Pimp your own Nutcracker

Thu, Dec 21, 2006

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3 Comments For This Post

  1. mangadezi-jr Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at December 24, 2006 - 9:48 am

    I was looking for Lao food and stumbled across your blog–very cool. I’ve been trying to get my brother to go teach somewhere, anywhere–Korea, Thailand– just wanted him to see some of the world . . .
    Your Thailand trip raised several interesting questions– I was born in Thailand but my mom’s family is Lao, or Isan–did you experience any negativity because you are Lao? I’m come across that from time-to-time in Thai circles, just wondering– also, what do Lao’s think of Isan peoples?

  2. lao-ocean-girl Says:
    December 24th, 2006 at December 24, 2006 - 9:44 pm

    As for as negativity for being Lao: In Thailand, Thai people were very warm to me. They referred to Thailand and Laos and brother and sisters, since the culture is so similar. Of course, you’ll always find Thais that think they’re better than their poor, uneducated Lao neighbors.

    As for Korea, you’ll find that people treat you differently because you’re Asian, and not just because you’re Thai or Lao. It’s more difficult for Asians to get a job in Korea, because they associate America with white people. Of course, not everyone is that closed minded - I did work there for 4 years! Just be aware of that aspect.

    I think Laotians think of Isan people as Lao, but living in Thailand. The language and culture is similar, and I don’t think there’s any negativity towards the Isan.

    I would definitely recommend your brother, or anyone, to use teaching as a means to travel the world.

  3. mangadezi-jr Says:
    December 27th, 2006 at December 27, 2006 - 6:54 am

    I just realized recently how much my family is Lao, culturally– from music, food, clothing, etc . . . just interesting–thought myself as Thai for so long, but Thai only in terms of geography.
    Saw the photo of the Laab with venison and elk–had me salivating . . .
    My kids and I found a Thai restaurant in our town that serves sticky rice, laab and som tum, so we’re all very happy about that.