Lets Go Fishing

[devildog683]

When i was in a my wifes village on the outskirts of Surin in Dec2004, she asked me one day if i would like to go fishing. Being from NE America and having not fished for over 3 years, i was all about it. So we start walking through fields towards the treeline of the jungle. Just before we reach it, we get to a ditch of sorts with what looks to be 3-4 feet deep with water (Thai people in there up to their chests.) Suddenly it hit me i dont see any fishing poles or tackle of any kind. To make a long story longer, i ended up in 3-6 inches of water with 3 feet of mud underneath, wading through with my hand digging around in the mud for fish. After about 1 hour we had about 15-20 pounds fish, ranging from .5 in to 1 feet long! It wasnt what i expected, but we had an awesome time. After all the family and friends from the village saw me do this, they seemed to have a new found respect for me ("farang can do and eat like thai people?!"). My wife was so proud of me, she gave me a kiss even with everyone standing around.

I always make it a point when i go to the village to not expect any special treatment. I want to live, eat, and sleep exactly how they do. Everyone is asking now when I am coming back, I suspect they miss the nights i bought beer for the whole village

I wonder if anyone else goes out of their way to "fit in".

[Pseacraft]

Devildog,

That is the same reaction that I get in my wife's village near Nong Khai. After I retired from the Navy we spent several months relaxing in Thai life. The locals and the wife's family were surprised that I lived like they did and never complained about it or stayed in one of the hotels in town. I further shocked them by building a Gatom in our rice field and staying out there for a while when I wanted to get away from all of the noise, while we were there we had two funerals at the houses across the road.

Sounds like your winning their hearts and minds in more ways than one.

Good luck to you,

Eric

[devildog683]

Devildog,

  That is the same reaction that I get in my wife's village near Nong Khai.  After I retired from the Navy we spent several months relaxing in Thai life.  The locals and the wife's family were surprised that I lived like they did and never complained about it or stayed in one of the hotels in town.  I further shocked them by building a Gatom in our rice field and staying out there for a while when I wanted to get away from all of the noise, while we were there we had two funerals at the houses across the road.

  Sounds like your winning their hearts and minds in more ways than one. 

Good luck to you,

Eric

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That was a big thing for me too, the night i got to her home, her sister looked at me and said something in Isaan. My wife translated to me that she had remarked that i wouldnt last 2 days out there and we would end up staying in a hotel in town. 3 weeks later, i had proved her wrong. The saying is true that its not where you are, its who you are there with.............

People who complain about the way they were treated by Thai relatives just need to go the extra mile.

[aletta]

Thais really appreciate if you adapt to live a kind of Thai lifestlye and don't spend your time in an air conditioned hotel.

[buffaloe]

i do not know if either devildog683 or pseacraft will see my post ,but you did a swell job.i myself am finally coming home in july of 2009 to the city of khon kaen.hope you read my post and do get back in touch with me.