Through Their Eyes… is an ongoing series of articles and videos showcasing the unique experience each volunteer has at their site through a visitors’ eyes.
Cloé Fortier-King, 134 YinD
Volunteer Visited
Isaura Bozu, 134 TESS
Volunteer’s Site
Ban Luang, Nan
Why did you visit?
Bpit term; also, Isa’s and my mutual friend was traveling home to Ban Luang which provided a perfect opportunity for a visit. ☺
What did you do in their community while visiting?
My short visit to Nan included a day in Nan City and a day in the village of Ban Luang. In Nan City, Isa and I melted in the sweltering temperature but managed to explore several cafés and wats. The ancient murals on the inside of Wat Phumin were beautiful and fascinating to examine. The “Love Whisperer” imagery that Nan is known for was everywhere! Isa and I also stopped by the largest Lotus I have had the pleasure to shop at.
Back in Ban Luang, we attended a singing contest at Isa’s school. I met several of her co-teachers, and together we all cheered on the performing students, especially the one Isa coached in her lovely rendition of Sia’s “Unstoppable”. We also visited the ก๋วยเตี๋ยว (noodle) shop up the road and the local masseuse for a phenomenally soothing Thai นวด (massage).
Describe Isa’s community.
Ban Luang is quite small and centered around a main road with one singular traffic light. Isa’s home, school, a café, and several food shops are all within walking distance, something I’m envious of. Every person I encountered was kind and happy to learn about yet another farong (foreigner) in the village.
Describe where Isa lives.
Like many other volunteers, Isa has moved out of her host family’s house and is living independently these days. Her home is Thai-style, wooden, large, and absolutely GORGEOUS. It’s located on the main road and boasts both a front and back balcony, indoor kitchen, and plenty of space. Oh, and a perfect view of the sun sinking behind the mountains in streams of orange and pink every night.
Describe Isa’s schools, teachers, and students.
Although I spent only a short time at Isa’s school, my impression of the teachers and students were overwhelmingly positive. It was particularly kind of three of Isa’s co-teachers to take us out to a moo-gra-ta dinner and to 7-11 afterwards. I loved getting to know them and hope to be able to return for another visit in the future.
What were some highlights from your trip?
The biggest highlight of the trip was seeing Isa happy and settled in her community. However, the coffee, treats, and wat kitties in Nan City are also honorable mentions.
What surprised you about Isa’s community?
Although Isa had told me countless times just how elevated and mountainous her site is, I had to see it in person to truly understand her descriptions. The area is complete with panoramic mountain views and wildly curvy roads, making my Colorado-loving heart very happy.
Explain the similarities and differences between your site and Isa’s site.
Without having lived long-term at Isa’s site, it’s hard to know exactly how it compares to mine. Both sites have that special Northern Thai culture and similar industries and businesses (although Isa’s is tragically lacking in the khao soi shops that my village has). But in all seriousness, I believe the differences in the YinD and TESS programs and in Isa and my individual personalities account for our unique experiences just as much as our respective sites.
Sticky Rice 