I've been on vacation for a while in Cambodia & Laos (Dec. 21-Jan.3) That being said, I have stories from before, during my trip, and on into the now. So I will start backwards like I usually do and work my way forwards with the all the happenings. It will probably take a couple posts. Mostly I'll let the pictures tell the story and add little bits here and there.
Being gone for a while has both renewed my love for Thailand/this experience and helped me begin to deal with the looming separation I will have to face in 3 short months. Even being in neighboring Cambodia & Laos with similar cultures/cuisines/people, I still felt myself missing Thailand at the most unexpected moments. Just before I left for my journey, my neighbor whom I refer to as my Thai 'grandpa' got sick. This was some time ago now since I actually departed on December 18 when I set off to Mukdahan Province on the Laos border to run a 10km race in the wee hours of Dec. 19 with some fellow PCV's.
Recalling 'Dta's' Sickness (Dta in Thai means Grandpa)
It was a scary experience especially since my 'grandpa' is not a young man. He's around 59--that's the funny thing here, once people get to a certain age, they tend to lose track which, could mean he's +/- 59 years old. It's really how old you feel that matters anyways, right? In any event, he became suddenly inflicted with a stomach infections of sorts. The whole thing happened so fast. I saw him in the morning on a Friday and when I returned in the evening, he was at the hospital after which having experienced violent stomach pains and vomiting. When he returned home the next day he looked so drained and peeked... miserable really. It was obvious he wasn't over whatever it was he had. On Sunday night, a nearby relative with a truck took him once again to the hospital, this time in the provincial capital. He was away until Wednesday evening. The whole time he and his wife were away at the hospital, I couldn't help but feeling so strange, almost like a piece of my life here was abruptly missing. Albeit, it was only a few days until they were home again. Even so, I still felt the pangs of their absence as I consistently chanted and prayed for his safe recovery. It also made me particularly uneasy since a friend of mine had just been through the painful loss of her Thai host father. But, just before they returned from the hospital something interesting happened. I began to feel better, to feel more at peace with the circumstances, conceding that this is the world of change in which we live and maybe the best we can do is pray for the best and prepare for the truly unknown. When I did see their faces again, we picked up right where we left off--both parties renewed in appreciation for the relationships we have made. As it turned out, my 'grandpa's' sudden illness also brought his nuclear family together again. Both his daughters, of which the elder they hadn't seen in over 3 years came home from Bangkok for a few days. I was ecstatic to finally meet both their daughters who already felt more like sisters than acquaintances.
10 km Race & Departing to Cambodia
Shortly after my 'grandpa's health scare, I set off for the start of my 2 & 1/2 week absence. Really vacation didn't start until Tuesday, Dec. 21.
On the 18th, after 3 bumpy bus rides, I made my way to Mukdahan Province to prepare for the end of the year Mukdahan marathon (actually, we did the 10km 'mini 1/2 marathon race). It was a beautiful sunset race accross the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge linking Mukdahan Thailand to Savannakhet Laos. Amongst the sea of Thai faces, Kent (my friend, companion, significant other) and I stuck out like a pair of turtle doves in the midst of blackbirds. Practically the only farangs in the bunch. Which, really is just reminiscent of our lives here in general. It was great though. We had a ball and did our best running--maybe I finished not as well as I have in the past being in better shape but it still felt pretty good to make it to the end.
After the race, we had a relaxing afternoon at a local coffee shop while I begun to feel the effects of my morning run. Later on we got Thai massages before boarding the overnight bus to Bangkok and I really begun to feel the effects of the 10 km race via aches, side pains, & bouts of fever. During the 9-hour bus ride, my side pains intensified and at a certain point in the night, while WebMD'ing and googling my symptoms on my cell phone , I became convinced I was having an appendicitis attack. After arriving at Peace Corps and visiting with the Peace Corps doctor/ seeing a specialist at the hospital, we figured out I had strained my diaphragm which was causing a great deal of pain on my right lower side while breathing. He gave me 5 days of anti-inflammation pills and sent me on my way. I couldn't have been more relieved and thankful it was as simple as that to remedy. Especially being the day before we left to Cambodia. It was yet another instance of realizing we really don't know what the future holds--just like when my Thai grandpa got sick. I was lucky then.
So, with recovery from 10km races and overnight buses under control, we (Kent & I) set off early on Dec. 21 to the Thai-Cambodian border. Thus, more adventures abroad to disclose on my next post...
In the meantime, enjoy the pics!
My Thai "Dta & Yie" (Grandpa & Grandma)
The Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge--Mukdahan Thailand
After the Race--medallions for all
Our Race Gang
At the Thai-Cambodian Border in Sa Kaeo Province Thailand & Poi Pet Cambodia
With the Two Other Volunteer Also Traveling Through Siem Reap
The Countryside of Siem Reap Cambodia-- Road to Angkor
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At the Landmine Museum in Siem Reap--pictured two down is 'Aki Ra' --see more on his amazing story and dedication to riding Cambodia of landmines & bombs: HERE He started the museum and has been recognized worldwide for his humanitarian efforts. A true inspiration. The land mine museum also houses/offers education to victims and/or families affected by land mine explosions.
(Below is a replica of Khmer Rouge soldiers in action)
Below: The Faces and Splendor of Angkor Wat
Tuk-Tuk parade of tourists--( A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor is visited by some 600,000 + tourists a year and growing!)
Monkey Business!
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