02.06.2014-The Promoting of Others

Hello, all,

So, in my (not so) random spare time, I try to spend it meeting new people and making friends and connections. So far, I have been fortunate enough to find people who have given as much as they have received.

One of these people is the owner of a quaint coffee shop, Zamoza. After coming in, we ended up talking for a while, having a bite to eat, and enjoying ourselves, making plans for future baking. It is wonderful having a friend with an oven!

** RETURN OF THE PUMPKIN COOKIES!*

How can you not want those? And, I even tried my hand at maing lofthouse cookies. I wouldn't necessarily say they were a success, but they weren't half-bad either, look! Wit hthe help of my friend, they looked pwetty! (the circle cut) The chocolate chips were an improvised added touch, because the cookies just needed something, and when the cookies were stored in the refrigerator, they tasted much better, and held their shape nicely. There will be a Round Two go at this!

Last, I was able to make a return of the ginger spice cake, and I made Cake bites, paired with maple or lime glaze, and topped with candied ginger. Om NOM NOM.

L: Ginger Spice Cake Squares with Lime 

R: Ginger Spice Cake Squares with Maple

On the subject of online affairs, I just subscribed to a Youtube channel, called HughandJohan. Quite frankly, the two, and their relationship, possible bromance, is quite adorable in the youth and excitement each has in learning and sharing their culture with the other and the internet public. I apologize if they find me labeling them as adorable is offensive, I just can't think of another word that embodies how innocent their interaction is, as well as relaxed and overall positively feel-good.

I mean, c'mon, look at this! How can you not smile watching it and learning?

Plus, it's a package deal: you get to learn something about culture, language, and these two, while being entertained at the same time. Score.

Another greatt Youtube channel to follow is that of TheSwedishLad. This guy is hilarious. Part of his channel consists of "10 Swedish Words" videos, in which he give ten words which follow a them of some sort, such as fruit, or clothes, or bad words. One of the videos I enjoy most is the video of ten Swedish words that look like English words, and have the exact same meaning, but sound different. Enjoy

I always love watching that.

If you haven't picked up on it yet, I might have a slight inkling towards Sweden. Honestly, it's true. My mind has been stuck on the place and everything about it since January. If I have the opportunity, I would love to visit during the summer, when many people are out. I have heard many positive things about the land and cities. I think the only negative comment that has been brought up about Sweden is the "coldness" of the people, meaning that they aren't really open to outsiders. In reality, I think this might be based on the personal experiences of the travelers. Where were these non-Swedes at the time of this uncomfortable situation (city, establishment, etc.) What did they say? How did they act? Personally, I am one of those social people, who loves to talk and get other people talking. Some people might label it as an annoying trait, but without communication, we become isolated, and later, somewhat obsolete. I cannot accept that. I think, in order to try to avoid this from happening, I must learn how to appeal to the mannerisms of the culture, while also displaying a warm front that is inviting to the fellow native Swede. The problem is, I'm not sure if I should try speaking any of the Swedish I know, or speak English first to someone that I would like to create a friendship with, then try my hand at speaking terribly. I think the latter might be the better option, and I could try speaking Swedish whenever I would like to conduct business of some sort, so that I can practice my skills.

Now, onward to other adventures! As I have mentioned before, I have been working since the 21st of April. That being said, I have managed a little bit of free time. By free time, I mean that I stay up into the wee hours and wake up after a measly few hours of sleep. It's the downside of maintaining a social life and trying to be productive. Even if I want to "relax" and watch a tv show, I would need to stay up later than I should in order to accomplish this. The question at hand, though, is would I change it? My answer at the moment is: NO. I love being busy, and sure, I may slightly complain about it (by complain, I mean that I am using my business as an excuse to not go out, or as an explanation to why I can't do something/ why I'm tired/why I don't have time to go somewhere). Actually, I wouldn't change my schedule, but, if I had the ability, and capital, I would purchase a travel vehicle so that I could go to places in my own time. This especially applies to going to the parks or a fitness center so that I can exercise after 8:00PM. (Bummer!) My building doesn't have a workout facility, and I do not have access to the staff exercise facility near the hospital (I think I will need to change that soon, if possible) and traveling at night isn't the best option because it is quite dangerous to be running on the roads at night; not only is it dangerous because there is no sidewalk, but after 7:00PM, the crazier people come out. These include robbers and junkies. These people are not really my cup of tea, sorry.

The other adventures I have, are teaching lessons that pertain to cooking, and nutrition. That means I need to catch up on my outside learning. (Oh, right, don't forget that I am not only working, I'm trying to learn languages and take classes online. With that, add me trying to finish some creative projects, and then we can discuss the free time I have.) 

One thing I am using is an online study resource, called Open 2 Study. Registered, enrolled, obtaining notebooks. Challenge accepted. Wish me luck!

Until next time,

K.

18-4-2014: If Thailand were a Person...

Hi, everybody!
So, because it's Friday, and I had somewhat of an extended holiday (due to the fabulosities of Songkran, which are still being celebrated, by the way), I thought, "Why not write up another post!" Thus, here I am, typing as I think.
*I apologize in advance if this all comes off as babble, it kind of is...

So, I love recognizing observations I make while in this beautiful country, especially when I am making them after six months of being here (imagine when I hit an 18-month mark, AND I still am making more discoveries!) Anyways, one of the first things a foreigner (especially from a westernized country) will notice is how a lot of food and drink, when served as something "to-go," will be served in a plastic bag. For those don't understand, this is what I mean:

Yes, they drink straight from the bag, and sometimes eat straight from the bag as well. Normally, they just take the food home, and pour or distribute the contents onto a plate or into a bowl, depending on what it is. The bagging doesn't only apply to food, it applies to everything. Not just shopping bags or "doggie boxes,"  but, literally, EVERYTHING. I mean, for my one cup o'joe, I was given a plastic bag. They EVEN have a specialized plastic ring with a strap, making your drink as "part" of the bag. WHAT

Now, don't get me wrong, I don't always mind it. I just find it rather humorous when I am having bags of things bagged in mo plastic bags. It can be a little bit unnecessary. There are times that I do appreciate the bags, though. See, because the people of Thailand use plastic bags so often and for everything, they have come to specializing some to increase convenience. For example, if you go to a coffee shop and are picking up a few drinks for other coworkers or friends, there is a bag to help you carry your drinks; they are more reliable than those dinky cartons that McDonalds may give, or the cardboard drink carriers or fast food restaurants may supply. 

(***This is only based on my experience of living in America, and I would love to learn more about the drink-carrying tools used in other cultures!) 

The way these "drink-carrier" bags work, there are two "dips" in the bag, , and part of the bag (the middle) is sealed together, creating two sockets in the bag in which the drinks can sit, and not jumble around wildly, spilling your purchase around messily. It can be quite convenient.

For the eco-friendly people, this can be a concern, because plastic is non-biodegradable and, overall, is not that great to the environment. If you have ventured to Thailand before, you already know how much a problem litter is in Thailand. Plastic bags, cups, broken glass, old food, and so on cover the ground in the less-touristy places. Recycling isn't a big concern here, but I am noticing that the trend is starting to catch on at companies. In all honesty, recycling would not only be beneficial to the environment of Thailand, but to the economy. People would be able to work in recycling plants, earn a living, and reduce the amount of litter around.

So, if Thailand were a person, she would be a crazy bag lady, having a lot of bags that she has no use for, but definitely full of surprises.

As for an update: this upcoming Saturday, I plan to celebrate the festivities of Songkran in Pattaya with friends. It may get wild, and I hope I have pictures!

Other updates: I am still not sure about what my next few months will be like, but, considering how many options I have now, I don't have a doubt that, with time and some effort, more opportunities will make themselves viable. 

I have been talking, of late, to some Thai people through a website called www.conversationexchange.com.

It is an excellent (free) resource for anybody who is interested on learning a language and, in return, will share their own. It can also be a really good way to make contacts for any time you would like to travel to a destination where English is not the first spoken language. In fact, with the connections I am making, I am also receiving insight, suggestions, and support from these friends, in regards to applying to jobs around Thailand. Never underestimate the value of any person, even if you are unsure of their initial value.

Anyways, if anybody has any questions about Thailand, feel free to ask. I love answering the questions I know, and researching the ones I don't. If you have questions about the food in the country, or even if you would like a really easy recipe for a delicious dish (whether it be a dinner course, or a baked good), I welcome that as well!

Until next time,

K.

UPDATE! After posting this (Same day!) I received some Kraw Paow Moo (Stir Fried Pork with basil) and rice (with an egg...that I popped by tripping up some stairs). Each had their own bag, and after receiving them, I also received an apology for not getting another bag to bag my bags of food!