A quick note about the wonderful world of mae bahns!

I am completely spoiled.

I realized this, then I realized I should share it with you all. So.. at teacher housing, called Samakee Gardens, they recommend you get a mae bahn (literally house mother), or a maid. This helps support the local economy, gives these lovely ladies work and gives you an in to the Thai culture. I thought I really didn't need a maid, I mean I've been living in my own filth for so long that it doesn't really bother me anymore, but I thought, why not, sure!

So I interviewed a couple ladies and I went with Oie, a wonderful middle aged lady who's worked with one family for 15 years and came with great recommendations. The first day she arrived, she asked if I wanted her to cook for me, so I thought, sure, why not! I didn't really think anything of it and went off to school.

I came back to an immaculate house, laundered clothes, freshly made bed, and green curry and rice and veggies on the stove. I thought to myself.. hmmm I could get used to this! The curry and veggies were absolutely delicious, and she had even bought me some fruit and cut it up for me and put it in little packages to take to school. The next day she came back to drop off something while I was out and she made my bed again.. I was like awwww!!

Next week, it was chicken fingers, rice and some sort of yummy spicy chicken, lime, and cilantro salad artfully decorated and displayed with lettuce and tomato. She also bought me fresh cut flowers and later that night, she came over with some brownies still warm from the oven.

Clearly, she doesn't need to do all of this for me. She doesn't get paid any more if she brings me extra food, or buys me flowers. She does it out of the goodness of heart and because she wants me to be happy. This really is a small example of the generosity and kindness of Thai people in general. The taxi driver who goes out of his way to make sure I get home ok, the guy who helps out my friend when she wasn't feeling well.. etc. etc.

The cost of this incredible service...? A demanding 2000 Baht a month, or $60.