On our return from the Lu Hu Hill Tribe New Year festival-which was all things Thai, I was running a fever and was just not feeling well. But energy from the festival was still running through the group so we had a little impromptu karaoke/ dance off/ talent show which sparked some serious healing endorphins through my body! Almost everyone show cased their talents in one way or the other including Ajan Cathy and Ajan Jill! It was a lot of fun to see everyone’s unique skills and apparently randomly breaking out in song and dance is SO THAI!~!
The next day I still wasn’t feeling 100%, but when evening came around I once again felt the healing power of the amazing Thai culture. Chaing Rai University and their students hosted an authentic Thai dinner with entertainment and all! There was traditional Thai music, lanterns, the delicious aroma of Thai cooking, sitting on mats in the grass with short round tables to gather around, and great Thai student company-it was da bomb! And the entertainment! Every great Thai dinner party music has great entertainment and we were not disappointed. Along side the festive Thai music enchanting the atmosphere, we watched traditional Thai drummers dance with flames, a Thai silk dancer, and beautiful candle light dancers. The captivating experience simply erased any discomfort I had been feeling earlier in the day. We even lit little lanterns/small hot air balloons! The lighting of these lanterns symbolizes letting go of the past and all the bad and welcoming the good and the possibilities of the future- just what I needed! Let go of illness and welcome healing and strength! As I released my lantern that’s exactly what I did. Looking up into the sky with 20 illuminated lanterns drifting off towards the moon, I felt peace. I felt healing. I felt empowerment towards the future as all of us student gathered in unity. Despite our cultural differences, we share the desire for peace, happiness, and knowledge.