Personalized Consulting Services That Answer the Questions Internet Searches Don’t
We’ll begin with a story.
Bangkok 2009. It’s early afternoon and I’m seated at a local iced dessert stall with two trainers from Chuwattana, the Muay Thai gym I had been training at for months. We joke around, we eat and then it’s time to make our way back through the alleys to the gym. The walk is short and we approach an intersection of centuries old corridors. My companions veer left to pass through the steel gate leading towards Chuwattana. I turn right to walk deeper into winding passages. In Thai, one of them asks where I’m going. I stop, turn to look at them both and nonchalantly reply in Thai,
“I’m going to get some dick.”
This was not my intended response.
I was trying to tell them that I was on my way to pick up some bananas. At the time I had no idea the slang term for the male phallus was fatally close to the Thai word for banana, the only distinction being a slight discrepancy in tone. And so was born one of those cross cultural moments that make entering a foreign culture fun (and frankly, a bit embarrassing). One of those moments to mention when someone asks what it was like in Thailand.
This is one of those moments you want to have. Fun. Lighthearted. Memorable. Connected.
What you don’t want is worry, grief and potentially isolating yourself due to cross cultural misunderstanding.
That’s why I’m here. My M.O. is to provide personalized consulting services for those travelling to and living in Thailand who have questions traditional travel guides fail to cover.
A Bit More About Me
I spent four years as a solo female expat living and training in traditional Muay Thai gyms in Thailand. I’ve lived in San Kamphaeng (Chiang Mai), Bangkok, and Buriram. In 2009 I fought on the esteemed Queens Cup Muay Thai promotion in Sanam Luang in honour of the Queen of Thailand’s birthday. Muay Thai also brought me to Japan working as a talent scout and a liaison between the East and the West. I can speak Thai language and understand specific codes of Thai culture.
My Main Areas of Expertise
- Muay Thai training and Muay Thai culture in Thailand. This includes codes of behaviour in Muay Thai gyms.
- Being a foreign female in Thailand. Traveling alone? The rules are different for us ladies than they are for our male counterparts.
- North Eastern (Isaan) culture
- Rural Thai culture
Is This for You?
It may be if you are:
- travelling to Thailand for the first time and have no idea what to expect
- a nak muay and want to focus your time spent in Thailand on Muay Thai, aka not sweat the small stuff
- a woman travelling through or living in Thailand
- an expat living in Thailand who is wondering if you have completely lost your mind
Why Am I doing This?
After having spent four years in Thailand, I realize there are sufficient cultural differences that can really affect one’s time in The Land of Smiles. There were many times I wish I could have just called someone to either answer my questions or help me understand the situation I was in. Sometimes I just needed someone to ‘get it’ and objectively help me problem solve to get me to the next level. In short, I like the idea of contributing to one’s success, however defined. I like the idea of people being happy and having fun. Here’s a Thai language lesson for you…in Thai, the latter, the bit about having fun, it’s called ‘sanuk’.
“Laura is a pro at travel but I liken her more to an anthropologist. She doesn’t just skim the surface of Thai culture, hers is an in-depth knowledge of the country, its people and the various social structures.”
– Abigail McCullough, Foreign Liaison, Sitmonchai Gym
So What’s the Deal?
Personalized consulting, we’ll call them hangout sessions to make this a bit less formal and a lot more fun (remember sanuk?). Hangouts will be based on your individual interests, goals and objectives, aka your current needs. How will I know what you need? You’ll receive a questionnaire to fill out and send back to me prior to our first session and we’ll go from there.
One On One Hangouts
One on one hangouts, meaning just you and I will be charged at $30 USD per hour.
Group Hangouts
Group hangouts, meaning me and two other people (or more) of your choice will be charged at $20 USD per person per hour. For example, a three person group will pay, 3 x $20 per hour for a total of $60 USD per hour.
How To Book
1. Email me at ldf {at} milkblitzstreetbomb {dot} com for availability.
2. We’ll confirm a date and time.
3. You’re in.
4. I’ll send you the pre-session questionnaire, an agreement and a FAQ and you can forward me additional questions you may have.
Catch me at:
Email: ldf {at} milkblitzstreetbomb {dot} com
“I sought Laura out for guidance and advice on travelling to south-east Asia, more specifically to Thailand, where she resided for 4 years to study Muay Thai kickboxing. She provided great insight and knowledge on Thailand that only a local would be able to provide. She imparted factors such as language, perception of foreigners by Thai locals, and off-the-beaten path spots that I did not consider. I definitely recommend anyone planning on a trip to Thailand to go to Laura for her expertise and intimate knowledge.”
– Sheila Salvador
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