Day 22:
It was pretty tough waking up today at 7 after the party the night before. We had a quick breakfast and then began to clean up that base. It as a massive project (given the party and the fact that the base is pretty big). The clean up was mostly finished by 9:15 and given the sweltering heat I had the best cold shower of my life. It was sad to leave GVI and all of the good friends that we had made. Goodbyes were exchanged and everyone began to head off to more traveling or their home country. At 11 the local songtaew driver Noi picked Mike and I up and we headed to the junction. We had great luck and as we pulled up a bus to Phukett also arrived and we hopped on! During the entire 2-3 hour ride Thai music/ game shows blared over the television sets, but it was actually so bad that it was funny. I met the lady sitting across from us named "Ae" and chatted with her for a while. She was eager to practice her English and was in the middle of a month long vacation (Ohhh the joys of Thailand).
In Phukett town we arrived without a hotel (popular style here) and began walking the streets. With backpacks (huge) we can't get but a few feet without being approached by someone with a tuk-tuk or room "cheap, cheap." We took the card for a hostel and headed that way. As we walked I noticed a sign at a fairly nice looking hotel that said Phukett Montree Resortel. The word "resortel" (I guess resort and hotel) intrigued us and we went in. We were surprised to hear that the room would be only 650 Bhat and included two breakfasts, AC, and TV! After checking out a room we were sold. We spent the afternoon and evening walking the town and shopping. I am also finding that Thailand is making me very cheap. At lunch I remember thinking "darn this is pricey", since my dish was 100 B and Mike's was 60 B, but then I stopped to remember that 100 Bhat is less than 3 dollars. Thailand! After dinner we headed to a main shopping area and saw a McDonald's. We were intrigued and headed in. They actually have double Big Macs here (I have never seen them anywhere else). SO gross, 4 patties of beef! Along with American favorites they had local McD's flavor, such as spinach pie. We did buy some McFlurries, and Mike a fries. He said they tasted exactly the same. On the way back to the hotel I was thrilled to see a Watson's (Hong Kong based pharmacy) since I have a slight cold. Oddly, it made me feel at home the way McDonald's did! Haha!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thailand Trip (Day 21)
Day 21:
Today was our last day of class at Ao Luk elementary school :(. We agreed to have a special class for all of the third grade classes which consisted of 100+ students. It was quite the event. Pi Rai helped us assemble the 100 students outside of the school and they were all excited and cheerful to see us. Pi Rai translated one of the student's question which was "Why are your eyes blue?" I said, "because my fathers eyes are blue." Pi Rai translated this to Thai and all the students clapped. We started class with a game of "Simon says" which went really well. The kids actually got the hang of it easily and began enjoying calling out each other as they made mistakes. I gave the student who won the game a box of markers that I had brought from the States and she was thrilled. After the game we proceeded to teach the kids the "hokey poky." Then the students told us that they wanted to sing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes." The funny thing about this is that we didn't actually know it. Instead, we had several of the students come to the front and lead the class. At the end of 50 minutes (originally scheduled for 15) we ended class and were barraged by students who gave us gum, hugs, handshakes, and even tried to climb us. Exhausted we headed to the base for lunch. In the afternoon we had our last class, forth grade, and practiced higher numbers through games that we had taught last week. The students were grateful once again and it was sad to leave at the end of the day. In the evening GIV had a huge party with music, Thai food, and a giant tent. All of the teachers and all of the students from the evening classes were invited. It was awesome to see so many people from the community there. I had a great time taking to Kitti, a plantation owner about business and the world. I also talked to Nong and he gave me a Thai name "Mak" which sounds a bit like Matt. He told me that it means cloud, which symbolizes freedom. He also told my favorite quote so far in Thailand: "the crazy people, they make the beautiful world." It was an amazing party.
Today was our last day of class at Ao Luk elementary school :(. We agreed to have a special class for all of the third grade classes which consisted of 100+ students. It was quite the event. Pi Rai helped us assemble the 100 students outside of the school and they were all excited and cheerful to see us. Pi Rai translated one of the student's question which was "Why are your eyes blue?" I said, "because my fathers eyes are blue." Pi Rai translated this to Thai and all the students clapped. We started class with a game of "Simon says" which went really well. The kids actually got the hang of it easily and began enjoying calling out each other as they made mistakes. I gave the student who won the game a box of markers that I had brought from the States and she was thrilled. After the game we proceeded to teach the kids the "hokey poky." Then the students told us that they wanted to sing "head, shoulders, knees, and toes." The funny thing about this is that we didn't actually know it. Instead, we had several of the students come to the front and lead the class. At the end of 50 minutes (originally scheduled for 15) we ended class and were barraged by students who gave us gum, hugs, handshakes, and even tried to climb us. Exhausted we headed to the base for lunch. In the afternoon we had our last class, forth grade, and practiced higher numbers through games that we had taught last week. The students were grateful once again and it was sad to leave at the end of the day. In the evening GIV had a huge party with music, Thai food, and a giant tent. All of the teachers and all of the students from the evening classes were invited. It was awesome to see so many people from the community there. I had a great time taking to Kitti, a plantation owner about business and the world. I also talked to Nong and he gave me a Thai name "Mak" which sounds a bit like Matt. He told me that it means cloud, which symbolizes freedom. He also told my favorite quote so far in Thailand: "the crazy people, they make the beautiful world." It was an amazing party.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thailand Trip (Select photos)
Thailand Photos:
Here are some select photos from my trip so far. Look for more on Facebook when I return!
One of the third grade sections at Ao Luk Primary with the Spartan flag.
Teaching in Ao Luk.
Railay Beach, Krabi.
Kayaking in Bor Thor.
The view from the top of the mountain by Wat Tham Sua (1200+ steps).
A small Wat in Bangkok.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Thailand Trip (Day 20)
Day 20:
After a hearty breakfast at GVI we headed to the school for the assembly. As we neared the grounds we could hear the sound of drums, which grew steadily louder. Soon we could see that the sixth grade students were parading around in some sort of marching band as the other students watched. We were greeted by Pi Rai at the school and she took us to a classroom where the teachers were eating a breakfast. There was coffee and Ovaltine to drink and assorted breakfast sweets from the market. Most where sticky rice with a random item (fruit, egg, vegetable) wrapped in a banana leaf. Others were types of pastries. They were all very good, but we became very full since we had had a breakfast beforehand. From chatting with the teachers we found out that the assembly was a Teacher's Appreciation ceremony where the student would pledge to be well behaved and learn throughout the year. These type of assemblies would take place all over Thailand during June. Also we found out that Thursday is teachers day. This means that parents often want the first day of class to be a Thursday for their children. After the breakfast we headed to the auditorium where all 600 were sitting tightly packed in and all wearing their bright blue and pink school uniforms. The teachers sat at a high table at the front of the auditorium. Once we were all seated a band began to play and march in. Everyone stood at attention at what I believe was the national anthem. Then a stationary band played a more traditional sounding song. Following this one student took the microphone and began to recite the behavioural pledge while the 600 others followed closely. It was a real uproar. After the pledge the students began a procession of flowers and incense arrangements which they brought to all of the teachers. Soon the table was covered with arrangements. A man in a suit was sitting next to Steve and we believe that he is the director of the school. He gave a short speech in which he mentioned the teachers by name and we heard him mention GVI. The ceremony closed with more music and a long session of class photos. It was one of the most memorable events that I have experienced in my life and I am thrilled to have been teaching during it. After the ceremony the teachers invited us to lunch. We headed to the National Park for lunch in the teacher's cars and were treated to a delicious spread of dishes ranging from spicy seafood to fruit. After a lunch that ran a bit into class time we headed back to the school to teach a particularly excited third grade. They were a bit behind because class had been canceled last Thursday, but the student's energy made up for it. After that class we headed to the municipality school for the first grade class there. The students at that school have had less English lessons, so we had to prepare a more basic lesson. Overall, they were excited that we were there, but not that attentive. After a long day we returned to the base to enjoy Thai omelets and relax.
After a hearty breakfast at GVI we headed to the school for the assembly. As we neared the grounds we could hear the sound of drums, which grew steadily louder. Soon we could see that the sixth grade students were parading around in some sort of marching band as the other students watched. We were greeted by Pi Rai at the school and she took us to a classroom where the teachers were eating a breakfast. There was coffee and Ovaltine to drink and assorted breakfast sweets from the market. Most where sticky rice with a random item (fruit, egg, vegetable) wrapped in a banana leaf. Others were types of pastries. They were all very good, but we became very full since we had had a breakfast beforehand. From chatting with the teachers we found out that the assembly was a Teacher's Appreciation ceremony where the student would pledge to be well behaved and learn throughout the year. These type of assemblies would take place all over Thailand during June. Also we found out that Thursday is teachers day. This means that parents often want the first day of class to be a Thursday for their children. After the breakfast we headed to the auditorium where all 600 were sitting tightly packed in and all wearing their bright blue and pink school uniforms. The teachers sat at a high table at the front of the auditorium. Once we were all seated a band began to play and march in. Everyone stood at attention at what I believe was the national anthem. Then a stationary band played a more traditional sounding song. Following this one student took the microphone and began to recite the behavioural pledge while the 600 others followed closely. It was a real uproar. After the pledge the students began a procession of flowers and incense arrangements which they brought to all of the teachers. Soon the table was covered with arrangements. A man in a suit was sitting next to Steve and we believe that he is the director of the school. He gave a short speech in which he mentioned the teachers by name and we heard him mention GVI. The ceremony closed with more music and a long session of class photos. It was one of the most memorable events that I have experienced in my life and I am thrilled to have been teaching during it. After the ceremony the teachers invited us to lunch. We headed to the National Park for lunch in the teacher's cars and were treated to a delicious spread of dishes ranging from spicy seafood to fruit. After a lunch that ran a bit into class time we headed back to the school to teach a particularly excited third grade. They were a bit behind because class had been canceled last Thursday, but the student's energy made up for it. After that class we headed to the municipality school for the first grade class there. The students at that school have had less English lessons, so we had to prepare a more basic lesson. Overall, they were excited that we were there, but not that attentive. After a long day we returned to the base to enjoy Thai omelets and relax.
Thailand Trip (Day 19)
Day 19:
Today breakfast was awesome! Crepes, eggs, watermelon, and coffee. I headed to school at 8:45 for another solo class. This time a second grade. Although I'm not sure how it happened we never had taught this class and the students were very excited to have a "Farang" teacher for the day (I may as well explain "farang" now. The first visitors to Thailand were overwhelmingly French and the word for French sounds a bit similar according to one theory. Today "farang" has become a term for all foreigners.). The class was pretty well behaved for just one teachers and learned a good amount of numbers. They particularly like the game where I let them hit numbers on the board with fly swatter as I called them out. Following this class I met up with Steve since he would be assisting me in the First grade3 class. It was a full sized class, so teaching letters was once again a challenge. Some of the students were content writing letters, drawing pictures, and writing the associated words. Others preferred drawing on the boards or chasing each other with chalk. Steve commented to me later that he was glad that he mainly taught 5th and 6th grade and was amazed that we were able to teach the young kids everyday! At the end of class we brought out stickers and a as Steve described it later "the children came at us like a swarm of locusts." Since the class was such a handful we were almost glad to hear that the afternoon classes were canceled since the school was planning on an assembly the next day. After being invited to the assembly in the morning, we headed back to base for a lunch of Veggie burgers (mainly potato based) and fruit. In the afternoon I took advantage of the day off and took a nap before heading to the pool in the late afternoon with Karen and Morag. For dinner we had a delicious pad Thai dish and afterwards headed to Nong's for beers with Steve, Shaun, and Morag.
Today breakfast was awesome! Crepes, eggs, watermelon, and coffee. I headed to school at 8:45 for another solo class. This time a second grade. Although I'm not sure how it happened we never had taught this class and the students were very excited to have a "Farang" teacher for the day (I may as well explain "farang" now. The first visitors to Thailand were overwhelmingly French and the word for French sounds a bit similar according to one theory. Today "farang" has become a term for all foreigners.). The class was pretty well behaved for just one teachers and learned a good amount of numbers. They particularly like the game where I let them hit numbers on the board with fly swatter as I called them out. Following this class I met up with Steve since he would be assisting me in the First grade3 class. It was a full sized class, so teaching letters was once again a challenge. Some of the students were content writing letters, drawing pictures, and writing the associated words. Others preferred drawing on the boards or chasing each other with chalk. Steve commented to me later that he was glad that he mainly taught 5th and 6th grade and was amazed that we were able to teach the young kids everyday! At the end of class we brought out stickers and a as Steve described it later "the children came at us like a swarm of locusts." Since the class was such a handful we were almost glad to hear that the afternoon classes were canceled since the school was planning on an assembly the next day. After being invited to the assembly in the morning, we headed back to base for a lunch of Veggie burgers (mainly potato based) and fruit. In the afternoon I took advantage of the day off and took a nap before heading to the pool in the late afternoon with Karen and Morag. For dinner we had a delicious pad Thai dish and afterwards headed to Nong's for beers with Steve, Shaun, and Morag.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Thailand Trip (Day 18)
Day 18:
Today we headed to class to teach preschool at 8:45. All of the children were gathered outside drinking bags of milk. It was very cute! After a few minutes the teachers gathered the kids inside and began counting 1-10 in English! We were surprised since we didn't know that they spoke any English other than hello. In class we did the 10 Little Monkeys song again and duck, duck, goose which the kids love. We also tried out the Hokey Poky, which was a big hit as well. Since is was our last class with the Pre-school we took a group photo which was nice, except that my entire shirt was covered in sweat. After class we waited at the picnic tables and Pi Rai showed up with some strange red prickly fruit. Once we peeled it, it was delicious, but a little fleshy. The next class was the "troublesome first grade class." When we arrived we found that one half the students were there (the little terror was away) and that the other students were at a dental exam of some sort. The small class was great. We practiced writing letters and words/ pictures associated with those letters. The students completed 3-8 letters which was several times the productivity of a large class. One student was on J by the end of class. It was a good example of how class size affects learning.
This week the municipality school is in session as well as Ao Luk Primary. They teach several first grades (expanding population?) and we send teachers there as well. Since the school is now in session, Mike and I had our first experience teaching solo. I taught the third grade at Ao Luk Elementary and Mike at the municipality school. Teaching solo was a good experience, though it was quite a bit harder. The students had more chances to mess around while you were facing away from the class. Overall, the class went really well though. In the late afternoon Kirsti and I went to the pool to escape the ridiculous heat. It has now been almost 2 weeks since a major rain which is really strange for Thailand in the rainy seas ion. Most people (local and travelers) suspect global climate change is the culprit. Anyways, the pool was great and we returned to eat a surprisingly excellent mushroom vegetarian curry. In the evening Shaun, Tim, Karen and I went next door to a restaurant known as Nong's to enjoy a few beers. It is owned by Nong a 26 year old Thai man that recently graduated from the GVI adult English program. It's a nice family place where his mother and her friend do most of the cooking. They also have two kittens which frolic around the restaurant. Nong told us about his plan / dilemma of moving to the North of Thailand to become a travel guide and learn more about his country for a few years. The dilemma was that he would have to leave his family sand small business.
Today we headed to class to teach preschool at 8:45. All of the children were gathered outside drinking bags of milk. It was very cute! After a few minutes the teachers gathered the kids inside and began counting 1-10 in English! We were surprised since we didn't know that they spoke any English other than hello. In class we did the 10 Little Monkeys song again and duck, duck, goose which the kids love. We also tried out the Hokey Poky, which was a big hit as well. Since is was our last class with the Pre-school we took a group photo which was nice, except that my entire shirt was covered in sweat. After class we waited at the picnic tables and Pi Rai showed up with some strange red prickly fruit. Once we peeled it, it was delicious, but a little fleshy. The next class was the "troublesome first grade class." When we arrived we found that one half the students were there (the little terror was away) and that the other students were at a dental exam of some sort. The small class was great. We practiced writing letters and words/ pictures associated with those letters. The students completed 3-8 letters which was several times the productivity of a large class. One student was on J by the end of class. It was a good example of how class size affects learning.
This week the municipality school is in session as well as Ao Luk Primary. They teach several first grades (expanding population?) and we send teachers there as well. Since the school is now in session, Mike and I had our first experience teaching solo. I taught the third grade at Ao Luk Elementary and Mike at the municipality school. Teaching solo was a good experience, though it was quite a bit harder. The students had more chances to mess around while you were facing away from the class. Overall, the class went really well though. In the late afternoon Kirsti and I went to the pool to escape the ridiculous heat. It has now been almost 2 weeks since a major rain which is really strange for Thailand in the rainy seas ion. Most people (local and travelers) suspect global climate change is the culprit. Anyways, the pool was great and we returned to eat a surprisingly excellent mushroom vegetarian curry. In the evening Shaun, Tim, Karen and I went next door to a restaurant known as Nong's to enjoy a few beers. It is owned by Nong a 26 year old Thai man that recently graduated from the GVI adult English program. It's a nice family place where his mother and her friend do most of the cooking. They also have two kittens which frolic around the restaurant. Nong told us about his plan / dilemma of moving to the North of Thailand to become a travel guide and learn more about his country for a few years. The dilemma was that he would have to leave his family sand small business.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thailand Trip (Day 17)
Day 17:
I was quite tired today from the weekend. We headed to class to teach at 8:45 and then d- again in the afternoon. Mid- day we decided to get our chores done and raked the large yard. While we were raking the milkshake man arrived on his cart, so we bought a few of those. At 2 or so we returned to the school. The funny thing about teaching the forth grade class was that we planned a lesson about classroom objects, but when we arrived the teacher decided that we should teach time. We had to be quick on our feet and create a game and drill. It actually worked really well. Dinner at the base was fantastic chicken massalam curry. The Thai food here is amazing, but I will really enjoy cheese and some ground beef when I return :). In the evening I talked to Steve about religion (as he used to be Orthodox Jewish for years). It was an interesting and unique conversation.
I was quite tired today from the weekend. We headed to class to teach at 8:45 and then d- again in the afternoon. Mid- day we decided to get our chores done and raked the large yard. While we were raking the milkshake man arrived on his cart, so we bought a few of those. At 2 or so we returned to the school. The funny thing about teaching the forth grade class was that we planned a lesson about classroom objects, but when we arrived the teacher decided that we should teach time. We had to be quick on our feet and create a game and drill. It actually worked really well. Dinner at the base was fantastic chicken massalam curry. The Thai food here is amazing, but I will really enjoy cheese and some ground beef when I return :). In the evening I talked to Steve about religion (as he used to be Orthodox Jewish for years). It was an interesting and unique conversation.
Thailand Trip (Day 16)
Day 16:
I woke up hot after a night in the bungalow.The mosquito netting that covered the bed protected us from that insects, but also seemed to block the air from the fan a bit. At 11 we gathered for breakfast/ lunch and ate at a restaurant high in the jungle covered cliffs. The view towards the sea was amazing. Following lunch we headed to the rock climbing area to inquire about lessons. Since the cliffs are so daunting it would have taken a few hours for lessons, so we just chatted with the rock climbing instructor instead. He was a Thai man entirely covered in tattoos and dreadlocks. Oddly enough, the Thais at Railay act and talk a bit like Jamaicans. He was the first person that I met so far in Thailand that had been in the Tsunami. He described fleeing the waters and jumping to a balcony "like Jacky Chan, ya know?". After the flood all he had was his tattered cloths and 17 Baht. The international community sent aid, but he did not get that much. I have felt that most Thais are quite welcoming to people from the USA (compared to other countries) because of the help that followed the tsunami. He asked if we had been to Railay Beach West and we told him yes. I said "it was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen." He replied "you think that is beautiful, walk to the beach at the end of the rocks, that is f*cking beautiful man." We took his advice and headed to the beach. It was indeed "f*cking beautiful." The beach was similar to the other but with caves and less people. There were only a few tourists and some vendors selling food next to no selling food signs. In the late afternoon we took a long tail boat to Krabi in a very rough sea. The German family on the boat even began putting on life jackets at one point. After a hour minivan ride we were back in Ao Luk at the GVI base. In the evening we had a group meeting and watched a movie.
I woke up hot after a night in the bungalow.The mosquito netting that covered the bed protected us from that insects, but also seemed to block the air from the fan a bit. At 11 we gathered for breakfast/ lunch and ate at a restaurant high in the jungle covered cliffs. The view towards the sea was amazing. Following lunch we headed to the rock climbing area to inquire about lessons. Since the cliffs are so daunting it would have taken a few hours for lessons, so we just chatted with the rock climbing instructor instead. He was a Thai man entirely covered in tattoos and dreadlocks. Oddly enough, the Thais at Railay act and talk a bit like Jamaicans. He was the first person that I met so far in Thailand that had been in the Tsunami. He described fleeing the waters and jumping to a balcony "like Jacky Chan, ya know?". After the flood all he had was his tattered cloths and 17 Baht. The international community sent aid, but he did not get that much. I have felt that most Thais are quite welcoming to people from the USA (compared to other countries) because of the help that followed the tsunami. He asked if we had been to Railay Beach West and we told him yes. I said "it was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen." He replied "you think that is beautiful, walk to the beach at the end of the rocks, that is f*cking beautiful man." We took his advice and headed to the beach. It was indeed "f*cking beautiful." The beach was similar to the other but with caves and less people. There were only a few tourists and some vendors selling food next to no selling food signs. In the late afternoon we took a long tail boat to Krabi in a very rough sea. The German family on the boat even began putting on life jackets at one point. After a hour minivan ride we were back in Ao Luk at the GVI base. In the evening we had a group meeting and watched a movie.
Thailand Trip (Day 15)
Day 15:
After a great night sleep in the cool AC room, I woke up naturally and got ready for the short journey to Railay Beach. Mike and I took breakfast in the local eatery that we had discovered a week earlier and headed off to Ao Nang Beach in a songtaew. In Ao Nang we met with Morag, Shaun, and Kirsti who had left earlier on Friday. We headed down the the pier to purchase tickets and were soon whisked away in a minivan to the long tail boat station. Long tail boats are traditional Thai boats that look somewhat like a canoe. They comprise long front with colored cloth tied to it for good luck, a seating area for 10 people, and a back section where the captain guides the motor (which looks like a long weed whip). We boarded the boat and were soon cutting through the large waves with a roar on our way to Railay. Railay is a remarkable place. Though it's not an island, it's entirely cut off from the mainland by a huge barrier of jungle covered cliffs and mountains. Entering Railay by beach one can take in a breathtaking view of the cliffs, stunning blue skies, and pure powdery beaches. As we neared this paradise the engine cut off and we floated toward the shore. There are no docks on the beach, so we waded in to the beach in the warm tropical waters. Once on shore, we began our search for a cheap place amongst the posh resorts. Eventually, we found a nice complex of bungalows off the beach and nestled near the cliffs. We were able to land two bungalows for about 500 Baht each. Though they had running water they did not have a fan, but it was still quite a find in such a destination. After settling in, we headed to the beach. After a half an hour in the sun we were ready for a refreshing swim. The water was great and the view was even better. We all enjoyed the swim until various sea critters began to strike. My leg began to tingle all of the sudden and I was informed that I had been hit by a jelly fish. It was non lethal, but quite annoying and enough to end the swim. The pain soon went away and a local women even stopped to make us a remedy from some leaves to cool the jelly fish rashes a few of us had landed. Later we headed to lunch and then to a massage. It was remarkable and they used the local herbal cream "tiger balm," which feels a bit like Vick's Vapor rub. In the evening we watched a stunning sunset over the Railay cliffs and enjoyed a few drinks on the beach. Later we were fascinated by a Thai fire twirler show at a local bar.
After a great night sleep in the cool AC room, I woke up naturally and got ready for the short journey to Railay Beach. Mike and I took breakfast in the local eatery that we had discovered a week earlier and headed off to Ao Nang Beach in a songtaew. In Ao Nang we met with Morag, Shaun, and Kirsti who had left earlier on Friday. We headed down the the pier to purchase tickets and were soon whisked away in a minivan to the long tail boat station. Long tail boats are traditional Thai boats that look somewhat like a canoe. They comprise long front with colored cloth tied to it for good luck, a seating area for 10 people, and a back section where the captain guides the motor (which looks like a long weed whip). We boarded the boat and were soon cutting through the large waves with a roar on our way to Railay. Railay is a remarkable place. Though it's not an island, it's entirely cut off from the mainland by a huge barrier of jungle covered cliffs and mountains. Entering Railay by beach one can take in a breathtaking view of the cliffs, stunning blue skies, and pure powdery beaches. As we neared this paradise the engine cut off and we floated toward the shore. There are no docks on the beach, so we waded in to the beach in the warm tropical waters. Once on shore, we began our search for a cheap place amongst the posh resorts. Eventually, we found a nice complex of bungalows off the beach and nestled near the cliffs. We were able to land two bungalows for about 500 Baht each. Though they had running water they did not have a fan, but it was still quite a find in such a destination. After settling in, we headed to the beach. After a half an hour in the sun we were ready for a refreshing swim. The water was great and the view was even better. We all enjoyed the swim until various sea critters began to strike. My leg began to tingle all of the sudden and I was informed that I had been hit by a jelly fish. It was non lethal, but quite annoying and enough to end the swim. The pain soon went away and a local women even stopped to make us a remedy from some leaves to cool the jelly fish rashes a few of us had landed. Later we headed to lunch and then to a massage. It was remarkable and they used the local herbal cream "tiger balm," which feels a bit like Vick's Vapor rub. In the evening we watched a stunning sunset over the Railay cliffs and enjoyed a few drinks on the beach. Later we were fascinated by a Thai fire twirler show at a local bar.
Thailand Trip (Day 14)
Day 14:
Today (Friday) everyone at the base woke early to have breakfast and clean. Every Friday GVI does a full base clean which is quite intense. After the clean, I headed to the net cafe to use Skype to call home. It was good to see Mom, Dad, Michael, and of course the pets. Following the call we headed to the school for Friday class. The morning class we good and the kids were happy to see us. At the end of the period the students decided to get our autographs and also wanted us to draw them pictures in their notebooks. I was given a note that said "I love you" by one kid and we were both given some candy. Mike was also given a cool small wooden turtle. I guess the kids are really enjoying the English lessons! In the afternoon we had another English class and afterwards headed back to the base for a Thai cooking class. The class mainly consisted of chopping lots of different strange vegetables (some that looked like alien plants) and the actual cooking took less than 10 minutes. We made Pad Thai Chicken, Green Curry, and Tom Yamn Soup (Thai spicy soup). They were all delicious. After dinner we headed off for the weekend to meet up with Kirsti, Shaun, and Morag. They were headed to Railay Beach. We took a local bus from the junction in Ao Luk to Krabi and decided to stay there for the night (as we heard about a night market). From the place the bus dropped us off we got local transportation to downtown Krabi and after a slight transportation mishap we arrived at the Thai Hotel in Krabi. The hotel told us the room was 700 Baht for the night, but when we told them we were with GVI the rate was reduced to 500! We ventured out to the night market to find a myriad of food vendors, but nothing else. After eating such an elaborate dinner, we decided to head back to the hotel and enjoy the night of AC and Discovery Channel (the one English channel at the hotel).
Today (Friday) everyone at the base woke early to have breakfast and clean. Every Friday GVI does a full base clean which is quite intense. After the clean, I headed to the net cafe to use Skype to call home. It was good to see Mom, Dad, Michael, and of course the pets. Following the call we headed to the school for Friday class. The morning class we good and the kids were happy to see us. At the end of the period the students decided to get our autographs and also wanted us to draw them pictures in their notebooks. I was given a note that said "I love you" by one kid and we were both given some candy. Mike was also given a cool small wooden turtle. I guess the kids are really enjoying the English lessons! In the afternoon we had another English class and afterwards headed back to the base for a Thai cooking class. The class mainly consisted of chopping lots of different strange vegetables (some that looked like alien plants) and the actual cooking took less than 10 minutes. We made Pad Thai Chicken, Green Curry, and Tom Yamn Soup (Thai spicy soup). They were all delicious. After dinner we headed off for the weekend to meet up with Kirsti, Shaun, and Morag. They were headed to Railay Beach. We took a local bus from the junction in Ao Luk to Krabi and decided to stay there for the night (as we heard about a night market). From the place the bus dropped us off we got local transportation to downtown Krabi and after a slight transportation mishap we arrived at the Thai Hotel in Krabi. The hotel told us the room was 700 Baht for the night, but when we told them we were with GVI the rate was reduced to 500! We ventured out to the night market to find a myriad of food vendors, but nothing else. After eating such an elaborate dinner, we decided to head back to the hotel and enjoy the night of AC and Discovery Channel (the one English channel at the hotel).
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