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""Help me sweet Buddha," Yai said. "Remove this curse. Please remove it as soon as you can." She collected the glasses and repositioned Achara on her shoulder. After scowling at Sarai, Yai turned and made her way higher up the beach. She sat on an empty lounge chair. Achara squirmed from being away from the sound of her mother's voice, displeased with that separation. "It's all right," Yai whispered. "She'll come to you soon. She'll come to you like a butterfly finds a flower."... Some foreigners shrieked in the shallows, chasing one another. Yai glanced at them and wondered how so many were young and rich and slim. Were they aware of their blessings? Most of them didn't seem to be. Though at one point in her life, Yai had been envious of the good fortune of strangers, those days were gone. While she might not have money or possessions, her blessings were unmatched. Nothing could replace the joy that her loved ones gave her, a realization that had come to her along with her first gray hairs. Thanking Buddha, Yai sat down on another chair" (147-148).

{Refer to Morning Buddhist Prayer}

This secondary source helps illuminate the Thai culture because it makes it easier to understand the full appreciation the Thai people have for Buddha. There are many references in the novel to Buddhism and the prayer strongly connects the shared ideas that link the characters to their place. In the prayer, Buddha is referred to as the Blessed One, and as the characters count their blessings, especially in Yai's character, they never forget to thank Buddha. I consider this to be an important secondary source to incorporate into this portfolio because it best represents the strong bond of Thailand's people and their religion. In the novel, the Buddha is mentioned very often and as a way to show their appreciation to each other or in life, they refer to the Blessed One, Buddha, to give thanks.

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"He listened to his competitors, aware that many were also dropping their prices. After whispering to Niran to offer three hundred and fifty baht for a room, he gripped his fists tight as his son exchanged words with a group of blond-haired women. He thought that they were going to agree to Niran's offer, but in the end, one of the women thanked him, patted him on the head, and turned away. Lek closed his eyes, angry that the woman had touched Niran's head, that she didn't know Thais consider heads to be sacred and therefore practically untouchable" (26).

This secondary source is an image from a website explaining the religious ceremonies in which string is tied around the head at weddings, funerals, etc. This thread is called the sai sin thread which carries merit and protection. When the thread forms a circle the protective power is believed to be stronger because the circle is continuous. This helps enlighten my understanding of the culture by giving a further explanation of their religious practice and beliefs. This connects to this particular passage because Niran's father, Lek, is angry when the woman pats him on the head - for showing disrespect and obliviousness to his son and their culture. This is important to this portfolio because it demonstrates why it is so important to learn about the cultures of the countries you may be traveling to. Not only in Thailand are there ways you may not have thought of to show disrespect. It is good to be respectful of the culture which you are experiencing.

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"Though the kitchen was old and worn, Brooke noticed that every item of food was fresh. Bamboo baskets held mounds of onions, garlic bulbs, peppers, tomatoes, baby corn, lemongrass, and bok choy. Glass jars lining a shelf contained spices. Thick shrimp lay on a cutting board. "I am making Thai breakfast soup," Sarai said, moving toward the cutting board. "I work, and my mother sits and rests. It is always the same, every morning." Yai shook her head. "She forget that I already work for many, many years. I her slave when she baby." Grinning, Sarai handed Brooke a knife. "Will you cut up the peppers? Be careful. Do not wipe your eyes. The peppers are too spicy." Brooke took the knife, stood next to Sarai, and began dicing the peppers. "These go in the soup?" "Yes, please. Thais love spicy soup. Even for breakfast. Niran and Suchin, if their soup is not spicy, their stomachs will be bored."... The peppers were so spicy that when Brooke wiped her nose. the insides of her nostrils began to burn" (172-173).

I included this recipe of Mango Sticky Rice because it is a traditional meal in Thailand, mentioned in the novel as well. I find that food can often connect people. At the dinner table, everyone comes together to eat and share food as one unit or family. In Thailand, or anywhere else in the world, food offers the same feeling of coming together. This helps enlighten the culture by giving appreciation of new food and ridding oneself of ethnocentric ideals by exploring new tastes. This connects to this chosen passage because in the passage, Brooke (a tourist to Thailand) is helping Sarai (a local) cook in the kitchen. The idea of food bringing people together is the same idea as sharing authentic Thailand recipes - to connect cultures and bring people together.

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Authentic Mango Sticky Rice Recipe (วิธีทำ ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง)

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""Now I must go and buy vegetable." He shook his head, knowing that Sarai and her mother would laugh later at the sight of him returning with full bags of produce. He hadn't bought such things since he was a boy and his mother sent him off to trade and haggle. "Good luck," Patch replied, knowing that Thai women typically did the shopping, and understanding why Lek continued to shake his head and smile. "I think you'll need it." "You funny, Patch. Yes, I need good luck. Sure, sure I do. I need it like women need to talk. You have a good day. Thank you for helping me with Viking Cave." "You're welcome."" (137-138).

I chose this secondary source to help illuminate the culture because the image below depicts a woman shopping for produce, in the traditional lifestyle. The women cook and clean while the men do the work. In some ways, women may be offended at the idea that they are to be put in a place and have a role, but in Thailand it is simply the way they have learned to live together as tradition. The passage I have chosen relates to this image because traditionally, the women do the shopping in the family which makes it funny to him to be buying the produce for once. It is important to understand the culture in order to learn to appreciate their simple way of living rather than choosing ethnocentric judgments.

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"As usual, midday on Ko Phi Phi brought heat, humidity, and sun. The island lay near the equator and at times felt like the inside of a greenhouse. The scent of damp soil mingled with that of tropical flowers and salt laden air. The water near Rainbow Resort was placid, as it was in all but the strongest of storms. Most of the bay was protected by the limestone cliffs, which curved inward from the north and south, forming a shield the shape of a half-moon. The water was such a bright blue that it almost appeared to be illuminated from below" (20).

This secondary source was included because it reveals the attraction to tourists just as the text describes. This illuminates the culture of Thailand by giving a visual demonstration of the country and setting of the novel. This video gives a visual aid as to what a tourist in Thailand could expect to experience. Connecting this video to my chosen passage is the imagery not only in this particular passage but all throughout the novel. Just as the novel describes the island, the video may also make one wish they could come and visit. I think it is important to not only give perspective to the locals but to the tourists, due to the fact that tourists are what bring people in Thailand jobs. Their income and successes depend on the attraction of their island. Tourism is simply a part of the culture in Thailand.

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GoPro HERO 4 | AMAZING THAILAND TRIP | Travel

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To him; the Blessed One, the Accomplished One, the Supremely Self-enlightened One, having extinguished all the flames of desires and becomes rightly enlightened through His own efforts,

To the teachings of the Blessed One which are well-expounded,
And to the disciples of the Blessed One who are well-practiced,
We worship the Blessed One, His teachings and His disciples,
With these proper offerings, to render supreme homage.
It is beneficial for us that the Blessed One, having passed away for long but leaving the great benefits behind.
The Blessed One has great compassion to us who are the later generation.
May the Blessed One accepts these offerings of ours,

For our long-lasting welfare and for our long-lasting happiness.
I pay homage to the Buddha, the Awakened and the Blossomed One who is well knowledgeable.

The teachings of the Buddha are well-expounded.
I salute those teachings of the Buddha with joined palms.The disciples of the Buddha have practiced well.
I bow down with respect to them.

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Boxing Day Tsunami Anniversary: A Survivor's Story

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Boxing Day Tsunami Anniversary: A Survivor's Story

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Boxing Day Tsunami Anniversary: A Survivor's Story