Rotary District 5050 Group Study Exchange: Team Thailand 2006

Home in Rosedale

2006-03-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

Well the last few days have been a time of getting back to the routine of things and enjoying family. It is hard to believe that we have completed our trip and that Thailand is a memory. What a memory though!
I would like to thank everyone on the team for being the most amazing group to travel with. I truly count each one of you a close friend and I know that these relationships will carry on through life. We had lots of laughs, tears, and best of all experiences that have changed us all. I knew that Thailand would be a life changing experience but I never guessed on how it would impact us all so deeply. The things that I am taking with me are the importance of family in Thai culture, the fact even without all the things we think are important in life, people are still happy, and that life does go on after loss because of the spirit of people. I say these lessons with my own eyes and even though I felt these were important ideas, they now mean so much more.
For me personally the day we visited the Tsunami was by far the hardest. It certainly opened my eyes about when we give money here in Canada and what that means for the actual people at the heart of the disaster. People need money it is true, but they also need people to go to them, assist them it whatever way needed and continue to provide support long after the disaster has hit.
I would recommend GSE to anyone as it changes you in ways that you cannot imagine. My advice to the GSE team going to Italy and Turkey is to leave all your expectations at home and keep an open mind. Your trip is what you make it and if you are there to learn and experience whatever comes, you will have the trip of a lifetime.
I would like to thank Rotary for this opportunity and my team and family for being so wonderful. Joe, John, Maria, Laura and Marco, I will never forget our time together and will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.
Lots of love,
Deena

Home Sweet Home

2006-03-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

As I sit at my computer I feel a real mix of emotions...sadness, elation, wonder and warmth.
Nakonpathon (I know I probably spelt that wrong...sorry) was such an incredible place to finish our trip. I was sad to leave the new friends that I had made there and it reminded me of all the others who made our experience so wonderful.

Words really can't describe how valuable this experience was for all of us.
Although home feels so sweet.....part of me will remain in Thailand. And that was a real shock to tell you all honestly. Never have I felt such a bond with any place i've visited before. We didn't visit any beaches, nor did we scuba dive or snorkel ....but instead...we met people and made friendships in a place where we knew no one. It was remarkable.
I will be back soon to Thailand.....there is so much still left to see....and I can't wait to visit my new friends again.

Speaking of new friends....
I'd like to thank Marco, Deena, Maria, Joe and Laura for being such kind, loving and generous friends throughout our travels. To spend 30 days together with very little "alone time" is a very trying task mentally and we all pulled together and supported one another.
Those who chose this team really deserve a pat on the back for such good foresight. Thank you.

I'd like to repeat what Joe mentioned...there are still thousands of more photos which will be uploaded soon...so please continue to visit.
We missed you all and are happy to be home.
To those we left behind in Thailand....we'll miss you and look forward to a return trip.
Many thanks,
John

leavin'...

2006-03-24T09:04:00.000-08:00

"
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane
I don't know when I'll be back again
Oh, babe, I hate to go...
"

...counting down now...1 hour and 50 minutes before departure, Bangkok International Airport...
A surreal wash of emotion takes hold as we wander through the gates. A month has passed, and we are and forever changed.

"Kup kuhn maak maak krup", to all the beautiful spirits, places, and faces in Thailand.
Thank you. We hate to go. We'll be back.
But for now...

Baby, we're comin' home.

2006-03-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

hello all,
The past week has been very busy and access to the internet has been next to impossible. It is now one hour before departure time and I want all to know that it is with mixed feelings that we leave the land of smiles. The Rotarians here have without exception stolen our hearts with their incredible hospitality. We can learn much from them. To open their homes and hearts to us , total strangers , is more than one can expect , even if one is a Rotarian. Nothing has been too much for them to make the GSE a success. In return al our team could do is to be the best possible guests we could be. I am proud and happy to have been part of this team. Not once have they let the sometimes tiring schedule interfere with the ideals and mission of Rotary and the GSE underlying philosophy.
Last night we attended a farewell party and it was with a mixture of sadness and joy. On the one side to leave our new friends and the other the joy to come home to tell you all more about the trip and what we have learned and how our lives and views on life have been altered and enriched.
If any Rotarian or young professional may have any doubts about the value of the GSE program, then think again. My team were outstanding people to begin with, but from this point in time will be able to contribute much more to world peace and understanding than before. Any preconceived biases there may have been , have been erased. Our minds are open for other and often better ways to walk down the path of life and we hope to have many fellow human beings will join us.
More upon our return and please do look at the pictures Joe sent. They tell you a story that would take a lot of writing.
Until soon. Marco

Beautiful places, faces, and spirit...

2006-03-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

It is with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart that I prepare to leave this place. While I have not had an internet connection to myself these past couple weeks, I still have a lot to say. Alas, it will have to wait until I am home. My thoughts and feelings are crystal clear still, and I am easily reminded by the nearly 13,000 photographs I have taken.
To see some of what we've taken in, experienced, felt, absorbed...please, take a look through the second slideshow, here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/findingbalance/sets/72057594088946858/show/
Upon my return, I will be creating a photo documentary of sorts, and will have more slideshows. Words will accompany the photos where words can do justice, but in most cases, I truly believe the photos speak for themselves. Yes, with some of the group shots, I suppose we have some explaining to do...or at least some well-thought-out excuses. ;)
Much more soon...we may be coming home tomorrow, but we still have a lot yet to write and share.
Keep looking back for continued updates on where we are at - in spirit, emotion, and mind - even though we will be home, our heartstrings wlil always be tied to the land of smiles.
More photos to come...in a few days time.
Love to all, and thankfulness to the universe for this life-transforming opportunity. We will be back...
-Joe

We did it!

2006-03-18T01:33:00.000-08:00

Presented our District Conference review of our visit to Thailand. Rather than bore our audience with long speeches and pictures they will see anyway when their GSE team returns to Thailand, we opted to give a presentation which was largely visual; it went over very well I am proud to say. The team is just great and all of our various audiences comment on how well we interact and what a joy it is to them having us around as their homestay guests.
District 5050 really owes the Thai GSE a fabulous time and I am sure we can provide that. We met the incoming team today and they are great people. I have had the pleasure of being the homestay guest of their teamleader , a fellow physician and a person who is a real doctor. Very tuned in to his patients and their care.
The District Conference is much fun , especially now we have the big job of being good US/Canadian ambassadors largely behind us and we can interact with all the people we have met before in the various places and have become friends with.
This is written in haste to let you know that all is well and I hope that the rest of the team will fill you in on a lot of detail.
Marco

A different view of Phuket Island

2006-03-16T02:07:00.000-08:00

This is the last day on the Island of Phuket. After the initial culture shock of finding ourselves in a tourist destination we have discovered that this island has a lot more to offer of the real Thailand . We had gotten used to a Thailand with all its beauty, culture, hospitality, universal friendliness and all of us had fallen in love with the people and the land. Our Phuket hosts only reinforced that impression. Everywhere we went our hosts showed us all their country has to offer and were not afraid to also show the warts and joke about their time management, but in comparison to the many, many positives I can honestly say that our own respective countries can learn a lot from the Thai and that our countries have warts that may be a lot uglier than what we got to see here.
We saw and learned a lot this day. Started off with a Rotary sponsored tsunami recovery project. The locals here were not familiar with mussel farming and Rotary provided the boats, material and expertise to help a sizeable number of people to earn a decent living with the prospect of a lot more.
The project is located in an estuary of a maze of channels with "street" signs so that people can find their way back. Every channel looks like the next one with a thick mangrove forest along the banks. The "farms " are a series of nets suspended from flotation barrels connected with teak two by fours about a foot or two apart. Navigating on these was a bit tricky and the water did not look too inviting to fall in. However the fish and mussels were thriving. We caught our lunch and after getting close to a sunstroke we headed to an abalone farm, the only one in Thailand and the brainchild of a Thai veterinary Rotarian. It is very succesful and even more promising for the future since there is a tremendous market for this product. It is said to enhance one's sexlife and the Japanese and Koreans and Hongkong residents are strong believers in the efficacy of this product and eager to buy this delicacy for any price. My team encouraged me to eat more than one and are watching carefully what effect it may have on me. So far the scientific part of this experiment has not proven anything other than that I enjoyed the taste and texture a lot more than any other food coming from a shell. The meal was complemented with the fish and mussels that had been caught before our eyes a few hours earlier. The whole of the occasion was not only instructive , but also delicious and what else could one wish for on a GSE tour!
The last part of the day was a visit to a local credit union , run by a true Rotarian who literally lives the motto " Service above self" This Credit union is based in a poor community and has helped hundreds to start a business or trade where people became independent and less poor. They not only can borrow money, but learn to keep the books and administer the business as well . The Rotarian goes out and visits every 2 weeks or so to see how people are doing and sets them straight where they have trouble managing. He is revered in the community for his humanitarian approach. Our financial institutions could take a lesson from this man on how to run a profitable credit union that pays dividends to its members and also gives a hand up to people who need it.
Time is flying and we will be home before we know it. Next stop is the District Conference where we hope to share with our hosts what our District 5050 has to offer and what we have learned from them.
Marco

Interesting Discoveries!!

2006-03-16T00:53:00.000-08:00

Well Im sure you're all wondering what I've been up to after hearing about the arm/butterfly incident and the spa treatment.

I've found this trip to be a true guide to experiencing a country such as Thailand. We've been fortunate enough to see how locals live, conduct business, celebrate good company and even how they are similar to us in certain ways. I feel as though I have many friends in Thailand that I look forward to visiting in the coming years.

As Deena stated, Phang gha and Kao Lak took our collective breath away and made us all turn inwards for reflection. It was no surprise that we all missed our love ones when we thought about the tsunami tragedy and how it changed this country and its people.

We were unsure what to expect when arriving in Phuket. We were very surprised to see a bustling tourist area which resembled any other hot tourist destination. The holiday inn was certainly a treat for me as i previously worked for Holiday Inn. This hotel was not like the Holiday Inns' back home......it was very posh! Which none of us seemed to mind.
After the reception and Rotary meeting my fellow teammates and I met with with some other Rotarians and headed to Bangla Road (probably not the right spelling) for a cocktail.

(pardon the pun),

To describe this place.....hmmmm.....
I would say it resembled a trans-gendered Mardi-gras! Thats right folks....the Ladyboys were out in full style!! We all visited a friendly place named Dingo's and celebrated Joe's belated birthday. It was an experience not to be missed as it was truly impressive with all the dancing in the street and the mix of foreigners.

The next day Marco and I visited the Shell Museum which was tastefully designed and was a very relaxing and interesting experience. The next stop was even more relaxing though....
The Spa that we visited was something out of 'Life Styles of the Rich and Famous'....
The beauty of the surroundings made this spa a must for all honeymooners planning to visit Phuket. Be sure to ask Marco for the video.

As for me, I've seen so many touching places and people and I am very excited to help ensure that their GSE team receives similar treatment from our District as we truly have been treated fabulously!
Stay tuned,
John

Phuket

2006-03-15T06:35:00.000-08:00

The travel from Panghna to Phuket was a snap with a careful driver and leaving right on time as well. The Thai jokingly refer to two kinds of time: real time and Thai time. The latter is quite flexible and wil stretch sometimes to an hour after the agred upon time. We are quite used to Thai time and some of us have actually come to like it.
However in Phuket things appear to be more on real time. We all experienced somewhat of a culture shock entering Phatong beach. A big sign annoucing "Oktober Fest" , Seven /Eleven stores in many locations, resort hotels, Starbucks etc. This place could be anywhere in the world where there is a resort on the shore of a warm climate and warm water.
We were met by a delegation of local Rotarians in the lobby of the Holiday Inn. The van in which we were travelling was checked by security guards who used mirors to look underneath. It is sad that any enterprise with a US connection, remote or not, is a potential target for terrorists and that one has to be on guard all the time. We did not have any of that earlier on the trip.
On the contrary , Thailand feels and is very safe .
The Holiday Inn did not look one bit like the conterparts in North America. Far more luxurious and it strikes one as a four star hotel.
We had a meeting with six Rotary clubs together and it was a jolly occasion , thanks to the two people running the show. to make up for the lack of projectors for our powerpoint presentations they had two at this meeting so that every could see.
There are a lot of expatriats here in Phuket and many of them are Rotarians. It was the first time that we could do our show in English and did not have to impose on Laura to translate what we were trying to convey.
It was a fun evening and we all had a lot of time talking with the Rotarians after the meeting.
Today we spent the day with out homestay hosts. John and I lucked out to be with the teamleader who will be visiting with his team after our return. Lucked out, because after visiting a fascinating shell museum , he took us to a spa. Neither one of us,nor our host had experienced a spa .
It was meant as a cultural experience where the Thai show their approach to healing and strengthening. Beautifully attired personnel, and lots of ceremonial preparation made it all the more interesting. All three of us simultaneously were treated to an incredibly relaxing massage starting at the feet and slowly working up to the head and face. These girls there appear to have hands that would make a blacksmith green with envy. All three of us felt incredibly good and relaxed after two hours of hard work for the Thai massage therapists. This was a bit of Thai culture we had not expected and which opened our eyes for a long tradition in this country. Instead of us having to work hard to experience the culture , the roles were reversed and we could enjoy their artful way of making one feel revived.
My host is a plastic surgeon and he took me along for an "inside" visit of a private hospital. Anybody who has any doubts about the quality of care there can dispose of those negative thoughts. All appears to be competent, clean and very friendly. the foreign patients there say there is no comparison with the British system or the US one.
Phuket was very much in the news when the tsunami struck, but in this area there is little of no evidence any more of the tsunami effects, other than of course the memories.
Tonight we experienced the first rain since our arrival. And it came down in buckets. That also means that tomorrow wil not be as hot. Today even the Thai complained about the heat.but all in all we have nothing much to complain about and a lot to be very grateful for.
Marco

A Very Difficult Day

2006-03-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the most difficult day for all team members as we travelled to Khao Lak the hardest hit area of the tsunami. Personally, I had anticipated a day full of emotion but nothing could have prepared me for what we felt when we set foot upon the area where all but 7 families of the town died.
It was strange because the rebuilding is incredible and the town is alive with action but there are still the reminders everywhere of what happened. The hole where the bodies were placed, the boats marooned on shore km's away from where the had been, all the way to a delapitated memorial mostly of foreign people, with their pictures attached. This was real, really real. We went to a Rotary village where Joe and I were standing looking around, when this small little woman came up and starting speaking to us in Thai. She came up to me and grab my hand and looked in my eyes and told me this very important story. Of course, I could not understand so Laura came to help out. Laura said that the lady was telling me that the day before the alarm sounded because of the earthquake in the Andman Sea and that she thought that the tsunami was coming to get her again. The people in this area are terrified that it will happen again. They have just started sleeping in the Rotary village even though they have moved in months ago. At night they would all go to the city, far away from the sea because they feel so unsafe. She told us that she had held on to a tree and that is how she survived. I looked at this little hand that was holding mine, and knew that this hand was one that had been through the most tragic event in Thailand, and that this little hand saved her. She said it was not her time. The pointed over to a small lagoon and said that they had to drain that lagoon as it was full of bodies and cars from miles away. Talking to people, seeing graphic videos of these objects that were not even human like was difficult but at the same time I knew that we had to share in this pain with these incredible people who have this determination to go on. Maria said it best when she said, being in the small town with all the sounds of rebuilding a new people who have moved here, is like hearing children laughing at a funeral. Life has gone on here but the injuries to the human spirit are not gone and never will be. All I can say is no footage, no CNN coverage can compare with being here and feeling the loss all around you.
On the way home there was not a sound in the van except for a few tears dropping. It was truly a difficult day.
Today we are off to Phuket. I know that this message sounds like we are all at a low place and sometimes we are, but we were honoured to meet the real people who survived, who volunteered to clean up, and those who are going on.
We are all missing our families and we hope that you all know that we love you very much.
Lots of love,
Deena

pangnha

2006-03-13T18:42:00.000-08:00

After a somewhat rocky start with our stay here, looking back we had a most worthwhile visit. The first day was improvised, but unexpectedly wonderful. After the visit to a National park complete with wild elephants and lots of elephant dung on the road we visited a waterfall rather high up in the mountains. This part of Thailand is very forested and has a stunning landscape with often "sugar loaf " mountains. Then a visit to another temple. The reaction tends to be : Oh another one" , but there is no need to feel that way and certainl;y not with this one. On top of one of those steep mountains was a spectacular sanctuary. A long "driveway" only for pedestrians flanked by five headed dragons led up to something nearly unworldly. There were a few other visitors and that turned out to be an extended family who were conducting a rarely performed ceremony where a long golden colored silk cloth is wrapped around the inner sanctum. The cloth is stunningly beautiful , shimmering in the subdued light. The members of the family all touched it with their hands and heads and participated in a prayer chant led by three monks. The architecture and detail work of the place is beyond words and I hope that we an find a wireless connection soon and show you what I am talking about.
Then a monk invited me to rub a shiny spot on a rather large gong. He demonstrated what I was to do and then something strange happened , The gong started to "sing" and the sound got quite loud and vibrant. Nearly eery, but fascinating. Other people tried te same, but it did not work. The monk must have had some magical touch that he made me do this.
We all enjoyed the sense of peace and sacredness of this temple and spent quite a bit of time there. The air was fragrant with flowers, incense and a cinnamon tree adding to the delight of the visit.
John tried to break his arm, but luckily he did not succeeed . He sustained a nasty abrasion, but that is minor in comparison what could have happened. He was looking at a butterfly performing airial acrobatics when he was not watching his footing and slipped of a ledge and hit a slab of concrete with a loud thud, audible quite a ways away. John being a rugby player shrugged it off , but I am thankful it was not any worse. Having a doctor on board has helped to prevent infection in this climate where that can happen all too easy.
Then it was off to a park where monkeys live and they showed John how to hang on to things and not too fall. Fascinating how these close relatives of ours are ever so much more agile than us clumsy humans.
The next day we were shown the devastation the Tsunami has wrought upon this part of Thailand.
I hope others will share with you what we saw and felt, but it was both heartwrenching to see what personal losses people suffered, and yet to see the determination not to give up and rebuild. One fishing village lost about 300o people and only 7 survivers. This was not a tourist destination and therefore did not get any international TV exposure.
We had a farewell dinner with the Rotary club last night in a setting that equals that of the world famous Kweilin in China. Now it off to Phuket and the program there is quite promising.
Until a later date.
Marco

surprises are standard

2006-03-12T04:01:00.000-08:00

After a great time in Krabi where we could unwind and yet were able to have a really useful exchange of ideas on how to make the GSE program even better than it already is.
We departed right on time and that is worth mentioning, since as our hosts often say "Thai time is different" and any obsessive compulsive person would be really stressed out if one could not adapt to Thai time. However we all will probably have trouble getting back to "real time " once we are back home. Thai time has its appeal!
We arrived in Pangha and that was a surprise to both our hosts and us , since they did not expect us and there were no plans in place. Breakdown of communication. This is not the first time this happens I am told by participants of previous GSE's . However Thai inventiveness was exemplary and after a lot of phoning around we got to ride Thai style in an open minibus. That is a converted Ford Ranger truck with benches and a roof and open sides. Natural air conditioning!! We enjoyed the experience of travelling like many Thai do out of necessity, since they cannot afford a private motorcycle or car. We got to see wild elephants in the jungle, monkeys . caves and a truly spectacular temple. After having visisted a number of Bhuddist temples one is left wondering if there is really something new to be seen. And we were not disappointed. On the contrary, we experienced the ambiance of this complex each in our own way, but I am sure that I speak for all of us that somehow we sensed that our Bhuddist monks and fellow human beings had created something that anybody would honor as sacred.
Others will tell you more I am sure.
Until the next time.

Marco

Okay so I made a mistake!

2006-03-12T03:23:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been a little less busy and it has been such a blessing for our team. We are also a bit delerious from the heat and we are finding many things quite funny. I would like to be the first to report my mistake as I am afraid of what my teams may tell you as they like to embellish this particular story.
Yesterday, we went to a temple where there were caves. Now the caves were very beautiful and cool so John and I dove in to take a look into the back of the cave. Everything went well until I lost my footing and stepped into a hole which can only be decribed as a mysterious liquid of the brown variety. Now one would think that my team mate John would assist me in this situation but in fact he made it worse. When I activated the brown substance, a foul smell occured. At the time of the incident John and I were alone with only our host, but soon the cave became crowded with other tourists. Everyone starting commenting on the smell and John quickly told the crowd that it was I who smelled so bad. Of course having no shame, I carried on as usual but my team found probably about 100 different names to call me but my take on it all is that I was very blessed to be "baptised" at the temple. Amy I know you are laughing right now!
Lots of laughs and we are all doing really well. We are looking forward to Phuket and are leaving very shortly for dinner in Phang Gha. Hard to believe we are the half way point. I have so enjoyed my time here and I cannot wait for more adventures hopefully a little less exciting than my cave experience.
One other incident to report on is a strange occurance at yet another temple, again involving John and I. There was a very beautiful butterfly and I called John over to look at it. I saw him coming and I turned away to take a picture. The next thing I knew, John was on the ground as he had fallen. He is fine but is wishing that the accident occurred by saving a child from a tiger rather than from looking at a butterfly and falling. As you can see we are having so much as team and I think both John and I are hoping someone else on the team takes the heat of us for a while!
Talk to you from Phuket.
Lots of love to you all, love you Chad and Maya,
Deena

more fun and work too!

2006-03-11T02:18:00.000-08:00

I never thought of paying a visit to a taxation office other than to pay my taxes or straighten out a misunderstanding.
Since John McNeilly is a tax audtor and our hosts are trying to do their best to have a vocational exchange, we received an invitation to see District 1 headquarters . I had no idea what to expect, but the whole experience was more than a pleasant surprise. We were greeted at the door by many of the staff all in neat blue uniforms , 99 % female with the famous Thai smiles and handing us a ice cold hand towel to refresh ourselves with. We were led through part of the building and all personnel greeted us with the Thai greeting and smiles .
Once in the Board room they presented a clear powerpoint story on how things are done in Thailand. Actually it was interesting for someone who has never even given any thought on how things are checked and double checked. Their main source of taxdollars is their GST or Value Added Tax
There was a lively question and answer session and upon departing we all received a very nice gift. They told us that this was the first time in Thai history that a foreign delegation had paid them a visit and they were delighted. It awas more than clear that they meant it.
I would make a bet that the Canadian counterparts would not have gone out of their way these people did.
That has been our experience all along. All of our respective hosts throughout the Southern part of Thailand really try and make our tour as worthwhile as possible and they are succeeeding even though it is sometimes exhaustive for the recipients.
Today we are having an easy day with mainly fun things at a very leisurely pace.
Until the next time,
Marco

another day

2006-03-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

We started the day with a real fun session at the faculty of nursing. We were greeted by close to a hundred seniors who were singing a welcome song. They are part of a large group of elderly people who are keen to stay fit and come once a week or more often to exercise, dance and have fellowship. First we were given an overview of the administrative structure of the faculty and introduced to the heads of the department on a powerpoint presentation. Then back to the seniors and they did a dance led by a gracious 84 year old lady. Even if you did not know a word of Thai, the dance was so expressive that you could see step by step what it was all about. Next we were invited for a lesson in Thai dancing. The writer cannot say that he now is even close to an accomplished dancer. however it was fun. Some more songs and dances and that was the end of that session. We gave out some Maple Ridge pins and BC ones etc and we were just about mobbed by these people . They were so eager to get one.
Then a trip to a seaside resort on the shore of the gulf of Thailand . Beautiful sand and lots of things to see. A monkey colony was probably the most enjoyable . They made their home in a park that was bisected by a very busy road. People had built a bridge across for these animals and we saw the smart and cautious ones making use of it. However most of them either were suicidal or not so smart and they crossed the road hoping that the traffic would stop. They were right about that, but they moved so fast that I would not doubt that quite a few would get hurt.
Then we were treated on a big, and I mean a really big cup of cocnut icecream In the heat of the day that was just what the doctor ordered. 3 cents for that heavenly treat in Canadian funds!!
It is worth a trip to this country.
More soon
Marco

more!

2006-03-07T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is the first time that the "fearless leader" has a chance to post anything at all. A more accurate description would be "navigator and negotiator". The hospitality and generosity of our hosts has been and continues to be far more than anyone in their wildest dreams could have imagined. A torrent of information , sights and experiences, one even more exhilarating than the previous one, is challenging our capacity to absorb all this. Fortunately our hosts are taking notice and we will have a "breather" on the beach the day after tomorrow to refect on the wonderful experiences we have had so far. When I write this, the others are already in dream land and tomorrow they will hear the good news that I was able to negotiate earlier this evening.
If anybody had thought that the GSE would be somewhat like a holiday, then all team members are now convinced that it most certainly is not. It is hard , but extremely worthwhile work. We will return home with so much to tell and having learned so much about a different culture and country that our lives will be permanently changed in the sense that our views on life in general will be ever so much more broadened.
One of the primary purposes of the GSE program is to foster world peace and understanding and we all will return as strong advocates for precisely these goals.
Rotary International has made it possible for thousands of people across all nations to profit from the program since its inception and even tough I knew in theory how effective and lifechanging it could be, to actually experience all this with a group of dedicated, open minded , interested people from both sides of the border is a privilege .
At the various Rotary club meetings we introduce ourselves with the following: "We are from district 5050. We are 50% Canadian and 50% American. 50% female and 50% male and all of us 100% Rotarian". That helps to set the record straight , since many people do not know that there are a few truly international Rotary districts in keeping with the international aspect of Rotary. We do not share the sometimes less than friendly opinions politicians on both sides of the Canada/US border have. On the contrary, we are a microcosm of mutual respect and understanding among ourselves and now the Thai hosts.
John has written a song with the Flintstones tune and we conclude our presentations to our audience with this familiar sound to much amusement of all concerned.
The team members will keep telling you how they fare in the next few weeks and we hope to send some more pictures. So far Joe has taken more than 5000 of Thai life!!!! So brace yourself.
Marco

Hot Children in the City

2006-03-07T03:13:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Let's just say that all of us are feeling the heat. Alot! We are in Hatyai City right now and spent the day out and about at a museum and we went to some impressive temples. The hightlight for me was the orphanage that we went to. We visited with the kids and coloured with them. Chris McGeouch, you will be pleased to know that the bracelets that you gave me are now with about 5 children. One little girl came and took them from my wrist and promptly gave them to all her friends. I knew that they had a found a good home with these lovely kids so they are now with them. Smiles were all around. Maria have her cranes away again to the delight of the crowd. Joe and I had our sunglasses on our head and many children had to try them on to see how they looked. It was precious and from my point of view the highlight of the day!
Thailand continues to be a wonderful place and we are enjoying all of our hosts and visits. Our team has been on the go now for 9 days without a break so we are looking very forward to our free day in Thursday.
Missing you all, and will post again soon.
Deena

MORE PHOTOS!

2006-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
We've had some problems posting photos to our blog the last couple of days, despite having 4400 to choose from so far. I've uploaded 156 shots that I believe tell our story pretty well, but rather than do so one-by-one to the blog, I sent them all at once to an excellent website that will let you all view them as a slide show.
The slideshow is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/findingbalance/sets/72057594075660871/show/

Enjoy!

Kind Regards, Warmth and Hugs, and Much Love to All...
Signing off,
Joe

Natural wonders...

2006-03-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

As we prepare to leave Suratthani we can only reflect on another amazing day.

Yesterday we visited a buddhist retreat located in the forest. We walked along the trails and took pictures of the scultures and paintings. Deena was startled by a snake that dropped out of the tree and onto the stone sculpture that she was admiring.
This happened after we just read about all the deadly snakes in Thailand!!!! Yikes.

Last night we were treated to a warm welcome at the Suratthani and Sritapee Rotary club meeting. We all sang Happy Birthday to Joe and enjoyed a traditional Thai "jelly dessert" birthday cake.

Today we went to the Khamin caves which were truly out of this world!!! These caves were very large and we explored them for more than an hour or two. Quite hot though...

We then trekked up to another local attraction which was a system of waterfalls. 22 of them to be exact, however we only made it to level 4 or 5 and then we were running low on time and had to turn around.
In order to reach these waterfalls we had to hike into the thick jungle rainforest. The sounds that we heard from that forest is something that we will never forget as the crickets and other wildlife made it difficult to hear our own thoughts!

To cap off the day, we went to the top of the local mountain and gazed out over all of Suratthani.
Once again, our gracious hosts have given us another day of memories to be thankful for. We hope one day we'll be able to return the favour to each of those who have made this trip so unforgettable.
Stay tuned,
John

Heavy Hearts lead to Many Smiles

2006-03-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

It was with a heavy heart that we left Chumporn yesterday. The friends we made in such a short time have become more than that to me. Many of them are like family, most especially my "pet sista" Orawin. Each moment in Chumporn was so full.. and then to top it off we spent the last night on a remote fisherman's island. What an amazing honor and treat! Deena and I screamed and jumped into each other's arms when we saw the view from our room. We were right on (literally) the water and the real mosquito nets over the beds weren't just for show (like back home.) After arriving (from a fisherman's boat) we took a trek around the entire island. It was like a dream and we couldn't believe we were really experiencing all of this. That evening our entrie community feasted on amazing fresh seafood and sipped on a few beverages. When many had already gone to bed, a few of us stayed up talking while sitting along the water. I will forever treasure and cherrish the conversations that took place in Chumporn.

The next morning we were very gently handed over to our new friends in Suratthani. It meant so much to me how sweetly our Chumporn friends were preparing us and watching out for us. But have no fear, our new friends in Suratthani are wonderful! Meeting the former DG and her husband, along with several from the Rotary clubs in the area, we feasted on a river boat and even saw fireflies (or as one man called them, "bugs with lightening.) One local Rotarian even sang Elvis songs for us, so natually his new name is "Elvis."

Earlier that day I was able to visit the university here in Suratthani. It was such a wonderful experience. The English professors were very excited to meet us and we took lots of photos! I even have a few to bring back home to show my colleagues at WWU. I will forever be thankful for the size of our office spaces. :) I met with one of their Deans and he explained to me how this university has been opened up to the rural community memebers. The idea is to help educate leaders in communities so they'll be able to gain some new skills and insight, and then take those things back to their areas. That is one of the things I have found all over Thailand so far -- helping to better one another is a priority. I wish it were the same everywhere.

Today we visited a very sacred space. I will never forget the moment of complete peace I felt while sitting in that wat and then the complete joy of handing out a ton of gold cranes to the children who are learning English so they can be tour guides. They loved to say "hello" and "my name is.." And they each really wanted their own crane! To go from such a spiritual and emotional moment to then one filled with such joy and smiles seems to be the theme of this trip.

On the way home we stopped and saw a silk factory and bought some beautiful pieces. Much thanks to our hosts for helping us with all that shopping!
Maria

2006-03-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

The team's first chance to see the beach and ocean...the water a delightful warm temperature, the food fresh and filling, and the wonderful hospitailty of the hosts - all made for a perfect ending to a long day of travels throughout the countryside.

Maria with HIV patients

2006-03-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

Maria handed out her famous paper cranes to the children. The young girl said she remembered how to fold them, and was overjoyed when Maria taught them all how she folds the oragami cranes.

2006-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Sweet faces greeted us at the remote HIV/AIDS care facility.

2006-03-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Young monks and guards at the Royal Grand Palace...

Hello from Hope

2006-03-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Deena

I have been eagerly following your journey these few days and thrilled to see an update from you! Sounds so amazing already! What a beautiful place and yet so sad that these people live in shame, separated from their community. I can just imagine your gentle spirit taking it all in and learning so much already. You are so deserving of this opportunity and have so much to offer to this experience Deena...Your smile will say so much more than words...so just keep smiling...

Looking forward to more news...take care and I wish you all safety, good health and a great deal of fun!

Sally

2006-03-01T07:54:00.000-08:00

Sunrise over Chumpon...before catching two hours of sleep and then starting our second day in Thailand!

2006-03-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok

Rotary Center in Bangkok

2006-03-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

This was quite the surprise for us as we visited the Rotary Foundation Center in Bangkok, as we were greeted by two other GSE teams visiting Thailand: one from close to home in Vancouver BC, and the other from Japan!

A Full Heart Already

2006-03-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Since we landed in Bangkok we have been treated with such kindess and hospitality. I cannot say enough about the Rotarians and host families we've spent the last couple of days with. We have been welcomed with open arms and treated like one of their own. It would be very easy for me to stay here for much longer than the fews days we're scheduled for. I've even gained a new younger sister, Orawin. The days fly by so fast and are filled with such a variety of sights, sounds, foods, and experiences -- all of which leave my heart full and with a smile when I close my eyes for a few hours of sleep.

The first thing I noticed from the moment I stepped off the plane is the similarity between Thailand and Hawai'i. We were welcomed at the airport with a Thai verson of a lei made from two of my favorite flowers -- pikake and crownflower. The following day I found a newly fallen plumeria to put in my hair while the warm breeze fanned our skin. The kindness and smiles of the Thai people remind me of the Aloha spirit found in the islands. I feel very much at home.

The most personal moment for me in the few days we've been here was spending time with the HIV/AIDS children and adults who are cared for my local monks. These patients do not see many visitors and live at a facility deep within the Thai trees and vegitation. The precious smiles of the children, their little hands forming a wai to greet me, and their giggles when we played with gold origami cranes is a memory I will forever have tatooed on my soul. I wish I could have taken them all home with me. At the facilty next door I got to hand out cranes to the adults who are very ill with AIDS. It was an honor to be a smiling face walking bed to bed, giving a gentle touch on their shoulder or hand. My prayer is that these children and adults will know peace and love, and I am forever thankful for the caregivers who spend each day with them.

Today when we spent time at the school for children with special needs, it was such a treat to listen to their giggles and songs, pass out a few more gold cranes, and buy artwork from a 24 year old man who spends his days laying in a very simple cart. I will never forget his smile when we told him we'd take his art back to North Amercia and he would become famous.

The mango is amazing, the smiles are infectious, and the sincerity of the people is humbling. My heart is already so full...
Maria

Hi from Deena

2006-03-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone! I am not sure of even what day that it is but I can tell you that we have been so busy it has been incredible! We are all doing so well and even though we have hardly any real sleep, things are great.
I am having a hard time trying to put all my thoughts together because of the places and the people that we have seen. Yesterday we went to the AIDS hospice out in the middle of no where that monks run. It was a strange feeling to be there because of the language barrier. I am such a talker as you all know and not being able to speak to people was hard. I look so different so many people just stare and probably wonder what the heck I am doing here! I have to say that it was a wonderful opportunity but I felt very uncomfortable being there and not being able to help or visit properly. It was such a peaceful place and I sort of felt like we were invading their home. Also, some of the staff said that the folks there are from very far away and just wanted to be left alone. There is a real sense of shame in Thailand about having AIDS and people go far away and exile themselves from their community. I think that the saddest part for me was knowing that the beautiful children and faces of the patients that we saw were dying from AIDS. It made it all real. We always hear about AIDS in Thailand but now we have real faces to put to the stories.
Today, was a great day and we visited the hospital in Chumpon which was the busiest place I have ever seen in my life. I had an excellent talk with a doctor and some community workers and palliative care is pretty similiar to Canada.
Well, we are off to bed soon so I better go. Tomorrow we are off rafting and staying overnight on a boat. It is so hot here and let's just say we are not getting a lot of use out of our pants! Much too hot for that.
Will try to call home soon. Miss you Chad and Maya. Love to you all and I will talk to you really soon.
This really has been a life changing experience already and can't wait for more things to come.
Deena

Update

2006-03-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

Finally we have a moment to let you all know what we're up to.
Where do we begin,

Yesterday we visited an HIV/AIDS hospice facility located in Chumpon run by local Buddhist monks. The children that we met were beautiful and happy to see some new friendly faces.
They were in love with Deena's blonde locks and even more impressed with Maria's crane folding talent! The kids also remarked.........."wow...he's a big guy" when they saw the size of John.

From there we visited a temple located next to a mountain cave which was breathtaking in itself.
The founder of this temple was responsible for founding the hospice facility that we visited so we paid our respects to his shrine as he passed away 24 years ago.
His body was laid to to rest encassed in a glass tomb for the viewing public to worship.
It was a sight that we won't soon forget.

This was the first day that we met with the local Rotary Club of Chumpon. We enjoyed presenting to their members and guests despite the language barriers presented to us.
Their hospitality has been unbelievable as you will read in the days to come.

Today we visited the local hospital and HIV primary clinics after a brief meeting with hospital and support staff.
Afterwards, we went to visit some local disabled children who took our breath away with their singing talents! One particular young man was in a home-made cart that enabled him to move around via his feet. Maria, Deena and Joe purchased mirrors that this young man produced himself and we told him that we hope to make him famous as his skills were impressive.

Meanwhile, John was having a delightful discussion with the tax officials at the local tax office.
After a lengthy question and answer session, the rest of the group met up with him and was treated to the grand tour.

After the tax office visit the group split up again.
Marco, John and Joe visited the Worldvision outpost that educates Burmese fisherman and the local prostitutes about the dangers of the sex trade. HIV is a major concern for Thailand and so far they are struggling to keep up on top of the problem. (Like everywhere else in the world).

Saisawat however, was visiting the local bank. She enjoyed comparing the US and Thai banking systems. She found there were many similarities and yet many differences between the two.

During this time, Maria and Deena were doing what they love to do!.....Shopping!
Every evening we have been treated to a tremendous feast that has beaten our wildest expectations!! The Thai people know how to enjoy a meal and we are catching on fast!!

We hope to update you real soon as tomorro we will be river rafting followed by an evening with the local fisherman on an island off the coast of Chumpon.
Stay tuned!

Arrival in Chumphon

2006-02-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

We have arrived in Chumphon after an eight-hour journey via train from Bangkok.
Only 29 hours after arriving in Thailand, we've already moved on...
Yesterday was quite the day, having landed in Bangkok shortly after midnight Sunday morning, after 18 hours total in the air, and 31 hours total traveling (including all of the layovers). Our brief introduction to the Korean culture in Seoul/Incheon International Airport was eye-opening and a fun, but short (two hours) stop. As we headed on to Bangkok, the reality finally set in...We're thousands of miles and a month away from home!
Excitement and anxiety took hold, and upon meeting Somphop, our guide and Marco's counterpart in Bangkok, we felt right at home with incredible hospitality.

It is 5:42am, and I am sitting in an internet cafe/bar/motel, and sadly I have to go, as our kind host is ready for us to travel to his home.
More updates as soon as we can. Love and thanks to all who are home following our travels...

-Joe

We made it safely!

2006-02-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

Quickly, as I have only one minute for this post - We are at the Rotary Center in Bangkok, and have made it safely here at 2am this morning.
As I do not have time for a full update, we just want to let everyone know that we are well on our way, and having a blast!!!
Onto Phuket by train tonight..

Signing off,
Joe Menth

2006-02-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Team Photo

2006-02-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Team Photo 1- retouched
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

The Team, all proudly displaying our new bright white Rotary GSE emblazoned t-shirts. From left to right, the team is: Maria Simon, Joe Menth, Laura DeKlyen, Marco Terwiel, Deena Ries, and John McNeilly.

Marco Terwiel

2006-02-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

Marco headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Marco Terwiel, our fearless leader!

Laura DeKlyen

2006-02-07T19:59:00.000-08:00

Laura headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Team member Laura Saisawat DeKlyen

John McNeilly

2006-02-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

John headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Greetings and good-bye to you all!!

Our adventure begins and I am extremely excited to be fortunate enough to travel with such great team members to the Thailand.

This will be my first time visiting Thailand and from what i've heard, it promises to be the trip of a life time.

I'd like to extend my thanks to the White Rock Rotary Club for giving me the opportunity to represent District 5050. I'd also like to thank White Rock Rotary member Rod Mcleod for his advice and support along the way.

I've already met some amazing people and I am now looking forward to the trip itself.

Keep watching as we will try to record our impressions as we make our way into a whole new world for us!

Joe Menth

2006-02-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Joe headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Team member Joe Menth

Deena Ropp-Reis

2006-02-07T19:52:00.001-08:00

Deena headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Team member Deena Ropp-Reis

We are all madly preparing to go to Thailand and it is such an exciting time! Before I go, I wanted to say a huge thank you to the Chilliwack Rotary Club for this opportunity. I am sure this will be a life altering experience and for that I am truly grateful.

The Fraser Canyon Hospice Society Board of Directors and all the volunteers have been amazing and so supportive in this adventure. I thank each and everyone of you who will be covering for me in my time away, and will never forget how generous you all have been.

Lastly, I wanted to say thank you to my husband Chad and all of my family for everything they have done to help me prepare for my trip. You have always been supportive in all the adventures I have gone on, and for that I say thank you.

Good-bye, and next time I hope to be somewhere exotic, where I will be beyond excited and possibly a little jetlagged!

Cheers,

Deena

Maria Simon

2006-02-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

Maria headshot
Originally uploaded by findingbalance.

Team member Maria Simon~

Aloha! It is truly an honor and a joy to be reprsenting Rotary, Canada, the U.S. and Higher Education with my new GSE family. The last 12 months have been part of an amazing adventure and I'm so thrilled to say we are already talking about reunions -- and we haven't even gotten on the plane yet! For the first time in my life all of my worlds are coming together and the peaceful feeling of knowing I'm right where I'm meant to be is gently present.

My deepest gratitude to all of my family, friends, colleagues and students, including my RYLA, StARs and Chrysalis families. Your support over the years, and especially in the last several months, means the world to me. You are all a part of the reason why I am where I am. A very special thank you to Kay Rich and the Bellingham Sunrise Rotary club who have been so supportive of both me and our district's RYLA program over many years.

I would also like to thank Marco and Lila Terwiel for saying "yes" to GSE and to all of us on the team. I feel very fortunate to be traveling with Marco and I truly appreciate Lila's support of us all.

It will not surprise anyone to know I'll be sprinking origami cranes througout the country, and that our team plans to teach crane folding to the Tsunami orphans. (Mike - as you know, this is part of the right formula.) I know the love of so many of you will be with us while we travel abroad and I ask that you keep us in your toughts and prayers while we are away.

Much love to each of you, most especailly Mom and Julie ~ me ke aloha nui & namaste, Maria

Pre-Trip Post

2006-02-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

The Rotary District 5050 Group Study Exchange to Thailand Team is:
Marco Terwiel - Team Leader
Laura Saisawat DeKlyen
John McNeilly
Joe Menth
Deena Ropp-Reis
Maria Simon

Our travel dates are:
Departure: February 25th, 2006 to Bangkok (and then Phuket), Thailand, from Vancouver, B.C.
Return: March 25th, 2006 to Vancouver, B.C. from Bangkok, Thailand.