'Grandma Withaar' in Isan

When I ask through my girlfriend how old she is, she replies: “As old as the Thai king". She is very proud of that.

The children in the village call her 'Grandma Withaar'. The 87 years of life can be seen from her. She was once a beautiful young woman, coveted by many male villagers. Now she is a wise old lady. The sun, the hard life in the countryside have marked her. The deep grooves in her face speak volumes.

She is blind in her left eye. Her teeth and gums are black from intensively chewing betel nut. In addition, she is very skinny, fragile would actually be a better word. Yet she radiates strength, she is still up to date. She owns some land, but she is rather frugal. The villagers respect her, because people here have a lot of respect for the elderly.

When I bivouac in my girlfriend's village, usually only for a short time, I walk around on the sandy paths with my camera at the ready. There is always something to photograph. She recognizes me when I walk up and starts laughing. She willingly allows herself to be captured. She wants me to sit with her. You can only talk to her through my girlfriend. I am not fluent in the language and the Isan dialect.

After a few shots, I bow and thank her. She smiles. I walk on and wonder if she will still be there on my next visit to the village…