OLD HOME
Soundtrack: A Love Supreme - John Coltrane
I had the amazing opportunity to visit the home of two lovely sisters from Phrae province in Thailand.
What you must understand is that these traditional teak wood homes are now a rarity as many are being torn down for the wood is highly sought after.
Many illegal trades are an on-going problem for conserving this small yet significant part of Thai heritage.
It was a big slice of humble pie for me, as a born and bred city girl. Not because of the seemingly difference in the social economic class but it made me re-evaluate all the things that I claim I 'need' in my life.
This is the cooking area where all the delicious meals are prepared. Obviously it does not look like your western standard kitchen but the way I see it is, well, what exactly do you need to make a meal? Fire and a container right?
In old Thai homes, before the influence of western traditions, bedrooms were simply a place where the whole family sleeps and outside on the open space that is known as the 'living room' is where the socializing and eating happens.
Here are the 2 lovely sisters who kindly let us in.
Many traditional houses are on stilts. The ground floor would be used for storage, for keeping animals and also from flood prevention.
I would love more than anything to have a home with hints of this kind of architecture.
Yes, it is the 21st century but there needs to be a middle ground for traditions and the modern world to exist and not collide.
Food of thought : )
Colour Box
THAI FUNK
Soundtrack: Love Hot (I Feel Good Cover) - Meesak Nakaratch - Thai Funk ZudRangMa
Someone once asked if I'd rather be blind or deaf. I didn't even need a second to answer, my definite answer is I'd rather be blind.
Maybe it is something music lovers have in common but I'll be happy living in my own imagination with melodies in my ears.
There goes my romantic bs again...
Thai funk or country music has many different genre and sub genre but the 2 main ones are 'Look Tung' and 'Mor Lam'.
The singing style is very hard to master. It is a part of a culture that perhaps if you are not from it, you will not sound authentic.
I had the pleasure of seeing DAO BAN DON live. It was actually the persona and stage presence he gave out that I was captivated with. Obviously, he is a legend.
Camera in hand and trying to take shots, I lived my fantasy of being the band's (un)official photographer. Except that it's a country music gig than the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
Must admit I was not totally familiar with his music but I was surrounded by hardcore fans and the atmosphere was so fun.
I was totally impressed with his attire. Cowboy buckle and hat with paisley dinner jacket and indigo denim. Decorated with a large diamond encrusted gold Rolex, what else right?!
A night to remember. I can cross off: Thai country singer legend off of my list of who to see before I die, or before they die rather.
Who's on your list?
Colour Box
: )
LIFE ON TRACKS
Soundtrack: People Get Ready - The Impressions
Of many different transportation methods, I have to say the train is not my top choice. Purely because my restroom rules are quite specific... but let the adventure begin!
There's definitely a charm to this. It's like you become a vintage cargo along with the turquoise interiors.
The train runs rather slow so having entertainment on hand or good company can make a 12 hour journey seem pleasant.
I like seeing things that I have never before so watching the scenery as we pass by was amazing. Everything was so lush and colourful.
The train does many stops and vendors hop on and off. So if you are traveling from north to central let's say, you will hear different dialects as you pass different towns.
"My life is for my country but my love is for you"
Upon reaching the destination, more traveling awaits. But less interesting because it is by car.
Wish I was alive during the days when elephants were a transportation.
Colour Box
: )
