Muay thai'd out.

So I didn't realize it at the time but apparently from a combination of Muay Thai and lifting children, I severely injured my arm.

Yay! More like Boooooo, hiiiisssss.

At first I just thought it was just my elbow, but quickly discovered its also in my wrist and my shoulder. On top of that, it's my right arm, which is honestly the part I'm worried about. If it was my left side I'd just tolerate it, but my right arm is my drawing arm, and homie don't play that.



So now I'm hanging out in an urgent care, not even twiddling my thumbs because that's a joint venture, but bobbing my legs and discovering the limits of my ambidextrous nature. Turns out auto correct is a beautiful thing. You don't even want to know how this is all really looking as I type it.

On a better note, I found a lovely Thai cuisine spot less than two miles from my home! We just went and had lunch there, which made me quite happy. Not the most amazing Pad Thai I've had all month but I was thankful regardless. I got the lunch portion but it was still HUGE! So I packed it up for home as well. Also got Thai tea for everyone to try, just in case the instant packets I got them for Christmas turn out to be lack luster.

I'm glad I found them, and so close! I woke up craving me some pad Thai so this was a wonderful discovery.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A video review:

So the other morning, while everyone slept, I was up and wide awake with time to spare.  I ended up going through my pictures and putting together this tiny video.  While abroad, I took COUNTLESS photos, and am in countless more on other peoples phones/cameras, and I realize that thats an insane amount of photos to go through, even for people who are interested in the trip.

So I put this video together, consisting of some, not all, of my favorite moments captured on my phone alone.  I'm sure as the other girls post their photos, I will find many more that I adore and love, but heres this in the mean time:

Bangkok and little tidbits for travelers:

So this is in no way a professional 'Rick Steves' post about traveling through Bangkok, just things I discovered on my trip that I found interesting.

• Maybe its appropriate that people bond over the sharing of food, because there is food EVERYWHERE in the city, perhaps the country.  As long as you have a few baht, you will never go hungry, and the interactions with the locals is something to be remembered.  There is a stall every few feet, either selling fruit, vegetables, ice cream, Thai style crepes, noodles, or meats that were generally chicken or some sort of sea food. Lots of hot dogs around Thailand as well.
• If you're unsure what meat and want chicken, flapping your arms is the universal sign for chicken and most people will laugh, but also understand you.
• Get the pineapple.  Ask for "Sab-bpa-rote."  You can thank me later.
• For probably the first two weeks of being in Asia, every single dish I had was noodle based in some way, and yet every single one of them tasted different and amazing.
• They will ice everything, so learning "no ice" in Thai might be useful if that bothers you.
• Black Canyon Coffee is incredible.  Go here, order everything on the menu as far as the drinks go, and let the fun ensue.  I became especially fond of the Red Bean Cha Thai 'frapp' that they have.  It was glorious, and my soul is going to mourn its loss for a long time until I find that chain again.
• At movie theaters, you pick out your own seats while purchasing your tickets, which was a new experience for me, however a great one.  It means you don't have to show up 30 minutes early just to get a seat.
• Use ATMs that have credit card logos on them.  I used the ones in the mall (theres an international fee of a $5 charge for me at every ATM I went to, which i'm not sure if that is just my bank [Regions] or all around, but thats the fee for me.)  Also the purple ones are from the First Bank of Siam or something to that effect, and legit.
• Carry nose tissue wipes with you, as most places if you're out and about don't provide toilet paper, or will charge you.  Some locations will charge you for use of the toilet anyway, as I saw at Wat Mahathat that there was a 5 baht charge for the toilet, but it also looked like they provided TP as you went through.  I also thought that's got to be one of the weirder jobs ever.
• Depending where you're at, you won't have a western style toilet.  You may be reintroduced to the lovely squatter, or perhaps this is your first meeting, in which case I will explain.  Sometimes its a hole in the ground, sometimes it has a basin, whatever the case, most places are not going to give you hand rails so if your balance is bad, best work on that.  There is generally a large tub of water in the stall with a bucket or ladle provided; after you go, scoop up water and use that to 'flush.' 
• They're also really big on the 'bidet' system there.
• I don't think they believe in paper towels either, because I never once saw one, and several bathrooms, if providing anything at all, would just have a roll of toilet paper on the wall for you to dry your hands with.  I ended up using my pants or shirt for the entire trip.
• Don't be as paranoid of back alleys as you might think.  Some of the most amazing memories I have from Bangkok were down streets that I would never have gone down back home.  That being said, don't be a fool either, and trust your instincts.  If something feels wrong, avoid it, and until you know the area, I don't recommend walking alone, just as a 'common sense' point.
• The markets are INCREDIBLE.  Go, get lost, buy things that you have no clue what they are and enjoy the experience.  Haggle, bargain, don't show open disdain otherwise people will shut you off immediately.
• The concept of smiling and trying really does ring true in Thailand.  Most people will appreciate your attempts at the Thai language, even if they're just laughing at how bad you pronounce it.  Keep an open mind and open heart, and I think you'll be surprised at how friendly and helpful people are.  For our first few trips to the market, we would have complete strangers help us out with purchasing things.
• There is a 7/11 on every corner, and I can bet you its got better items than the one you go to at home.  Visit it, love it, regale in it and all its glory.
• Also buy the Birdy "smooth and creamy" coffee from there if you're an iced coffee fan.  
• Even if the customs don't make sense to you, don't use your 'foreigner so I don't have to' card and actually give the customs a try.  Say "Sawat dee Kah/krap" with your palms pressed and head bow when first seeing people that day/moment instead of your form of 'hello' or 'good morning.'  The people will appreciate it, as it is both an attempt at the language, customs, and a sign of respect.  Take your shoes off before entering houses, or private buildings, or wats, or anywhere that has a no shoes sign.  Don't be obscene in front of images of the Buddha.  Don't show open anger and expect to get anywhere with bullying someone (this should be a life rule for some of you people, but its easy to get frustrated in another country, understandably.  Just accept that you ARE in another country, so yelling and shouting will not help.)
• When saying I don't know, or "mai kao jai-ka", don't shrug, as it gives the impression that not only do you not know but you also don't care.  Smiling and saying you don't know is better, as it keeps it open  to the idea that you're trying to understand/learn.
• Taxis are awesome in the sense that they're always metered, are BRIGHT pink or green/yellow, and more or less everywhere in the city.  If the red light in the front is not on, that means that they're not working, so don't bother waving your little hand about at them.  Also, as a foreigner  don't be discouraged if some turn you down.  Either they didn't understand you, or the distance is too far, etc etc.  Just step back and try again.  Someone will eventually take you.  If you have a Thai friend, it helps to have them write the home address out in Thai for you, because sometimes you can just hand that to a person instead of trying to get it across.  Its still useful to learn how to pronounce your home location though.
• Water taxis don't play around.  Get your ticket and be prepared to board.
• Back seats on buses, etc are reserved for monks.  If they're full and a monk boards, a spot is always cleared for them.  Also, if you are a female, do not touch them.
• Unless you got a camera with a lens that allows you to shoot from a distance, don't just walk up to a monk and snap a photo.  You should ask for permission first.  Think about it.  These people, while perhaps new and exciting to you, are still PEOPLE, and should not be treated like zoo exhibits. Most will agree, and even if they don't, I promise you that you will encounter more monks before you leave.
• Motorcycles/scooters can and will use the sidewalk.  Heads up!
• Also, the sidewalks are not necessarily flat and even either.  Out in the district I was in, it was a bit like walking through one of the fallen temples in Cambodia, with stones up ended, broken, and the footing incredibly uneven.  Watch for that, dog poo, and motorcycles.  If nothing else, it makes it an adventure every time you go out.

So, that is in no means all inclusive, but those are the things that I discovered for myself while in Thailand.  Lots of stuff you'll read in your guide books/pre-trip readings, but these were things that I didn't find covered so I thought i'd share.  

3 am and i'm awake

Lets blame it on Christmas excitement and not the time change.

I have a few things i'd like to talk about, one of which being things of note I discovered in Bangkok, the other just rambling...I think i'll actually give the one for Bangkok its own post, which means that i'm also going to dedicate a post to my rambles.  Mwhahahaha.

Do you ever look back at moments in your life and just think "wow, I did that."  It can almost feel like watching a movie of someone else, and sometimes that's horrible, depending on your actions and the circumstances, but sometimes its also incredible, to think that that was you, in that moment, in that time, doing those things.  In this case, for me, its incredible.

I had several moments while in Asia where i'd experience one of those 'out of body' moments, and just kind of see myself and where I was and what I was doing, and just start smiling.  I'm sure I freaked a good number of people out, but aside from that, (or maybe because of that), those were always good moments.

It could be something simple, like just walking down a soi checking out food carts. Or perhaps it'd be something different, like me dangling from a gigantic tree root in Cambodia.  I don't want to say that I've never imagined myself doing these things, because I've always had goals and the intention to end up in those two countries, but to finally be that person wandering through markets, surrounded by people who don't speak the same language, shopping for food and Christmas presents...It felt reaffirming.

Doing this, this traveling, this volunteering, is what I was meant to do.  The idea that I can add joy to someones life by doing something I love as well is completely amazing to me, and I can certainly say that volunteering my time and money has made me all the richer.

I hope to take these experiences and create some great art out of them as well, something that will help fund future trips for me.  No matter the travel I do, I hope to always interlace it with volunteering in the local communities and getting to meet these people.  I can't even tell you how many times I've thought that doing this program was easily one of the better choices I've ever made in my life.  If not for this, I never would have met any of the amazing people I have.

The volunteer group, Sue, and some of the staff.

Poi, Lom, Mama Poi and all the other women at the day care who guided me through 40 plus energetic children who were all sweet little snot monsters (and I mean that in the most endearing way) and accepted me as part of the team despite our language barrier.   Pimsuda, Benz, Jack, Joo, Jiew, Noo, and Sue, from the CCS Bangkok staff, who all contributed to my understanding of the Thai people, culture, and life style in one form or another, and who would go above and beyond to assist in any way they could.  Sothik from Cambodia, who helped me not to just experience the total 'tourist blow through' but who showed me a side to the people and gave me memories that I never even hoped for.  Sara, Victoria, Jill and Alli, the four volunteers that I spent the most time with there at the home base, who experienced a lot of 'firsts' with me, and helped make this experience such a positive one.  But mostly the children.

The children that I never ever, in all my life, expected to honestly LIKE the way I do.  I know that sounds harsh, but you have to understand that I have never once been a kid person in my entire life.  Children are sweet, I don't detest them, but I never understood when people would ooooh and ahhhh and sigh heavily while stating, often with some far off look in their eyes, that they just couldn't wait to have children. I would always be in the background looking at them with one eyebrow raised thinking that anyone who said that should be moved to the front of the line for an immediate CAT scan and mental health evaluation. Now, however, while not wanting a child for myself any time in the near future, I can finally understand the mentality, even if 'just a little.'

These kids were incredible.  I loved every moment I was there, even if I didn't necessarily 'understand' every moment.  One thing you will discover while traveling is that you don't have to speak the same language, make the same sounds, to communicate with another person.  Especially in the case of children.  Never once did the fact that my Thai was crippled and jolted, with odd tones and funny sentence structure deter these children from having full blown conversations with me.

Me with Om.  

My lack of vocabulary did nothing to block the bonds that were formed with Om, who would run up, hug me tightly around the legs and then sit in my lap, grabbing my arm and pulling it around him so that I was holding him tightly across the tummy.  Or Luke-Gait, who just decided one day that this new person belonged to her and would claim a spot on my lap, despite if I was sitting or not.  Or Namn Neuh, who was unsure how to play with me at first but opened up as the days went, and was eventually following me around making noises, and then squealing in surprise and glee when I'd turn and chase after him.  Fot, who was never not bringing me something new and wonderful to impress me with, be it a green bucket or his ability to fill an empty bag with sand.  Focat, the kid who kept a wide clearance of me at first, who ended up swinging with me, smiling the most adorable smiles, and easily becoming a 'favorite.'


(horrible photo of me but its hard to look good when you're having your face smushed.  I don't care though.  It was endearing.)

Focat.

Yes, I admit it.  Despite the fact that you're not supposed to have favorites, they totally formed and there was just no stopping it.  Om and Focat were my top two, Namn Neuh and Fot following closely with Potey and Doam.  There were a few children whose name I never caught ( learning 40 plus names was NOT easy, especially when someone of them just sounded like 'sounds' to me when I first heard them) but they were on the top of my list as well.

To say I formed a better bond with the boys than the girls would not be incorrect, but the girls were adorable as well.  There was one girl in particular, always running around in a Disney nightgown, who was especially good with her English and would enjoy playing games with me on the play ground.  I'd draw a letter in the dirt, and she'd shout it out in English, then stomp it out by hopping like a bunny before scooting back to wait for the next one.  I ended up switching and i'd call out a letter, and she'd draw it out for me.  This actually drew several kids over, who enjoyed the competition, as well as those who just enjoyed stomping out drawings in the dirt. This was actually the opener for Namn Neuh, who had joined in the game, and started drawing out some of the Thai alphabet and then telling me the names for the letters.

I miss them.  I missed them before I even left.  I keep thinking that it'd be so great to go back, see how the kids have grown and changed, to see what type of person they're turning into as they get older.  It'd be funny to go, " Hey hey hey, I remember you when your entire face was covered in snot and you were out in the back eating dirt--"

I don't know.  As you can see, this trip has changed me.  The bonds I've formed with people that I never imagined meeting have shaped my life and molded me like clay, and theres no way I can simply go back to the person I was before, whoever she might have been.

Isn't that exciting?

Some information about the placement

So I wanted to write a little bit about my placement, Chumchon Suan Ruen Daycare, as the process was interesting to me.

Benz would drop me off first in the morning, and I'd hop out of the van and then take an over cross over the highway to the other side, where i'd then turn right, walk past food vendors cooking meats, turn an immediate sharp left and wander down this back alley.  Going down the alley you pass a man selling lots of different vegetables and various goods, and every morning i'd give them a look over as the setting was just so curious to me.  One thing I learned about Bangkok, and maybe Thailand/Cambodia in general, is that there are lots of areas that I wouldn't even think about wandering down at home that here have amazing little shops, markets, food vendors and experiences.  Back alleys, or sois, are just a treasure bed of memories here.

The stall on the soi with the day care.

The day care is on your right after you've gone down the soi a short way, behind a brown sliding metal fence.  When you first walk in, you're in this open pavement area where there will be a table set up, a little pool area where the 'well nourished' dog swims, and benches and various chairs on either side.  To the left is Poi's house, where Poi, Mama Poi, and perhaps the younger sister live.  To your right is the day care, fenced off in some areas and yet open in others.  Always remove your shoes, but it helps to wear shoes you can just slip on and off because you will be going in and out a lot through the day, assisting with food, water, following kids around the playground, or just various things.  Also, sometimes the children spill food or water, or actually in certain areas urinate right on the ground, so if you're not in the classroom, I'm just going to suggest you be wearing shoes.

(heres a shot from the children's side of the fenced area, with the classroom behind me and Poi's house in the shot.)

General schedule of events depending on what time you get there:
The children were always already started by the time our van got there, so:

• The kids will be going through prayers, songs that teach to bow and basic manners, stretches.  The children always group greeted me as well.  Of note, you don't bow the same way to the kids as you do adults, nor do you do it first.  The children will greet you, and I think its okay to put your hands together, but they'll greet you and then you respond back.  To all adults, you bow your head, palms pressed together, and greet them first.  They may or may not respond with the head bow/palms pressed, but they will respond.
• Poi usually asked me to sing songs, either Hokey Pokey or Wheels on the Bus, etc, and then they'd go through the Thai alphabet, colors, days of the week, numbers, and story time, with interjections of me going through the same in English.  
• The days of the week chart on the wall is also color coded with the 'colors of the day' to help teach that as well.
• The children break in between to go drink water or milk, whatever the case may be.  If you hear them repeating the word "Nam", that means water, and is the cue. Help with encouraging the children to wash their hands outside the back door before they run over for a drink.
• The kids will all go outside to play as well.  Some stick around on the concrete part but I always ended up on the slide/swings/dirt area with the boys.  They have a good ole time out there, playing in the dirt, filling up trash, and chasing each other.
• Yes, there is a lot of trash just floating around, various bags and plastic that would never be allowed in America, but is quite common here.  The children loved filling up the bags with sand, and I found that throwing away the trash did little to discourage it.  Just keep an eye out for any who might start to stick it in their mouth (not an issue I saw) or sharp bits.  I found one child playing with a broken plastic ruler, and distracted them to safely remove it.  I also found broken glass behind the benches in the back lot, where lots of the kids like to play, so just keep an eye out.
• After play time is Lunch.  I helped with setting up the tables, chairs, the food distribution and the water.  Sometimes you have to encourage the kids to keep eating, sometimes not.
• Lom is usually laying out the children's bed mats at this point, which I helped with sometimes.  It involved laying out the mats in order (never with feet pointed at someone elses head) and pulling their clean clothes out of their bags and placing the bags back on the beds.
• As the kids finish eating, they'll start to wander off one by one towards the playground again, so I spent the rest of the time watching the kids out there and playing with them. 
• The girls would get ushered off to shower, so I spent most of my time with the boys.
• Showering is really hosing the children off around the side by the bathrooms, and after the girls have finished the boys are then rounded up and showered.
• I helped them change out of their clothes, dried off the boys as they came in, gave them the baby powder (always a big moment), and helped them dress again.
• The baby powder is a great moment.  One day I had like five of my little guys in front of me at the same time, and they were all laughing and joking, and when they smeared the baby powder all across their faces like warriors, they started pounding on their chests and striking poses.  It was a really cute moment, and I just keep seeing their smiling faces covered in powder.
• Nap time is a good moment.  They do a prayer, palms together, and then milk bottles are passed out to a few of the children.  Music is put on, an older woman singing, and the children lay down.  Some pass out quickly, some are restless and require some more supervision, but rubbing their backs or hands usually does the trick.  The kids are all precious.
• Usually after this, you sneak out, eat your food and chat with the teachers and locals.  Sometimes it was just me and the teachers, sometimes other older ladies from the community were there sharing food with us.  They liked to offer food, and we all communicated with each other in our own limited ways.  A few spoke better English than others, but they all spoke much better English than I did Thai.

Then it would be time to leave, and i'd say my goodbyes and head out to the main road to meet with Benz again.  I'd hang out on the bridge watching for him to approach, watching people and cars pass.

In which I celebrate the end of the world

So I spent my last day in Thailand, on a beach, drinking rum.

Wait, let me rewind.

At 4:30 AM, I woke up and wandered down stairs, tired but excited and ready to go.  We had gotten the suggestion from a roommate to go to Koh Samet if we were wanting to go to a beach in our time frame.  Koh Samet, while not world renown for being the most beautiful beach in all of Thailand, is still a super pretty beach that is within easy distance of Bangkok, making it a popular spot for city people who want to escape but can only do it for the day, or weekend.

Our van picked us up at 5 am, and soon me, Sara, and Victoria were all in and on our way.   The night before, Sara and Victoria had prepared iced coffee and purchased donuts from Mr. Donut for our trip, so we had those with us as well.  I fell asleep for a while, despite the coffee, but woke up in time to watch to sun rise, which was pretty beautiful.  It was the first of many moments that day where I sat and thought about where I was, and what I was doing.  When I actually allowed myself to think about it all, it was rather surreal.

I'm also pretty sure that by the time we got there, our driver was convinced he had caught my funk and was going to die of whatever disease I've got, cause I was coughing for at least an hour of that trip, and who am I to say he won't. He may. I don't know what I got.  Cough hack throat clear.

The trip took less time than we expected, probably due to the hour of morning, and we arrived within two and a half hours.  We had predicted at least three, maybe more, so it was nice.  Ah, just a heads up, for parts of this I'm going to give a lot of information, should anyone reading decide it be something that they wish to do, because parts were confusing for us since we had none of this information.  Sooo, yes.  Moving on.

We get there, and a woman asks if we speak Thai.  I answer that we do not, we speak English, and we were immediately dismissed.  It was both funny and slightly rude, because it became very apparent that since we didn't speak Thai, we weren't a priority or a bother.  I decided I wasn't going to let it bother me, and went across the lot to use the restroom.  The restroom cost 3 baht, and had both squatters and a Western style toilet   One fun fact about Thailand that I will include in a post all to itself: always carry tissues with you for the bathroom.  Most places do not provide them.

We purchased the ticket from a man over on the right side of the lot, which cost 100 baht each, 50 for the trip there, 50 for the trip back.  They give you different color tickets, which I believe are for distinguishing which ferry to take back.  Our ticket there was yellow, and the return slip was pink.  The ferry would leave every hour on the hour, starting at 8 and ending at 6.  We only had a few minutes to wait before we started the trip.

Our taxi was this baby pink and purple boat, and we shared it only with the crew of two and this one couple.  It was kind of cool to me, because the men set up this ramp that was very obviously hand built, one holding it from the top and one steadying it from the bottom.  I was enjoying myself already.

We crossed the bridge and went downstairs, and sat right up front.  It was a nice, slow and gentle ride out and over to Koh Samet.  The weather was perfect, and our day had finally begun.

When we arrived it was another moment of slight confusion.  The other volunteer hadn't said anything about this, so we walked down the pier and out to this center area.  In the middle of the small lot there is a group of statues where tourist were taking photos, a 7/11 on both your left and your right, and a line of green trucks with locals sitting around in them.  The green trucks are actually the island's taxi system, and i'm not certain of the price, but for the three of us it turned out to be 100 baht total every time we took one, but I don't know if thats just the flat rate any time or if it was factored using the number of people.  Either way, there you have it.

If you don't mind walking, know where you're going, and are in proper shoes because some areas are questionable as to what you may be walking in, you can go through the area between the 7/11s and this little tour guide shop and follow the dirt road down past shops and out to the beach areas.  We however did not know where we were going, so we hopped in the back of a taxi and asked them to take us to Diamond Beach, which our roommate had suggested saying it was the most beautiful and that they had had a great time there when they went.

Along the way, we stopped at an entrance where a guard came up and charged us 200 baht per person for entry to the beaches, and unexpected charge for us, so there you have it. Supposedly there is a side road you can take to avoid this charge, but I can't confirm that.

We arrive at Diamond Beach, pay the driver, and hop out of the taxi.  We then wandered down this side road, just sort of turning and following our senses until we came to the beach.  You'll have to wander past various huts and houses that are rented out, but if you keep turning right you'll work your way down to the beach.

So, Diamond Beach is apparently the most popular beach on the island, and only about a mile long.  It is also dotted with hotels, restaurants, and tour groups. There will be people walking up and down the beach selling sarongs, fruit, and also trying to get you to come stay at the hotels.  Frankly, I was extremely disappointed.  It was just like Daytona Beach as far as I was concerned, and no where near the picturesque Thai beaches I had been imagining.

We pulled up the island on one of our phones and quickly headed over to another section. We section we ended up on was Ao Hin Khok, the beach just next to Diamond Beach (Hat Sai Kaew) but separated by rocks, and apparently thats enough.

 "Ao Hin Khok is separated from Hat Sai Kaew by a small rocky sea point where a mermaid statue is located. The beach, which is half the size of Hat Sai Kaew, is famous for its strangely shaped rocks. There are inexpensive bungalows/huts located along the beach, and also value-for-money restaurants providing fresh, quality seafood dishes."

 The beach here was perfect.  It was free of tourist when we were there, the sand was crystal white, the water beautiful torquoise, and we quickly claimed three chairs (which cost 30 baht each, btw) beneath the shade of some trees before wandering over for a 'photo shoot' on the rocks.

They also have a statue of a flute player and mermaid over there, which I later discovered was the goddess protector of the island.  Supposedly if you play the flute or something, she would come up out of the water and protect the island.

 There was a larger, apparently brand new statue off the new pier when we arrived that I wish I had wandered down to to take a photo.

Island goddess answering the call.

 I had a difficult time hearing the woman as she told me, as we were on the boat back at that point.

After that, we finally jumped in the water.  We left our bags on the beach in view, sitting in our chairs, and though I watched them all day didn't have any issues with people snooping or being suspicious.  The water was beautiful, and we were able to go relatively far out without having issues about where to put our feet, and actually ended up spending several hours out there, just bobbing, laughing, and talking about things.

We joked, talked about our little crushes, made Little Mermaid connections (there was a dog like Max out there!  And our little Mermaid photo shoot on the rocks, among several other wonderful coincidences that just made it all the better.)  There was also a boxing rink within easy view of the water up on the hill, with lanterns and lights strung up over it, and I could just imagine two boxers duking it out up there.  It'd be a sight to see, and I imagine its especially cool at night.  

There was also a funny moment where Boobs McGee showed back up (we had first spotted her on Diamond Beach.)  Now, I personally couldn't care less about people sunbathing in the nude, the human body doesn't bother me one bit.  However, all through Thailand, I had noticed signs about respecting the local customs, with pictures of women in bikinis and men in speedos as incorrect, and women in sarongs and men in shorts as the proper way to travel.  I've also read in multiple books that while no one is likely to address you, nude sunbathing is generally frowned upon unless you're somewhere thats designated for it specifically.

That being said, I do not believe this was one of the locations.  Boobs McGee did not seem to be concerned, and showed up with her colors hoisted and there for the world to see, like it or not.  It was kind of funny because the minute she showed up, all the men in the water around us slowly started floating towards the beach, as if caught on some unseen lure that had snagged them and was reeling them into shore. I started laughing and making jokes about it, referring to them as moths to a flame, or ships in a storm seeking out the light house.  On some small level I was worried for them, with McGee and her siren boobs, calling her victims into shore to surely be pummeled by her weight lifter boyfriend.  Mostly, however, I was just amused.

Being out there with the two of them, it was another surreal moment.  These were two people that I had just met two weeks prior, but I had already experienced things with them that I would never experience with anyone else, and it seemed so very odd to me that in less than 24 hours we would all be flying off to different locations around the world.  Who knows when we'll see each other again.  It made me sad to think about, but then one of them would inevitably just start giggling out of no where and exclaim, " We're on a freakin' beach in Thailand!"

Eventually we headed in and sat in our chairs, ordered some fabulous Pad Thai and drinks, and at 1 o'clock, rung in the end of the world with a toast to amazing moments, memories, and surviving yet another apocalypse   This is what, my 8th one right?  Wheres my movie deal?

There are worse places to be at the end of the world.

Oh, helpful hint, if you see these guys selling fruit, freakin' buy some.  I had the most amazing sapbparot and coconut while there, and apparently the mango is to die for as well.  Its all iced, so its nice and cold and juicy when you get it.  Incredibly refreshing. 

 Also, fun fact, the Pineapple in Thailand is so much better than the pineapple I've had in America.  Its much less acidic, and maybe part of it was just the mentality of being in the location, but it was amazing and I highly recommend it.

The day was amazing, and was completely worth the nice red glow I got to spend it out there with them.  We ended the day with some amazing pineapple fritters, ordered from the same little spot we got our Pad Thai and drinks from, all of which were brought out to our seats by the people from the restaurant. 

The perfect end to the perfect day, the perfect trip, and the perfect experience.

Some of my favorite photos from my last day at Chumchon Suan Ruen Daycare

We say goodbye like a Princess

Today was a special day.  Not only was it the last day for me at placement (tear) but it was also the last day for the volunteer group and CCS Staff to be together, and on top of that, it was extra special because CCSBangkok is actually closing for four months for the first time ever after this group leaves.  So tonight, after our cultural activity of a walking tour of specific areas in Bangkok, we all had an amazing dinner at a restaurant on the river with the staff, plus Sue, our wonderful land lady.  Heres a photo of all of the final volunteers, Sue, and two of the lovely staff.

Going around to the Wats and various locations for our C.A. was super cute because the staff was going around snapping photos, and it went from "oh my god, cool background! Photo photo!" to absolutely ridiculous "Omg, theres a tree! Photo photo!" and eventually it even turned into " omg, theres a Honda--"   And if you think i'm joking, i'm not.

So the restaurant was The Princess Terrace Pub and Restaurant, and we had this big table laid out for us right by the river. 


We got there and were seated just prior to the sun setting, so we got to watch the night light up around us, with various Christmas decorations on our side, and the city night life on the other.

We were celebrating a few things that night.  Not just the last night for us as volunteers, but it was actually the first time CCSBangkok will be closing for a period of time in 10 years of being active.  They'll only be closed for four months, so its not a total shut down, but it will be their first time going dormant as well so.


 The food was, again, incredible, and I got to see a more casual side of the staff that I was super happy to see.

 I gave them the drawing from me and the other volunteers.  Jack especially liked how his hair was drawn in the image, lol. It's a bit hard as an artist to leave them with such a rough image, but there was literally nothing I could do given the materials at hand.  At least they liked it.

 For my first time volunteering abroad, this experience has been more than I could ever have hoped for and I can't possibly say thank you to them enough.  Nothing I could say would convey it enough.  From Jack, who was the first person I met in Thailand, to Pimsuda, who runs everything here for the groups, to Benz, who is mad chill and has amazing driving skills, to Sue, who is the sweetest lady ever, to Jiew, Jume, and Noo who all are so sweet and sassy at the same time, providing both food and clean housing, and finally Sopat, who guards us and keeps us safe at night.  This experience would not have been even close to the same without this staff, and I hope they know how awesome they all are.

I got some sweet photos with Jack and Benzy, as well as a nice one with Sue.  I also got a fun one with Pimsuda and Benz, which I posted up there earlier.

I didn't get a chance to talk to the women in the staff too much (the cooks and women who kept the place tidy) because i'd always see them in the morning or late at night, when my croaky voice was at the worst, but they were really cute to watch running around snapping photos.

 Ahh, such a great staff.  I don't want to leave.

Can't I just stay here with my new friends? and have my friends and family from home magically transport to Thailand as well? Is that really too much to ask?


The bus ride home was fun as well.  It totally turned into a party van, with Benz flashing the lights in the back and the music cranked up.

 Noo, Jack, Me, Sara, Victoria, Alli, and Benz by way of lights were all partying it up.  It was so much fun, and was just a great way to connect with the staff in a manner that we hadn't been able to yet.  Alas, it was also like the last thirty minutes I got to spend with them, lol.

Even after the van was parked, Noo was in the back clapping and it was just like, " The party don't stop!" lol.  I loved it.  Here's a shot of Jack showing off some dance moves.

Man...got to come back.  Next time though, for MUCH longer than two weeks.  I'm seriously not trying to think about it yet, because if I do, I know i'm going to start crying.  Once i'm home, I'll do a proper post on the staff, this program, and my time here in Bangkok, but for the time being, that is what I got.

Last Day at Chumchon Suan Ruen Daycare

Today was my last day at daycare, and I was not prepared for this.

Every day when I first get to placement, the kids greet me and say hello with a super cute "Sawat de kaahhhh", palms pressed and head bow, but its usually children shouting and some still running in the back doing what they're doing.  Today, I get there, and Poi gestures for me to sit down, which I do, and all the kids greet me and say hello together, and then they go " Christi, I love you!" and they all rush me and suddenly i'm just surrounded with hugs and kisses and giggling children.  I was like, " Oh my God, this day is going to be the death of me."

Then we all sat together as Poi read the children books, which included the one about the old woman who swallowed a fly, so I was able to follow along and play with the various kids using my lap as a seat.  I noticed again that there were more kids opening up to me today, which just made me sadder inside because in a few hours it was all going to be done.

We took group photos as well, with the staff and the kids, and Poi filmed a short video for me too, which I will post in its own link.

Play time was the typical awesomeness, with me chasing the boys around and making faces with some of the girls and just general insanity.  It's funny that I was thinking I connected better with the boys than the girls because Pimsuda told me today that when she spoke with Poi, Poi told her I was really good with the boys lol.  It's true.  I kind of love them, and I seriously have been trying not to think about the fact that I'll never be seeing these kids again because, ah, it breaks my heart.

Nap time went as usual, except this time I ended up laying between Om and Potey, rubbing their backs for a while before just laying there, listening to the singing and zoning out on the roof.  Normally, after the kids have settled down, I sneak out and go eat lunch.  This time, I whispered goodbye to a few of the children, rubbing their backs as I left.  I can't believe that i'm not going to see them again.  It seriously makes me sad.

Once i'm outside, I get called over to the table where Mama Poi has prepared this huge meal as a parting gift for me, as a thank you for helping at the day care.  Poi, Lom, Mama Poi and everyone else all sat down to eat and we talked and joked, and I tried amazing home cooked Thai food and just felt so happy and so sad all at once.  I gave them the gifts I had purchased last night, which I even said I have no idea if they eat that, but I hope they like it! xD  The food was amazing though.  They had normal rice, and sticky rice, and Poi grabbed some chicken and put it on my plate, and I was scooping little bits of some other incredible meat/vegetable dishes into my rice.  I was all wiggling around and enjoying myself.  Poi kept my drink filled with coke, and I just kept looking around thinking again that I wish I wasn't leaving.

Lom and Poi both had presents for me as well.  Lom gifted me this bread that she said was her favorite snack.  I later found out as I ate it that it was this sweet bread, that was incredibly soft and squishy and wonderful because it was still nice and warm, and inside the bread are raisins?  It was glorious, and I have to remember to ask Pimsuda to let her know that it was to die for.  Poi then gave me a present, wrapped in this cute elephant wrapping paper with a bow.  The shirt turned out to be this cute little white shirt with an elephant printed on it, kind of kiddish style which is appropriate, and a description of why the Elephant is important to Thailand.  On the back it says I love Thailand in Thai. 

I was laughing and trying not to cry because I was totally going to if I thought about it too much. I super wanted them to sign my shirt as well but I was already about ten minutes late, and I was just about to die from not wanting to leave. I hugged Poi and Lom as I spent the most time with the two of them, bowed a big thank you to everyone else, and had to rush out of there before I started crying and turned into a big snotty mess, and just end up looking like one of the kids.

I want to come back in a few years (or tomorrow) and see these kids and these wonderful women, because I can't help but look at them and just think about what type of people they are going to be when they grow up.  I seriously want to come back and visit these people, because everyone here has made me feel right at home, be it the adults helping me figure out what i'm doing, or the kids pulling on my hand to lead me to a special spot on the play ground.

Ah, going to cry.

Not a whole lot happened today in the terms of 'post worthy'

but I feel like posting anyway.

Placement was wonderful, as ever, with a few changes (like someone new, potential new kids stopping by the school, etc.)  More of the children opened up to me, and Luke Gait and Om have basically decided that I'm there's and no one elses, which makes it slightly difficult to play with the other kids at times because then one of them comes running up arguing lol.  Its hard but still sweet?  If that makes sense.  I'm going to miss all of these kids, without a doubt.

I know you're not supposed to have your 'favorites' either, but some of the kids I've certainly formed more of a bond with than others, and I just can't even say how much I'm going to miss them.  I'm not sure how its happened, but I've ended up spending more time with the boys than the girls as played around.  I think in part its because it was my responisiblity to watch them while all the girls showered, so I'd end up chasing some of them around the playground.  Most of the girls are content to play in the sand or with each other, but the boys, at least i've found, are very engaging.  The girls also try to have conversations with me, lmfao, and considering the extent of my Thai they're usually very ...very short convos xD

After placement, we went to the Art and Culture center, where Jack, Sara and myself wandered the top floor together looking at photos that the Princess of Thailand has taken on her travels and posted for exhibit.


The titles were so cute, because it wasn't something big or dramatic, they were all things you'd see written on the bottom of your own personal photo album, and were very engaging.  It was nice because it made her seem like ' a real person' and not just some distant figure who has this title. 


It was also nice because it allowed me a chance to talk with Jack more, which I enjoyed.  I haven't spent much 'one on one' time with him, and even still, this was not strictly one on one either, but it was nice because it allowed me a chance to just talk with him normally about things i'm interested in (art and travel) and just chill and relax.  Jack's such a goofy, easy going guy, and he's extremely nice and well mannered.  He's enjoyable company, and a great addition to the staff, without a doubt.  He's also going to help me out with something MAJOR that i'm super excited about, and will post when it comes to pass.

Sara and I have been discussing what to get our placement people as a 'thank you'/departing gift, and with some input from the Jack-jack, we settled on a few things.  She purchased vanilla and pandam eclairs, while I got these things called Golden Noodles or something?  Jack said that they're made with eggs and sugar, and are on the sweeter side, so I'm hoping that the women at my placement enjoy them.  I needed something that didn't necessarily need to be refrigerated, and could be enjoyed simply.  Hopefully this will be a success.

Now i'm home, at the base, my throat hurts from talking and my eyes are beyond tired. I did some prepacking, and since i'm already tired I was more emotional, but I seriously just stopped packing and laid on the ground all, " But I don't want to goooooo." 

I miss my home and my family, but I've felt so at home here in both Thailand and Cambodia, that the thought of just returning to 'every day life' is like a black spot on my soul.  If you've ever seen The Neverending Story, its like The Nothing that just consumes the land.  Thats what the prospect of returning to the day in, day out, is doing to me.

Ahhh...if only I could pick up my mom and my family and bring them here, or bring all the wonders and excitement from here to home, then life would be grand. 

If only, if only.

The monks

So I got up this morning super early, coughing and still half asleep by the time I left to go see the monks collecting food at the local market.  It was a short walk down the soi, then a short distance more down the street until we came upon the market.  The morning felt cool, with the sun just rising as we set off, so it was a nice little walk (at least for me.  I think the others were already over it before we even left.)

We came upon the market and turned down it for a short distance.  I was really interested in looking at the stalls and what the vendors had up for sale, as it was the classic early morning market filled to the top with fresh fruit, fish still wiggling about, meat sizzling on one side and vegetables on the other.  I was super interested, but when I turned to look at my companions I thought that they looked like they felt a little out of place.  We hadn't passed a monk as of yet, which was why we were there, so we turned back around and headed into the middle of the street connecting the markets, where we then stopped and watched a few monks cross the street or collect food, whatever the case may be.

To say that there were significantly fewer monks than we had expected would be an understatement, but it was still neat to see the process with them setting the bowl down, the people bowling and him blessing them.  For those who don't know, monks go around every morning with a giant bowl, in which people donate food to them. They then bless them, I believe, as the people believe they gain merit (karma points, more or less) for assistance to monks.  If it is a woman, the monks are not allowed to directly accept food from her, and they lay the bowl down on the ground, which the woman will then put the food in and such 'the package has been delivered.'  Its really an interesting process for those who have never seen it before.

I also can't get over seeing the monks, who I have always associated with mountain temples or hanging out around waterfalls, in the city, navigating traffic and hailing taxis.  I wonder if they pay for the taxi or not...?

Anyway.  I was down to stay for a while, as I had gotten up for this, but after about five minutes it was super apparent that Victoria and Sara were both over it and ready to go.  Not to say that they didn't enjoy themselves, but I was at least thinking of staying thirty minutes at the minimum.  C'est la vie however.  I'm thankful for the little I did get to see.

Monk crossing the street outside of the market.

Now to go to placement!

Voice = gone.

Gone so much to the point that it is physically painful. I feel like someone took my vocal chords and just twisted them around like a thing of twizzlers, then set them on fire to seal the deal.

That being said, I'm up super early to go see the monks collect food. Ill be tired all day but this isn't something I can exactly do often.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:กรุงเทพ-นนทบุรี 46,Bang Sue,Thailand

Boxing in a back alley

Okay so today's cultural activity was Muay Thai boxing, something I've been excited for from the get go. It was just me, Victoria, and Sara this time, as Jill had gone during a previous volunteer trip with CCS.

So we all jump out of the van and follow Jack down this back alley, past scooters, older men smoking cigarettes and little old ladies staring super hard at trees. He stops at this one open hole in the wall sort of place, where lots of people are going back and forth and in a rush to leave.

As it turns out, the hole in the wall was the fighting school, and all those people were rushing around because one of their boxers had a fight tonight. I wonder now how that went.

The studio was an open air format, with three punching bags suspended to the right above a practice mat, and a ring in the back for training. One of the trainers remained behind to teach us, and they asked who would like to train.

I immediately jumped up, and Sara and Victoria decided they were going to give it a swing as well. We got laced up, the school providing the gloves, as well as the lacing because haaaa. There's no way that was happening alone.

The trainer took me aside first, and we did the basic "one two" punch for like maybe five minutes, talking and fancy foot work included, then moved into the kick. The trainer went around to each of us and helped individually, and frankly it was just a real blast.

Sara and Victoria got tired before I did, so the trainer put on some gloves and had us circle each other, instructing me to take swings and do various combos. He was a lot of fun, and helped with my posture as well as reminding me to guard my face properly so I don't get punched and indirectly punch myself XDD (a very real threat.)

He also put on this belt for me to kick, so we added that into our ballroom dance and I loved it.

He also had me doing elbow strikes, and would show me how I need to stay closer because sometimes I'd drift too far, and if he wasn't returning my swing then I wouldn't touch him.
I swear I basically found a sort of heaven in a back alley in Thailand. I had so much fun, and the trainer actually complimented me a few times. I'm sure I wasn't fantastic, but I think I at least brought maybe more than he was expecting, because he seemed pleasantly surprised and would just point at me when I was hanging out by the fan to come and practice with him.

I swear if this had been the first cultural activity, I would have been there every night since. That was just a freaking blast. All the pictures that were taken are on the other girls cameras so ill have to edit them in later, but forreal, amazing.

Even wearing socks, the foot I was kicking with got mad dirty, and I know my shin will be bruised tomorrow. (Shouldn't of even been hitting with my foot but those were from my first few kicks, before I figured out how close to stand.)

I was surprised to see I've got some bruises on my elbow!

Sexy lady, no? Lol I know they're not bad, they don't even hurt and frankly I've done much worse to myself via color guard, but I wasn't expecting them and they really crack me up.

So now I can legit say I got myself some souvies from some back alley Muay Thai boxing.

As with most things here in Thailand, the real memories aren't necessarily made in a place bedazzled in gold and gems.

This has been by far one of my favorite activities that we've done.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:กรุงเทพ-นนทบุรี 46,Bang Sue,Thailand

Birthday time for Sue

So the woman who owns our house actually lives right next door, and she has this AMAZING personality and garden. I feel like her garden just reflects her; it's so charming, lovingly managed, and welcoming for visitors.

Monday morning, the staff prepared a lovely birthday gift for her and we all went over to give it to her.

In the past, she has invited is over to relax in the garden, or visit with her dogs any time we want, but she has had family visiting for the past several days and I haven't wanted to intrude. It was wonderful to watch her though as she received her gifts.


We all sang her happy birthday as well and she actually started crying a little bit there at the end.


She's an amazing woman who just is so open and accepting of the staff, volunteers, and the program, and there really is no way to express how sweet she is.


Thank you, Sue! I hope your birthday was wonderful and wish you many more happy memories!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:กรุงเทพ-นนทบุรี 46,Bang Sue,Thailand