The Vien Quang Buddhist Monastery and where I got jacked up by a caterpillar

So, suffice it to say, South Carolina has a lot of surprises, although Vlad insists that this is so close to North Carolina that it really shouldn't count, but regardless;  in Clover, SC, there is a fabulous Buddhist Monastery called the Vien Quang Buddhist Monastery that is open to the public for prayer/visiting, and you know we went.

They are still in the process of building on the grounds, but the location is beautiful, and a lot of care has been put into the temple and surrounding area.  All of the statues have plagues written in Vietnamese on them, as well as providing incense to burn.  Many had fruit and various other offerings set up around them, and it was absolutely beautiful to see.

The base of the main statue at the front entrance.

We parked, paid our respects, and began to wander the grounds, stopping at each temple to admire the artistry and care administered to each.  I wish I knew more about this particular branch, but it made me feel nostalgic for Siam/Siam Reap, in tiny little ways.

Vlad said they had already added a lot on since the last time he had visited, which was apparently during a festival, and you could see them working on various other temple spots along the way.  I'd be interested in returning here once I visit him again, to see the progress/changes that have been incorporated into the site.

New friend that I scared on accident.

We found a bench beside one of the temples and sat for a while.  As with the rest of the trip, the weather was really nice and it was just very peaceful to relax out there.

I also found one of my old friends, from when I used to live in North Carolina!  I have no idea what these guys are actually called, but I used to call them Wooly Bears, and believed they told the weather.  If they were mostly brown, it was warming up, but if they were mostly black, it was going to stay cold for a while.   ...I frankly have no idea where that theory came from, but there you have it.

  There was also a bee that decided to buzz by us at one point, making me jerk my hand (and Vlad throw his water bottle into the water, which he then had to retrieve) and the caterpillar actually bit me.  I don't think i've ever been bit by a caterpillar before, so this was new.  It turned into a big red bump that is still on my finger, nearly two weeks later.

Just some more photos from the complex~

In which I climb the peak and am on top of the (very tiny) world

So, recently I got to go back to Antelope Island,
which is easily one of my favorite places that we've discovered on these business trips.

While driving along the Island.

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If you're ever in the Salt Lake City region of Utah, I highly recommend taking the short drive out to Antelope Island.  It's a state park about 30 - 40  minutes out, depending on traffic and how well you listen to your GPS.  

Photo from up near Buffalo Point. 

Some quick information for those of you unfamiliar with the spot; its an island out in the middle of a lake, accessible only by driving down a narrow, two lane causeway that spans the gap between the mainland and the island.  During low tide, you'll see tons and tons of birds just scattered along the shore line on both sides, however, and this is a personal favorite, if you get there early in the morning, there will be a thick layer of fog that blankets the road, lending itself to the spirit of adventure that drives so many down this road to begin with.  Once out there, you will have the option to hike, bike, ride horseback, boat, view wildlife and visit the one of 'the best places' to experience the Great Salt Lake on the beach side.  All of that is amazing in and of itself, but here's the real catch: The Island is populated by a herd of Bison ranging anywhere between 400 and 600 strong, depending on what time of the year you visit.  On top of that, there are the more elusive Antelope, for which the island is named, as well as Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, and a variety of birds and reptiles. For a fee, you can book a morning of horseback riding at the Fielding Garr Ranch where they'll take you out around the island, climbing the mountain, looking for buffalo, and seeing some amazing sites as you ride side by side. 

This Bison decided to linger for quite a while.

This year when I went, it was much warmer than it has been in the past, but still quite enjoyable.  In the past we have hiked much of the Island, in one case even getting stuck on a rock for a while when part of the herd we were watching decided to stop on the path down.  

Waiting out some Bison in the morning fog.

The herd will also get relatively close to the cars, which is pretty awesome when you're wanting to see them.  Naturally, and this should go without saying and yet I find so often that people surprise you when it comes down to 'common sense', the Bison are still wild animals, and just like any other living thing deserve to be treated with respect, so don't honk your horn or shout and holler at them.  I for one don't believe in 'unprovoked animal attacks', so be aware of how close you are and what the animals around you are doing.  That being said, its a pretty awesome thing that you can observe these amazing animals so close, and in a setting that brings you back to a pioneer feel (as much as paved roads and cars can manage.)

There is a small fee for accessing the park, and the horse back riding is an extra expense should you choose to do that, but for the most part, everything else is free.  There is a food option out there, over by the guest center (which includes a museum with information about the island's past and the animals you can encounter there), where you can also get some pretty fun souvenirs.  In fact, one of my favorite posters in my room comes from there.

There are tons of areas to stop and go hiking for those of you who like to wander around by foot.  I myself recently sprinted up to the top of Buffalo Point, where I had a solo view of the island and lake around me.  From the various spots that i'd wandered, the incline tends to be pretty steady, so I don't recommend it for people with knee issues or unsteady footing.  I do recommend proper shoes (perhaps even ones that go up your ankles, given the terrain) and having a sweater on hand, as you'd be surprised at the temperature changes throughout the day.

While coming down from my solo throne on Buffalo Point.

Utah has constantly impressed me each time i've gone out there, and while I hope to keep adding more 'dots to my map', Antelope Island will remain a constant for me as one of my favorite places to visit

when in the area.

While on the ride, we stopped to enjoy the view for a spell.

Just some things we noted about staying overnight at the Jeju Sauna:

• While i'd recommend leaving electronics at home as its the perfect place to just unplug, I also understand some people have to have their cell phone, computer, or DS with them depending on who you are, so do know that there are plugs around.  I'd suggest bringing an extension though, if you have multiple things to charge, as the availability of the plugs is kind of first come first serve. 
• That being said, there is free wifi should you bring your phone or laptop.
• Hair dryers, shampoo, and conditioner are provided, as are basic things like a razor, tooth brush, lotion, hair spray and 'towels.'  Tampons and bathing suits available for purchase.
• If you plan on sleeping there, bring ear plugs and a sleep mask.  The sleeping room fills up quickly so you may end up looking for a place to sleep within the common room or one of the saunas, and don't think the "Sleep Room" will provide you total peace and quiet.  Some people don't seem to care if their children run in and out between 2 and 3 am while shouting and playing.
• Mats are provided for sleeping, technically speaking only one per person, but i'd recommend bringing your own yoga pad or something for extra cushion.
• Bring a pillow as well, because the ones you use in the sauna are not going to be agreeable for overnight slumber.
• Budget for a massage if you're wanting one.  They're not outrageously priced, but they will catch you off guard if you're not prepared and are watching your money like moi. (Prices are on their website.)
• The fitness room is huge, with bicycles, treadmills, and elliptical provided.  There is a mirror wall along one side, and plenty of room to do Yoga or Pilates.  Bring your own mat and running shoes though.
• While I can't speak for other service providers, Sprint does not get a lot of bars in there, and my phone just seemed to eat up battery trying harder to GET a signal than actually having one.
• There is no special menu for breakfast.  What they serve is what they serve. 
• Lockers are provided, but don't think full body lockers.  These are your basic, gym locker room style lockers, if not just a smidgen smaller in the width department.

Basically, treat it as if you're going to go for a slumber party old school style, just short of rolling up your sleeping bag and onesie.  We brought along a little tote with stuff like clothes, sketchbook/books, hair brushes, etc, but small enough to fit into a locker.  I think my tote was one of those vinyl bags from The Fresh Market if that gives you any idea of size.

In which we partake in a Girls Night Out

May or may not have hit up the children's section first thing at the High.

So, for the past several days I have been staying with my friend and her boyfriend in Atlanta in between business trips.  She has been coming home really really stressed for the past several months from both personal and professional issues, so yesterday, we took advantage of her half day at work...

So done.

In the morning we went to the High Museum of Art, which was pretty cool to go through.  There was a lot of statues, some Monet pieces, a Norman Rockwell painting, and of course, the main exhibit, Vermeer's painting The Girl With the Pearl Earring (along with several other Dutch painters.)

Chrissy and I at the High.

We kind of side eyed some of the modern art exhibits while enjoying others, but I won't even get into the headache that is so often Modern Art.  Some of it was pretty cool though, and thought provoking, which was nice.  

Don't even get me started on some of this Modern Art.

After the High, we went to Mellow Mushroom to get some pizza.  Did you know that all of their crusts are Vegan unless you order it gluten free?  They also offer Vegan cheese options, so you can have a party there, basically.  I was super happy to get myself some pizza because i'd been smelling it off and on for the past two weeks and after a while, you just kind of want some pizza yourself.

And then! As if the day couldn't get any better, Chrissy and I packed over night bags and headed off to the Jeju Sauna and Well-being Center!

Now, Chrissy and I had come here before on a previous visit, however it was sadly only for a few hours.  After that first trip, we both knew we'd have to make at least, AT LEAST, a day out of this place.

The sauna is open 24/7, all holidays, and for our age range is $25 per 24 hours.  It houses 7 different saunas, multiple spa options including full body scrubs, acupressure, and foot massages; there is a wet spa section (nude area), an Olympic sized salt water swimming pool, a fitness center, and if all that wasn't enough, you also have a nail and hair salon on site.  Add to that a banging Korean style restaurant (with your classic american go-to food options for the less adventurous) and a specially designated sleeping area, and its just one of the best ways to unwind that I can possibly think of.

The view of the main room from the stairs outside the Fitness area.

Certain parts of the spa are sectioned by the sexes, with the wet spa and herb-bath areas located within the locker room areas.  The wet spa is an enforced nude only area, so if you're wanting to enter this area, be prepared to bare all to god-all. One good thing about this, no one seems to care; theres no awkward staring or leering (not that you'd expect it) and the awkardness of nudity lasts for maybe five seconds before you find yourself eyeing that hot tub and no longer caring.   In this area, there are showers (shampoo and conditioner provided in the lovely Honey Almond scent), hot tubs of varying degrees, and some basking lights, which was kind of funny to me.  Towels are provided, but they're kind of tiny, and by kind of I mean they're totally tiny.  They're more like face towels, or maybe hair wraps.  The term 'towel' might actually be pretty generous.

On to the saunas, which were my personal favorites (aside from the eating area.)

Inside each sauna, mats are laid out, with the option of pillows, blankets and sleeping mats available in the common area just prior to entering.  Each room has also been carefully designed, which makes the overall experience pretty wonderful.  

First there is the Jade Room, where we tend to start off at as it is set at the lowest heat setting.  As it says on the sign outside the door, the Jade Room is made from imported Korean jade stone, which, combined with the dry heat and the bags of Chinese herbs hanging around, is said to not only increase metabolism, but also improve circulation as well as help with arthritis.   Along the ceiling, green and red stones ( I say stones because i'm not sure that they're both jade) are arranged to form flowing lines, with the red culminating in the center in the shape of a giant diamond.

After that is the Charcoal Room, which just may be my favorite.  Its a noticeable bit hotter than the Jade Room, but nothing overwhelming.  All around you, the ceiling and walls have been covered in blackened logs of charcoal, which lends a nice scent to the room when combined with the bags of Chinese herbs.  According to the pamphlet (available at the front counter) the charcoal helps absorb toxins, increasing circulation and stimulating the sweat glands to release the build up of toxins within your body.  Now, I don't know about all that, but I sure like to think so, and if nothing else, laying in the room is very relaxing.  

Next room down is the Baked Clay Sauna, which is a degree both hotter and larger.  I look a look at thermostat in there and was amused to see that it was marked at 137 degrees, plus heated tiles. (And yes, I took a picture, because my god.)

The Clay room has an interesting design in the sense that it reminds me of gazing at a lizard, or perhaps the desert floor, except not with the dry cracks of a parched landscape and more with the grace of a potter's hand, where the clay has been overlapped in such a way that the build up of texture carries your eye around the ceiling and into the center.  This room is advertised as a bit of a miracle worker, with the Korean "red baked clay" dilating peripheral blood vessels, bringing relief to tight muscles, increasing circulation, eliminating waste products, and delivering rich blood oxygen to depleted muscles, thus by flushing out impurities and releasing dead skin cells for better looking and more refreshed skin.  I'm not personally sure how much oxygen rich blood got itself coursing while in there, but I can certainly say that after a heavy work out, once properly hydrated this room would feel absolutely amazing to lay in.  Even without the heavy lifting, I could feel my muscles unwinding as I lay there.

Theres an Ice Room, decorated with rocks to resemble snow, complete with penguins.  I personally don't linger for too long in this area, but its a nice little break from all the heat and with the shift in temperatures, causes your skin pores to contract, giving you the look of smaller pores.

Those four are lined up against the far wall, while out in the middle of the common area, these next three exist within individual huts.

The first one, and closest to the wall grouping, is the Gold and Silver Sauna, which is lined and covered in, you guessed it, Gold and Silver.  Its said to have positive effects of nerve stability, poison counteraction, and neurosis.   In here, they've taken the design and formed something of a sun burst on the ceiling, exploding down the curve and onto the walls.  The bits of red stone mixed in always reminded me of arrows.

Me inside the Gold and Silver Room.

Next is the Rock Salt Room, which is the biggest of the three, with a very organic flow to the inside once you enter the little door up front.  The salt is everywhere, from the walls to the ceilings, and you can smell it when you enter.  This room is large enough to warrant little port holes, which are a nice addition, and break up the organic movement of the room.  "Surrounded by pure crystal rock salt, you will relieve stress and tension.  The Rock Salt Room strengthens your cardiovascular system' as well as increases blood circulation, flushing out impurities, and releasing dead skin cells. 

The last room is The Jewel Room, which certainly lives up to its name.  Surrounded by semi-precious stones, crystals, and amethyst, its hard not to feel relaxed and renewed while laying in there.  The stones have been shaped into scenes from nature, with trees growing up the side and a giant amethyst star bursting across the ceiling above you.  These stones are said to have great healing and calming powers, and with the lights sparkling off all the tiny little rivets, i'd be inclined to believe them.

I cannot attest to the body scrubs or massages, as I had not budgeted for those and therefore did not get one ( although you can bet your butt I will be getting one next time), however, let me tell you about the glory that is the Korean Restaurant on the premises there. 

Open entering, you are given this little wrist bracelet (although I wore mine around my ankle) that has your locker number and key on it for storing.  The bracelet also comes with a round little electronic on it, which will more or less function as your credit card while in the spa, to be paid in full upon exit, so think of it as opening a tab at a bar.  So, at the dining area, they have about 20 different Korean dishes available for your eating pleasure, all with pictures and descriptions beneath them.  They're also very filling, and generally large (especially the Korean rice cake one!) so sometimes its worth ordering just one first, and sharing, and then seeing if you're still hungry afterwards.  They also have a small variety of typical American style dishes, which includes cheese sticks, chicken fingers, and salads.

Chrissy and Jenni both agreed that these were more or less the  greatest.

  I encourage you to be adventurous though; the food there is seriously amazing, cooked on the spot, and so so good.  There's also a selection of desserts, including Patbingsu, which I tried for the first time yesterday, sans ice cream.  Again, its huge, but was very good, if not a bit of a treasure hunt, which was kind of exciting.

Patbingsu! Don't be fooled though, there are more layers underneath.

So yeah, the night was amazing.  We met up with a friend, and just relaxxxxxeeeddd.  Time seems to fly while you're in there, and we all slept in the sleeping room (albeit to varying degrees of 'sleep') and enjoyed our time all morning until past noon.  We went swimming, we ate good food and just enjoyed ourselves, with no stress about outside expectations or time crunches.  Even if the saunas didn't do all the amazing things they're said to do, even if there were no massage or body scrub options, just having an area to go and unwind like that as got to be healthy for you, and something I highly recommend for any and everyone.

I'm going to make another post about over night recommendations (things we learned after we got there) but for the time being, this is it.  I had an amazing time just relaxing, being lazy and splashing around with these ladies, and I'm pretty sure Jeju's gonna be some place we've got to hit up every time in in Atlanta from now on.

Yay for wonderful people!

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