A Smile & a Laugh

This past week while I was waiting at the elephant vet, I met a mahout named Duey. He has the cutest little two year old boy. He liked to sit on my lap for a little bit then run back to his mom. He was adorable. Even though we weren't able to verbally communicate, we could understand each other based on body language. Plus, his little giggles said enough.

Duey asked me in broken English, what my name was and where I was from. He then tried to tell me something in Thai using hand motions, but I had no idea. So he got out his tablet, typed it in and translated it to English so I could read it. He was asking if I was there to "bathe the wound" or help the vet. The second time he typed something, it said "elephant husbandman". I was really confused! I laughed, shook my head and shrugged my shoulders. He then tried again and it said, "veternarian"! I was like, "Ahh!! Yes. Yes." It was really sweet of him to take the time to speak with me even if it was via electronics.

Another mahout asked me what my name was, but he spoke in Thai. I had no idea what he was saying. He repeated it a couple of times before answering the question himself. He pointed to himself and said his name. I was then able to understand what he wanted from me. He just wanted to know my name! I replied saying, "Randi" very slowly and he repeated it. Then said, "America?" I said, "Yes!"

A few people at the camp who speak English pretty well still have trouble with some words. They will repeat the word to me, but sometimes I have difficulty figuring out what it is they are trying to say. When that happens, they just spell the word for me. I'm always like, "Oh yeah"! We laugh a bit then I teach them how to pronounce the word properly.

Jin, myself and Bas who works at the zip line nearby, were playing music on our phones one afternoon. We all knew and listened to Adele and Mumford & Sons. It's crazy how the music I listen to in the States is the same that people all the way in Thailand are enjoying.

We are all alike, young and old. Even though our language and culture might be different, we all want to communicate with each other. It's amazing how we find ways to make that happen. Luckily, a smile and a laugh is understood in every language around the world.