give you the finger but they for sure won't allow anyone on foot the right-a-way. So we think we know where they invented the video game about the chicken crossing the road.

After our return from the first shopping trip of the day we had a nice lunch and headed off for our Thai Massage. The spa is in a hotel that is connected to a mall. We booked an hour long massage and an hour long foot massage and reflexology. You go into this curtained room and there are some robes (but they look more like large hospital scrubs) and a futon on the floor. The foot massage and reflexology was so amazing... but then comes the Thai massage. Well if you ever feel like getting tired in a knot this is for you. I thought we were auditioning for Cirque de Soeil :) I looked over at Greg one time and wasn't sure what position she had him in... was that his leg in the air or was it his arm or both? She was much harder on him than mine was. Greg was sure she had a fight with her husband and then came to work :0

After it was all said and done, we do feel pretty good and would do it again. I guess a little

S&M is good for all of us.

After the "relaxing" massage we stepped into the mall and finished shopping. If you like to shop YOU MUST come to Thailand. We spent about 8000 Thai Baht (about $300.00) for name brand stuff... 3 pairs of pants - hemmed, 2 belts - cut to fit, 5 shirts. We are not sure if we will get a chance to shop anymore but the fact that things are so inexpensive makes it more fun for sure.

The girls picked us up and we returned home where Joey's other 2 sister had made another nice supper.

Just when I thought the day was done... they cook more. Well this dish is probably the worst thing for your heart health but oh what the hell. You take some pork fat, garlic and Thai chilli peppers and fry it all up until the pork is crispy. That is it... but MMMMm well what a nice spicy treat before bed :)
 
 
March 3 (the last full day in Ubon)
 
This morning we just relaxed and chatted with the family (well we chatted and Joey translated and laughed.)  In early afternoon we went to see a silk production plant.  Unfortunately they just finished the "harvest"and we didn't get to see much.  We did get a tour and since we were the first foreigners ever to visit they present us with this really nice red and white floral hanging made out of silk cocoons.  See the pic.  This company is a Royal Family project to help the community farmers.  On the way back to the city we stopped at the store and purchased some nice silk table cloths made by the cooperative.
 
... and what day wouldn't be complete without seeing another Wat (temple).  We have seen so many already we think we are pretty close to be asked to enter the Monkhood.

The next stop... NOW DON'T LAUGH!  We had hair cuts for 140 Thai Bhat = $4.50 Cdn and that is for both of us.  It was a bit stressful with a straight edge razor but we came through it just fine and the cut looks great, don't you thinks so?

We all went back to the main house where we are staying and took some pictures. (our Thai family) FYI (see the picture from the car dashboard... notice the time and the temperature)
Since it was our last night with our Thai family they wanted to take us out for another nice dinner.  The location was great.  Open air (mind you it was "warm")!  They also had live music and even dedicated a few English songs for the Canadians.  A few words made us laugh since they couldn't speak English but the songs were not bad.  Again they were great hosts and made sure we tried everything they ordered and the glasses were never below 3/4 empty.  As much as we tried to pay, they would not hear of it.  It was kind of a late evening and we didn't want it to stop but we did have a bit more packing to do.
 
Our time in Ubon has come to an end and we so greatful for everything Joey's family has done for us!  We could not have had a better time or hosts.  
 
March 4 we fly out to Bangkok and the next stage of our journey begins.

The family gathered around the laptop looking at pictures

Check out the parking in the mall

In order to get out you have to push the car that is blocking you

Could they cut the head and feet off?

The Canadian feast (Chicken dinner/stuffing...)

Greg and Jule trying some post drinking challenges

Lunch Vietnam style

The wax sculptures (float)

Watering the ashes

Blessing from a monk (with a great smile)

Joey's mom doing a blessing before tieing the strings on

Their Beer

Making the pork fat, garlic and chilies

Thai silk cocoons

Cocoon flowers

Nice haircuts

Our Thai family