Experiencing true Thai culture in Ban Song (Val)

We left Hua Hin about 10 pm Saturday, March 10, on overnight train to Ban Song where we were greeted at 7 am by Wanla and her daughter, Faang, who graciously hosted us for a couple of days and introduced us to some true Thai culture.

Downtown Ban Song

Ban Song is a small city far away from any tourist areas. I think it might even be true to say that we are the only foreigners here now and that very few come to this region.  We've been warmly received by our hosts, their family and friends and even a few strangers who helped us out when we lost the keys to the scooter Wanla's sister loaned us.  The keys had fit loosely in the ignition and we think we lost them on a bumpy road leading to the park we went for a hike in. Then, we ran out of gas about 30 minutes outside of Ban Song.  There is a somewhat logical explanation for this which will be a good story sometime! (Brenda questions the use of the word "logical")

Yesterday we spent a good part of the day at Wanla's sister's home out in the country where we were greeted by a menagerie of cats, dogs, roosters, and hens.  We were happy to get a bit of dog love in. We also watched a Thai newscast broadcasting world news in English - interesting to hear from a different perspective.

Our host Wanla and Brenda at their family home near Ban Song

 Last evening we went to a Karoke pub where Faang entertained us with her beautiful voice singinging a variety of songs in both Thai and English. We think she should try out for American Idol!

Fang sharing her talents in both Thai and English at a Karoke Pub in Ban Song

Today we enjoyed a peaceful ride through the mountains and sat under a thatched roof hut on the bank of a big reservoir and consumed a couple of $0.80 good local beers. Tonight we will be learning to cook some Traditional Thai BBQ. Have we mentioned yet that the food here is sooooo good!

Enjoying an $0.80 cent beer under a campground cabana overlooking a lake near Ban Song