The Normalcy of Surreality

It can be hard to describe to non-expats how you reach a point in your foreign-culture living where the surreal becomes commonplace and the previously normal becomes, well, surreal. I had a moment like that just last week.

I am an American, a Westerner, living in Thailand, the Far East. It is understandable that the cultural and language differences go a long way to keeping me always a bit wrong-footed but I have to admit that having the kids in the German school, yet a third culture into the mix, heightens the feeling for me that I will really never quite fit in. Always a bit of a square peg, I am. So in it's way that constant imbalance has sort of become my new normal. I'm learning to find my footing in spite of it but often it feels like it will never quite go away. I had to chuckle last week when I found myself at a an event that in the States would be truly commonplace, something I would under non-expat circumstances take completely for granted. I realized that this seldom-felt comfort of familiarity now felt surreal. I've gotten so used to living without it that now that I had it, I didn't know what to do with it! At first. I thought to myself "Normal people back home get to do stuff like this all the time, and not think twice about it. Today I get to do it, too." So I sat back and enjoyed it. And so did Conrad as it was his Annual Sports Field Day. Surrounded by sports: now there is someplace I can truly feel at home.

The event took place at one of the International schools, about a 40 minute drive from our house. After a few days of ugly, smelly smoke and haze due to the burning of the rice fields that happens every year, the day began surprisingly clear and blue, not too warm yet, but no longer cold. (I know, I know, how dare I say 52 degrees F is cold when all over the States it has barely been above 0 for weeks at a time?) It was a very enjoyable drive. The view of Doi Suthep, the mountain east of the city, was lovely behind the buildings of the campus lining the athletic field.

It was Conrad's first ever Field Day and he participated in 4 events, 3 races and the high jump.
Starting off with the 60M Relay. On your mark, get set...

 Go!

In the bullpen, studying the schedule.

On to the next one. Ready?

GO! (So fast his feet don't even touch the ground!)

Finishing his heat in the lead, and finishing 8th out of 13.

Discussing high-jump strategy with Coach Tetzel.

 The CDSC Lions take a break in the shade after a long, fun day.

 Conrad's relay team took 5th place in the 60M relay. Go Lions!

Proud Momma, giving my boy a hug!

Meanwhile, on the artistic side, a few days later Vivienne's class put on a performance of "Der Regenbogenfisch", (The Rainbow Fish).

 Vivienne provided the soundtrack.

Bunny-dog helped with the xylophone

Take a bow, everyone!

Refreshments were served afterward. "Rainbowfish" carrot cake, made by the cast and crew. (Someone had to explain that to me, I couldn't figure it out for myself...)

We always have our fingers crossed that one day you can celebrate some of these events with us, in person!
Love to you all~