Blog comments

Curiosity is the best learning tool one can posses. ~ S M Neel

Thanks for being curious and for learning about another part of the world. I hope you enjoyed my journey, through Thailand and Cambodia, as much as I did! Just a quick note of thanks to my friend Sasha who tirelessly encouraged me to write this blog before I left. Because of her, you were all able to journey with me! And speaking of journeys or trips, I spoke to one of my friends who made me laugh when I asked about her summer. Mari stated that she and a friend took an and all-expenses paid trip to Southeast Asia and throughly enjoyed it! I LOVE IT!!!!

So here are your blog comments. I enjoyed receiving them! Some made me laugh, others made me cry ...

You must be having the time of your life in Bangkok. Thank you for sharing all you are taking in. The good, the shocking, the new, the sharing. Your blog is wonderful. You communicate so much and so well. ~Dietrich, Scituate Rotary - #7950

I am enjoying your blog. It is obvious that you are supremely suited to the program and are making the most of it. I am delighted it all came together. ~Karen, Fall River Rotary - #7950

Oh Rosamaria, you never cease to amaze me . . . your boundless energy, your overflowing affection and warmth. Your blogs are so alive. Stay happy! Con muchos abrazos. ~Inday, Philppines

What great pictures and adventures you are having! Your descriptions are wonderful and I am really enjoying it! I will keep reading and can’t wait to see you when you return back to the States. Keep writing! ~Nicole Sly

How impressed I am with you and all you do. You should be so proud of yourself for all your efforts. Great for you! ~Brenda

It sounds like you’re doing some wonderful, challenging, draining, meaningful, uplifting things in Thailand. I truly admire that you face new things head on without fear. You have the heart of a lion! ~Kathy A.
Your blog site has brought me closer to your experience in Thailand. The enriching experience of following you through your “Time through Thailand” has conveyed much more than any phone conversation could ever. As a friend who misses you dearly, I feel as if I have been on this journey with you, which was a great one! ~Sasha

It’s great to see you doing this! Your journey has inspired me a lot and also your motivation has made me think seriously in following your steps. I can wait to see you when you return to tell me all the great stories from Southeast Asia. Wish a safe trip home. See you soon. ~Harold

Excitement. Never in a million years did I think you would update the blog as frequently as you did. Clearly I was overjoyed every time I checked to find an update to see what was happening on the other side of the planet! ~Lindsay

Well done! I enjoyed the journey into different countries and the experiences that often led to those deep and fragile emotions of life that undulate from the hearts of people. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and photos. Every week, I eagerly awaited for news of your next adventure. God bless you for your endeavor to experience and to bring peace and harmony to Mother Earth. ~Mari

I enjoyed following you on your journey through your written words! I've read just about every word and looked forward to them as they keep me updated on your mission! ~Greg

… an awesome blog, you kept us included in your journey, both the physical one and your personal one with all the ups and downs, the fun, the sad the joyful, the emotional, the new and the familiar and more strange that came all with it, the good tasting and the more revolting. Thank you for sharing it all! It truly was an experience reading your blog, and remains one reading it again. ~Dietrich, Scituate Rotary - #7950

We see the world through our eyes and marvel, we see the world through someone else’s eyes and we reflect. ~Moses

How wonderful! It is some of the best chronicling of an issue I've ever seen, anywhere, anytime! Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Your words, so eloquently written, capture the true spirit of your trip and all you've seen and learned in Thailand and Cambodia. The mark of an excellent writer is to convey emotions that resonate through the written word....you've done that here....bravo!!!!! ~DF

I have found your work in Thailand to be particularly enlightening and inspiring. No newspaper article, documentary, diary, or memoir could have made as much of an impression on me as the vivid pictures you have created. I have always known you as a dynamic, vivacious, intelligent, and compassionate woman, but I never realized what an eloquent writer you are. You have captured my attention and my heart. I have learned more about the conflicts you have discussed and the plight of individuals that you have highlighted than ever before through your efforts on behalf of the Rotary Club. Your words paint a fascinating picture of the Thai people, geography, culture, cuisine, and religion. I feel as though I were right there beside you! I can’t thank you enough, not only for the work you are doing, but for so generously and graciously sharing it with all of us. You will obviously continue to spread what you have learned when you return; however, that message will also continue on with each one of us as we share the stories, photos, and information with our families, friends, colleagues, and students. You’ve made me laugh and cry, but more importantly you’ve encouraged me to consider and reflect. Thank you, my friend. I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you and welcome you home! ~Lisha



Being significantly computer disadvantaged - to me a computer is basically a very talented typewriter - I must admit that your blog has got to be one of the most informative ever created since you have inspired me to use this “typewriter” to follow your Rotary inspired adventure! Looking forward to your return. ~Orren, New Bedford Rotary - #7950

You really know how to make the most of your time! Thanks for sharing all your experiences with us and helping to keep the important messages alive. ~Eileen

Rosamaria, Wow, you shine like a diamond – your warmth and generous laughter makes me smile inside and out. And what a great writer! Shine on sweet girl! ~Ian

I thoroughly enjoyed following your adventure overseas especially how you presented the "human" aspect on your blog. I could tell that your experience had an overwhelming affect on you and I can't wait to see you so you can tell me all about it. ~Mike M

I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed your Blog. I learned so much about Thailand and their way of life. I felt a part of your journey. Can’t wait to see you and hear all about it. Praying for your safe return. ... I just love this! Spent my evening traveling again ... ~Naomi

First of all, welcome home (belatedly). Thank you for sharing so much of your time in Thailand with us via this blog. I cannot put into words my reaction to some of the videos and news that you had posted ('Tell me Why' will not get out of my head) and how thankful I am that you have had this experience. These experiences you have shared have brought many of my own experiences back to mind, and have forced me to ask myself what I have done to change things - and what I can do.
~Greg - RYLA, #7950

Thanks so much for sending this link to your blog. You sent it before you left but not being a blogger I forget to check blogs; I'm so glad to be able to read it now. I'm most of the way through July and enjoying my view into another world very much. ~ Carole

You have to be so brave to take a journey like that. The pictures are fab and your annotations so informative. So proud to have you as a friend although I feel dull as dirt in comparison. ~ Barbara B.

What a life time experience!! I am so proud of you. Love your blog. Love you too honey. ~Karla

What an incredible way to share your experiences with those of us reading your blog who were so far away in other parts of the world. Would you consider approaching a publisher for a book or kindle-type higer tech version? You have so much to share of worth it would be great if the blog were only step one in sharing this most human experience. [I need time to go back to some of the videos; there is so much here!] Bravissima! ~Luci

p.s. Last minute blog comments are still welcome! Simply email me: rosamariacarlozzi@hotmail.com

Great to be back!

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. ~Scott Cameron

It’s safe to say, of all the fellows, I’ve travelled the furthest – Bangkok to Naritha (Japan) to Chicago and finally to Boston. It’s allowed me more Time to reflect, begin to absorb a saturated-educational experience and wonder how I’m going to apply this in the next step of my career. What will NOW be my purpose with this acquired knowledge in the field of education? Actually, I do know but will wait for you to ask me, plus ... I don't want to write a novel! :o)

Just a few interesting incidents, worthy of note, that I experienced during my "reentry" and the first few days that followed . First, the feeling of American money was bizarre - its texture, similar sized denominations and color! As soon as I landed in Chicago my eyes became visually stimulated by all of the people. My brain was on overload looking at tall people, short people, slim people, big people, people from different ethnic backgrounds. WoW! I had forgotten what that was like!!! Then, I landed in Logan and immediately saw someone intently watching football! Ah yes, I came back to football season! Gosh, I DIDN'T miss that!!! (My apology to all you sports fans). A week or so later, I went to Home Depot to get a housewarming tree for my friend's new condo and caught myself beginning to wai to the saleswoman who was ever so explicit and kind in explaining how much to water it, how to prune it, when to feed it, where to place it, etc.

Yes, being home is "fantabulous" to quote Lisa! As I pulled up to my apartment there was a sign to welcome me home. I had a hint as to who it might be by the flowers, hearts and smiley faces on it, not to mention the fact that it said Rosa and not Rosamaria (only people from my childhood call me Rosa). I thought it was Mrs. Pieper, but my 90% hunch was confirmed when I got to the door to my apartment and found yet another sign - "Welcome Home Rosetta!" Now ONLY Mrs. Pieper calls me that!!! THANKS for welcoming me back, Mrs. Pieper!! It meant more than words can say. I later found out that Barbara, my second floor neighhor, made the sign for me!!! How nice it was to have such a creative, personal touch added to me coming home!! Thanks for taking the "time!"

My first breakfast with oatmeal and cinnamon tasted AS GOOD as ice cream!! I could not stop uttering prolonged sounds of pleasure - MMMmmmmmmm .... I had ice cream for lunch AND dinner that same day, then again for dinner a couple of times after that! Cranberry Bog from Somerset Creamery never tasted so good! MMMmmmmmmmmm!!

Lindsay amused me by taking me to Horseneck Beach as the ocean was calling my name! Together, we listened to the sound of the waves, smelled the ocean air, felt the warmth of the fall sun, looked for shells and rocks!!! Thanks for being such a wonderful friend as I know how you live at the beach all summer long! It was a great way to spend my "welcome home weekend!"

Since my reentry, everything has been wonderful with the exception of my stomach rumbling away; it's still not right! After being sick almost every other week and getting food poisoning in Phenom Phen, I'm fairly sure that I will be needing some sort of parasitic-herbal cleanse from my friend Carl! Bring it on!!!

I also went to my friend Nicole's wedding shower and to one of my former student's 21st birthday party!! Congratulations to all!! I loved Taylor's tiara; someone clearly taught her well! ;o) It was awesome to see both Amanda, who now goes to Salem State and Taylor who was returning back to Afghanistan so beautiful, mature and progressing forward! To think they're about half my age!!! I wore one of the Indian outfits Aarti gave me, which my students loved - at least they told me so ...


I've also been out with my brothers, which has been great!!!

I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to return to the good ole' U.S.A.!!!! It's great to be back!!

THE END ...

And so the end of my journey has arrived and I have sincerely learned a lot – about the world, about its political situation, about other cultures, about myself – but I’ve also learned that this world still has much to teach me!! As a perpetual student, I will seek continue to seek opportunities to always keep learning. This will allow gratitude, appreciation and humility to enter and flow from my heart, like the natural flow of a river …

As I conclude with final thoughts from my Time through Thailand, my hope is that I “opened YOUR eyes” to a different part of the world, OUR world, and provided you with the knowledge to listen more (that is why we have two ears and one mouth – so we can listen twice as much as we speak) and to open your heart to new cultures. By being grateful, appreciative and open, one cannot fail to shine, like a diamond! Through this experience and others may you savor life, and as Eric Bibb sings, "fly" and "SHINE ON.".

Best Photos!!

To feel at home, stay at home. A foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It’s designed to make its own people comfortable. ~ Clifton Fadiman

In three months I took over 2700 pictures, 15 of which I consider "the best!" A photographer can truly understand that it takes many pictures of a subject, and to then, only pick one that is awesome! In essence less than 2% of my pictures are here. Some depict feelings of laughter, sadness and wonderment while others provoke outward sighs, smiles, laugther or gasps.

Capturing a moment - through an expression, a scene or a gesture - conveys to the viewer a myriad of thoughts or words. I guess that's why they say "a picture is worth a thousand words." Yes! ONE GREAT PICTURE is worth a thousand words.

Village near Siem Reap, Cambodia

Children curiously peaking from their home near Siem Reap

Parents exploiting their children in a floating village near Siem Reap

Children teaching each other to draw near Siem Reap ...
Aren't their hands precious?

A proud mother from a small village near Siem Reap

Young girl from a small village near Siem Reap

Ankor Wat, Cambodia

Tourist monks at Ankor Wat

Young hill tribe girl, Northern Thailand

Man going to work from Refugee Camp, Mae Hong Son

We've graduated from Chulalongkorn University!

Young Thai school girl at Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn, Bangkok

Young child sitting on the subway, Bangkok

Older woman selling her veggies at a floating market near Bangkok

Tropical flowers, Bangkok

Frogs in love, Northern Thailand

Allow me to compare photos with movies. In my opinion, I feel as though a great movie is one that allows one to experience all sorts fo feelings during its running time. Similar to a great film, looking at my photos from my journey in Southeast Asia has allowed me to experience a plethora of feelings!! Yes, it was a memorable, spiritual and emotional journey ... to review it through photography has been incredible!

Ghost of 318

This short story/letter was written by one of our fellows ...

Here is my Vidahanives ghost story… but don’t be scared… And I’ve included a photo of the empty 3rd floor corridor that Tom took (but can’t remember taking!)… Did the ghost borrow his camera??

I'm in Minneapolis now awaiting the plane to Indianapolis. (An interminable journey) I'm not sure if I should relay this story - especially for our peace fellows on the third floor, but in the interests of full disclosure, I must tell it as it happened.

I had booked a taxi for 3am this morning. The Vidahanives (or villa Vietnamese as Erinma calls it) is very quiet at that time of night - no movement at all along the corridors. I struggled with my three bags of books and buddhas - shoving one in the elevator to hold the door while I got the others. You can picture the door repeatedly trying to close - banging up against the suitcase while I run in for the last of the bloody buddhas.

Anyway, I get in the elevator, press the floor one button, and what happens? We stopped on floor three! I looked out and there was noone there! Just a silent empty corridor. It was scary! I think the ghost was saying goodbye! Sleep well peace fellows - it is a friendly ghost.

Why the ghost story?? Well, around the middle of August, some of our fellows were experiencing strange things in their rooms like leaving a window closed and finding it open, having awful nightmares of being strangled or dismembered and random things were disappearing (badmiton racquet, bananas, baby outfit). As a result of one of the fellows asked Jenn if these unusual events were normal or common. She (along with the office staff) then told us of a murder that took place in our dorm in 2001, more specifically in room 318. Let me just say that none of our fellows resided in this room! THANK GOODNESS!!

So the story goes ... Over a decade ago, there were two married gynaecologists (Dr. Wisut Boonkasemsanti and Dr. Phassaporn) - husband and wife who were having marital difficulties. The husband didn’t want to get divorced as he would have to split all of his finances with his wife. One evening he had dinner with his estranged wife to discuss their breakup. During the course of the night, he slipped a sleeping pill in her drink. When she got drowsy enough, he took her via taxi to our building in Chulalongkorn, where he rented a room. Many visiting professors from other countries reside here, so it is not uncommon to see professors in our dorm. After two weeks of her not returning to work, police conducted an investigation and discovered body parts (matching her DNA) in the dorm's toilet system. In sum, he drugged his wife, killed her, chopped her into small pieces and flushed her down the toilet of the building we are sleeping in for the summer!!!!!!

I was dumbfounded and stupefied!!!! While Jenn continued to talk about it, I googled (just in case she was kidding) http://worldfilmbkk.com/option/print.php?newsid=30042516

http://nationnewmedia.com/2007/07/25/national/national_30042439.php

No, Jenn was not joking! As it turned out, the murder occured on the third floor, and although none of the Fellows reside in room 318, Charlie and Ben are neighbors to the room where the scene of the crime took place almost 10 years ago. Needless to say, I did not fall asleep peacefully or without a problem for a couple of nights.

Packing!

Who lives sees much. Who travels sees more. ~Arab proverb

So the time has come to travel again, this time, back "home." Here is my room as I was arranging what I had accumulated over the last three months from the SHOPPING capital!! It may look messy to you, but I am very organized and know where everything is. Believe it or not, packing is a panacea - MY panacea - for relaxation! Those very few of you who have "experienced" me pack know that my methodical system works!

Earlier today, I went across the hall to Manisha's room while she was packing. Due to the greatly accumulated clothes/shoes/souvenirs, etc., she was unable to fit everything in her very large suitcase. The look of shock over how she placed everything in it, like it was a dresser drawer, was pretty evident. I cannot hide my emotions very well and followed my jaw-dropping "oh my goodness!" with belly laughter!! Her sibblings were hilarious as they joined in .... Alpa, her sister, giggles just like her and Sachin, her brother is mischievous (like me). Just because you're older, doesn't mean you lose that childhood quality!!!

Needless to say, I rolled up my sleeves, knelt on the floor and packed her suitcase with the help of her sibbling. Although there was a good amount of room to spare, she already reached the weight limit! Pictured are Sachin, me and Alpa at one of the malls!! We were only together for a few days but I felt as if I've known them a lifetime. Perhaps, our connection was sparked with all of the information that Manisha and I shared logging in countless miles on the treadmill of the air-conditioned gym!! Even with Manisha's mom ... there was something that just made us connect. When she said goodbye to me from the open door of her room, she called me "betha" which means my daughter.
I held my tears back with all my might, only to walk a few feet down the hallway and lose it in a firm embrace with Manisha! Together we cried like two little girls ... two sisters ...

Here we are at graduation! If you want to check out her blog, please visit her on www.manishainafrica.blogspot.com She is an amazing, strong, fiercely independent, super intelligent, young lady who strives to make a difference in the lives of others and (as you will see through her blog) in the world.

17 hands

... that belong to 17 individuals that have come together to discuss world politics and the conflicts within them, share different religious, social and cultural backgrounds ... and live together for three months.

We cumilatively have 727 years of life experiences!!!! We come from 13 different countries and 6 continents, have raised 17 children, have made decisions that affected people all over the world, have published numerous books and articles, cook countless types of cuisines, play different musical instruments and actively volunteer in our communities amongst many other things.

Each hand is attached to a thankful body, a clever mind, a kind soul, and a kindred spirit. We are all different, yet the same – believing in life, believing in the world and believing in ourselves to make a difference. To quote Albert Camus, “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

Together, we spent 12 weeks learning from peace and conflict specialists/professors from all over the world. Together, our minds came together, learned and discussed - sometimes we harmoniously agreed and other times we debated acrimoniously. Regardless, the experience was unique and amazing! As we return to our homes in various continents, time zones, to work, school and with families, the Time spent together joining hands, lending someone an ear, offering another one's shoulder etc. in "our Bangkok" will remain but a mere memory … our 17 hands ...


Great ideas, it has been said, come into the world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, the gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation; others in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished, by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history.
~Albert Camus

Graduation!

There is a certain "magic" to graduation ceremonies!! The sense of completion, finishing a goal, bonding with others who share similar passions ...

You can see it clearly through these pictures! The intense bonds we created with others from different parts of the world during our three-month journey was, is and will continue to be amazing!!!

Here I am, with my host counselor - Srifa! Yes, I was psyched and glowing!! Those who understand me well know how much I love commencement!!!


The dinner and ceremony were at the Princess Hotel. Of course, Manisha and I were psyched as it was our home away from home, whether we were in the lobby having tea or at the incredible gym. The tables were decorated elegantly! Nancy (USA) said it perfectly ... "it was like being at a prom!"

Aside from the mini tiramisu cakes and fruit tarts, there was also fresh cut fruit for dessert!

The presentation was incredible! Aside from spooning large heaps of papaya salad (had to get my fill especially in my last week here in Thailand) onto my plate, I couldn't help but stare at the arrangement and appearance of our "fantabulous" fare!

Together! ... as Fellows ... friends ... women ... activists ... advocates ... passioned individuals ... representing all parts of the world!! (Where is Inday?)

Here is Inday!!!!! with Nancy! They pride themselves in being the oldest in the group ... I can't tell you how much I learned from them. I will miss the honest dialogue and advice from Inday...

"Making memories - taking pictures is making memories - capture little pieces of time - making them yours - making them mine!" (Disney song)

I'm sandwiched in between Manisha's parents and her sister, Alpa! Inday, Martin and Ben also join me with my "Indian family."

Here are Erinma and Andrezza shining in the celebration of togetherness and accomplishment!

Here are my guests - Em, Joy and Olan! They are all professors at Chulalongkorn University and teach Italian, English and Spanish respectively! Although Neung was in Italy and Germany presenting her recently published book she was there, with me, in spirit! (On a side note, the dress I am wearing was given to me by Manisha; it's a western style Indian dress).

Martin composed a song (lyrics and music) - "Our Song" - which we sang together. Here is one of the stanzas ... "With peace in our hearts, goodness is our creed, blowing little bubbles with the kids. Smile, smile, my dear friend. Honor your soul with happiness. In our rainbow all colors are accepted . In our dream there is space, for dialogue, freedom, respect. We're Lotus flowers growing evn in deserts."

Getting my certificate from Chulalongkorn University's Vice President, Dr. M.R. Kaliya Tingsabadh

Waiing to Bhichai Rattakul before getting my Rotary pin

And thanking him "Italian style" - with a kiss on each cheek ...

... and an embrace. I wish there was a video so you could hear the simultaneous gasps from the audience! As you know, Thais don't hug .... :o) He and I shared some brief moments of story telling that others did not know about, so I was comfortable publicly demonstrating my "cultural expressions" of gratitude. ;o)

And yet another photo op! - our very last group picture as Rotary Peace Fellows - Class 9

After, we all took turns taking pictures with family, friends, Rotarians, etc. Here are my guests, host couselor, Srifa and her husband! I have to say that while in Thailand I felt like an Amazon, not only in height but in body frame. It's incredible to note just how tiny the Asian women are!

Yes, we felt like movie stars! It was a splendid way to concluded the festivities of a celebratory evening!

Public Seminar

To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. ~ Albert Camus

This was my first public seminar / conference and have to say that it went well. It was located in a beautiful building on campus which I refer to as "Hogwarts ala Thai;" the inside was just as stunning as the outside. The topics varied and ranged from The Situation in Haiti to The Importance of the Business Sector to Conflict in Mozambique. Olja, Nancy and I spoke together about various conflicts in the field of education. Due to the major issues in bullying and the recent Anti-Bullying Law that was passed this spring by Governor Patrick in Massachusetts, I decided to speak about the importance of taking action in the schools, with parents, administration and the greater community to educate everyone about peace education. I won't bore you with the details but I was on fire!!!!

We only had 10 minutes to present (and I did stay within the given parameters of time :) The moderator is pictured on the left and Nancy (USA) and Olja (Serbia) are on the right. Thankfully, I spoke first which allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the topics of my colleagues! Even though we are in the same field, I learned so much from them as their perspectives and experiences are from a different part of the United States and the world.
Martin opened up his discussion about Violence in Argentina with a brief instrumental. It was awesome ...

Here is our guest speaker, Tuenjai Deetes and the gentleman who started the Rotary Peace Fellowship Programs - Bhichai Rattakul

A social activist for over 40 years, Tuenjai Deete spoke about the impact of the creation of dams in China to the Mekong River (the 12th longest river in the world and 7th longest in Southeast Asia) which runs through Thailand. Here is her website: http://www.ashoka.org/tunenjai

Another photo op! Here are the Fellows together with our Deputy Director, Jenn (in green) and our guest speaker Tuenjal Deetes.

After our conference, Jenn and the administrative assistances conducted graduation rehearsal which was exciting! I can't believe graduation is tomorrow night!!! After, I ran to the tailor to pick up my suits which fit perfectly and run a few last minute errands!!!

After running around, I made myself go for a night swim at the gym. It was late and hardly anyone was in the pool; my only partner companion being the full moon, which was beautiful ... It was a pleasure to admire as I did my specialty "freestyle back stroke" ;o) while recalling snippets from my Time through Thailand.