Snapshot at school

Yes, we work really hard at school. But we also get to teach and hang out with some wonderfully sweet kids. These two have been in a holiday programme with us for the past 6 weeks, 9-5pm Monday-Friday while their Thai school observes summer break. It's been fun!

Our First Package

So it IS possible to send packages to Bangkok. I have read horror stories about people shipping things here (high import taxes and complications with customs), but am so so happy to say there were no problems this time around.

My sweet sister sent some essentials  (there were 3 packs of Twizzlers... now in conservation mode after being overeager) along with a great book that has tons of ideas for my classes.

Such a special treat - thank you, sisterbear!

Khao Lak + Phuket

We had a full week off work for the Thai new year - Songkran - and went on a road trip with our friends Adam and Wara. We left from Bangkok on Friday night at midnight and drove about 12 hours down to Khao Lak - a popular nature preserve and beach town north of Phuket. We spent a few days here before driving a couple more hours to Phuket and spending a few days there exploring the huge island. It's been an absolutely amazing holiday and we're heading back to Bangkok tonight to get settled in before starting work again on Monday. Here is a photo diary of our trip.

Seen at a rest stop as we got into southern Thailand.

Our chariot felt out of place in the jungle. Now in Khao Lak!

Standard party in the back of the pick-up.

Drenched after celebrating Songkran with a city-wide, all-day water fight.

Sam was a bit more colorful after the Songkran festivities.

Got to meet some Thai cowboys.

Sam surfed all day at Pakarang beach, Khao Lak.

Sand crabs make their holes by tossing out these
little sand balls in often impressive patterns.
They're so tiny, too!

It's a stuffed omelette...

...Stuffed with pad thai! Heavenly.

Your average tourists on a motorbike.

The sign welcomes you without admitting the cape is
still a distant, steep and winding journey away.

The elusive Dragon Cape beach.

Laem Sing beach, Phuket.

Happy after a busy day of wave jumping and body surfing.

One of the more picturesque areas of Phuket town. 

Sunset at Nai Harn beach.