Hello everyone! Sorry for being a bit MIA lately, life’s been moving slower these past couple weeks, but in the best way. I’ve had time to just live, explore a little, and take in all the small details of everyday life in Thailand.
On September 30, we went to a rotary club meeting because the 3360 District Governor (leader of northern Thailand rotary) was visiting. This was a very important day for my rotary club, and they loved showing us off to him 😉
The rest of the week, I worked on making lots of instagram content, and I designed new pins to give out to other exchange students. I’ve really enjoyed getting to share my adventures and other parts of life in Thailand. The video below gained almost 13,000 views, 500 likes, and a comment from rotary!
That weekend, I got to try Shabu, which reminded me of hotpot. It was a large buffet full of meats, seafood, vegetables , and other toppings that are added into a boiling broth. On Sunday, I tried Yen Ta Fo, which is a pink noodle soup. The pink comes from fermented red beans, and it tasted a little sour. It was really delicious though! For dessert we had Khanom Ruam Mitr, which is a coconut ice cream, with red beans, sweet corn dried pineapple, and jelly candies.
This past week my host dad was able to take me around rural Phrae because he’s a college professor on winter break as well. On Monday, we explored a lake and a beautiful temple in the Southern part of Phrae. I also found a really cute cat there hehe 😻 We finished the day with a really spicy pork soup. I think it was the spiciest dish I’ve ever eaten. My lips were burning for an hour afterwards. 🔥
On Tuesday, we went to the province of Nan, which is northeast from Phrae, to visit a waterfall. It was so beautiful here, and the trees were super tall. Fun fact: we were about 40 miles away from the border with Laos. I had what might be my favorite meal in Thailand this day. The dish was braised pork with boat noodles. The pork was so tender and delicious. The broth was a combination of cinnamon and soy sauce. The toppings included cilantro, spinach, bean sprouts, and fish balls. It was so amazing that it will be hard to beat as my favorite. For dessert I tried a dessert called Chao Kuaay, which translates to grass jelly. I had no idea what to expect, but it tasted like unsweetened tea, which I love!
On Wednesday, I went to a cafe with Marie and Brian. We took lots of silly photos. I have also found that I love Thai Green Tea. It’s made with evaporated and condensed milk. I always make sure to get 25% sweetness though because Thailand loves to go overboard with the sweetened condensed milk 😆. I was really exited for dinner because my host family picked up Pizza Hut! I had low expectations, but it tasted very similar to Pizza Hut in America! They also had lots of items that aren’t on the American menus like French fries and fish donuts.
This past weekend I got to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, where we learned about the different types of AI and how to utilize it. The camp was held at an elephant conservation center, in Lampang, Thailand (about 1 hour southeast of Chiang Mai, and 2 hours northwest of Phrae). It was really fun because I got to hang out with my fellow rotary exchange students! All of us will see each other in Phuket on Saturday as well! I also met some very nice Thai students that were eager to practice their English skills with us.nThe most amazing part was spending time with the elephants at the center!! I got to pet them, feed them, and even ride one of them!! The Asian Elephants are way smaller than the elephants I saw in Tanzania last year. Most Elephants in Thailand were domesticated 4,000 years ago. They have been used similarly to horses in America.
This coming week is very exciting! I will be going to Pattaya, and then on Saturday we will fly to Phuket with other rotary exchange students. I’m looking forward to making so many memories with my friends.
I’ve also officially reached 2 months in Thailand!! Time is moving by so fast, it’s crazy. I’ve learned lots so far, and my hard work has been full of accomplishments. I can understand basic conversations with my host family, and start to read some signs. Everything is quickly clicking in my mind! My blazer is getting filled with lots of pins, and I’m gaining lots of lifelong friends. I’ve learned how to order online here, and how to use chopsticks. I’m constantly adapting and learning how to be like a local. I’m very excited for the adventures to come!
Sending big elephant hugs from Thailand 🐘💛
Emma Kate
EK Explores 
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