Introductions

My name is Matthew Ferguson, and I am really thrilled to work with all of you over these next two weeks. Not only do I get the chance to meet people from different countries and different backgrounds, but I also get to learn more about something that I have had a long and passionate interest in: the Mekong River and the region it connects.

My first 6 years living in Thailand were in the far north, in Chiang Rai. And one of my great pleasures while living there was to ride my motorcycle to the Golden Triangle, turn right, and take the long and winding road along the bank of the Mekong to the town of Chiang Khong. There is little to do in this sleepy village, other than to sit and watch the river snake by, and reflect on where it is coming and where it is going. While I grew up next to the Pacific ocean in Canada, for some reason I feel more drawn to rivers than to the sea. It seems to me that rivers are not only a natural phenomenon, but they also shape the landscape and tell the story of the land and the people who live there. 

While in Chiang Khong, I also learned about many of the issues and concerns that the local people have about the development of the river and of the region. On one hand, it is very exciting to see a region that is rich with history, culture, and resources be connected like never before. On the other hand, I can appreciate the anxieties that people feel when faced with such dramatic change. This time together at the Mekong Institute is a great opportunity for me personally to learn from you, and to know more about how people from the region think about it. Everyone brings with them unique knowledge to this course.

In this post, I ask that you introduce yourself and share anything unique about who you are or about your personal and professional experiences. This is just a place for us to write and learn a little bit more about one another.

Just click on the "comments" tab below, and write your post. I'm looking forward to getting to know you!