If you are a foreigner and move to rural Isaan, you may be one of the only foreigners in the area.
You may be the first foreigner many locals in the village have ever seen in person.
The villagers and schools kids will be fascinated to see a foreigner in person.
Yesterday I spoke with a Blond haired French woman in our local market. She is married to a Thai man and on holiday here.
You would think from the response at the market that Taylor Swift was in town!
People seeing a blond hair woman for the first time made her an instant celebrity.
That is the way it is in rural Isaan.
My husband is constantly the center of attention.
Many here in the rural villages see him for the first time and are fascinated that a foreign can live here in rural Isaan.
Many villagers greet him, want to touch him and are very happy to see him.
I find it quite odd, however, being a foreigner in rural Isaan is something of an anomoly.
Foreigners that live in rural Isaan should present themself as being very nice, kind, soft spoke and respectful.
For many in the villages, their first interaction with a foreigner will determine their attitudes towards foreigners the rest of their lives.
Photo is school kids in rural Isaan seeing my husband and wanting to say hello and show you their 3 or 4 words of English.
One can really see and feel the excitement and happiness.
Being a role model if you move to rural Isaan!