- Joined
- Apr 28, 2011
- Messages
- 34,141
- Reaction score
- 37,591
- Location
- With Yo Mama
- Gender
- Male
- Political Leaning
- Independent
I met my wife in Thailand, married her and after close to 50 years, still married. I learned Thai from the Thai army and Lao from the Laotian army. I never really gave Vietnamese a shot. Yes, I wouldn't trade that experience or the wife for nothing. We still observe Thai and Lao customs in our home.
Speaking of Decatur, there a Thai Buddhist Wat there that the wife and I go to all the time. Wat Buddha Bucha. During the Buddhist ceremonies or should I say big Buddhist Holidays it is just like being back in Thailand for the morning and afternoon. Thai and Lao being spoke all over, the monks doing their chanting. Thai music and on occasion Thai dancing. Great Thai and Lao food all over. I actually hate to leave the wat some days. Lots of us old ex-GI's to relieve the good times. All married to Thai or Lao woman. We usually take part in the ceremonies. Great place.
I'm about 25 miles south of Atlanta. Still out in the country a bit, but it is fast becoming a suburb of Atlanta. I really don't care for Atlanta. I sure wouldn't want to live there. I like my breathing space.
Good on you and your wife. You are both fortunate. I know it is also important to her that she can remain connected to the Thai community and to Buddhism. You too can be close to the culture and at the same time meet with other ex-GIs that also have an appreciation for Thai people.
There is a Wat west of Phoenix. My wife and I usually go during big holidays and enjoy it for many of the same reasons you mentioned. The food is fantastic. We like to watch the dancing and the Thai children are so serious when they dance. Concentration. I don't speak Thai but one of the monks is an American. He's translated a little bit for me on occasion. Also there are adult Thai-Americans who grew up in the US but are fluent in Thai and help translate a few sentences.
I volunteered to learn to speak Vietnamese in Vietnam. I learned so much more about the people and the culture by learning the language. Also as it worked out I had some pretty good duty from time to time because I could communicate with Vietnamese. Like Thais and maybe all or most Asian cultures Vietnamese have great respect for elders and children. Family is extremely important. I hope it is still that way in Vietnam and Thailand.
No, I couldn't live in Atlanta now either. I love it but I've been away for years and it's grown so much. If we ever move back I'd prefer to live in north Georgia or outside of Athens. It's all good. Atlanta is just its own independent self anymore. Hell, when I was growing up in Decatur we were just barely part of Atlanta.