In addition to our academic Thai Language class at Payap University, one complement of classroom learning was an experiential activity of paddy planting in Mae Rim, a district in the central part of Chiang Mai Province. (about 35 km from the city of Chiang Mai)
The journey was tranquil with great scenic charm, and we; chattering happily and eagerly awaiting to reach our destination. There, at a beautiful farm, a healthy water buffalo greeted us warmly together with the friendly farmers.
"WHAT? Ride a Water Buffalo? HoW??"
Getting up on the buffalo was not easy, even with the help of a BIG PuSh.
Successfully riding on the Buffalo.
Luckily, I had Jessica in the front so i could held tightly onto her waist.
Surprisingly, a buffalo's leathery skin is smooth and silky,
even under the harsh sun and without applying SK II.
Okay, almost there... Felt Sorry for the Buffalo...
Hope we were not toO heavy for him.
Getting down from the Buffalo was even tOugher.
I don't want to fall like a Giant Potato!!
Haven't even try that back home in Malaysia.
PleaSe, Please don't let gO of me.. I didn't bring extra clothing.
Oh no, Kathy was almost done and i haven't even started!!
- Transplanting Paddy -
Bend your body 90 degree, Make a hOle in the mud, Put in the rice plant.
(And hope it won't collapse..)
I'm NOT Slow.....
I'm Just Worrying if there is a Snake doing pole dancing around my legs
or kissing my tOes!!
(as a matter of fact, there are no snakes but big leeches in paddy fields.
But Mae Rim has got the largest snake farm in the region!!)
Yeah! Last batch and I'm done. Will be back for the harvesting time!!
Thailand is the world's largest exporter of rice which represents a significant part of Thai economy and culture. Rice production uses up over half of the farmable land area and labour force.
Thailand is also known for producing one of the finest high quality rice in the world, using old strains of better/higher quality, rather than the modern high producing strains. The Hom Mali rice (Jasmine rice) is the only indigenous rice in the world with a natural fragrance.
Like Sabah and Sarawak (in Malaysia), many of Thailand's cultural festivals coincide with the planting and harvesting seasons. Rice plays an important symbolic role in many religious festivals and as an essence of Thai life.
The half day experiences of a paddy farmer: from the faithful water buffalo to working at the slippery muddy field under the hot sun always reminded me how precious each grain of rice is, and locked me in thoughts each time i have a bowl of rice. From then on, not a grain of rice shall gone into waste.
After taking a lunch break, we headed to the Exhibition hall. Took our class group photo before we were on our way to a local market.
Back row: Carol, Brett, Kathy, Averill, Tom, Annie
Front row: Ronald, Ajahn Om (Lecturer), LuLu, Jessica, Michael
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