The journey down there was an overnight "VIP" bus journey leaving at 10 and arriving in Rayong at 8am. To be fair, for Thai standards it was pretty good, the seats reclined a lot further than usual and we were given blankets, but I don't think the Thais appreciated a group of 7 "farang" white girls jumping on the bus at the last minute and giggling about a bottle of wine falling from the overhead locker onto a poor sleeping Thai girl in front!! We eventually settled down and attempted to sleep, although I wasn't very successful.
After arriving on the island we found a slightly more remote beach, further down to the south, and checked in to the hotel. We then didn't leave this complex until we had to return on Sunday! It was beautiful - photos are on facebook if you're able to look, and I was very happy with my Mai Tai cocktails whilst lying on the beach sunbathing. We even got fireworks in the evening from the beach about 10m in front of us because the Thais were celebrating Halloween (not sure we should have been that close for safety reasons!).
The return journey on the bus was just as comfortable (or not!) and we finally got back to Surin at 5am this morning, in time for a quick nap before work (hence the tiredness). This week we have started physio at the clinic, and although it's not as fun as the school it's still pretty good. We don't get to play with the patients (as they're all above the age of 50!) and we have to work harder, but it's good experience and the people are all very very lovely and welcoming!
There are only 4 of us volunteers this week, as the new ones arrive on Saturday which we're looking forward to. We're off to a Thai festival this evening celebrating water! We've even made some bamboo/banana leaf decorations to float down the river which should be fun!
Oh and I forgot to say previously, that my karaoke skills must be either absolutely amazing, or terrible (more likely!), as Sarah, Alex and I were given roses and 100B (2 pounds) for our rendition of Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On"!!! Apparently it's a Thai tradition to give someone money when they make you happy!! So I'm sure you'll all be blessed with my singing when I'm home as I now think I'm amazing...
NamPueng xxxxx
I thought the rate was 50B for good singing and 100B to make you stop!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic that you're having such a great time - good luck with the "grown up" physio.
Much love,
Dxx
Hi NamPueng, your island paradise looks stunning....it can't have been easy going to work after getting in at 5am! Good to hear that your first day went well and the people are lovely - also that you can still see some of the children you were with last month. Have fun at the water festival....playing hard and working hard as always! Miss you, all love Mum xxxxx
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