Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Goodbye and Farewell

Now that I have finally gotten settled back into the American way of hot water showers, huge portions, no language barrier (most of the time), soft mattresses, varieties of food and most importantly CHEESE its time I said a quick thank you.
I must thank P Moo my coordinator as well as all the other teachers in my department P Nudee, P Rat, P Porn, P Por, Melanie, Anne, Eak, Nan and the few others I seem to be blanking on their names. They're really hard to remember since they're just sounds and people hardly ever say others names there. I'm just making excuses I know, but I really do appreciate all the help and kindness they gave me. Most of the time we didn't talk because of the language barrier, but I could tell we were fast friends based off hand motions and smiles.
I also have to thank the other American teachers I taught with, Parker and Jonathan. We all became quite close in part because no one else spoke english fluently in our town and also because friends are fun. I had such a great time on our adventures into the city and it was so nice to be able to talk to someone who was going through the same hardships as I was. 
Next I would like to thank all the people who helped make my trip happen from CIEE and OEG. Alex and Phillip were the best. They went out of their way to help us in anyway possible and I am forever grateful for it. I know there was a lot of behind the scenes work going on too so anyone who helped behind the scenes thanks a million.
I'd like to thank the friends I met in Thailand. Hannah, Franki, Jack, Kerry, Maggie, Dane (the boys I taught with are also included in this category). You guys were awesome and such a great time. Looking back I wish I had made more trips to see you all, but I hope I'll see you all again someday. Keep on Keeping on!
Lastly I have to thank the Thai people for being so incredibly kind and happy. Thanks students for brightening my day (mostly). I intend to return someday, but I know I will always look back fondly on my time spent in Thailand.
Here are a few photos from the beginning of my trip that didn't make it on the blog.
The railroad tracks that still run over The Bridge over the River Kwai
The Bridge over the River Kwai
We had dinner and a dance party on a barge
This little boat tugged us along at break neck speeds (Not really. It was really slow)
Woman touching up the 24 karat gold leaf on the Grand Palace
Our tour guide at the Grand Palace.
Such an enthusiastic guy while all of us were dying of heat and sweating ALOT
I'll tell ya one thing... jeans were a bad choice that day.
More of the Grand Palace
Kerry and I
Hannah, me, Frankie and Kerry
Baby elephants kind of freak me out.