Si Yaek Bang Toei School , students patiently taught us to fashion Krathongs , miniature floating containers used in the traditional Thai November festival , out of banana leaves and seasonal flowers . As we watched our newly made krathongs float away from us on the river , we all sent out a small prayer for a better tomorrow . In the same spirit , we both exchanged performances with each other . While the Thai students showed us the traditional Ramwong ( a popular folk dance ) and treated us to a powerful show of Muay Thai , we Josephians sang fervently to St . Joseph ’ s Call and danced to a popular TikTok song .
On the remaining days of our trip , we delved into unique aspects of Thai culture – martial arts and desserts . Over three long hours , our SJI students grasped the basics of Muay Thai with the comforting support of our teachers and instructors . In the process , we learnt the importance of patience and routine , key aspects to master this martial art .
We are very grateful for this opportunity to train with practitioners . Baskar Krishh ( FN403 ) summed up this experience best : “ I enjoyed the Muay Thai session . The instructors were so likeable and kept us engaged throughout the session ”.
We also visited a restaurant in Bangkok for a short dessert-making session . We were all tasked with making Kluai Bhat Chi , or banana in coconut milk . A seemingly simple dessert with only two key ingredients , it demands a perfect balance of sugar to achieve the desired outcome . Perseverance saw us produce steaming hot dessert bowls for everyone to enjoy – though with varying degrees of tastiness . “ Somehow the Kluai Bhat Chi from the groups which added a more than the comfortable amount of sugar tasted the most authentic ,” Guy Vorajate ( MN403 ) commented .
On the last day , our SJI students journeyed to the Thai Air Force Museum . Thailand was invaded by Japan during the war and their economy suffered during this time . Observing the aircrafts which have flown through these troubled times and have fought in the wars that we now study , gave us a nuanced understanding of military history .
Thai students teaching our Josephians how to make krathongs
Josephians and teachers , along with students at the Si Yaek Bang Toei School
Our Josephians practising Muay Thai
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LUMEN GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP : A CULTURE AND SERVICE EXPEDITION IN BANGKOK