I can't believe it was Thursday already and our week in Bali coming to an end soon. It was Shane's birthday today and we had grand plans for the day! We started the day early and headed to the beach for our first surfing lesson. The sea was a gorgeous blue and the waves were perfect for beginners. Our instructor first gave us some pointers and showed us the different methods on a practice board on land. We tried different styles until we felt ready to hit the waves!
Holding a surf board and handling it through the waves is quite a challenge. Everytime I stood up I would fall down off the board again and have salty sea in my face. It was so refreshing! I wasn't very good at it at all, but wanted to try a couple more times. I was still exhausted from my diving and from lack of sleep for few weeks, so wasn't at my best and after three attempts and achy knees, I decided to sit on the beach and watch Shane instead. He was managing well and enjoying it very much. Shane has great balance and core strength so took to surfing well and did brilliantly. I dried off on beach and tried to nap.
We were presented with our photos and they were brilliant! Shane and I explored more of the beach area and then we found a local place to eat some lunch. We then found a beautiful looking bakery and took about 30 minutes to decide which cakes to choose! We finally decided on Balinese flavours of avocado and white chocolate cake, Balinese coffee cake and Shane's favourite, classic lemon cheesecake with a birthday candle. It was delightful!
We headed back to the homestay and I got my things together to pack. Tomorrow morning I would be flying back to Thailand and meeting my tour group. The third chapter of my adventure with some new people and new countries.
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Friday, 28 March 2014
Bali Part: Scuba Diving Day 2
This morning, I was picked up at 7am again to travel to my dive site. Today, we will be diving in Blue Lagoon. Famous for its white sandy beaches and chilled out atmosphere, it sounded different to the mountainous, stony beach of Tulamben yesterday. Blue Lagoon was an hour and half drive away and today we were picking up divers from other hotels to go to dive site too.
It was great to meet new people and fellow divers. They were all doing fun dives rather than a course. We were a nice mixed age group and from Singapore, Canada and Russia. We would be going on a boat and jumping off today. Yesterday, I just walked into the sea from the stony beach, so jumping off a boat definitely seemed more dramatic!
It was exhilarating jumping off boat and diving down. The water was beautiful, so blue and warm. My first dive was a deep dive, so we descended 30 metres below. I expected it to be more of a challenge to equalise pressure in my ears, but it was actually just the same as any other dive. Going so deep had consequences which my instructor had warned me about before we descended. It is possible for nitrogen to build up in the body and cause the diver to experience something called Nitrogen Narcossis. The effects can vary person to person but resemble being drunk - having less acute sensory and feeling happy or anxious. It is not however, dangerous and passes within few hours. I don't think I experienced any effects, so probably didn't have too much nitrogen build up in me. I saw even more variety of sea life and coral and enjoyed the adrenalin rush of being so deep under.
We got back onto the boat just under 40 minutes later and relaxed and dried off. The other divers who were doing their fun dives, all returned back too and we all exchanged stories of what we saw. A cup of tea and some briefing for my second and last dive followed. My last dive was a fish identification dive. My instructor showed me a book identifying characteristics, both visual and personality, of different fish. I was to descend with a slate and pencil and circle the ones I saw. We jumped backwards off the boat this time and descended about 25 metres. Already we saw so many different fish! Nemo, the clownfish, was everywhere! There was such a range; from beautiful little electric blue fish to large, flat, camouflaged fish. I kept referring to the slate of fish and clutched tightly while swimming. Everytime something looked familiar, I circled the fish on slate with my pencil. My instructor helped by pointing out fish that were hiding away. We swam up and down changing direction often and weaving through things to best spot hiding fish. It was fascinating and just stunning to see such a wide array. I tried to soak up every second as I knew it was my last dive.
Climbing back onto the boat after the last dive, I felt incredibly happy, but sad at the same time. I'd experienced so much underwater and now it was the end of my course. I have definitely come to love diving as much as baking and reading! We all travelled back exhausted and falling asleep on the journey.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Bali Part 3: Scuba Diving Adventures Day 1
I was so excited to be diving again, that I must have dreamt of fish! Finally, I would be back in the sea. Along with teaching English, scuba diving was an important part of my trip. I absolutely loved it when I first tried it, back in 2011 in Thailand. This time, I would be doing the Advanced Open Water course.
The diving school bus picked me up from our homestay at 7am. It was a two and half hour drive to the dive site, Tulamben. My diving instructor filled me in on the day's plan and we chatted on the journey. It was such a picturesque car journey to Tulamben. There were volcanos and lots of greenery. We were driving down windy little roads and normally I would be nervous about driving on such roads, but I was too impressed with the views to care!
Once we reached Tulamben, my instructor and I went through the diving brief and some basic theory as a reminder. I was provided with my equipment and wetsuit and taught about navigation skills underwater. Some practice with an underwater compass on land and I was ready to hit the sea! We descended down about 16 metres underwater and saw many different fish and other underwater creatures. There was a little current, so it was challenging at times to keep together. I used the compass underwater to navigate myself and find bearings. It was interesting how distracting fish and sea life can be when you are trying to focus! The dive was just under 40 minutes and I enjoyed every minute!
For my second dive, my instructor gave me a little background history. I would be doing a wreck dive. Tulamben is a famous wreck dive site as there are remains of shipwreck from 1942, which make for a great adventure and exploration dive. We descended down 18 metres this time. It was fascinating to see the ship remains and details of the wreck. I'd never experienced such a dive before so it was particularly interesting to swim and explore.
Diving is extremely tiring work - all that breathing underwater and carrying an oxygen tank on your back! We had a spot of lunch and relax before the brief for the third and final dive of the day. I would be practising my buoyancy skills underwater, so my instructor explained me some theory beforehand. We descended down 18 metres again with a hula hoop in tow. We swam to the bottom of sea bed and used weights and string to attach hula hoop. I was to swim through the hula hoop on my back, my front and my sides, in as smooth movements as possible. It was challenging at first as I was not kicking effectively, but once I got the hang of that, it was much easier. I really enjoyed swimming through effortlessly and felt like a fish! It was so rewarding to see improvement with my fluidity.
The three dives of the day left me deliriously happy and excited for more the next day! My dive instructor said that I was surprisingly confident underwater with breathing and flowing through, considering that I hadn't done any diving for almost three years. It was such a compliment and good to hear. I got back to the homestay around 7pm and was eager to tell Shane about my whole day. I didn't stop smiling all evening :)
The diving school bus picked me up from our homestay at 7am. It was a two and half hour drive to the dive site, Tulamben. My diving instructor filled me in on the day's plan and we chatted on the journey. It was such a picturesque car journey to Tulamben. There were volcanos and lots of greenery. We were driving down windy little roads and normally I would be nervous about driving on such roads, but I was too impressed with the views to care!
Once we reached Tulamben, my instructor and I went through the diving brief and some basic theory as a reminder. I was provided with my equipment and wetsuit and taught about navigation skills underwater. Some practice with an underwater compass on land and I was ready to hit the sea! We descended down about 16 metres underwater and saw many different fish and other underwater creatures. There was a little current, so it was challenging at times to keep together. I used the compass underwater to navigate myself and find bearings. It was interesting how distracting fish and sea life can be when you are trying to focus! The dive was just under 40 minutes and I enjoyed every minute!
For my second dive, my instructor gave me a little background history. I would be doing a wreck dive. Tulamben is a famous wreck dive site as there are remains of shipwreck from 1942, which make for a great adventure and exploration dive. We descended down 18 metres this time. It was fascinating to see the ship remains and details of the wreck. I'd never experienced such a dive before so it was particularly interesting to swim and explore.
Diving is extremely tiring work - all that breathing underwater and carrying an oxygen tank on your back! We had a spot of lunch and relax before the brief for the third and final dive of the day. I would be practising my buoyancy skills underwater, so my instructor explained me some theory beforehand. We descended down 18 metres again with a hula hoop in tow. We swam to the bottom of sea bed and used weights and string to attach hula hoop. I was to swim through the hula hoop on my back, my front and my sides, in as smooth movements as possible. It was challenging at first as I was not kicking effectively, but once I got the hang of that, it was much easier. I really enjoyed swimming through effortlessly and felt like a fish! It was so rewarding to see improvement with my fluidity.
The three dives of the day left me deliriously happy and excited for more the next day! My dive instructor said that I was surprisingly confident underwater with breathing and flowing through, considering that I hadn't done any diving for almost three years. It was such a compliment and good to hear. I got back to the homestay around 7pm and was eager to tell Shane about my whole day. I didn't stop smiling all evening :)
Bali Part 2- Bali Spirit Festival - Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March
Shane and I had a couple of hours with Sophie this morning before she left us. We wished her farewell and got ourselves ready to check out the Bali Spirit Festival. This is a yoga, music and dance festival held every year in Ubud, Bali. People here were so relaxed and happy. There were many stalls selling yoga clothes, spiritual stuff and dance and yoga classes held throughout the day. We were lucky to be able to catch it. Shane is a huge yoga fan and writes for a yoga company, so this was right up his street! He was in his element, making new contacts in the yoga industry and handing out flyers and business cards. I enjoyed the atmosphere and music.
While Shane took part in one of the yoga classes, I went along to a dance class. It was called 'Masala Bhangra' and it was a dance workout class -this was right up my street! The instructor and creator of Masala Bhangra is a lady called Sarina Jain. She is originally Indian but brought up in America and she told her story of how she came about setting up Masala Bhangra. It was really moving and we all warmed to her straightaway. The class was so much fun! It was such an energetic workout and there were happy faces all around enjoying the beat of the music. There were even live dhol (Indian drums) players!
We enjoyed the rest of the festival and then headed into Ubud town or lunch and a walkaround. We would be leaving for the south of Bali tomorrow, so we made the most of our motorbike and tried to see as much as possible.
On Monday morning, we travelled south to Canguu. We were staying in a homestay, tucked away in a quiet corner and very peaceful. A French lady called Maud had settled down here and opened up the homestay. Maud was from Lyon, where I have been a couple of times, so it was great to chat away in French to her. She was so lovely. Shane and I loved playing with her little son and her friendly dogs.
For the rest of the day we just explored our new surroundings and settled down. I had some reading to do ahead of my diving course starting tomorrow. I was so excited that I will be underwater swimming with fish and other marine life again tomorrow. It's been too long since my last dive!
While Shane took part in one of the yoga classes, I went along to a dance class. It was called 'Masala Bhangra' and it was a dance workout class -this was right up my street! The instructor and creator of Masala Bhangra is a lady called Sarina Jain. She is originally Indian but brought up in America and she told her story of how she came about setting up Masala Bhangra. It was really moving and we all warmed to her straightaway. The class was so much fun! It was such an energetic workout and there were happy faces all around enjoying the beat of the music. There were even live dhol (Indian drums) players!
We enjoyed the rest of the festival and then headed into Ubud town or lunch and a walkaround. We would be leaving for the south of Bali tomorrow, so we made the most of our motorbike and tried to see as much as possible.
On Monday morning, we travelled south to Canguu. We were staying in a homestay, tucked away in a quiet corner and very peaceful. A French lady called Maud had settled down here and opened up the homestay. Maud was from Lyon, where I have been a couple of times, so it was great to chat away in French to her. She was so lovely. Shane and I loved playing with her little son and her friendly dogs.
For the rest of the day we just explored our new surroundings and settled down. I had some reading to do ahead of my diving course starting tomorrow. I was so excited that I will be underwater swimming with fish and other marine life again tomorrow. It's been too long since my last dive!
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Bali - Part 1 Ubud: Saturday 22nd March
Having just said goodbye to Surin and my fellow volunteer friends, I had mixed emotions of sadness, but excitement to see my friends Sophie and Shane, in Bali. I had a six hour coach journey to Bangkok from Surin and then a four hour flight to Bali. A good book and eye mask (thank you Marion!) and I was all set!
Sophie and Shane were already there and waiting for me when I reached Bali airport. It was so great to see them! I hadn't seen Shane since my visit to China and Hong Kong, back in 2009! A short taxi ride to our hotel and we were all set to begin our weekend together. The hotel was so serene and beautiful. We had our own private pool with jet spa too. This is all too luxurious compared to the rest of my backpacker trip! We caught up lots and enjoyed an Indonesian lunch and walk around the area. There were many beautiful scenes of greenery and rice fields in Ubud, it was so peaceful.
I felt a little ignorant as I had settled in Thailand and learnt some Thai words, but here I was in a new country and although some things were familiar, I felt like a fish in new waters. People spoke good English here though, and were very friendly too. It was lovely to speak to some of the locals about their way of life. We were invited to look around someone's personal temple. Bali is a Hindu country, so there were many familiar looking dieties, statues and food offerings around, that I felt rather at home in a way! It was also so much more vegetarian friendly here than anywhere else I have experienced so far in South East Asia. We enjoyed Balinese coffees and fresh avocado juices when the walking got too much! Although a few degrees cooler than temperatures I was used to in Thailand, it was a dry heat in Bali, so didn't feel cooler!
Tomorrow we will be saying goodbye to Sophie, as she was only visiting us shortly. We made the most of our time with her though. Tomorrow, Shane and I will check out the Bali Spirit Festival. This is a yoga, music and dance festival held every year in Ubud.
Sophie and Shane were already there and waiting for me when I reached Bali airport. It was so great to see them! I hadn't seen Shane since my visit to China and Hong Kong, back in 2009! A short taxi ride to our hotel and we were all set to begin our weekend together. The hotel was so serene and beautiful. We had our own private pool with jet spa too. This is all too luxurious compared to the rest of my backpacker trip! We caught up lots and enjoyed an Indonesian lunch and walk around the area. There were many beautiful scenes of greenery and rice fields in Ubud, it was so peaceful.
I felt a little ignorant as I had settled in Thailand and learnt some Thai words, but here I was in a new country and although some things were familiar, I felt like a fish in new waters. People spoke good English here though, and were very friendly too. It was lovely to speak to some of the locals about their way of life. We were invited to look around someone's personal temple. Bali is a Hindu country, so there were many familiar looking dieties, statues and food offerings around, that I felt rather at home in a way! It was also so much more vegetarian friendly here than anywhere else I have experienced so far in South East Asia. We enjoyed Balinese coffees and fresh avocado juices when the walking got too much! Although a few degrees cooler than temperatures I was used to in Thailand, it was a dry heat in Bali, so didn't feel cooler!
Tomorrow we will be saying goodbye to Sophie, as she was only visiting us shortly. We made the most of our time with her though. Tomorrow, Shane and I will check out the Bali Spirit Festival. This is a yoga, music and dance festival held every year in Ubud.
Friday, 21 March 2014
Last week as a volunteer teacher - Monday 17th - Friday 21st March
The final week had come around for me faster than I could blink. I'm not supposed to leave, I'm the one that says goodbye to those leaving every week! My time was up now and it felt vey strange. I'd settled down pretty well in just six weeks in Surin. I have loved every minute of my time in the classroom as a volunteer teacher and enjoyed my free time with fellow volunteers too. I've gained so much insight into children, Thai culture, food and language, as well as other things. I've learnt to relax, to be spontaneous rather than so planned out all the time and finally to learn not to worry over little things. I've met some incredible people, both the Thai and the fellow volunteers and have really enjoyed making new friends from all over the globe. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity really!
This week I was teaching a special class of children who had chosen to come into school especially to learn English. School was shut for summer holidays now, so these children were a delight to teach as they had chosen to be there. It was a new challenge teaching a mixed age and ability group and I had to tailor my teaching style and worksheets to suit all of them. My coordinator, Nikki, helped me quite a lot this week - it is difficult teaching how to tell the time in English! It was so rewarding to see that they understood though and hearing them shout out the time made us feel so proud! I also taught the children some holiday vocabulary at the end of the week.
On my last day, we had a small party for us all. I took in snacks and drinks for the children as a treat and they were so polite and helpful in helping set up and serve. It was wonderful seeing them so happy and playing and smiling. It was so sweet to be given flowers as a token of gratitude. It was tough saying goodbye, but equally I know they are happy and will learn more with new volunteers.
In the evenings this week, I went for runs in the park. On Wednesday, we all treated ourselves to luxurious ice cream. It was Sara and Fred's last day as medical volunteers so a bit of a leaving do for them. Fred and Sara have been wonderful to talk to about travelling and learn medical related things from. On Thursday, my last evening, our coordinator, Nam, invited us for dinner. She made my favourite Thai dish -green curry! It was so lovely all eating together coordinators and volunteers. It was great to spend time talking to other English girls who arrived last week. They are a sweet group.
For my last day today, I have enjoyed a traditional Thai massage. I was stretched and stood on and it felt so rejuvenating. I am so perfectly relaxed now for my bus ride to Bangkok and flight to Bali. Let the next part of the journey begin!
This week I was teaching a special class of children who had chosen to come into school especially to learn English. School was shut for summer holidays now, so these children were a delight to teach as they had chosen to be there. It was a new challenge teaching a mixed age and ability group and I had to tailor my teaching style and worksheets to suit all of them. My coordinator, Nikki, helped me quite a lot this week - it is difficult teaching how to tell the time in English! It was so rewarding to see that they understood though and hearing them shout out the time made us feel so proud! I also taught the children some holiday vocabulary at the end of the week.
On my last day, we had a small party for us all. I took in snacks and drinks for the children as a treat and they were so polite and helpful in helping set up and serve. It was wonderful seeing them so happy and playing and smiling. It was so sweet to be given flowers as a token of gratitude. It was tough saying goodbye, but equally I know they are happy and will learn more with new volunteers.
In the evenings this week, I went for runs in the park. On Wednesday, we all treated ourselves to luxurious ice cream. It was Sara and Fred's last day as medical volunteers so a bit of a leaving do for them. Fred and Sara have been wonderful to talk to about travelling and learn medical related things from. On Thursday, my last evening, our coordinator, Nam, invited us for dinner. She made my favourite Thai dish -green curry! It was so lovely all eating together coordinators and volunteers. It was great to spend time talking to other English girls who arrived last week. They are a sweet group.
For my last day today, I have enjoyed a traditional Thai massage. I was stretched and stood on and it felt so rejuvenating. I am so perfectly relaxed now for my bus ride to Bangkok and flight to Bali. Let the next part of the journey begin!
Monday, 17 March 2014
Weekend in Siem Reap, Cambodia
The time to visit Cambodia was finally here. Having heard so much about it from some others, I've had to wait until nearer the end of my stay to visit, due to the visa rules. I would have liked to have come with friends but it wasn't possible due to everyone's visa expiry being at different times. It was only a weekend though and I'm sure I would be able to meet new people once there. Surin is a one hour minibus ride away from the Cambodia border. Many people worked at the border so the Friday morning minibus was packed. Once I got to the border, I had a two and a half hour taxi ride to Siem Reap. It was a bumpy and dusty ride!
Fresh and early the next morning after a good sleep, I was excited to walk around the world famous Angkor Wat temples. At breakfast, I met another solo traveller who wanted to explore the temples too. Linda is from Switzerland and also like me, had just spent time as a volunteer English teacher in Bali. She was heading to Thailand next and I am off to Bali next week, so we had many things to tell each other! We got on very well, having similar interests and being the same age.
Linda and I were taken to the floating village first. There was a whole community of Cambodians who choose to live on boats on the river. They avoid paying tax and they live mainly by fishing. We visited a floating school and orphanage, as well as a floating market. There were crocodiles caged on the floating market, their skins used for bags, shoes and other souvenir items. It was lovely to visit the school and orphanage but sad too. These children had lost their parents in a typhoon. They were still full of energy and huge smiles though. It was fascinating to be explained everything about floating village life by our tour guide.
After a spot of lunch, we were taken to the Angkor Wat temples. The temples were absolutely incredible and huge too. The carvings reminded me of all the Hindu temples I had seen in India and England too. The sun was scorching as there was no breeze at all. We really struggled climbing and walking at times so had short sit down and water breaks! It wasn't possible to see all the temples in a day, so we narrowed it down to the main ones (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon) before sunset. We choose to see sunset at Phnom Bakheng, which is renowned for its gorgeous views from above the many steps. There was already a crowd gathered by 5pm for the 6.15pm sunset! Although the sky was a pretty melange of pink and orange pre-sunset, there was no visible sunset as it was too smoggy. It was a shame, but a lovely view nevertheless!
By evening, Linda and I were in dire need of showers and a sit down! After a break, we went out for dinner and to see the night markets and pub street. Over dinner, we enjoyed hearing about each other's travelling experiences up to date. Linda was off to Thailand early on Sunday morning, so we had to say our goodbyes after spending the day together. One of the best things about travelling is the opportunity to make friends from around the globe and those of you that know me well will know how much I love that!
I enjoyed a lie in on Sunday, before checking out and travelling back to the border. I really enjoyed my short visit and would love to come back to explore more!
My hotel was lovely with an air conditioned room, comfy bed and satellite tv - this felt like luxury! I relaxed a little, then headed out to explore and get some lunch. Cambodians are so warm and welcoming and I felt comfortable straight away. A spot of Cambodian lunch and an ice-cream and I was ready to tackle the markets! Some gift and souvenir purchases later and I was back at hotel for break from heat! For dinner, I came across a lovely little French pizzeria. I haven't had any pizza or cheese my whole trip, so gave myself the allowance and enjoyed it very much! The town was all lit up for night, so I explored the night markets and the famous pub street. It was similar atmosphere to Koh San Road in Bangkok. Very crowded and many people asking me if I wanted a tuk tuk!
Fresh and early the next morning after a good sleep, I was excited to walk around the world famous Angkor Wat temples. At breakfast, I met another solo traveller who wanted to explore the temples too. Linda is from Switzerland and also like me, had just spent time as a volunteer English teacher in Bali. She was heading to Thailand next and I am off to Bali next week, so we had many things to tell each other! We got on very well, having similar interests and being the same age.
Linda and I were taken to the floating village first. There was a whole community of Cambodians who choose to live on boats on the river. They avoid paying tax and they live mainly by fishing. We visited a floating school and orphanage, as well as a floating market. There were crocodiles caged on the floating market, their skins used for bags, shoes and other souvenir items. It was lovely to visit the school and orphanage but sad too. These children had lost their parents in a typhoon. They were still full of energy and huge smiles though. It was fascinating to be explained everything about floating village life by our tour guide.
After a spot of lunch, we were taken to the Angkor Wat temples. The temples were absolutely incredible and huge too. The carvings reminded me of all the Hindu temples I had seen in India and England too. The sun was scorching as there was no breeze at all. We really struggled climbing and walking at times so had short sit down and water breaks! It wasn't possible to see all the temples in a day, so we narrowed it down to the main ones (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bayon) before sunset. We choose to see sunset at Phnom Bakheng, which is renowned for its gorgeous views from above the many steps. There was already a crowd gathered by 5pm for the 6.15pm sunset! Although the sky was a pretty melange of pink and orange pre-sunset, there was no visible sunset as it was too smoggy. It was a shame, but a lovely view nevertheless!
By evening, Linda and I were in dire need of showers and a sit down! After a break, we went out for dinner and to see the night markets and pub street. Over dinner, we enjoyed hearing about each other's travelling experiences up to date. Linda was off to Thailand early on Sunday morning, so we had to say our goodbyes after spending the day together. One of the best things about travelling is the opportunity to make friends from around the globe and those of you that know me well will know how much I love that!
I enjoyed a lie in on Sunday, before checking out and travelling back to the border. I really enjoyed my short visit and would love to come back to explore more!
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Week five of volunteering - Childcare - Monday 10th - Thursday 13th March
This week, I was volunteering at a different project as my schoolchildren had their end of year exams, so I volunteered at the childcare centre. The children at the childcare centre are aged between two and four. There are all sorts of activities to keep them entertained throughout the day. The mornings begin with breakfast snacks, daily sing-song, some physical exercise, followed by lots of playing and some dvd watching. Next is lunch and then a nap for two hours. When they are freshly energised from their naps, there are more snacks and playing, before their school bus picks them up at 3pm.
I really enjoyed playing with the children and didn't know how the mornings passed so quickly. I'd be used as a climbing frame, as a hair model and as a sofa! They children are so loving and playful and I'd gotten quite attached to them already in my two days at the childcare centre last week. This week we had two new volunteers at the childcare centre. Lauren and Jay are childhood studies students and this was their placement, so it was interesting to hear their ideas about the way that children interact, behave and socialise. I enjoyed spending my days with Lauren and Jay, they are lovely girls.
It was a busy week in the evenings. A longer run than usual on Monday evening, trip planning for upcoming Cambodia weekend on Tuesday and Thursday and a visit to the night market on Wednesday evening. On Thursday evening, we went for a meal at the restaurant that serves pad-thai wrapped in an omelette, to say farewell to Steph. She was heading back home to Australia that night.
It is strange to think that I have been living in Thailand for five weeks now and saying farewells to people every week and it will be next weekend. For now though, Cambodia awaits! I am so eager to see the world famous Angkor Wat temples and experience Cambodian culture and food.
I really enjoyed playing with the children and didn't know how the mornings passed so quickly. I'd be used as a climbing frame, as a hair model and as a sofa! They children are so loving and playful and I'd gotten quite attached to them already in my two days at the childcare centre last week. This week we had two new volunteers at the childcare centre. Lauren and Jay are childhood studies students and this was their placement, so it was interesting to hear their ideas about the way that children interact, behave and socialise. I enjoyed spending my days with Lauren and Jay, they are lovely girls.
It was a busy week in the evenings. A longer run than usual on Monday evening, trip planning for upcoming Cambodia weekend on Tuesday and Thursday and a visit to the night market on Wednesday evening. On Thursday evening, we went for a meal at the restaurant that serves pad-thai wrapped in an omelette, to say farewell to Steph. She was heading back home to Australia that night.
It is strange to think that I have been living in Thailand for five weeks now and saying farewells to people every week and it will be next weekend. For now though, Cambodia awaits! I am so eager to see the world famous Angkor Wat temples and experience Cambodian culture and food.
Monday, 10 March 2014
More goodbyes but hellos too! Weekend four - Friday 7th - Sunday 9th March
The weekend already! On Friday, we enjoyed our last day with Amber, Becky and Alex by relaxing and swimming at the pool. We bid them farewell by having dinner at our favourite local restaurant. Tomorrow morning once we say our goodbyes to them, it will be just Steph and I until our new volunteers and housemates arrive on Sunday evening.
After the morning goodbyes on Saturday, Steph and I went to our coordinators' Tukky and Worn's village to teach the village children English for the day. The class was held at Tukky's house and the children were a mixed age group. It was so lovely to teach again as I had missed school a couple of days during the week and worked at the childcare centre. Steph and I taught the children fruits, animals and classroom objects. They really enjoyed doing the word searches! It was an enjoyable day and I wished I could come again to teach the village children. A quiet evening for Steph and I, but we kept busy by cooking dinner, trip planning, chatting and reading.
Our coordinator, Worn picked us up on Sunday morning to go and watch some local football being played between his team and opponents. Having been to watch a couple of weekends ago and really enjoying the atmosphere, I was delighted to be able to go again. Another victory for Worn's team and smiles all around. On the way home, we stopped off at a watermelon farm and bought a whole bag of fresh watermelons! We returned home and Worn taught us how to make Thai fried rice for lunch. Watermelons and fried rice - just wonderful!
After a quick clean and relax, we were eager to welcome our new housemates. There were two new medical volunteers from Sweden called Fred and Sara, and two new childcare volunteers from England called Lauren and Jay. We were all chatting away in no time. The coordinators and Steph and I took them for dinner and to the local supermarket. It was good to be able to welcome them into the home and fill them in a little bit about Surin.
After the morning goodbyes on Saturday, Steph and I went to our coordinators' Tukky and Worn's village to teach the village children English for the day. The class was held at Tukky's house and the children were a mixed age group. It was so lovely to teach again as I had missed school a couple of days during the week and worked at the childcare centre. Steph and I taught the children fruits, animals and classroom objects. They really enjoyed doing the word searches! It was an enjoyable day and I wished I could come again to teach the village children. A quiet evening for Steph and I, but we kept busy by cooking dinner, trip planning, chatting and reading.
Our coordinator, Worn picked us up on Sunday morning to go and watch some local football being played between his team and opponents. Having been to watch a couple of weekends ago and really enjoying the atmosphere, I was delighted to be able to go again. Another victory for Worn's team and smiles all around. On the way home, we stopped off at a watermelon farm and bought a whole bag of fresh watermelons! We returned home and Worn taught us how to make Thai fried rice for lunch. Watermelons and fried rice - just wonderful!
After a quick clean and relax, we were eager to welcome our new housemates. There were two new medical volunteers from Sweden called Fred and Sara, and two new childcare volunteers from England called Lauren and Jay. We were all chatting away in no time. The coordinators and Steph and I took them for dinner and to the local supermarket. It was good to be able to welcome them into the home and fill them in a little bit about Surin.
Thursday, 6 March 2014
Week four of volunteering - Monday 4th - Thursday 6th March
This week is slightly different to my usual teaching in school Monday - Thursday. We were all invited to attend the opening ceremony of the childcare centre's new building on Monday. There were a lot of people invited from the village, as well as parents, friends and families of the children and teachers from the childcare centre. It was a momentous occasion as the childcare centre staff, local villagers, monks and volunteers had been working hard to construct this new building for the last six years. So it is wonderful for everyone to finally see it come together. Although, the roof still remains to be finished, they will be well under way to achieve this also, as my housemates have managed to successfully fundraise approximately £2000 through family and friends. Well done Amber, Becky, Louise and Alex!
We went in the truck together, a little more dressed up than everyday, and upon arrival at the childcare centre, we spotted some of the children and their parents, dressed up and full of smiles. First, there was a small Buddhist ceremony given by the monks, in order to bless the building auspiciously before its first use. Then, there was plenty of food and sweet celebratory treats. It was interesting to try these! We were then blessed with string bracelets, which represent luck, by the monks. The ceremony and the lucky string bracelets tradition reassembled the Hindu tradition that I grew up with. We also had ceremonies for new houses or buildings and had important sweet food and lucky string bracelets presented to us by priests. After helping wash and clean up, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon by cooling down with ice cream. It was a very hot day!
In the evening, we went to the festival/fair in the local park where I normally run. This is an annual event that runs for a week, in celebration of the rice farmers. There was a stage with traditional Thai dancing, a Miss Surin competition and gorgeous Thai children all dressed up and modelling children's clothing. There was also food stalls, gift stalls and games stalls. It was lovely to wander around. After several attempts, unfortunately we were unable to win a huge cuddly toy, by throwing darts accurately at the board, for our coordinator Tuk!
On Tuesday, I went to school and taught my seven and eight year olds about family members. I also recapped animals. It was pancake day today, so in the evening we all got together to toss some pancakes up and enjoy them with various toppings. It was so much fun and our coordinators enjoyed learning how to toss a traditional English pancake!
I was back at the childcare centre on Wednesday and Thursday, as my schoolchildren had exams. It was a different experience and I enjoyed playing and interacting with the children. They are aged between two and four and are adorable. We also help serve them lunch, wash and clean up after lunch and get them settled down for their afternoon nap time. It was Amber, Becky and Alex's last day at the childcare centre on Thursday and it was rather emotional for them to say goodbye to children and teachers. In order to cheer them up, we all went on a road trip to pick up our housemate Steph from the elephant village. Any excuse to see elephants again!
This weekend I will be saying bye-bye to them and welcoming in new volunteers/ housemates. Even though this is becoming a weekly thing now, goodbyes do not get easier!
We went in the truck together, a little more dressed up than everyday, and upon arrival at the childcare centre, we spotted some of the children and their parents, dressed up and full of smiles. First, there was a small Buddhist ceremony given by the monks, in order to bless the building auspiciously before its first use. Then, there was plenty of food and sweet celebratory treats. It was interesting to try these! We were then blessed with string bracelets, which represent luck, by the monks. The ceremony and the lucky string bracelets tradition reassembled the Hindu tradition that I grew up with. We also had ceremonies for new houses or buildings and had important sweet food and lucky string bracelets presented to us by priests. After helping wash and clean up, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon by cooling down with ice cream. It was a very hot day!
In the evening, we went to the festival/fair in the local park where I normally run. This is an annual event that runs for a week, in celebration of the rice farmers. There was a stage with traditional Thai dancing, a Miss Surin competition and gorgeous Thai children all dressed up and modelling children's clothing. There was also food stalls, gift stalls and games stalls. It was lovely to wander around. After several attempts, unfortunately we were unable to win a huge cuddly toy, by throwing darts accurately at the board, for our coordinator Tuk!
On Tuesday, I went to school and taught my seven and eight year olds about family members. I also recapped animals. It was pancake day today, so in the evening we all got together to toss some pancakes up and enjoy them with various toppings. It was so much fun and our coordinators enjoyed learning how to toss a traditional English pancake!
I was back at the childcare centre on Wednesday and Thursday, as my schoolchildren had exams. It was a different experience and I enjoyed playing and interacting with the children. They are aged between two and four and are adorable. We also help serve them lunch, wash and clean up after lunch and get them settled down for their afternoon nap time. It was Amber, Becky and Alex's last day at the childcare centre on Thursday and it was rather emotional for them to say goodbye to children and teachers. In order to cheer them up, we all went on a road trip to pick up our housemate Steph from the elephant village. Any excuse to see elephants again!
This weekend I will be saying bye-bye to them and welcoming in new volunteers/ housemates. Even though this is becoming a weekly thing now, goodbyes do not get easier!
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Halfway weekend - Friday 28th Feb - Sunday 2 March
I can't believe I am halfway through my volunteering experience! On Friday, we spent the day at the pool, swimming and cooling down. It was nice to have Steph back from the elephant sanctuary so we all caught up with how her week went. After a run around the park and some dinner, we got ready to give Sarah her send off.
On Saturday morning, for her return home to Australia, we went to get pedicures. This was an interesting experience. We enjoyed watching some Thai tv and sitting on a comfy sofa (no sofas in our house), while the beauticians pampered our feet. Sarah had managed to grow her nails so wanted to show them off with a nice French manicure. However, the beauticians were not able to understand Sarah's request. I had to demonstrate with a nail file to show them, but it was still a challenge. They were very sweet though and tried their very best. After scrubbing and polishing, we had gorgeous, clean ladylike feet again! Sarah also had pretty hands.
The temperatures had really soared up in the last week and we had highs of 39 degrees some afternoons. As you can imagine, we were not keen to leave the house. An FRIENDS marathon before Sarah's departure and then a funny film to cheer us up once she had left.
Sunday was spent doing lots of trip planning and some household tasks, in preparation of a new week ahead.
On Saturday morning, for her return home to Australia, we went to get pedicures. This was an interesting experience. We enjoyed watching some Thai tv and sitting on a comfy sofa (no sofas in our house), while the beauticians pampered our feet. Sarah had managed to grow her nails so wanted to show them off with a nice French manicure. However, the beauticians were not able to understand Sarah's request. I had to demonstrate with a nail file to show them, but it was still a challenge. They were very sweet though and tried their very best. After scrubbing and polishing, we had gorgeous, clean ladylike feet again! Sarah also had pretty hands.
The temperatures had really soared up in the last week and we had highs of 39 degrees some afternoons. As you can imagine, we were not keen to leave the house. An FRIENDS marathon before Sarah's departure and then a funny film to cheer us up once she had left.
Sunday was spent doing lots of trip planning and some household tasks, in preparation of a new week ahead.
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