สิ่งใหม่ - Something New

Right now it is pouring rain outside. We are in our room and can hear drops hitting every surface of our school. It is loud but yet peaceful, and we don't mind because it cools everything down, which is new for us. We are here during the rainy season; every night is a thunderstorm with lightning and some of the loudest thunder you have ever heard but it makes everything green, as you can see:

We not only see green everywhere but these mini temples or relics everywhere. Tang told us that when you enter a home you greet the little temple by saying, "Sawadeeka" and bowing. She also told us that they are a mix of Buddhism and Hinduism. She said the larger one represents Buddha and the smaller one represent the home's ancestors. We are constantly learning new things about the culture here, I love it. They are often decorated with ribbons or other forms of offering like flowers... and sometimes even Fanta bottles. I don't know much about them but they are beautiful, and everywhere! 

These are outside our school.

This last relic is outside our favorite drink shop and around the corner of a salon where we had our celebratory pedicures for less than three dollars! We had made it through our first day of teaching, and we decided to do something special! It was my first time, and a new experience but it was fun, the salon was interesting, let's just say that when waiting for two hours looking around a shop in Phichit that it doesn't make you feel more relaxed, especially the yellow duct tape holding everything to the walls. On the other hand, the ladies were extremely nice!! They made us feel as comfortable as possible! They took their time with each of us and were very appreciative of the business we gave them. Entertaining Thai music videos in the background combined with these ladies were the perfect way for us to celebrate!