My friend Michelle was able to come see me in Kapong for a
week! It was so good for us to catch up, and show her a little of where I have
been living for the past year. Her first few days here were spent in the
classroom and just my everyday routine. Then we went to the beach, where
Michelle got her first Thai massage! Riley, Insa, and I showed her our favorite
spot, Memories Beach. On Sunday, we went to a nearby waterfall. We decided to
ride bikes to the waterfall rather than use the motorbike, which ended up being
a nice little workout.
Sunday was also Children’s day! Children’s day required a four am wake up call and some serious nap-time afterward. None of us had any idea what to expect, but at 4:15 we loaded the bus with about 60 VERY excited students. It was pitch black outside and it felt the Christmas morning. The kids were so excited, nobody was complaining about being up so early. We arrived to find about 100 booths set up with food, a giant bonfire, and a stage with monks all in the yard next to the temple. All of the students had brought plastic bags to fill with food. They had everything from hot dogs and French fries to Oreos to Pad Thai to sticky rice etc. Around 6:15 we headed back to Yaowawit and it was officially nap time for us, while the kids showered and got ready for round two.
This last little January event was today! The whole
international team went to Khao Sak National Park, which is about 45 minutes
from school. We went on a hike that was supposed to be about 8 km, and turned
out to be 12 km. The trip was beautiful, but I think my nature tank is full for
a little while. Our destination was a waterfall, which rocked because I was
maybe the sweatiest I have ever been in my life. The humidity was not really on
our side this afternoon. Unfortunately at the waterfall there were many bees
and surprise, leeches. When the leeches were discovered I may have gotten all
every man for himself and screeched, “SOMEONE GET ME OUT OF THIS WATER NOW!”
Whoops. Once we dried off it was time to start back to the car. Riley and I
decided to go into beast mode Marshawn Lynch style, and make this hike our
beezy. The way back took us 30 minutes less than it did to get to the waterfall, we were ready to be out of there. As I mentioned before our nature tanks were full, and leeches kept
biting people. We ended the day at a restaurant inside the national park, and
we were surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Great view, great food, and great
people made for an excellent end to the afternoon!
It was an excellent January, so bring it on February!
