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!
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!