Babies And Birth

This is a brand new mother...her baby was just hours old! There seem to be many traditions and superstitions here regarding birth. One of them requires new mothers to "sit by the fire". From my understanding hot coals are placed under or near the bed/mat where the mother sleeps. This is done so the mother will "sweat" out bad spirits. She may do this for up to a month.

Weddings And Parties

Most weddings are outdoor, and this one was an especially chilly night!

Unlike western countries, weddings can take place pretty much any day of the week and at any time. So, it feels a little strange to go to a wedding on a Tuesday morning. The prime season to get married seems to be in December, January, and February. This is also the dry season which means that travel to these weddings, especially on dirt roads, is also easier. In this culture, it is very important to get married on an auspicious day. There are certain days which will bring greater luck and fortune. Often these are based on things such as astrological signs and dates on the Buddhist calendar. Some couples will consult a Buddhist monk for help in choosing their wedding day.

Drinking is a very important part of parties. It is a sign of friendship and harmony. Usually one glass is used and shared. The host or someone at the table will fill a glass with beer and pass it to the next person. The person raises the glass and drinks. If they don't drink it all, the remainder is poured out, and the glass is filled for the next person. Passing the glass from person to person like this can go on for hours. Needless to say, there are a lot of people who don't know how to drink in moderation.

Some of the food typically seen at parties...sticky rice, spicy sauce, meat (pork, chicken, minced meat, beef), salad with dressing, greens, soup, melon seeds, cookies, etc.

Most parties also include traditional dancing (or more recently..."disco"). The men are on the inside and the women on the outside of the circle. There is a basic form of movement and steps for the hands and feet. Dancing is not my favorite thing, so I try to avoid it at all times. However, most people love to see the foreigners dance (glad we are so entertaining : ) so if a song is "dedicated" especially to us, we are kind of obligated participate in it.

Once in awhile, we are also requested to sing. My teammate and I decided to find an English song we both knew and sing together...not quite as embarrassing that way :)

New Year 2011

New Years is a holiday where I seem to be in a different place every year. This year I spent it in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I joined a group who had a full evening planned...Mexican restaurant for dinner, bowling, and watching fireworks and lanterns along the river. It was a fun evening :)