ISAN SURVIVOR STORIES

 Sarah Baxtor  25 years old Form CA  USA.

     "It was a bit of a transition moving from hectic Los Angeles to a small village on the banks of the Mekong, but the months I spent in Phon Phisai was some of the most enjoyable I've experienced and educational. Participating with Isan-survivor program gave me an amazing and insightful look into rural Thailand, which I would not have gained on my own. I became part of Jack's family, participated in local activities, and also helped out at the nearby high school.

        From the moment I arrived everyone was very welcoming. Jack's mom was particularly kind in helping me get settled. Over the next several days I began meeting Jack's extended family. In particular I enjoyed the dinners at Jack's grandfather's home. I joined the 10 other family members sitting cross legged on thatch mats surrounding deliciously prepared Isan food. Soon I got used to the slower pace of the Isan region and enjoyed feeling like part of an extended family.

     The local activities I participated in varied from visiting temples on holy days, sightseeing around the region, and even participating in a Thai beauty pageant! Talk about memorable. I gained many memories from these experience, not to mention I took home an album full of pictures.
I also spent considerable time interacting with students at the local high school. I joined the class of Yuphaporn/Pritipatagon to team teach and help students practice their English. We worked together to get kids interested in English and improve their speaking ability.

     Isan Survivor gave me an insightful look into local Thailand as well as giving me the opportunity to give something back. Joining this program was one of the best decisions I made."

Email:  baxter222sarah@gmail.com

http://realtravel.com/phon_phisai-journals-j2746747.html
http://realtravel.com/phon_phisai-journals-j1915514.html

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Joe Pournovin 25 years old From England 

Hey!!

    I'm Joe, I'm 23 and from Manchester, England.      Last September, I stayed with Jack and his family  for just over 2 months whilst volunteering to teach English in the small town of Phonphisai. My original thought of coming to Thailand was forpurely teaching experience. But after completing my 2 months in Phonphisai,            I returned to England with so much more. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted with the love and warmth of Jack and his relatives. On most evenings, myself, Alex, &
Sarah would eat a whole variety of delicacies with all of Jack's, Aunts, Uncles and cousins at his Grandfather's house. This house is no ordinary house!!! With
over 3 generations dining on one floor, from baby Sanchai to Grandfather Boontrong, this house is full of laughter, love and great food of course!!

     Phonphisai is a very small town on the banks of the Mekong river, which separates Thailand & Laos. Staying here changed my whole perspective on
travelling. Most people who travel to Thailand overlook the Isaan region, for it's lack of tourist sites. But for myself, it is the true face of Thailand.
Whilst slowly devouring my favourite Cappaccino Ice Cream at the riverside Milk Cafe, I remember the scores of children playing fun and games in the late
afternoon sun, monks in their rich orange robes gathering in the temple courtyard, and locals finishing their daily duties, getting ready for the most important meal of the day. I spent most of my afternoons by that riverside cafe, watching the world go by, enjoying an occasional conversation with a curious Thai, while the crimson sun set descended beautifully over the peaceful town and
the winding river.

   By day, I was an assistant teacher at the local secondary school. Here, I would help Ajan (Teacher) Phusita in class, in a number of ways such as pronunucation, grammar and spelling. Again my role went beyond that, as gradually I realised that all of the above were secondary. The students wanted to know more about myself and the culture that I represented. Furthermore, many seemed to be very interested on my thoughts of Thai culture. Hence, teaching in Phonphisai enabled the opportunity for myself as a teacher, and the students, to teach English through the means of sharing both cultures. The phrase 'time of your life' is used too easily in this day in age. I do believe that my stay with Jack, and his family in Phonphisai, was the best time
of my life. I discovered so much about the world and myself. Yet, there seems tobe something in my heart which urges me to return there one day in the future to
rediscover the adventurous Joe, and to rekindle the friendships which I forged.
The true Thailand awaits to those who are adventurous enough to seek it.

 Joe Pournovin
 GM Used Vehicle Sales
 T: 0870 444 7677
F: 0870 444 7959
Email: joseph.pournovin@ge.com