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.
Beneath The Hair 