Journal entry by Al Negstad — 47 minutes ago
Perhaps I should have brought my dark suit, though, while most people were wearing black I didn't see any suits. Met and I attended the funeral of Chang's mother. Chang's family live at the end of our street and his wife keeps a convenience store. Over the years I've had several interactions with Chang and his family including providing some financial help.
At Met's suggestion we skipped the first part of the funeral which consisted of long chanting by a monk. When we arrived there was large crowed gathered outside. Several people, including Chang made remarks and Chang also sang a solo. After the speeches we all processed past the casket and we were given paper lotus flowers to leave by the bier. The casket was on a raised dais and the deceased picture was displayed. As we exited the dais we were all presented with a new rice bowl, symbolic of the gift of life. (This is a small excursis. When I was first staying with this family I left some rice in my bowl at the end of the meal. When Met was clearing the dishes she waii'd the rice (her hands together before her face with a bow). Upon inquiry I learned she was apologizing to the rice for throwing it away.) After processing by the casket the crowd disbursed. Apparently the cremation will be at another time.
On another subject, i.e., eating in Thailand; there is not much attention paid to eating while food is hot. When I arrive at my school lunch the food awaiting me is often tepid at best. Food often stands awhile before it is consumed. They also like boiled sweet corn served cold! Give me hot corn with much butter and salt. Salt is almost never present among the condiments on the table. If I request salt they bring soy sauce.
On the subject of Waiing: The older, more traditional Thai teachers always waii on first meeting during the day. The younger staff just nod and say good morning. There's a bench in front of school where I often sit waiting for things to begin. This morning as I was sitting there a girl was chasing another girl on the sidewalk where the bench is placed. Running at full tilt they screeched to a stop in front of me, politely waii'd me, and they raced off.
There is a brief change of venue looming for this blog. After teaching tomorrow (Friday) I'm doing my personal version of trains, planes and automobiles. This should all lead me to Melbourne, Australia where I will visit a friend who teachers at the university. After six nights there I will return to Thailand for two more weeks of teaching. Melbourne is four hours ahead of Thailand so seventeen hours ahead of Minneapolis. I will continue blogging but obviously posting times will be different.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures from the funeral.
At Met's suggestion we skipped the first part of the funeral which consisted of long chanting by a monk. When we arrived there was large crowed gathered outside. Several people, including Chang made remarks and Chang also sang a solo. After the speeches we all processed past the casket and we were given paper lotus flowers to leave by the bier. The casket was on a raised dais and the deceased picture was displayed. As we exited the dais we were all presented with a new rice bowl, symbolic of the gift of life. (This is a small excursis. When I was first staying with this family I left some rice in my bowl at the end of the meal. When Met was clearing the dishes she waii'd the rice (her hands together before her face with a bow). Upon inquiry I learned she was apologizing to the rice for throwing it away.) After processing by the casket the crowd disbursed. Apparently the cremation will be at another time.
On another subject, i.e., eating in Thailand; there is not much attention paid to eating while food is hot. When I arrive at my school lunch the food awaiting me is often tepid at best. Food often stands awhile before it is consumed. They also like boiled sweet corn served cold! Give me hot corn with much butter and salt. Salt is almost never present among the condiments on the table. If I request salt they bring soy sauce.
On the subject of Waiing: The older, more traditional Thai teachers always waii on first meeting during the day. The younger staff just nod and say good morning. There's a bench in front of school where I often sit waiting for things to begin. This morning as I was sitting there a girl was chasing another girl on the sidewalk where the bench is placed. Running at full tilt they screeched to a stop in front of me, politely waii'd me, and they raced off.
There is a brief change of venue looming for this blog. After teaching tomorrow (Friday) I'm doing my personal version of trains, planes and automobiles. This should all lead me to Melbourne, Australia where I will visit a friend who teachers at the university. After six nights there I will return to Thailand for two more weeks of teaching. Melbourne is four hours ahead of Thailand so seventeen hours ahead of Minneapolis. I will continue blogging but obviously posting times will be different.
Blessings,
Al
Pictures from the funeral.
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