Polsci

Dissonance is not appealing to many, but it is a prominent feature in Indochinese music, to which tradition Thai classical music belongs.

http://en.wikipedia....-Western_scales

Thanks for the link. Learn something new everyday.

I have a few points of contention with the original post and first comment.

I disagree that "names like Khmer (Cambodian), Lao and Kag (Indians, Malays, or guests) are likely to reflect the original versions of these songs." What evidence do we have that shows this conclusively? Perhaps it is better to consider other possibilities. The melodies and their names could be products of exoticism -- painting a portrait based upon what the composer imagined a far off land to be. Or, they could be folk tunes that bounced around the regions, carried by theater troupes, the precursors to likay. We might also consider Siam's relationships with its neighbors, the overlapping political interests, "national pride and patriotism," and the cultural hegemony that existed when these songs were adopted into the classical court cannon, and how those aspects might have influenced the naming of particular tunes. Music and musical instruments are also part of a monarch's regalia, and have been bestowed upon vassal states to acknowledge power relations.

Your point about Siam's cultural "exchange" with other neighboring kingdoms and how other venues could potentially influence Thai traditional music is well taken. My conclusion of the names was based solely on some information in Thai off the internet. I'm not a scholar of comparative studies or music history. Sadly, no one source can authenticate the origins of these pieces. It's hard to establish a time line with oral traditions.

Although imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, past Siamese court composers loyally serving their then-rulers and, later, the current Thai music and entertainment industry driven by profit have long copied such creative works without giving due credit to original artists. While my argument deviates from my initial question and your responses, lack of officially written accounts to fully cite and acknowledge the source makes studies of archival materials of this subject incomplete. Infringement and piracy are a new legal and financial concept in this part of the world. Outright lifting someone else's artistic work and putting a new label is a norm.

I don't see traditional court music as a "dying art." In fact, it is quite vibrant, taught in schools and community centers around the country, and performed regularly at festivals and cultural shows.

You're quite right about the current state of the court music. Maybe it's the ministry of education that mandates that those lessons and performances be part of a school curriculum. I dunno. Religious and social ceremonies still call for such background music, either live performance or recorded. But very few younger Thais consider "Plaeng-Thai-Derm" เพลงไทยเดิม cool.

And just to quibble, why do you describe Thai boxing music as "classical"?

At the time of my writing I wanted to imply that the accompanying music during Muay-Thai matches is normally performed by performers with Thai musical instruments.

Also, if you are going to transliterate words such as "Daeng" and "Daeng," why is it "Kag" and not "Khaek"?

I'm simply sloppy.

Weary's comment does not explain who the "many" are who don't like dissonance in music. It would be hard to imagine the past seven centuries of Western music without dissonance in some form or another. If dissonance is "a prominent feature in (...) Thai classical music," then it is probably a particular type of dissonance that **many** find displeasing. Is it the scale intervals? The musical textures (stratification)? The instrumental timbres?

The music is not entirely unpleasant, however, a totally unacceptable number of cats were strangled to produce the vocals.

A fair assessment.

I don't know if this song of Da Endorphine is based on a classical Thai song, but I like it. Has xylophones too, but not dissonant.

From a Thai poem titled Sag-wa-pag-wan สักวาปากหวาน.

Thanks for everyone's input and comments! Music to my ears.

http://a4esl.org/ is a website aimed at students who learn English as a second language (ESL). It's designed to help learners expand English vocabulary. On the right hand column of its home page, you'll find bilingual quizzes, including Thai-English. The last section of the quizzes is phrasal verbs, which, I believe, should be challenging enough for any Thai students.

http://englishgrammar.oporjang.com/ focuses on nouns and parts of speech. A good website in Thai for beginners of the English language.

is one of many YouTube links with explanations in Thai about tenses. As you know, conjugating verb tenses is not easy for Thai students. The poster is anurakkhasuk.

You can have her read and translate a short magazine or newspaper article with simple vocabulary that interests her. As far as writing is concerned, she can first talk about herself and her day (and you) in writing before moving on slowly to write about the neighborhood, the town, the country, local politics, national politics, world politics, etc.

Another thing that I learned in written English is the art of writing notes to express one's appreciation, sympathy or condolences; to congratulate someone on his or her success; to cheer someone on during a competition; to encourage dreams; and so on. Call me old-fashioned, if you wish. There must be books on etiquettes with sample notes and letters that you can stock up your bookshelf. Or even on-line. All your wife has to do is to copy from the template and tailor the text to fit the situation. With you as an editor, her writing will improve in no time.

Local governments in the U.S. offer low-cost ESL classes at community colleges. I won't be surprised that a similar social service program exists in the U.K. catering to newcomers from non-English speaking countries.

Best of luck to you both.

I initially replied to a poster who requested Thai music. But the response is rather long. Thai script is included; hence, it's in the Thai language section. In the process of compiling the list, I noticed that non-Thais and younger Thais (in general) are unfamiliar with these songs. Being an old person, I'm fond of (Balinese and Javanese) gamelans, gongs, hand cymbals, oboes, flutes, zithers, etc.

My question to you readers is what is not appealing to you about the Thai classical music. You may have heard of the music at Thai boxing matches, (some) Thai spas, ceremonies at Thai temples, or even at your own Thai wedding.

Also, anyone who is knowledgable about each music piece and has additional information, your comment will be greatly appreciated.

I apologize in advance for the very long write-up. Unfortunately, YouTube links cannot all be posted.

--------------------

The following list is considered quintessential Thai classical music that, I dare say, all Thais recognize although they may not know the names of the songs. Let alone the background, given that they are an oral tradition of entertainment and performance. Written records were rather sketchy until the early 1900’s.

Contemporary composers have rearranged, reworked, covered, and (re) written lyrics to all of them that some of these pieces became mega hits in different genres, particularly Thai Pop. Thais are already familiar with these catchy tunes that it seems to work well for new Thai artists to gain fame and recognition and for recording companies to benefit commercially.

Thanks to the popularity of Thai television soap operas (Lakorn ละคร in Thai) among Thai females of all ages, the Thai classical music is still used as soundtrack especially the period genre. Despite being a dying art, this court ensemble still evokes national pride and patriotism.

The names like Khmer (Cambodian), Lao and Kag (Indians, Malays, or guests) are likely to reflect the original versions of these songs.

1) เขมรไทรโยค Ka-men-Sai-Yoke

Literally, Khmer Sai-Yoke

Figuratively, Visit to the Sai-Yoke Water Falls (in Kanchanaburi Province)

(Khmer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSw73teW5D4&feature=related

(vocal)

(instrument)

2) เขมรไล่ควาย Ka-men-Lai-Kwuay

Literally, Khmers Chasing Water Buffaloes

3) ลาวเสี่ยงเทียน Lao-Siang-Tian

Literally, Candle Divination

Figuratively, Candle divinations are normally cast as love spells or to pick out a desired romantic partner.

(Lao)

4) ลาวกระทบไม้ Lao-Gra-Tob-Mai

Literally, Bamboo Dance

(Lao)

5) ค้างคาวกินกล้วย Kang-Kao-Gin-Guay

Literally, Bats Eating Bananas

(Origin unknown)

6) ลาวเจ้าสู Lao-Chao-Soo

Literally, Flirting Prince

(Lao)

7) ลาวดวงเดือน Lao-Doang-Deun

Literally, Female Named Doang-Deun

Figuratively, Female as beautiful as the Moon (my note: it’s common in many cultures to compare the female’s beauty to the Moon or Nature. Does this come across well in English or other cultures?)

(Lao)

8) ช้างประสานงา Chang-Pra-Saan-Nga

Literally, Battling Elephants

(Origin unknown)

9) สร้อยแสงแดง Sroi-Saeng-Daeng

(Origin unknown)

10) ลมพัดชายเขา Lom-Pad-Chai-Kao

Literally, Breezy Valley

(Origin unknown)

11) นกเขาขะแมร์ Noke-Kao-Ka-mear

Literally, Khmer Doves

(Khmer)

12) ทยอยญวน T’Yoi-Yuan

Literally, ?

(Vietnamese = Yuan)

13) แขกเชิญเจ้า Kag-Choen-Chao

Literally, Honoring the Guest

(Indian or Malay?)

14) เขมรปี่แก้ว Ka-Men-Pee-Kaew

Literally, Crystal Flute

(Khmer)

15)เขมรโอมตึก Ka-Men-Oom-Tuek

Literally, ?

(Khmer)

16) ธรณีกรรแสง Terra-Nee-Kan-Saeng

Literally, Crying Terra

More information can be found from the National Geographic’s website here:

http://worldmusic.na...cal_music/en_US

Inhale deeply. And slowly.

You brought up an excellent question, C.

As a Thai, I might be able to answer your question that would apply only to Thai Buddhists but not to all other Buddhists. What you already know about Buddhist practices in Thailand may make you rightly conclude that this is how Buddhism as a social and religious tradition has been passed down for generations.

Family background, economic and social status, and physical attractiveness are used as a gauge of how many karmic credits are accrued from past lives. Thai Buddhists’ merit-making is aimed at increasing karmic mileage points in the material plane. Listen closely to Thais, and you’ll hear a typical conversation about how one’s outer beauty and good family with money and connection (schools, employment, business transactions) are linked to past karma. Likewise, karmic worldly goods can be had even if one presently lacks certain items on the checklist.

Back to your question why no Thai Buddhists would wish to be born as an Asura. No one in the right mind ever wants those undesirable physical traits of the Asura. Shallow? Maybe.

No, really. Inner beauty such as calmness, honesty, generosity, and kindness is equally prized as karmic brownie points as well. So, warring Asuras do not make a good role model for sanook-loving Thai Buddhists.

Perhaps it has to do with cognates. Thai language, as you know, borrow heavily from other languages and go through changes culturally, socially, religiously, politically (and add your own adverbs). Current usages and meanings of these Thai cognates don't refer to the same thing as their Sanskrit, Pali, French, English, Chinese, Khmer, Arabic, Malay, Lao words. Unfortunately, the words like "Kwan" and "Vinyan" in Thai don't directly and correctly correspond to all the words in English. Every word requires detailed explanations. Vinyan, for example, can be heard in everyday conversations about dead people that their Vinyan (s) leave bodies. Then, a Vinyan that leaves the body caused by a violent or sudden death becomes a "bad" ghost or Phii that hangs around the place where the unfortunate incident takes place. Despite associating with Hinduism, Viññana (Pali) or Vijñana (Sanskrit) that means consciousness, mind, or awareness has nothing to do with the lowly ghost (Thai animism) in Thai.

But it's then the lost soul or Kwan that temporarily leaves the body due to a traumatic event. Kwan can be called back to a body with the pulse via a Kwan ceremony. Warm bodies have Kwan (s). Dead bodies have Vinyan (s) that can be ceremonially asked to move to a spirit house or an appropriate abode for such being. Or to another rebirth.

Another close term in Thai is Chit-Chai or Jit-Jai (Citta in Pali). Chit (Jit) can briefly travel to a different plane (of existence) at will during a meditation or uncontrollably during a dream state. Out of body experience in English? A contemporary usage of Jai is Jai-Loy (floating heart/mind or wandering thoughts).

Speaking of being spaced out, I gotta get back to the real world.

1. Never fast alone.

2. Fast with constant medical supervision.

rockyysdt,

Thank you for the tips and advice! A friend I know from Surat Thani also mentioned Suan Mokkh to me

Do you think they won't mind having a foreigner stay there for a month who won't eat at all? Lol.

I don't have a particular condition; this is mainly to detox my body from years of unhealthy food and inhaling toxins. The wrinkles and dark circles under my eyes also suggest my organs need a break. I'm a fairly healthy 25-year old guy, but fasting can be done at any age, and I need to reset my body right now. I need a break.

If I had a severe condition, I think it'd be dangerous to do a month-long fast, as the release of a large amount of toxins would make a person quite sick.

rockyysdt, are you an experienced faster?

Your last points are the 2 things I've been thinking about most lately! How the hell do I find someone to supervise my fast without going to a retreat and it costing me the earth?

That's my dilemma right now...

I'd be infinitely indebted to anyone who'd be able to suggest a solution

The best I can come up with right now is to find a local Thai (whoever he might be) who lives in the countryside and has experience of fasting. Any thoughts?

I totally agree with the posters who replied to the OP that fasting should be done under close supervision of qualified medical personnel. Very important. And breathe. A weak, sick body won't get you to enlightenment.

I'd also like to suggest Yoga. Not the gym Yoga or athletic Yoga, but the Yoga that transforms body, mind, soul and spirit. Fasting, eating vegetarian diet, learning to relax (particularly in the "dead" pose, not with meds, booze, alcohol and too much sex), cultivating positive attitude, performing cleansing routines of body organs, breathing properly and meditating are all a Yogic path of using the physical body to achieve spiritual liberation and to develop higher consciousness. Buddha was a practicing Yogi. Without the idol worshipping part. You can remain faithful to your own religious belief.

It's up to you to weigh the pros and cons of doing the body purification in your home country or Thailand. If you have your heart set on coming to Thailand, you'll at least make an informed decision and be aware of potential problems. You'll appreciate the saying "hope for the best,but prepare for the worst."

Thailand is well known as a medical tourism hub. If something goes wrong, you won't be too far from a world first-class healthcare facility catering to non-Thais (and loaded Thais). So make sure you have extra money for that purpose. Just in case. Don't have to worry about buying a medical evacuation coverage.

Certainly, don't make the realities scare you too much. Have faith (as in "a positive intention"). And enjoy what you're about to embark on. I know you will.

I too studied at AUA before permanently moving to the States. I was also in college at that time. To master American English accent is more important than to study grammar; I can confidently say this from my own experience mastering other foreign languages. Why? Because speaking and listening skills are a natural way to acquire a language. This is how we all learn our mother tongue. Rules and grammar will come later.

In addition, if AUA or other book stores don't have these books, you may try to get them for her through amazon.com or other on-line sellers.

1) American Accent Training, Ann Cook, Barron's, 2nd edition, 2000, about $40

2) Mastering The American Accent, Lisa Mojsin, Barron's, 2009, $20

3) Side by Side, Steven Molinsky and Blii Bliss, Prentice Hall, various editions. These are textbooks used by adult education schools offering English as a Second Language (ESL) programs.

For the first two, each comes with a book and 4 CDs.

Guarantee that at the end:

1) She will clearly state that she wants a piece of that delicious cake for desert and wants to visit Mojave Desert during her trip with you to the States.

2) She's never "bin" to the U.S.

3) She drops all her t's when saying that she had an interview at two twenty at that place near the international center.

4) She knows that "peet-sa" is your favorite food.

This is how I mastered a foreign language. By watching sitcoms and game shows (never mind, Jeopardy! was one of them) on television in the States. Don't forget Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Ernie, and Elmo. Learning through comedy is great because laughing relaxes you. Besides, skits tend to use contemporary vocabulary and include current local and global affairs.

I'm a die-hard Kids in the Hall fan, except that they're Canadians. Well, close enough to American English than British English.

So make it fun and laugh while learning your Thai or Isaan. There must be something on the tube for you to watch.

I never watch the soaps,

People also say "Vampire", but with a Thai pronunciation so more like "wam - pie" (แวมไพร์)."

But the word for "vampire" that I always hear used in my personal experience is:

มนุษย์ ค้างคาว meaning "human bat". This probably derives from the original vampire "Dracula", and many Thais seem to know the word Dracula, probably from some Thai TV version.

You don't miss anything when it comes to Thai soaps. Here in Florida I occasionally turn on Spanish telenovelas. For educational purposes.

Actually, your post on the human bat reminded me of "Vetala." This ghost's well known in Tales of Vetal (Ni-Taan-Ve-Tal นิทาลเวตาล) in Thai literature which is based on Hinduism. Vetala is Thai Vetal's Sanskrit name.

Thais are familiar with the riddles in the Tales, and that's how the gross-looking corpse turns itself into a popular entertainment in Thailand.

At the moment I am reading “The Tibetan book of the dead”. From this I get the impression that the kwan is the “vital force”, residing somewhere in the navel-area and entering and leaving the body through the crown of the head in the bardo-state, the state between death and possible rebirth.

There are many gods and other supernatural beings in the book which might deter some to read the book or take it seriously, but if you perceive them metaphorically, as projections of our mind and not as really existing beings in the outer world, it may make some more sense.

Ah, thanks for bringing up the title of my favorite book! Morbid, yes.

You got it right that Kwan is a vital force and is called such only for the living. It's the vin-yaan (Vinnana in Pali) that permanently leaves the body upon physical death.

It's not clear from your post if you want to become a monk or just want to go on a water-only diet. If it's the former, there are many posts on this forum that outline requirements and detail posters' personal experiences. If it's the latter, you can do it anywhere, anytime. On my own path that started a few years back, I mindfully eat two daily meals without snacks in between. it's little bit difficult when everyone in the U.S. chows down super-sized meals and food is always there, but it's doable.

Although what I'm about to recommend is not in Thailand, it might become an option for you to think about. A Buddhist or spiritual retreat in your town or country? When I spent some quiet time at an Ayurvedic retreat here in Florida, I didn't even ask if internet connection was available (it was). But my purpose was to re-connect with myself, not chatting up with the rest of the world. Otherwise, local places may have exactly what you are looking for, without buying a r/t ticket and trying to overcome the language barrier.

As other posters mentioned in the Buddhism and Thai language forums, Buddhism in Thailand is watered down to the point that superstitions and animism take over almost every aspect of religious rituals and are deep in Thai Buddists' psyche.

Last, choosing to live in the world without instant communication (internet, skype, cell phone, twitter, etc.) may seem like it's against where everyone is heading and doing. But that, IMHO, is a first prerequisite to embark spirituality.

Also, Vedas (also as in Ayurveda) and their connections to Buddhism (and Hinduism) can be a good read to get on a spiritual path.

Thanks for expanding it and the link, Mole.

Thanks for the good laugh, AyG.

Xangsamhua, thanks for the thought provoking article. You and rockyysdt made the comments that caused me to contemplate.

I had it all by trading my soul and then walked away from all of that. In exchange for having my soul back, I have almost none. To say that I gained wisdom, it's exaggerating. But I'm content with life and simplicity.

Fame: Nah, I do things anonymously. (Also helps me get away from notoriety for grossly misbehaving )

Wealth: Give away a lot of money and valuable possessions. I don't feel poor despite little left in my checking account and living as a squatter.

Beauty: Shaved my head and haven't bought new clothes for a few years. My avatar looks like me.

Genius: No, not smart enough; I still don't get it. Probably never will.

Power: Let the Universe take the wheel and patiently see where I will be taken. Gave up the control.

Happy New Year to you!

At the very least you won't suffer through loss or damage.

Simplicity is very liberating.

I'm drawn to minimalism but live with family favoring the very extreme opposite.

Perhaps a test of mindfulness and attachment?!

Or the clash of two civilizations... coincidentally happens to be a title of some scholarly writing originated by my graduate school director Francis Fukuyama. Religions, civilizations, spirituality, world politics, etc. Don't people around here kill each other because of differences in their beliefs?

What other people think about what I am/am not, have/don't have, do/don't do doesn't matter much any more. They think I've gone mad. Maybe I am indeed . But I do sympathize with you when it comes to people in the family whose views and actions are taking them on a different path.

Sure, loss and damage don't make me suffer materially. But I'm still a mortal human being with emotions. What you said about attachment and mindfulness perhaps makes me aware of my own spiritual suffering.

Xangsamhua, thanks for the thought provoking article. You and rockyysdt made the comments that caused me to contemplate.

I had it all by trading my soul and then walked away from all of that. In exchange for having my soul back, I have almost none. To say that I gained wisdom, it's exaggerating. But I'm content with life and simplicity.

Fame: Nah, I do things anonymously. (Also helps me get away from notoriety for grossly misbehaving )

Wealth: Give away a lot of money and valuable possessions. I don't feel poor despite little left in my checking account and living as a squatter.

Beauty: Shaved my head and haven't bought new clothes for a few years. My avatar looks like me.

Genius: No, not smart enough; I still don't get it. Probably never will.

Power: Let the Universe take the wheel and patiently see where I will be taken. Gave up the control.

Happy New Year to you!

I just answered some questions about Phi in the Buddhism forum and thought that this might be helpful for those who want to expand their Thai vocabulary and deepen their understanding of Thai animism as practiced alongside Thai Buddhism.

Potentially beneficial Phi ผี (long "ee" vowel with rising tone)

ภูตผีปีศาจเจ้าที่เจ้าทาง

Phi Paa ผีป่า -- jungle spirits

Phi Khau ผีเขา -- mountain spirits

Phi Nang Mai ผีนางไม้ -- female tree spirits

Phi Pluak ผีเผึอก -- termite spirits

Phi Muang ผีเมีอง -- town spirits

Pra Phum Chaeo Thi พระภูมิเจ้าที่ the spirit of the land or spirits of houses

Phi Khru ผีครู spirits of one's teacher

Bad Phi or Phi Tai Hong ผีตายโหง created through unfortunate, violent, or sudden death

Source: Traditional Thai Medicine:Buddhism, Animism, Ayurveda (C. Pierce Salguero, Hohm Press, 2007, Chapter 6 - Thai Folk Healing, pages 69-90)

This thread is going offtopic and nowhere fast. If no one has any reasonable comments to put forth, perhaps it's time to close?

Wait, don't close it just yet!

I can answer the OP's initial questions.

Thai Buddhism? No, you mean Thai animism, beliefs and practices. (IMA_Farang was right.)

Currently I happen to have another book written by one of my favorite authors on the subject.

Traditional Thai Medicine: Buddhism, Animism and Ayurveda by C. Pierce Salguero. Chapter 6: Thai Folk Healing goes on for 20 pages and, IMHO, answers those questions.

From page 76.

Potentially beneficially Phi.

Phi Soo-a Wat

Phi Paa

Phi Khau

Phi Nang Mai

Phi Pluak

Phi Muang

Pra Phum Chaeo Thi (NOTE: This should correspond to OP's observation of "ghost houses." However, IMA_Farang and BuckarooBanzai already responded and correctly identified them as "spirit houses.")

Phi Khru

Pags 73-76

Bad Phi or Phi Tai Hong created through unfortunate, violent, or sudden death

Will put the names in Thai script in the Thai Language.

Hope this helps.

Men age like wine.

Women age like milk.

Thought it was the other way around that women age like wine.

Men age like milk. And turn into soft cheese.

Try Saraburi;there- there are communities of Pashtuns,who settled down a generation before,definatly - they

still cook food of their ancestors,you may even get yourself GF who will cook for you,what you like.

I have to look for them myself next time when I'm in Saraburi.

But unless these Pashtuns travel back and forth between Afghanistan and Thailand (and other countries where they have since settled in), their food may have become more Thai (because of available ingredients). Theses days the Pashtuns in Afghanistan are more Pakistani (in fact more Peshawari) due to their long stay as refugees in Pakistan that the Afghan food is quite similar to Pakistani cuisine. Even Indian culinary (due to Indian influence of Bollywood and much more) slipped into this part of the world except that the Pashtuns prefer their food much blander.

The closest and easiest thing that OP may experience as an authentic Afghan cuisine in Thailand is Roti with tea. When I was in the U.S. military, my local Pashtun staff would share their breakfast of Paratha (as called in Afghanistan and Pakistan) and tea ("chai" with or without milk) with me. So, Roti, that is.

The OP didn't say where he was in Afghanistan. Different regions, different favors. The Kabulis have slightly different dishes from the Pashtuns in the East and South.

South Africa. Had my first bite of real Biltong made of Kudu in Jo'burg. No, wait, maybe in Cape Town.

Yum!

I was chatting to a friends wife yesterday (Thai) who claimed she was a 'Buddhist' but when pushed she also stated she believed in 'God' - her farang husband (who also claims to be 'Buddhist') agreed with her.

I pointed out the invalidity and conflicting nature of these comments - to no avail.

It always amazes me how little most Thais actually know about Buddhism.

Does anyone here find it compatible to believe in 'God' and claim to be a Buddhist? (I am not referring to the 'Universe' being described as 'God' but a more personal God who controls everything and can be prayed too etc.)

Perhaps I might be able to answer your questions about Thais' belief in God. Growing up in a typical Thai home that participated in Buddhist functions and attended Buddhist ceremonies, I was, like the rest of Thai Buddhists, clueless about Buddha's teaching (Pali is all Greek to me) but very fluent in the combined Buddhism and animism. What Thais usually revere is idolized Buddha. Superstitions, check. Black magic, check. Mystical powers, check. Brahmin rituals, check. Misinterpretations of Buddha's teaching, check. Worshiping of ghosts, spirits, trees, animals, writings on the wall (for winning lottery numbers), etc., check! These days you'll see more and more Hindu God Ganesh right next to Buddha statues at home altars.

To me, Buddhism is Hinduism without Gods and all attachment. Back in his days, Buddha must have pissed off A LOT of people believing in Gods and following Vedas and Ayurveda so they could live long and prosper. But the reality is Buddhism in Thailand represents a long social and religious tradition that has seamlessly weaved together Hinduism, animism and Taoism.

There are a lot of good books on this subject out there, including some that were once doctoral dissertations.

She does however pop those evil little chillies (that she grows herself, bred for maximum lethality) like sweets. Once she's munched a few she wants a kiss, with tongue of course, arrrgggghhhh!!!!

Makes me wanna grow some myself right here in Florida. lol

Anyway, thanks y'all for your comments.

My Thai friends who are married to Farangs and now live in the United States have learned to air out the carpeted, air-conditioned, heated, double paned, American-style houses to let Thai food smell out. Or, as a compromise, cook and eat such offensive food when their Farang partners are not around.

I'm just curious if food preferences would be a deal breaker in any Farang-Thai relationship? Many non-Thais don't like the taste or smell of certain Thai dishes; Thai partners aren't fond of particular non-Thai food, either.

If your Thai mate is a Pla Ra (fermented fish) junkie or whatever food you find repulsive and even after many tooth-brushing and mouth-washing sessions, you're still not so turned on during the make-out. The Thai gig is not so crazy about the whatever food you cannot live without and to her, you reek what you eat.

If you continue such relationship, how do/did you or your partner compromise or learn to live with the offensive food?

Did you actually end the relationship because of this?

(P.S. I did a lot of polls and surveys in my previous incarnations. Only retired, not dead yet. lol)

In addition, I currently use Master Chef which is the brand imported from Mainland China. The small pack should last me a year even if I drink this tea everyday. The 6 oz.-pack of dried Chrysanthemum flowers cost less than $3 at another larger Asian supermarket in Florida. Herbal teas are normally shelved with other regular teas.

Method A:

Boil a pot of water (6 cups).

Add 4-5 dried flowers and boil for another 5 minutes.

The longer the flowers stay in the boiling water, the stronger the flavor and darker the color.

Turn off the heat.

Pick out the cooked flowers, or run the brew through a mesh strainer.

Add sugar to your preference.

Drink it hot, warm (let it cool down) or cold (by adding ice cubes or chilling it in the fridge).

That refreshing taste and sweet fragrance should bring you back to LOS.

Some recipes call for a steeping method just like the way you put a tea bag in a cup of hot water for however long you wish the strength of the tea to be.

Main Course:

Charcoal-grilled hamburger (various doneness levels of well-done, medium-rare, medium, or rare) with or without melted cheese

Beef stew

Simple pasta with butter, red or white sauce

Grilled steaks (gotta know how to select the right cuts of beef)

Sandwiches

Standing rib roast

Pot roast

Pork chops

Chile con Carne

Tacos

Breakfast:

French toast

Pancakes

Waffles

Hot cereals (grits, oatmeal, etc.)

Breakfast meats

Eggs

Cheeses:

Learn to identify which cheese goes well or traditionally is paired with what dish or with just a sandwich and to select the appropriate thickness or thinness of sliced cheese

Sides:

French fries/potato chips

Mashed potatoes and gravy

Salads

Candied yams

Corn bread

Yorkshire pudding or simple popovers

Soup:

Chicken soup

Desserts:

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Brownies

Bread pudding

Muffins

Sticky Pecan rolls

For parties:

Cheese and crackers

Finger food

Pies

Cakes