At the Peace Corps Office

Though, I have known other Volunteers to never visit the Peace Corps office after they CoS (close service), I couldn't stay away.  My experience with the Thai staff and all the staff actually was quite

pleasant throughout my time as a Volunteer.  In addition, I attribute a lot of my exposure to and understanding of Thai Culture/Thai Language to Peace Corps Thailand.  Maybe my experience was also a bit shaped by staying in close contact with Administrative Staff while serving on the Project Review Committee---reviewing and submitting grants on behalf of other Volunteers.  In any event,  it wouldn't have been a complete trip to Bangkok without at least one visit to my old stomping grounds.  Even though it's a bit of a pain to get to (within the city) from the sky train to a taxi or bus...once the trek is made and you're within the safety of the Peace Corps compound--the quite/stillness and beautiful landscape grabs you and you forget the trip that preceded. Going from one place to another in Thailand is often like this.

Since my CoS, lots has changed and (as in the village) also stayed the same.  I found that a substantial amount of the previous Thai staff had either retired or moved on--this is typical.  I was surprised at first to learn that in the past 2 years, Peace Corps Thailand has had 2 different Country Directors (American) but, after thinking about it--remembering Dr. John (our old CD who left with our group after 8 years service) it did't shock me so much.  He was a natural at the CD role and so proficient in working with Thais/speaking the language, etc.  I can imagine those are some hard shoes to fill.

On the compound, it was strange to be a visitor and not a PCV but, I adjusted.  The PC lounge is about the same--some new furniture and updated electronics but still the homey feel and nice collection of books in the Peace Corps Library.  It was very nostalgic.  I spent the afternoon mostly in Jaree's office--my previous Program Manager reminiscing, doing a bit of work (I offered!) and enjoying the company.  Around 5 PM, it was all over with no Volunteers around and most of the staff having gone to Pre-Service Training for the newly arrived group 125, I set off with Jaree as she left and returned back to the world of traffic jams, exotic smells, and noise.

With P Jaree at her office-- She was my CBOD (Community Development) Program

Manager.  She has been a great mentor, friend,  and teacher to me

and so many other Volunteers throughout the 7 + years she have been

at Peace Corps Thailand.   She visits each volunteer at least once

(that's over 100 Volunteers a year!)

and always has the time and patience to listen and offer genuine guidance.

She rocks my world! 

With the secretary for the TCCO (Teach Collaboration) program--

I was in CBOD (community based org. development) but I

worked with this woman substantially in my second year

with the Project Review Committee. 

With Khun Supanee in front of Pres. Obama. She is the woman in charge of

financial matters for volunteers--like setting up house/accommodation

rent from the Thai Governement.

With Jaree again at the entranceway to Peace Corps.  She

was kind enough to treat me to lunch and we spent a lovely

afternoon together at the office while I helped proofread some

notes for the new training group 125. 

Demonstrating yoga to the Thai Staff on the lawn in front of

the Peace Corps Office. Here in Sirsasana/Headstand.