We have posted quite a few new pictures from our adventures here in Thailand at our Shutterfly site:
There is an album for our visit to Doi Ithanon National Park, where we visited with two hill tribes. First, we visited a Hmong village where the Chief spoke to us (through a translator) and we watched a traditional dance with a unique musical instrument. Then we hiked down the mountain to a Karen village (with a break to swim under a waterfall), where we stayed in fantastic accommodations developed as an ecotourism project, with support provided by the King of Thailand. We were also treated to a show there, with music and dancing.
Next we visited the King's Garden. The King and Queen of Thailand have done an extraordinary amount of work -- funded with their own personal money -- to support development and sustainability for the hill tribes. This garden is on the site of an extensive agricultural research station, developing new products and technologies for hill tribe people. Where they used to slash-and-burn the forests and grow poppies for the opium trade, they now grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers -- and host ecotourism like the village where we stayed.
On the way home, we got to ride elephants -- the main reason the kids wanted to come to Thailand. Elephants have been used in Thailand for many purposes, and most recently for logging. However, now that logging has been curtailed significantly in the interest of su
stainability, many elephants are out of work and now give rides to "farang" (foreigners) like us. Finally, there are pictures from ziplining. Dan, Grandma, and the kids took a day trip to the "Flight of the Gibbon," where they did ziplining, rappelling, and hiked to a waterfall. Way to go, Grandma!
stainability, many elephants are out of work and now give rides to "farang" (foreigners) like us. Finally, there are pictures from ziplining. Dan, Grandma, and the kids took a day trip to the "Flight of the Gibbon," where they did ziplining, rappelling, and hiked to a waterfall. Way to go, Grandma!
This is a blast to read. I am really enjoying hearing about your adventures. It is so interesting to see some of the things my students left behind. I am not sure if I told you that about 1/3 of my school are from camps in Thailand. Many have been here less than a year. If you can think of anything that the kids would like sent to them from the states please let us know. We would love to do that. Enjoy your time you seem to be making every second count. Keep the pictures coming. Paula
ReplyDeleteHey guys---I'd forgotten how much there is to do there--all the arts and crafts, the hill tribes, the Wats, etc. Did I ever tell you we went trekking in the hill tribes for about a week-visited different tribes? The most interesting were the Ahka where they eat dog---and yes---"when in Rome..." It didn't really taste much different than hamburger. And of course Patrick had to spend the evening with the guys (women were not allowed) and the chief smoking opium.He got sick-Ha!!!! Keep the blogs coming-I'm so thrilled that you're having such a fabulous time! xoxoxo Blaire
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