My First Impressions of Chiang Mai and the Mekong School

蔚然大连项目干事程淑玲于2012年6月开始参加了为期半年的湄公学校NGO培训，培训位于泰国清迈。未来，我们会不定期与大家分享淑玲在泰国的生活感闻和学习体验。

It's my first time to visit Chiang Mai. When I was on the plane, a whole green scenery came into my sight. Compared to the drab gray in northern Chinain winter, the colors look very green and fresh. After got off the plane, I began to feel other flavoursin this city. First, I feel very hot and wet .the density of air seems thicker than the city I worked in. It requires a little time to adapt the change of climate.

Then I went out to visit the city with other students to find the taste of it. Although we did not go to many places, I still can feel that this is a different place from Chinese cities. When walking on the street we found driving very civilized, they rarely honk car horns, if they see pedestrians will automatically slow down to allow pedestrians to go first. They will be very friendly when we ask the way and even they will guide you to the destination.
 
In my opinion, food and music can give tourists the most straightforward impression. I am very pleasant that we tasted many kinds of food and heard the Thai music. Last night we went to a market, obviously, a place that is for visitors. Although it couldn’t represent the authentic style of Chiang Mai, there are still many funny  shits. I was impressed by food. It is very diverse and spicy, and felt a little uncomfortable in the beginning, but then feel very delicious for it can stimulate your appetite fully. Maybe this spicy taste was the mix of pepper and other spicy condiment made from sauce. Now I was not very clear, but very interested in the process of the sauce production
 
There are many bands and individual singers in the market. My favorite band is one that consists of bandsman, they sat on a big cloth, and each person has their own musical instruments, and played songs happily. Another band is making of some old people, and they played very seriously. Although I don’t understand Thai songs, and their music made the market seem more interesting. We should show our respect for their work. Of course, I also saw several special band people composed of blinds and a child playing alone.
 
But the most important thing is I come to Mekong school so I have the chance to feel the city. There are some setbacks before I came, but I feel very happy that I finally arrived here and begin to write my first homework. During the period that I prepare to come to Thailand, Sabrina, Shining and other staff in Mekong School are very considerate, and helped me to prepare air tickets, visa provision and gave me the tips for travel. I have stayed in Mekong School for three days, and I am still trying to remember all the names, but I can feel they are very friendly. On Friday, we study and play together; it is a little like go back to my university. I believe that I will get further understanding about their experience, personality and their country, also have more thought changes.