Sabbatical 2.0

We had a weekend of Thailand site seeing that did not disappoint.  Above is the Phraya Nakhon Cave with the Khuna Kharuehat Pavilion, which we saw on Sunday.  After a strenuous hike, you are rewarded with this view.  We will get to more of that later.  Let’s go back to Friday.  On Fridays, as a part of the Volunteer program, you work a half-day and go to the beach in the afternoon (Am I back in Brazil?).  We had a great afternoon on a beautiful beach, horses included. After the beach, we went out with “the kids” to a local restaurant, which still had Christmas trees up!?  Happy Lunar New Year! On Saturday, we paid a visit to Wat Huay Mongkol.  Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every weekend to honor Thailand's largest Buddha image of Luang Phor Tuad (1582-1682).  He is known for turning salt water into drinkable water (must be a good guy).  The statue is 39 feet tall. The statue sits on a pedestal with a wooden elephant on either si...

 This week we started our volunteer experience in Hua Hin, Thailand.  We are working on a construction and renovation team that is focused on assisting elementary schools in the area.  The above Buddha is at the school that we have been painting.  There seems to be a Buddha at every establishment here. There is also a giant monk we wish to see.  We have also been clearing land, mixing and pouring concrete, and learning some basic Thai phrases.  Here are some photos. Isn’t she happy! This is Janice, another volunteer, also happy with her work. Michael from England.   This group of volunteers is from all over the world.  China, Japan, England, Norway, Holland, South Africa, the US and more.  We are, once again, the oldies, but we have a group of 30 year olds along with 18 year olds, this time.  They all are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever meet. Below is a shot of some of the kids at the school.  We took over their rooms, but they...