My time in Thailand has been the single most powerful life experience that I have ever processed. Many wonderful moments that I will treasure for a lifetime. Just as with many things we don't fully appreciate our processes until after the fact. Although I was being present most of the time and reflecting on what my mentor mentioned to me (Breathe and experience) while I was there I can't help but to think how could I have made the time there more. I guess I should lighten up on myself because it was an amazing journey and I have many treasured memories.
The transition back to my life here in the USA has been the most difficult out of all my travels. It has been more that just a vacation!
It is great though that I can think of my time there or of a situation and I either chuckle or just feel a deep sensation. It was fantastic meeting all kinds of people, not only the locals but also many travelers from all over the world. My life is deeply enriched!
I have a few more things and photos to share of my time there and will get around to it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Cooking Schools
During my time in Chiangmai, Thailand I went to three different 
cooking schools each having their own qualities! Most of these types of cooking schools offer 1/2 and full day courses in most cases, everyday. These were lots of fun and can fit into most peoples schedules. There are also schools that offer 40 hour and more classes and that is one of the things I will be doing on my next visit.
The last cooking class I went to was at "Siam
Rice" as with all of them they picked me up at my guesthouse and we stopped at the market. We went to the site where we started in on the cooking. I notice that over my time in Thailand I take more heat (the first school I put 1-2 chilies in my dishes now can put up to 4-5). There are so many curry variations but they can come from just 3 or so bases. I like every curry that I have tried and I lean more towards the red curries. My favorite part at all the schools was
learning to mortar curry paste. Nancy was a really nice lady. The vegetable carving time was neat and this really makes a difference in presentation. We used a slice of potato for the leaf and a chunk of carrot for the flower. Pretty good for the first time. Also I like that they gave us certificates.
Best Market Experience: Organic Thai Farm
Best Nice Touch: Siam Rice (with the carving time)
Best Cookbook: Asian Scenic
Most Fun: Asian Scenic
Most Organized: Organic Thai Farm
Most Relaxed: Siam Rice
At each of these, I had a great experience. The one that stands out most in my mind is Asian Scenic. I felt the most comfortable there and had lots of laughs. Our cook was sweet, funny, and informative. They were very clean and kept our cooking and eating area clear without me even noticing. They also provided us with a beautiful cookbook, nice presentation. This is my top pick and would go again. At the Organic Thai Farm the market time was great. Our host provided us with lots of information and he knew his stuff. When we got to the Farm I was really impressed with the garden and the kitchen work area. We did have to clean up some of our things here and our cook was on the serious side but I do like that he would lighten it up at the end of a cooking segment and say "while you cooking...have a smile". Also got a cookbook here that is easy to understand. This was the farthest out with the ride being quite bumpy but I enjoyed the scenery. I liked Siam Rice too. The family was friendly and kind. In between dishes we stopped to do some vegetable carving. Still waiting for the online cookbook. This is a new outfit but I think if they work at it they can be among the top.
ORGANIC THAI FARM COOKING SCHOOL
SIAM RICE COOKING SCHOOL
cooking schools each having their own qualities! Most of these types of cooking schools offer 1/2 and full day courses in most cases, everyday. These were lots of fun and can fit into most peoples schedules. There are also schools that offer 40 hour and more classes and that is one of the things I will be doing on my next visit.The last cooking class I went to was at "Siam
Rice" as with all of them they picked me up at my guesthouse and we stopped at the market. We went to the site where we started in on the cooking. I notice that over my time in Thailand I take more heat (the first school I put 1-2 chilies in my dishes now can put up to 4-5). There are so many curry variations but they can come from just 3 or so bases. I like every curry that I have tried and I lean more towards the red curries. My favorite part at all the schools was
learning to mortar curry paste. Nancy was a really nice lady. The vegetable carving time was neat and this really makes a difference in presentation. We used a slice of potato for the leaf and a chunk of carrot for the flower. Pretty good for the first time. Also I like that they gave us certificates.
MORE PHOTOS BELOW
Best Market Experience: Organic Thai Farm
Best Nice Touch: Siam Rice (with the carving time)
Best Cookbook: Asian Scenic
Most Fun: Asian Scenic
Most Organized: Organic Thai Farm
Most Relaxed: Siam Rice
At each of these, I had a great experience. The one that stands out most in my mind is Asian Scenic. I felt the most comfortable there and had lots of laughs. Our cook was sweet, funny, and informative. They were very clean and kept our cooking and eating area clear without me even noticing. They also provided us with a beautiful cookbook, nice presentation. This is my top pick and would go again. At the Organic Thai Farm the market time was great. Our host provided us with lots of information and he knew his stuff. When we got to the Farm I was really impressed with the garden and the kitchen work area. We did have to clean up some of our things here and our cook was on the serious side but I do like that he would lighten it up at the end of a cooking segment and say "while you cooking...have a smile". Also got a cookbook here that is easy to understand. This was the farthest out with the ride being quite bumpy but I enjoyed the scenery. I liked Siam Rice too. The family was friendly and kind. In between dishes we stopped to do some vegetable carving. Still waiting for the online cookbook. This is a new outfit but I think if they work at it they can be among the top.
ORGANIC THAI FARM COOKING SCHOOL
SIAM RICE COOKING SCHOOL
Sunday, December 6, 2009
While in Bangkok did not have Internet connection. I stayed at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel and would have to pay extra to get online. This was a great chance for me to unwind. I had an interesting time the last few days in Thailand. Had a contact that connected me with Mr Tammy that I used his driving services for a day in which I was able to accomplish and see many things. It was nice to have someone there when I needed. It made this time easier and his kindness was greatly appreciated.
My flight back to the USA left at 5:50am on Friday morning with a plane change in Japan and then another once at LAX. Still making some adjustments especially with the sleeping part.
There are some other things that I will write about and other things that I probably won't/can't. Everything that I experienced has impacted me and my life on some level or another. Some things I would say hit me immediately and yet others are still unfolding as I write this.
My flight back to the USA left at 5:50am on Friday morning with a plane change in Japan and then another once at LAX. Still making some adjustments especially with the sleeping part.
There are some other things that I will write about and other things that I probably won't/can't. Everything that I experienced has impacted me and my life on some level or another. Some things I would say hit me immediately and yet others are still unfolding as I write this.
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