Lately, I've been thinking about the opportunities that basketball has afforded me. It has opened many doors, became great conversation starters, even allowed me travel around the world.
Back in 2014, I was fortunate to coach basketball to a group of international students in Bangkok, Thailand. Now you may ask, how did this happen? Well...my mom! If anyone knows my mom, she is very jovial. She will start a conversation with anyone. She happen to have met a man here in Buffalo who said he was from Australia and ran a basketball camp in Thailand. He was looking for former basketball players to come to Bangkok and teach a group of girls during their annual summer basketball camp. My mom instantly yelled, my daughter would love to do it. My mom pitched the idea to me, but the look on my face was of terror.
By this time, I have traveled to multiple cities within the United States and have taken multiple international trips, including a trip to Australia! But Bangkok. Oh no! Isn’t it twice the size of New York City? No one speaks English, and do they have electricity? Needless to say, I was correct with 2 out of my 3 assumptions, but if it wasn’t for basketball, I would never have had this opportunity in my life. Once I agreed, I was even more nervous. Who is this man and why is he transporting me across the world? My mom and sister in law did travel with me as well so that lessened by anxiety.
Our trip started off leaving out of JFK Airport with a connection in Tokyo (yes, technically speaking, I’ve been to Japan). I was already getting nervous because I did not recognize any of the food and there were no signs written in English. After a short layover, our trip concluded in Bangkok. We walked out of the airport and instantly I could not breath. Not because of the quality of air, but because it was 100 degrees at midnight.
As we were escorted to our hotel, the streets of Bangkok were interesting. It was quiet! Now, I read that 8 million people lived in Bangkok, but the streets were completely empty. We quickly learned the next day that the streets of Bangkok fill up with tuk tuks, scooters, and taxis.
I finally arrived at the school, The Screwberry International School. Most of the students were made up of children whose parents worked for the government in other countries, and native Thai children. Majority of them spoke English, which was a relief. I coached at the camp for two weeks. The experience is something that I would never be able to get back. I met great kids and coaches. I’m still in contact with some of the coaches today. I was even able to coach alongside Kevin Burleson, a former professional basketball player. He currently is an assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA.
When I was not coaching basketball, I was able to experience the city of Thailand. The Grand Palace is undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. It was built in 1782 and was home of the Thai King for 150 years. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of Thailand. A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed enter into the temple. We had to wear a long garb, no tank tops, or flip flops. While in the Palace, I became somewhat of a celebrity. Not really, but I felt like it. People asked to take selfies with me and recorded me as I walked in and out of various locations. They said they've never seen a person that tall. I humored them by taking multiple pictures with various groups that day. We also visited Tiger Temple and rode elephants. If I would have known what I know about animal cruelty today, I would have not participated.
The food was interesting - from beef balls to crickets, to scorpions and fish flavored lay potato chips. I tried to be adventurous with trying various foods, but by the third day, my snacks ran out, and by the second week, I lost 15 lbs.
Nonetheless, I made great memories! There are many other adventures and stories that I have regarding this trip. Although water divided us, basketball united us! I'm happy to say that still I speak to some of the coaches, we reminiscence about my time in Thailand, and this experience is one that afforded me the opportunity to encounter a whole new world.
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