In the Jungle

 

From Bangkok we flew to Krabi then drove 2 more hours to Elephant Hills Tented Camp in Khao Sok National Park where we spent 2 nights--a big switch from the big city.  The next day we visited the Elephant Hills Sanctuary where we fed the elephants sugar cane, bananas, grasses, just a portion of their daily intake of 165-300 lbs. of food. The girls had an easier time than I did putting the food just under their trunk.

Other activities included a canoe ride down the river to spot the local monkeys, snakes, and other wildlife, a longboat ride to a spot for swimming and kayaking in the lake, and a jungle trek for an outdoor lunch of local foods, and ultimately being soaked by the downpour on our return to camp.

True Caring

  

On our travels to other countries, we often make a stop at a local school or foundation to better understand how other cultures (particularly in second or third world countries) deal with issues of education.  On this trip, we planned a visit to the Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities just outside of Bangkok. We brought along some school supplies and other necessities, knowing their funding is quite limited.  Our visit was a good opportunity for our granddaughters to see how privileged we are as prosperous Americans. This center was founded in 1986 by Christian Outreach for Relief and Development (CORD), UK and opened by Wasan and Chariya Saenwan.  We were so impressed by the tireless energy they have devoted to develop the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of disabled children, some who have been abandoned by their parents. It was a privilege to pray with the staff before we left. At the present time, they are hoping to raise enough funds to purchase the building across the street to provide housing for several of these young men.  If you would be interested in donating towards this foundation, you can find more info on their website:  https://en.ccd-thailand.org/

 

Bangkok with a Bang

Bangkok at 5 AM. A bit of jet lag and our body clocks a bit off. 

 Although it looks like good weather, it soared to 98° by the end of the day. We haven’t been in weather this hot since we lived in Angola and Indonesia (ok except in Bakersfield). We have been totally spoiled at the Chatrium, a beautiful hotel by a canal. 

We left early to visit the royal palace (the most sacred site in Thailand) and Wat Suthat.  The craftsmanship and architecture of the huge complex is beyond amazing, especially considering it has withstood the test of time for hundreds of years. It was a challenge walking barefoot on the hot marble to go into the temple.  Suffice it to say that we learned more about the history and culture of Thailand in four hours than I will ever remember in a lifetime. Four hours walking in 98° heat took it out of all of us. 
  

To Market to Market

And not just your regular markets. We got up early to drive to the train market, the most unconventional market I have seen.  The vendors display their wares right next to the railroad track. When the train comes through, they wheel their products back on trolleys until the train has passed. It’s a bit precarious, knowing you are 1 meter from the train itself. Then, after a train has passed through, out come the wares again giving tourists an opportunity to haggle for the best price. 

From there we drove to the floating market, taking a boat through a canal which stretches as far as 32 km. it was fun watching our granddaughters look for the b hi est deal.  

Taipei Time

Starbucks and McDonald’s in the Taipei airport are just as popular here as every other place in the world. The queues at each were at least 20 people long, but the price couldn’t be beat. For only $5 you can get a scone and grande coffee at Starbucks or a breakfast sandwich and two drinks at McDonald’s. 

I was also fascinated by the Hello Kitty themed bathroom. 

Getting ready to Thai it up

 Waiting at the SeaTac airport at 11:30 pm for our 1:50 am departure to Thailand.  (Isn’t international travel challenging?) Allan and I are taking Luna and Rachel, two of our grands, on a 10 day trip starting in Bangkok, then down to Khao Sok and an elephant preserve, and ending with 3 days on the beach in Phuket. Unfortunately, the weather is predicted to be in the upper 90s with thunderstorms. Go figure.