24th Jan 2015 – To the West

Up nice and early and Saovanee, Wanna, Nuttasorn, Raj, Shoba and I all packed onto a van for our next trip to Kanchanaburi Province. Woke up early and caught van to Kanchanaburi Province. We stopped at the River Kwai Bridge and Hell fire Pass museum. I’ve been to both before with my parents. This was the busiest I’ve seen the bridge. I suppose there can’t be too many people on it while the train is crossing it!

From left to right: Nuttasorn, Shoba, Saovanee, Raj and I

 

Unfortunately the van broke down, so we waited at the garage while they fixed it.

Leave it to the experts…

Once it was fixed it was on-wards to Sangkhlaburi. It’s a winding trip around the outside of the three lakes, which are surrounded by mountains. For beauty, this has been my favourite place so far!

Snapped this quickly while in the van

After checking into the hotel, we were off again, to tour some of the temples. First to Wat Wang Wiwekaram. This temple was built around Luang Phaw Uttama, who passed away in 1983. This temple consists of a few different temples, the main one is where his remains are in a coffin.

The decorations adorning the main hall where Luang Phaw Uttama’s remains lie

 

The next temple we visited is called Buddhakaya Chedi. This one has stalls set up, to benefit from the tourists. It’s still under construction but no less impressive.

 

The next stop was the 400m long wooden bridges that span across the Vajiralongkorn Lake. From here you can reach the Mon village “Wang Kha” with the Thai and Karen parts of the town. You can also catch a long boat for 300 baht to the remains of old Sangkhlaburi, which is a stone temple, the bell tower and home for the monks. When the water level is high, the boats can go through the temple, but were able to walk through.

The boat ride reminded me of being in Renmark, with my cousins and uncle. A beautiful memory to be reminded of. The lakes and surrounding greenery were so lush, and completely unjustified by blurry photos, so I haven’t included any.

Nuttasorn loves photos, Shoba hates photos, Raj is afraid of boats and not being able to swim!

 

We ‘docked’ at the Mon Temple, Wat Samprasop and carefully balanced our way off. Don’t let the photos fool you. There were many more people here, but I was lucky to take some without all the selfie sticks.

 

It was almost sunset by now, so we headed back. Walking across that bridge revealed the ingenuity of it’s construction. It’s strong enough to hold all those people, yet built to conform to the wakes of boats coming and leaving their ports. A little bit of swaying underneath your feet never hurt anyone, though I was glad to be on solid ground afterwards.

The driver took us to the Saturday Night Walking Markets, which were quite small. While they ate at a restaurant I had a wonder through the stalls. It’s quite interesting to see the difference in handicrafts within the difference provinces of Thailand. So far, I have actually seen more things that I like in Chiang Mai. Coincidentally as were leaving, some children started a performance. They were from La Salle Bamboo School, which we will be visiting tomorrow. We also met Bro. Victor, who works there.

28th Jan 2015 – Khao Kho

Yesterday we traveled to Khao Kor, a district of Phetchabun Province, northern Thailand. It’s not as far north as Chiang Mai. This is by far the quietest place I’ve been in Thailand for a long time. They are starting to build resorts here, and extending the roads in both directions, so I suppose it won’t be too quiet for much longer. People come here to escape the heat of Bangkok. The country side is renowned for agriculture, tamarind, in particular. I didn’t have the time to take any good pictures while whizzing past the valleys and hills in the van, but it is beautiful. It appears dry, which is even more apparent when you see the ground being chiseled away to make room for more roads. It’s also a dangerous spot for wild fires and I even saw one in the distance, the night we arrived.

This morning was cold again. It’s hard to sleep on beds as hard as the ones they always buy here, so I actually look forward to going back to the orphanage. The hotel was a short drive along the main highway from the closest village. We quickly hopped off at various stalls in search of fruit for me. I know I’m a pain, but it’s almost a non-existent problem here. There is cheap fruit everywhere (10 baht for a pomelo) and if we weren’t looking for me, then we’d be looking for food for them. Saovanee, Wanna and Nuttasorn are always eating. It’s the perfect lifestyle for me, because eating small meals works better than cramming a ton of fruit in all at once. It’s also perfect proof I am Thai. People are often surprised by how much I eat but it is nothing compared to people here. It’s so good to see.

Anyway, the Baan Lao Luu Day Care Centre was not far from the village. This is a school set up so children from hill-tribes who relocate here can be educated Their parents often work in the fields during the day. Many are from the minority group called the Mon. They retain their language but are also taught Thai, as many of them will stay in Thailand. FFAC donate toys and supplies to them. They donated money for a classroom to be built and they also pay the wages of 4 teachers.

When we arrived the children (there are about 90 here) were lined up to wait for the flag of Thailand to be raised. After that, they sang and danced for their morning exercise. I just had to take photos of their stunning traditional clothes. Most of them are handmade by their parents. They use whatever materials they have, including the coins of various currencies. There was a little boy wearing coins from France and the US.

The children with one of their classrooms in the background

Everyone was dancing, except these two.

One of their classrooms

3 of the teachers

More classrooms

 

We were supposed to stay for longer, after Raj and Shoba did their healing session, but because of a misunderstanding with the driver, Saovanee decided it best we return today. So we picked up our bags from the hotel and left for Bangkok at about 12. We stopped for lunch along the way I and this was the first time I genuinely wished I could eat anything again. It all looked delicious, including the crispy chicken. The chicken they use here is free range and free from being fed hormones, so it makes them tastier and their skin crisps up better when roasted.

I don’t eat chicken but I wouldn’t mind eating this one

Do you think we have enough for 6 people?

25th Jan 2015 – Time for the Children

My room was still a little muggy when I woke up, but when I went outside I was shocked to see how thickly the fog covered forest. I wasn’t prepared for this!

We ate breakfast and then checked out and went to the border of Burma and Thailand. While they have official gates for cars, and there’s an office with people were lining up with papers, when you walk along the shops, which line the border, there are places where people slip through all the time. I’m not so sure what the policy is, but I wasn’t brave enough to hop over for a photo, just in case!

That’s far enough! Burma is on the other side

The 3 pagodas, built upon 3 stones which originally marked the border

After everyone had a little shop, we moved onto La Salle Bamboo School and off-loaded the food, toys and bikes that were donated by FFAC and various donors. This school is for migrant children including; Karen, Mon, Thais, Chinese and Lao. This is quite a big school, as many older students stay on before the go on to study at Technical School or University. Most of them end up with three languages; their native language, Thai and basic English.

Many people wear sandalwood powder on their faces. It’s meant to be an astringent, as well as helping with acne

La Salle Bamboo School

Posing with new bikes and the names of the donors

Donations from FFAC

Raj and Shoba did their Pranic Healing and afterwards a group of younger children danced for us, while the older children sang. We left, as some other volunteers with donations arrived and we had another place to visit. The next place was called Baan Dada Children’s Home. Saovanee knows one the Dada’s (the name they give men who run the home) very well and they also contribute with donations now and then. I think this trip was more for a catch up, as he had not been well recently.
He took us on a tour. As well as the buildings you see here, they also have rubber tree plantations and two green-houses, which he has helped create. The amount of back-breaking work he has done already is unfathomable and I’m sure he doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon!

At the entrance of the school

Playground

Music room

Workshop

The frame of a go-kart they are in the process of building. Dada has to learn the trade himself before he teaches it to the children. This gives them skills before they go onto Technical School.

The kitchen (Built by Australians)

After our quick visit, we headed back to the hotel for some rest. I already have plenty of photos of these two wooden bridges, but today was so sunny and not too overcast, I couldn’t resist taking a few more.

22nd Jan 2015 – Niva International School Fun Run Fundraiser for FFAC

I love that in Bangkok, you can wake up while it’s still dark, but there’s a good amount of humidity. It’s certainly not a struggle to wake up in this weather and even though I’ve slept terribly for the last 5 days, I’m not too tired today. Some children were crying, in fact I recognized Vasyn being the loudest. I was ready by 7, said a quick hello to the children, before leaving with Saovanee. Today she has been invited to attend a Fun Run fundraiser, organised by the teachers at Niva International School. I don’t know anything about this school, I am only going if she needs help with speaking English.

The first taxi she hailed, we hop in. The elderly driver is extremely talkative, so he and Saovanee chatted the entire time. Even though I can’t understand most of the language there are a few words I pick up on. Chai, mai, mai dai and some numbers are the things I recognize now. I love the way Thai sounds musical, with the tones.

It took us a while to travel to the park. Inbound traffic is so bad, the cars are lined up as if they are in a parking lot. It’s B̂ā! (crazy).

We hopped out and started walking around the side, towards a large group of people wearing blue and orange. Along the way, we were stopped by Hannah, one of the teacher’s aids who recognized Saovanee. We were correct in assuming the mass of people were participating in the fun run.

This park is quite big, though not as big as Lumpini. The track runs around the outside of a large pond. Today the trees in the distance are shrouded by fog (probably some fumes too). There are groups of people wearing orange and blue scattered over the park. Some are running, some are playing games.

 

On the other side, there is a marquee set up for the school. T-shirts and raffle tickets are on sale and the prizes (bikes, a scooter and sports equipment) are also on display. When we arrive, Hannah introduces us to Scott, who is also organizing the event. We meet Nathan, who is from India and owns the school. They broke the children up into grades and had them run around the park in batches. There were so many people participating; parents, students and teachers.

 

After everyone had run their laps and they presented medals, they asked Saovanee to speak. Even though she was nervous, she spoke so graciously.

After the presentation we caught the bus back to FFAC. It was a long, slow drive, made worse by the traffic. Even without peak hour, it always amazes me how busy it is in Bangkok. We stopped quite close to the Babies Home, but stopped at a food court so that Saovanee could buy some food. Tomorrow we will be travelling by van to the western province of Kanchanaburi. Here we will be visiting some minority groups, who come from across the border looking for work and eventually citizenship. Tonight will be a quiet night, so I can pack my bags again.

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20th Jan 2015 – Nong Khai

I’m up nice and early because it’s COLD! I had to pinch another blanket in the middle of the night and I was still cold. Downstairs, it’s always a bit of a challenge having to refuse food and asking for a place to buy fruit because I hate offending anyone, especially those whose culture is to show affection and care by feeding you to the point of no return. Through the language barrier, I am sent on my way to look for fruit on one of the main streets. On a bike.

I’ve never ridden a bike anywhere other than Australia, but if you stay out of other people’s way, it’s not too bad. Early morning was still busy in Nong Khai, motorcycles and cars going everywhere. I think people expect anything, so most people are very aware. I was fine, until I forgot where to go to ride back to FFAC. I had an inkling I’d turned near a motorbike shop and it turns out that instinct was correct! I’d found nothing to eat though, and upon seeing this, Pensri took me again. This time she rode and I sat on the back! I wish I’d been able to take a photo. We rode up the street, further than I’d gone to an early morning market. Plenty of fruit and seafood on display. I wish I’d been able to cook up some prawns.

Back at the Babies Home, a girl from New Zealand was there. She comes most mornings, from 8 to 11 to spend time with the children. One of the girls, Elese received a package from her adoptive parents. They are from Germany and sent over a teddy bear, backpack and book with their photos. She was adorably most interested in the book.

After all the excitement, the girl from New Zealand left, and we walked to the hotel where Raj and Shoba are staying. Just across two busy main highways. When the two Thai ladies were nervous about crossing the road, I know I definitely was!

Pensri, Raj, Shoba and Nuttasorn in the hotel lobby

All of the FFAC crew with Raj and Shoba in the middle

With everyone at the Babies Home, Raj and Shoba started their Pranic Healing session.

Channeling sex energy into your brain. Looks as funny as it sounds, but great fun

Left or right!? Saai/Kwaa?!

Nuttasorn fulfilling her translation duties

It takes 3 people to remove 2 kg of jewelry from 1 person

Listening and learning

After Pranic Healing, the children went down for their nap and Nuttasorn, Shoba and Raj went for lunch. Once they came back, we all went for a little sightseeing along the beautiful Mekong River. Today was very hazy, so the photos aren’t intentionally blurry! We also caught their version of a Tuk Tuk to the Friendship Bridge, between Thailand and Laos.

Friendship Bridge. That sign in the back, says not to pass and I’m being such a rebel with my foot

The train to Laos

Nuttasorn said to stand in front of the thai sign

Along the boadwalk

Beautiful Mekong

Riding high

 

19th Jan 2015 – Remembering Chiang Mai and onto Nong Khai

It was a day of firsts for me. The morning was spent idly in bed (definitely not a first) until check out at 12. I was waiting confirmation of what was happening today, since Shoba was ill yesterday and unable to do much. With no word at 12, I asked one of the ladies working if I could catch a taxi to the Airport Shopping Centre. She said she’d drop me off on her scooter. I didn’t say no and it turns out it’s really quite close from the hotel. I did have to cross a main road and that was interesting. A far more confident girl walked straight across and cars stopped for her. I doubted they’d do the same, so I took a deep breath and ran across when there was a gap. Suffice to say I survived!

Once I’d done my fruit shopping I walked back to the hotel. This doesn’t seem like a task, but for me, my sense of direction and bearings are awful and I am easily confused, Luckily, from last time in Chiang Mai with Jordan, I had a vague idea of where I was going. Away from the shopping centre, over the bridge, down the right side of the fork in the road with the car dealership, past a clothes shop with dummies out the front. Not too bad, until I didn’t recognize anymore landmarks. Good advice from Mum, ‘if you’re not sure ask.’ I had to ask at a restaurant and luckily, at that same time, a Chinese man had approached for lunch. He gave me the rest of the directions. I find many Thai’s recognise I’m Thai, but other Asians believe I’m from elsewhere. He guessed Filipino.

Basic map still helps!

So I trotted off and then, just as I was at the entrance of the hotel, Wanna, from FFAC called and asked if she could pick me up. I sat for less than a minute and someone was by on their scooter. Another first, she hung the Mickey Mouse bag from the handle, we both hopped on and off we went! They sure don’t waste time, wondering if it’s safe! I had to sneak in a video, while gripping the back tightly with my other hand! Unfortunately I’m able to upload the video, so this will have to do for now!

At the Babies Home, I sat with one little girl. I’m not sure what her back story is, but she has limited motor skills and speech. Her eyesight is incredibly short-sighted, so she often held my hand right near her face to study my nails. Anything she wants to look at she must hold up, and I noticed she tends to focus with one eye first and then the other. They never stop moving around in their sockets. She has a tic, where she opens her mouth widely, like when a fish gasps for air. Physically she is quite big for a 2 year old. She crawls fast but can not stand on her own. She also kept reaching her arms around my neck for a hug. She was absolutely gorgeous, the way she just melted into the hug and giggled when I kissed her cheek. So sweet.

Their outdoor play area

All the children currently in care. Jeejy is second from the left

Pronounced Seinemi, she is 2 years and 8 months old.

The next girl to wake was Jeejy. This is the one who must sit in a special chair, because of the injuries sustained from falling out of her crib. Once I started talking to her, she didn’t stop. Just noises, moans and groans, but she was so talkative! She also loved touching and holding hands. When all the children were awake, they all came out to play. They have a contraption that helps one with plaster of both feet to stand. Jeejy has a mold to develop the muscles in her left hand, that is constantly curled over into a fist. Seinemi has special shoes to help her stand.

The bus arrived and Shoba, Raj, Wanna, Guan, two carers and three children all piled in to send us off to the airport. This is the first time I have flown with Nok Air, and they are actually quite good. The bird’s beak logo seems a little odd, but the chairs were comfortable and they gave everyone water and cookies. So no complaints. I only wish the flight had been longer so I could sleep!

When we arrived in Udon Thani, we had to catch a taxi to Nong Khai, which is about an hour away. By the time we arrived at the Grand Paradise Hotel, I was exhausted. Pensri, the Manager at FFAC Nong Khai and another carer picked me up on their scooter. I guess I couldn’t come to Thailand, and ride with my little suitcase on a scooter. Someone had to top it and so, three of us squeezed on the scooter, with me in the middle and Pensri holding my suitcase on the back. Luckily the ride was very short!

Even though it was only about 8, i promptly went to bed in a room they prepared for me upstairs.

18th Jan 2015 – Making Friends in Chiang Mai

I barely slept last night on the night train. The mattress was rock hard and I was freezing the entire time. The air-con makes the room feel like a refrigerator. Once I was awake I stayed up and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. The mountains and greenery of country Thailand, shrouded in fog, while the sun is still streaming through is gorgeous.

Goodnight!

 

At 10, we arrived at Chiang Mai train station, where Jane, a volunteer and foster parent at FFAC was waiting for us. She drove us to breakfast and onto the Babies Home.

I felt rude taking photos, so none for everyone else unfortunately. Many of the children here have severe disabilities. They often come from Nong Khai or Bangkok and then moved here. While the carers do as much for them as possible, it’s still quite hard to see them and hear their stories. The building is very make do, quite run down and small. One girl’s birth mum tried to abort her with drugs they suspect and by consequence she has severe developmental issues. Another was about to be adopted when she climbed out of her crib and fell. Her injuries caused severe brain damage, and now she is confined to a chair, unable to sit or stand on her own. It’s a good reminder that although the children hate being tethered and they scream and cry when you do it, it could save them. Most of the children I am with are awaiting families now. The paperwork just needs to be approved. These children, their only chance for adoption is if a couple specifically ask for a special needs child.

After we were introduced to the children and carers, Raj and Shoba took us outside to demonstrate Pranic healing. It works with people’s individual energy and clearing out the stress energy before healing the damage. We sat and meditated for 15 minutes and they showed us an exercise to help channel sex energy. I hope it will help the carers and the children. We were supposed to do some work with the children today but Shoba was feeling unwell so we took them to the hotel.

When arrived we found out there was no vacancy for me, so they went to another hotel to find room for me. They found one eventually at Noble Homestay (Chiang Mai), about 10 minutes walk away from the main gates of the old city.

I was starving by now so I went straight out to find some fruit. While waiting for the shuttle van to come, a Thai girl, Ying befriended me. Thais have an aversion to being alone apparently, and as this was my first time alone in Chiang Mai, I didn’t mind the company. First we ate at a little restaurant. She had some yummy looking soup and I had mango. Afterwards we walked down the street for a while, until she hailed a tuk tuk and we caught that to the Art in Paradise Museum. It’s a museum filled with illusion paintings. A good way to waste a couple of hours, taking silly pictures out of the heat. Many of the paintings are actually really life like and there’s a huge array. It helps to know a Thai, because foreigners pay 300 baht and locals only pay 180 baht. My job was to stand silently and smile, otherwise my accent would certainly give it away!

 

Starving again, we caught a bus (which is really an open van) to the Sunday walking markets. These markets are sprawling, set on the streets of Chiang Mai, blocked to traffic. Much of the products on sale aren’t just touristy garb either. There are vintage shoes, clothes, leather goods, paintings, home made skin care, lots of food and beautiful decorations. It never ceases to amaze me how clever people are. It’s almost impossible to keep track of which street you turned down, which intersection is which or when the markets will end, so if you want to buy something, do it while you can. You might not find it again.

Streets and streets of shopping

Don’t forget the amazing number of Wats or temples in Chiang Mai. It seems there’s on every few metres. I adore how intricate the designs are. They are well worth a look, but remember to remove your shoes and don’t act like paparazzi when taking photos. Also, the closer you approach, be mindful it’s really disrespectful to be taller than Buddha and to point your feet at him.

By the time we walked back, my feet were aching, I was constantly swatting mosquitoes and I just wanted to relax on my own. Tomorrow we are flying to Nong Kai, though I’m pretty sure Ying would love it if I went with her to Phuket!

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