Script

__ T h a i l a n d S c r i p t : __

// Student knocks at the door // // Tong walks over to the door and opens it //

Sawatdee, Welcome!
 * Kamala: **

Hello, my name is Alexis. I’m your foreign exchange student from America. And I was sent here to learn about the Thai culture.
 * Student ** :

Welcome to Thailand! Come on in!
 * Tong ** :

// Student walks in //

Wait, wait, wait! Take off your shoes!! It’s a sign of respect here, in Thailand.
 * Kamala ** :

Cha! Sunisa! Areva! Come and meet our new American friend, Alexis.
 * Tong: **

// (Bow) // Sawatdee.
 * Cha, Sunisa, & Areva: **

Would you like something to eat? Dinner is almost ready.
 * Tong: **

Sure
 * Alexis: **

(Alexis and the family walk over to the eating place and sit on a pillow.) (Kamala goes to the kitchen and adds the final touches to the meal)

Hurry up mae!
 * Areva: **

Areva, that’s rude, don’t be impatient. Your acting like a jai ron.
 * Tong: **

(Walking over from the kitchen and says to Alexis) That means hot heart. We don’t tolerate impatience in Thailand.
 * Kamala: **

As long as your polite and don’t show signs of impatience, you will be known has a jai yen, or a cool heart.
 * Tong: **

Alright, Sunisa, you can say grace this evening. Mrs. McG question - Do they call it grace?
 * Kamala: **

(Everyone in the family takes each others hands and bow their heads and close their eyes.)

(Making the sign of the cross) In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
 * Alexis: **

(The entire family looks up at her confused and like what the what)

We’re Buddhists, we don’t bless ourselves like you do.
 * Cha: **

Oh……
 * Alexis: **

Sunisa: Anyway……..

( family bows theirs heads and closes their eyes )

First, let us reflect on our own work and the effort of those who brought us this food. Second, let us be aware of the quality of our deeds as we receive this meal. Third, what is most essential is the practice of mindfulness, which helps us to transcend greed, anger and delusion. Fourth, we appreciate this food which sustains the good health of our body and mind. Fifth, in order to continue our practice for all beings we accept this offering.

** All except for Alexis: ** Amen

// (sort of after…) //

** Alexis: ** Amen

// (Family begins to eat) //

** Alexis: ** Mmm! This is good! What’s it called?

** Cha: ** It’s Pad Woon Sen. It has noodles, chicken, and vegetables!

** Alexis: ** It’s delicious!

// (family finishes eating) //

** Tong: ** Alright, let’s watch the news everyone.

** Kamala: ** Alexis, this is a good way for you to learn a little more about Thailand.

(everyone goes and sits by the TV uhm yeah!)

** Alexis: ** Well, that was interesting!

** Kamala: ** And here’s a brochure to show you the map and geography of Thailand. We have mountains here, and it’s usually hot and rainy. I hope you packed accordingly!