SAWASDEE 2

[ThaitoUSA 15]

toma1, thanks for the link to the Holy Basil seeds. I also saw Thai chilis on Amazon as well. I'm excited, since my fiancee has also expressed a strong interest in having essential Thai ingrediants, such as the chilis. I have found Thai brand oyster and fish sauce in the area grocers. Looks like the last big thing will be papaya. She loves it too.

Fortunately she also enjoys western food such as pizza, pretzels, mac and cheese, etc. My only concern is that she does not put on too much weight! She's about 5 feet tall and weighs 90 pounds. I'm hoping an active lifestyle with regular exercise shall counterbalance a farang diet.

[toma1 10]

toma1, thanks for the link to the Holy Basil seeds. I also saw Thai chilis on Amazon as well. I'm excited, since my fiancee has also expressed a strong interest in having essential Thai ingrediants, such as the chilis. I have found Thai brand oyster and fish sauce in the area grocers. Looks like the last big thing will be papaya. She loves it too.

Fortunately she also enjoys western food such as pizza, pretzels, mac and cheese, etc. My only concern is that she does not put on too much weight! She's about 5 feet tall and weighs 90 pounds. I'm hoping an active lifestyle with regular exercise shall counterbalance a farang diet.

Yep, that's underweight. For a 5'0" woman the low end of normal BMI is 95.

My fiancee is 5'6"--virtually a giant among Thai women--and weighs 110. She should weigh at least 115, but she considers that to be fat. In fact any woman over there with a normal BMI seems to consider themselves to be fat.

[Devkpaik 1]

toma1, thanks for the link to the Holy Basil seeds. I also saw Thai chilis on Amazon as well. I'm excited, since my fiancee has also expressed a strong interest in having essential Thai ingrediants, such as the chilis. I have found Thai brand oyster and fish sauce in the area grocers. Looks like the last big thing will be papaya. She loves it too.

Fortunately she also enjoys western food such as pizza, pretzels, mac and cheese, etc. My only concern is that she does not put on too much weight! She's about 5 feet tall and weighs 90 pounds. I'm hoping an active lifestyle with regular exercise shall counterbalance a farang diet.

Yep, that's underweight. For a 5'0" woman the low end of normal BMI is 95.

My fiancee is 5'6"--virtually a giant among Thai women--and weighs 110. She should weigh at least 115, but she considers that to be fat. In fact any woman over there with a normal BMI seems to consider themselves to be fat.

Same as my fiance. She's about 5'4 and weighed about 107 pounds in Thailand. Now she's complaining that eating all this American food is making her get fat. She has gained weight haha, but probably like one pound.

[Thai family 0]

Where should my DIL go in Thailand to get an international driver's license? It should be the equivilent of AAA here in the states. From what I understand, CO is not going to be in any hurry to issue her a license. She needs to keep busy when she gets here, as that's what she's used too. In thinking about the adjustment issues and homesickness, that's probably going to be the key for her. I understand she's bringing all the food customs and the Dept pf Agriculture will allow!

Thai Mom

For the IDL, have here check here (Dept of Land Transport in Thailand).

http://www.dlt.go.th/knowlegde.html

The english portion of the website is not very good, but perhaps the Thai page has more info. She could always call them.

Rin didn't bring any food. Thought about it, but knew it would run out in a few months and she would have to be self-sufficient on whatever we could buy locally. There are four asian stores in Memphis, so it has not been a problem (although we still have not found krapow - holy basil - only horapha, a reasonable substitute).

John

Thanks for the link, John. Hopefully she'll be able to get one before she comes.

I'm taking notes on the food. I noticed they ate frequently over there. We always managed to call when the kids were headed out to breakfast. Our Asian market is about the size of my kitchen. They do boast frozen Kaffir lime leaves and Thai chilies. I did find some fish sauce that is actually made in Thailand. I have figured out that it may be causing that peculiar odor in my fridge. My DIL is getting a rice cooker for Christmas, along with the long underwear.

We're hoping the owner our local Thai restaurant will help her out. My son goes there to see her when he gets really hungry for food 'prepared the right way', and to practice his Thai. When she sees him see gets out her hottest chilies.

Thai Mom

[Thai family 0]

There is a cookbook I ordered from Amazon Quick and Easy Thai, that looks pretty helpful. I haven't used it much, but then I don't cook that much. It has a glossary, plus notes and advice on adapting ingredients for here in the US, along with fairly simple recipes. It is time to pull it out and bone-up!

Thai Mom

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

Question for divorced guys with a fiancee applying for a K1 visa in Bangkok:

When you provided your divorce decree to the embassy, did you give them the MARRIAGE certificate for that previous marriage as well? Or did you only need the divorce paperwork?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.

This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

Any of you guys that go back to Thailand on a semi regular basis to see your fiancee/wife, find that there is an adjustment period for the first few days your back in LOS? That it may take her a period of time to get "re-acquainted". Even though you talk on the phone a few times a day.....

Just curious, I am leaving to go back to Thailand for the 6th time, on 12/3, to see my wife. I've been doing this every 2 1/2 months or so now. (you can see my schedule in my time line below). I may be seeing this pattern....not sure.....

just some thoughts.........

Edited November 24, 2008 by Birch-Beer

[toma1 10]

Any of you guys that go back to Thailand on a semi regular basis to see your fiancee/wife, find that there is an adjustment period for the first few days your back in LOS? That it may take her a period of time to get "re-acquainted". Even though you talk on the phone a few times a day.....

Just curious, I am leaving to go back to Thailand for the 6th time, on 12/3, to see my wife. I've been doing this every 2 1/2 months or so now. (you can see my schedule in my time line below). I may be seeing this pattern....not sure.....

just some thoughts.........

Ya, I think that's normal. A day maybe. I wouldn't be concerned if it's just that one thing.

K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.

This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)

Thank you. Did you test that yourself, or hear it from somewhere?

[eric_f 0]

Any of you guys that go back to Thailand on a semi regular basis to see your fiancee/wife, find that there is an adjustment period for the first few days your back in LOS? That it may take her a period of time to get "re-acquainted". Even though you talk on the phone a few times a day.....

Just curious, I am leaving to go back to Thailand for the 6th time, on 12/3, to see my wife. I've been doing this every 2 1/2 months or so now. (you can see my schedule in my time line below). I may be seeing this pattern....not sure.....

just some thoughts.........

"re acquainted" lol. The quotes make it seem like you're inferring something dirty. Other than the fact she wants to be overly smothering for the first couple of days, it hasn't been any different in my visits. You have to remember that you've each been running your own show for the past X amount of time too, so that change is probably what you're noticing.

Edited November 24, 2008 by eric_f

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.

This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)

Thank you. Did you test that yourself, or hear it from somewhere?

test it?... maybe I'm missing your original question...

no its written everywhere and this is my 2nd time through this #######......

[birch- phuk_beer 0]

Any of you guys that go back to Thailand on a semi regular basis to see your fiancee/wife, find that there is an adjustment period for the first few days your back in LOS? That it may take her a period of time to get "re-acquainted". Even though you talk on the phone a few times a day.....

Just curious, I am leaving to go back to Thailand for the 6th time, on 12/3, to see my wife. I've been doing this every 2 1/2 months or so now. (you can see my schedule in my time line below). I may be seeing this pattern....not sure.....

just some thoughts.........

"re acquainted" lol. The quotes make it seem like you're inferring something dirty. Other than the fact she wants to be overly smothering for the first couple of days, it hasn't been any different in my visits. You have to remember that you've each been running your own show for the past X amount of time too, so that change is probably what you're noticing.

hahaha........ just not seeing each other, and BAM, back in each others faces 24/7

yea, that makes sense.....She is strong willed and independent...

[toma1 10]

K-1 or K-3, you only need the divorce decree, not the previous marriage cert.

This is to prove that your not married now and are able to legally marry in the future (for K-1)

Thank you. Did you test that yourself, or hear it from somewhere?

test it?... maybe I'm missing your original question...

no its written everywhere and this is my 2nd time through this #######......

What I mean is that the instructions in Packet 3 say, " Both Petitioner and Beneficiary should submit a certified copy of all marriage certificates. If either Petitioner and Beneficiary was previously married, please provide proof of termination of that marriage."

So what I meant was whether your fiancee actually went to the interview without your prior marriage certificate... and was successful.

Edited November 24, 2008 by toma1

[daboyz 36]

I do know I need to find some rotten bacteria fish soupy yick somewhere. Apparently it's some 6 month old horrendous concoction they love (at least in Roi Et). I don't understand their love affair with fishy tastes...why couldn't it be beef? LOL!

Luckily my tilac's not lung mat so she can eat anything (but she needs her fix) she MUST have her papaya salad or she gets homesick right there in BKK. One thing I think she'll enjoy is the lack of overt prejudice and discrimination she's endured in BKK. It was shocking to hear her translate some of the nasty comments and catty things ethnic Thais do to the Isaan women (and women to women in general). I had her call a company so I could buy and import some goods and the desk lady wouldn't let her proceed with pricing and logistical questions because she was stuck on "how does an Isaan person get our phone number" and "why you call, do you have money" and on and on...my tilac said "nevermind where I from, please give me pricing and shipping details, I have client who wants to place an order." Needless to say 4 months later I still can't buy anything because they don't speak English and they don't do business with Isaan women. Even at the attorney's office, restaurants and even the sky train (some lady, sitting, told my wife she wasn't allowed to sit-unfortunately being non-confrontational, my tilac stood up). I wish I knew more Thai...the things I'd like to say when this happens (the prejudice gets my goat; I never knew it existed then to see it to this degree really pisses me off when it happens). I thought we were beyond that but I realized Thailand is not we... I told her no need to worry about feeling self conscious about her skin tone--we've got a black president coming in office and I keep talling her (she doesn't believe me) a permanent tan is sexy)! Sure discrimination is everywhere but at least I doubt she'll EVER experience it to the frequency and degree she does in BKK. She partly wants to leave Thailand just because of that alone.

One great thing--I called and found a restaurant in Baltimore (they're Isaan) who can make papaya any time she likes! I asked about the bacteria fish and they said it was difficult to get (I need to press them more- I think I'll be dealing with a depression in my hands unless Mr. Bacteria fish shows his stinky head)!

I am a huge fan of Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup with holy basil among other things). Speaking of holy Basil...does anyone sell seeds here in the US? If not, I've got to smuggle some back. I only wish I lived in Florida or California...somewhere where it's NOT snowing right now! Green papaya, green mango will be harder to find but I think we'll have a good time looking for her goodies together.

My tilac also claims she won't get home sick but even in BKK she gets homesick and MUST have her papaya salad EVERY SINGLE DAY (I can't let myself forget that...I need to have her all set up when I bring her here)!

Did I say I'm tired of waiting for NOA2?

Stickman should be your guide at all times.

[*Robert* 2]

Question for divorced guys with a fiancee applying for a K1 visa in Bangkok:

When you provided your divorce decree to the embassy, did you give them the MARRIAGE certificate for that previous marriage as well? Or did you only need the divorce paperwork?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Tom, when I went through BNK, they didn't have that requirement. My interpretation of the new instructions are that you only need to provide a copy of your divorce decree. Marriage certificates are what you get in Thailand when you register your marriage. You also get an equivalent Divorce certificate as well. Just make sure the papers you provide are stamped by the court clerk.

Stickman should be your guide at all times.

Here's one of many websites you can find seeds from:

http://www.evergreenseeds.com/thaibasil3.html

Edited November 24, 2008 by roi_aggie

[bogey1 0]

It is always hardest on the 1^st generation of immigrants, and they will typically push away their ethnic culture and background, in order to better fit in. It is the 2^nd generation that tries to rekindle with their roots.

This reminded me to ask about something that is only tangentially related, but since I have some experienced posters available I hope I might ask some advice.

What did you do to manage homesickness?

I live south of Tampa, so she won't have to adapt to weather very much. We also have an AMAZING Thai temple nearby: http://www.wattampa.com/PAGE_1/Page_12_Maintemple.html

But still, I worry about homesickness.

My fiancee is well traveled and well educated, but she has a definite preference for Thai food. (Though I must say a lot of Western food in Thailand is, well, BAD, and not a good example of the food she will actually get here. She still thinks spaghetti is properly served with Ketchup. LOL...) This issue is compounded by the fact that she is a Bangkok girl and used to having good cheap food on every street corner. She had a great job there and rarely cooked for herself, so she cannot really cook a lot of Thai food. (i.e. she's spoiled by BKK)

Her English is already quite good and she will take a few English courses when she first gets here. Eventually she'll go back to work. But in the meantime, what do you all suggest?

I was worried about the homesickness factor as well. I live in Seattle, WA so the weather difference is humongous. So far she's been adapting very well and she hasn't been bothered by the coldness.

She does miss Thai food a little bit, but it's nothing where it's bothering her.

She's taking english classes as an ESL course and had to test into a certain level. She tested into level 2 so she got to skip to levels which meant her english was pretty good, which I knew anyways but didn't know she'd test that well.

I remember I spoke with her a lot before she came about her being homesick and what we could do to help ease her homesickness and she always said "I won't be homesick, don't worry". I thought she might just be saying that to make me not worry, but really she hasn't been homesick at all.

Everyone is different so of course I can't guarantee your fiance won't be homesick but just thought I'd share my two cents.

Good luck.

Oh yea, also she's totally loving Pho (Vietnamese noodles)! She even says she likes them more than Thai noodles. About food, we both cook together usually every night. She's always been able to eat every type of food, and although she misses Thai food, she eats any type of food, especially Japanese food which is good because I'm Japanese-American.

Have you found a good source for Thai ingredients in Seattle? The NVC just sent our K-1 to the embassy in Bangkok and I'd like to find a good market for her before she comes over. Thanks