Behind the scenes #11 - Kìyevame, Thailand

Srake lu oeru txo livu txewìng nì’aw.For those who might be wondering: unfortunately, I don’t speak Thai. Someone actually turned the film language from Avatar — Na’vi — into an official, fully developed language. I’m still looking for a study buddy…Even though the Avatar deadline is getting closer, so is our Thailand adventure that comes to an end—for now. The highlights were riding through the mountains in search of Buddhist temples. Beauty, calmness, gratitude, and nirvana are the first words that come to mind. Every journey toward enlightenment comes with a few stumbles along the way. At one moment, I am in peace, and at the moment, the most significant life challenge was just around the corner: a family gathering in Chiang Mai, a beer pong table, and a wild cabaret show. Despite being my youngest cousin, she drinks like the family chieftain. The same goes for her boyfriend, who drinks as if it's a national sport and he’s getting paid for it. But of course, there can only be one beer pong king. I can happily say, “Still got it!” Half of my victories are, of course, attributed to my Finnish partner in crime. 

Three days later, my hangover is finally gone, and we’re back on the earth version of a Pa’li — my favorite mode of transport and holiday activity: scooting through the mountains and nature in search of blessings from Eywa.

We passed a school along the way. I spotted a football field four times better than the Weremere… Everyone seemed genuinely happy—something I don’t really remember from my own school days. Although I do remember biking to school and quickly eating a homemade sandwich while riding one-handed, I definitely didn’t expect to see someone cruising by on a scooter while casually eating noodles. We continued riding and visited a small fishing village built on poles above the water. Wasn't Amsterdam built in the same way? A large glass of beer was easy to resist with the aftershocks still lingering.  But a samurai sword for the equivalent of €0.80—  I repeat: eighty euro cents… Perhaps it's not  Rolls-Royce quality, but still.. Let’s hope Australian airport security won’t start bitching about it.