The first time I go Thailand came I fell in love. In love with the country and I soon knew I would come back here more often. After several visits I got to know my current boyfriend Koson. We got into a relationship and then you know: there will come a time when you will be introduced to the in-laws.
Nervous because I didn't know exactly what to expect, we arrived at the airport of Udon Thani. The reception committee, consisting of my father-in-law, mother-in-law and a nephew together with the driver, was already ready. To introduce myself, I shook hands with both my father-in-law and mother-in-law, a ritual they clearly didn't know what to do with. As a gift I was presented with a garland of flowers (the kind that is often hung on the rear-view mirror of the car).
The car turned out to be a pickup truck. To my question how we were going journey, was the answer: we are inside and my parents are in the back of the truck. I couldn't imagine that: me as a young thirty-something comfortable on the benches in the air conditioning and those old people in the cargo bed. And that more than 150 kilometers long. So I insisted that they sit in the car and my friend and I in the back. I saw them thinking: what a strange farang. Finally arrived in one piece at the in-laws house; I actually really enjoyed the whole ride.
In the evening I was asked what I wanted to eat. I wanted something with chicken and that could be arranged. Fifteen minutes later I walked into the house and there she was, her legs tied in the corner, looking at me with frightened eyes: the chicken that was to be my supper. Sure, I know chicken doesn't grow on trees, but I'd rather not see the staple of my meal terrified before the inevitable arrives. So when I was eating, it tasted less than I had hoped. Got through the rest of the stay there vegetarian.
After four days the 'Isaan part' of the holiday was over. I was glad we were going back to 'civilization', but I also looked forward to the next visit. Both the area and my in-laws were in my heart from that moment on.
Submitted by Stephen
Nice story. You should see a visit to the family of an acquaintance as the point of no return. Not so bad in your case, you were in a relationship and already call them in-laws. But you will feed them who think it's just a fun outing.
You clearly haven't read enough when you shake hands with the lovely people and are surprised that the bed of a pickup is the pinnacle of Isaan luxury.
Very good to choose a chicken, a steak or pork steak would probably have led to an even more bloody scene. A bit bland that you prefer to eat only meat from the factory.
The wreath of flowers is typically something of a welcome and, if I'm not mistaken, even more of a farewell. I usually get a few on my last day of vacation. I have also 'just' bought such a wreath myself, but unfortunately that is not the intention. The acquaintances come and ask in surprise if it's my last day already (and get a lady drink). Which is a shame because the jasmine (malee I believe) smells lovely.