Chronicles of an Exchange Student’s Odyssey in Thailand — 6#Paddles&Bua Loy
New activities at the school and unique culinary adventures of a student from France in Thailand
Hello, my friend! As the rainy season envelops our school, a different kind of vibrancy emerges from the otherwise soggy mornings. In this episode, we embark on a journey through various new moments, from a touching school assembly to an exchange student’s culinary exploration in Thailand.
These diverse experiences are a testament to the power of unity, culture, and personal growth, showcasing how even the simplest acts can foster connection and pride. Besides, you would find out something new about the adventures of Wanida. Here we go!
Singing Above Paddles
I stepped out onto the school's balcony and looked at the students lined up beneath me. The morning sunlight sparkled on the grassy courtyard below, the sky was sadly gray, and the air was filled with the sound of the Thai national anthem.
The students wore beautiful uniforms and stood in two neat lines, eyes straight ahead, singing proudly. I felt a rush of pride. I was their teacher, and it was my life's silent but adorable moment.
They had been practicing the anthem for years, and yet I still found myself clutching the railing and watching the students with admiration. They were all so determined, so determined to sing beautifully standing on.
Diligent Bird.
A few moments later, I went to my office because I didn’t have my first class. However, a student interrupted my concentration as I sat with my thoughts to write something on Medium.
She is a seventh-grade student with impeccable manners — an angel. She came to help the teachers and clean the microwave ... a very caring student ... The student’s diligence and politeness permeated the room like the scent of freshly baked bread.
You see, there are pupils with exceptionally good manners. There are students who are very active with all teachers, and this student is diligent and very polite. So she is one of our angels.
Royal Tribute Ceremony
Then, after lunch, the weather got better, and the sun rose while another activity took place in our school — the Royal Tribute Ceremony.
Standing at the school football field in the afternoon, the kids paid their respects to the royal family by singing a hymn and participating in a unique ceremony. At the end of the song, the students then marched to the music that was being played by our school band.
I watched with pride as the students played the music they had worked so hard to perfect. The sound of their music filled the atmosphere, carrying with it the hope and determination of all those present.
The guests smiled and applauded as the students thanked them for their generous gesture. After a few more words of encouragement, they and their entourage of students departed, leaving the school in a joyful mood.
Now, let me tell you something about the adventures of the French schoolgirl.
Bua Loy
Wanida was far from home in Thailand, studying abroad as an exchange student. She had only been in the country for a few weeks, but already she was starting to feel as if she had been there forever. The land was beautiful, the people were warm, and the language was more foreign to her than anything she had ever encountered.
It was only natural that Wanida would want to find a way to feel more connected and at home in her new home. So when her host family suggested that she learn how to cook Thai cuisine, she was eager to take them up on the offer.
Wanida could smell the sweet aroma of the banana, coconut, and rice as she entered the kitchen. The scallion added a slight pungency to the air. The Thai teacher watched Wanida from her right, speaking to her in Thai, reassuring her as she adjusted to the Thai flavors and techniques.
Once the ingredients were combined, the teacher showed Wanida how to shape the small, sticky balls of rice and place them gently in the boiling coconut milk. The French girl found her hands shaking with anticipation as she carefully scooped and rolled the mixture, but her teacher was patient and understanding, teaching her to relax and trust the process.
When all the rice balls were lying in the warm liquid, the teacher pointed to a simmering pot of sesame oil and instructed Wanida to add a few drops to the coconut milk. Wanida followed her teacher’s guidance, pouring the oil in a small, steady stream into the boiling milk.
As the last of the sesame oil was added, Wanida felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as she looked down at her work. She had created a dish that was not just delicious, but also deeply rooted in the culture of her new home.
The teacher smiled as Wanida gave Bua Loy one final stir, and then carefully scooped some into a bowl. It smelled sweet and savory, like nothing she had ever tasted before. The French girl was amazed, both at her own skill and at how much flavor the simple combination of ingredients could create.
The teacher guided the diligent French girl through the rest of the meal preparation, showing her how to make a spicy sauce to go with it and instructing her on how to plate it. When everything was finished, they shared the meal together.
The student from France couldn’t believe how delicious it all tasted — even better than anything she had cooked before — and she knew that this would be something she would carry with her as she continued to explore her new home.
Pancakes «Crepes»
The next day, Wanida was confident and eager to show off her new skills. She had been invited by her host family to cook a special French dessert named Crepes which requires flour, eggs, milk, sugar, and butter. She wanted to cook something special to delight the Thai family.
As she unwrapped the ingredients, Wanida could smell the sweet aroma of banana and fresh butter. She gathered the bananas and other items from her shelf, gathering them in an assembly line on the kitchen counter.
First, the girl cut the bananas into small chunks and placed them in a deep pot of boiling milk. Then she added brown sugar and chopped up some butter until they were nicely blended into the mix. Lastly, she stirred in some chocolate pasta for an extra sweetness that made everyone’s mouths water as it cooked.
The smell of warm Crepes pancakes filled the house as they finished cooking, and Wanida couldn’t help but smile with pride at her accomplishment. She served up a platter full of fluffy pancakes, drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped off with more banana slices— a treat that brought smiles to everyone’s faces as they savored her creation. Action there, action back, plus a smile, and the dish was ready.
After dinner, Wanida felt satisfied that she had successfully adapted to her new home through food. Not only had she created a delicious dish that was culturally appropriate for Thailand, but she had also enjoyed learning how to make it while connecting with her host family over a shared meal.
With this newfound confidence in cooking Thai and French cuisines, Wanida knew that no matter where life took her next, she would always be able to bring a little bit of Thailand with her wherever she went.
In the midst of rain and gray skies, the threads of pride, tradition, and cultural exchange weave together a beautiful tapestry of human connection. From the heartfelt renditions of the national anthem to the aroma of Thai cuisine in a foreign land, these stories remind us that, regardless of our surroundings, it’s the moments we create and share with others that truly make a place feel like home.
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