Huai Ma Kha Som (Tomato Village), Mae Hong Son, Thailand

Yesterday marked the day we got split into teams of 3-4 to work on our group research projects. As a group, we decided to focus on spirit mediums (or otherwise known as voodoo masters by my group) for our project and we’ve been interviewing spirit doctors for the past two days. We’re in Tomato Village at the moment, and have been blessed with Jib, or teaching assistant cum translator, who has an Aircard (giving us access to internet).

We’re at a homestay in one of the Tai-yai (Shan) houses. I think the walls are made out of bamboo strips which have been weaved together to form some kind of checkered pattern. I hope the photos do greater justice than my explanation. Our bed is basically made up of 2 mattresses laid on the ground, with pillows and a blanket each. I’m glad the owners were nice enough to help us lay out a mosquito netting too (:

I’ve learnt quite a bit over the last few days, I think. Relationships are key to interviewing people. You can’t just barge into a house and expect your questions to be answered. Sometimes, people are just waiting for others to just show a little interest in their life story, and it’s heartwarming to discover how much people are actually willing to share with you. And it’s amazing how people are willing to help for free. Running errands with us, under the hot sun, and translating our questions for us patiently—never uttering a single complaint. Simply amazing. Thank you, Jib, Noppie, Yada and Pang!

Just got back from a surreal bath under the stars, with candlelight. Seriously, this is one crazy field trip.


The beautiful, breathtaking landscape of Tomato Village


Pang explaining the Shan practice of tattooing their spirit doctors with Burmese letters to mark their transition into a spirit practitioner (a.k.a. sala in Shan language)


The Shan spirit doctor’s granddaughter. Chubby and bubbly all in one package!


Second time bumping into this little girl. The last time was during our first visit to Tomato Village. Her grandma explained that she was unwilling to smile for the camera because she’s got a tooth loose! How adorable :D


A snapshot of our interview with the Shan spirit doctor, with Pang as our translator and Jib as our resident entertainer :P


Our beds for the night!


Taking a photo on the 2nd level of our homestay. The view’s amazing. But of course, we had to endure numerous flights of stairs to make our way here. We were panting so heavily I couldn’t greet the hosts with one breath! Sa waa (gasps), dee kah!


Our homestay!


Not the house we’re living in at the moment, but it’s just opposite us and looks pretty much the same—made up of bamboo pieces and really sturdy.