Emma Davy, Masters in Globalization and International Development
Internship Country: Field Internship in Thailand (working on Myanmar Issues)
Canadian NGO: Forum of Federations
Local NGO: Forum of Federations in Chiang Mai
When I heard this greeting for the first time, I was struck by the warmth and concern it conveyed. It also inspired me to think more deeply about the power of food to connect people across through time and space. So, for my first blog entry, I will attempt to describe my experiences in South East Asia through the delicious dishes I have tasted and the people I have shared them with.
I first learned about this greeting from my Burmese colleague. We work together at the Forum of Federations in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have only been here for five weeks, but in that short time I have shared many bowls of noodles, pots of tea, and learned about Burmese and Thai culture in the process.
One of the most spectacular things I have experienced so far are the night markets which pop-up across the city every night to feed locals and tourists alike. Here you will find hundreds of food stalls, selling dishes from across the globe. Picture rows upon rows of tents, nestled between sacred Buddhist temples in Old Chiang Mai. The blend of history and religion that define the scenery of the night market are just as striking as the blend of flavours and textures that define the food.
At the night market, you can also see how the legacy of colonization, immigration, and cultural transfers has influenced Thailand. Vendors selling Chinese gyoza sit beside vendors selling French crêpes, sashimi, pork vindaloo, and pad thai. The night market is a melting pot of cultures and flavours.
My colleagues have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome here. On my first day of work, they invited me to go to lunch with them. Now, we swap food and stories every day over lunch. And with every meal that passes, I learn a little bit more about life in South East Asia, their experience of political conflict, and their hopes for the future.
October 10th is Thanksgiving in Canada. It is a day to give thanks to all of the people and things that make one’s life special. In light of the holiday, I decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner for my office. It was an opportunity to share my Canadian culture with colleagues and to show my appreciation. It was also everyone’s first time celebrating the Holiday and they really enjoyed trying the new foods like garlic mashed potatoes, apple pie, and green beans. We connected over our holiday traditions, over food, family and friends. This year, I am thankful for this opportunity to study and work and Thailand. I am thankful for the delicious meals I have eaten, but most of all I am thankful for the people I have shared them with.
