07-21-2008, 02:03 PM
We have had an interesting trip to Thailand. Bob, it turned out, needed a TON of dental work so it changed our plans a bit; we spent a lot of time in Chiang Mai the first part of our travels. We did make it down to Koh Jum with Theo and Ang. There are some photos on. They are uploading now...
I am pleased to note that Noh Ta Dah, the 7 year old blind girl from the family we are working with, is not settled in at the boarding school for the blind in Chiang Mai and is doing really well. She is just so bright! After only about three months, she is writing in braille, both English and Thai.. simple words like Cat, etc... but she is learning to write. This is her first exposure. We are very happy to see her developing physically as well. Her family gave her basically the leftover food, always showing preference for the other children. Not uncommon in primitive societies where the disabled and elderly are seen as a burden and therefore not treated the same.
Our trip to Koh Jum was fun. Think what you will of the extravagance... we spent about $300 for a week, including the food, housing, etc... Costs less to vacation here than it does to live in Hawaii!
We are exploring leasing a little land up in the mountains to build a little house for a retreat. Although Farang (foreigners) can not purchase land here, we can lease for 30 years, with a guaranteed renewal. We will be long gone when that runs out. So, after next year, if anyone wants to visit Thailand, we will have some fun options to share with you. Theo is thinking of a small trekking business to show people around here, so maybe a couple primitive bungalow's ... plus a trip to Koh Jum... adventure of a lifetime for sure!
Bob is safely home at the ranch, and thanks to help from Mella, Royal, Jim & Carey and our local Clayton, all is well. Thank you everyone for keeping things safe during our adventure.
I will continue here for another month, doing some teaching of English at the High School (they have never had a native speaker) as well as have my dental work completed in three more visits. Yayyy!!!
See you all by September 1.
I will keep posting photos.
Aloha and Sawadee Kah!
Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!
I am pleased to note that Noh Ta Dah, the 7 year old blind girl from the family we are working with, is not settled in at the boarding school for the blind in Chiang Mai and is doing really well. She is just so bright! After only about three months, she is writing in braille, both English and Thai.. simple words like Cat, etc... but she is learning to write. This is her first exposure. We are very happy to see her developing physically as well. Her family gave her basically the leftover food, always showing preference for the other children. Not uncommon in primitive societies where the disabled and elderly are seen as a burden and therefore not treated the same.
Our trip to Koh Jum was fun. Think what you will of the extravagance... we spent about $300 for a week, including the food, housing, etc... Costs less to vacation here than it does to live in Hawaii!
We are exploring leasing a little land up in the mountains to build a little house for a retreat. Although Farang (foreigners) can not purchase land here, we can lease for 30 years, with a guaranteed renewal. We will be long gone when that runs out. So, after next year, if anyone wants to visit Thailand, we will have some fun options to share with you. Theo is thinking of a small trekking business to show people around here, so maybe a couple primitive bungalow's ... plus a trip to Koh Jum... adventure of a lifetime for sure!
Bob is safely home at the ranch, and thanks to help from Mella, Royal, Jim & Carey and our local Clayton, all is well. Thank you everyone for keeping things safe during our adventure.
I will continue here for another month, doing some teaching of English at the High School (they have never had a native speaker) as well as have my dental work completed in three more visits. Yayyy!!!
See you all by September 1.
I will keep posting photos.
Aloha and Sawadee Kah!
Just another day in P A R A D I S E !!
I want to be the kind of woman that, when my feet
hit the floor each morning, the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"
hit the floor each morning, the devil says
"Oh Crap, She's up!"