Over the river and through the woods...

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of last week, the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders went camping at a huge complex in Saraburi with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Red Cross! The 10th, 11th, and 12th graders stayed at school for a Buddhist camp. I tagged along with the younger folks and had a blast! We had an opening ceremony with candlelight, challenge/adventure course activities like a zip line into the water, and group skits. I even got to show off my sweet dance moves during one of the group assemblies. I led half of the group while Boy, a "ladyboy" Boy Scout leader, led the other half. As always, I was the tall, awkward white girl trying to bust a move and everyone got a good laugh.

One afternoon, some of the teachers left camp to go on our own adventure. We rode around an ATV course. It was very user-friendly and fun for a first time rider like myself. Despite what the posed picture above may lead you to believe (Mom), I was wearing a helmet. :) One of the teachers said we may return in January for a longer, more intense ride. We also went to a vineyard run by a former Miss Thailand-turned actress. I had some delicious grape ice cream. Everyone went to "Nam Dtok Jet Sow Noy," Seven Young Girls Waterfall. Quite beautiful!

Finally, I had my first Thai version of the American breakfast (see the photo below). I got a huge kick out of having fried chicken drumsticks, scrambled eggs, and artfully prepared hot dogs before 8am. Just in case that wasn't enough food, there was rice and pork ball soup followed by papaya and watermelon for dessert.

Now I am officially teaching. Unfortunately, I only see each of my 517 students once a week. I have lots of lessons to plan for each of my 14 classes (or 17- they haven't decided yet). For my first class, I found out 20 minutes before it began that I would be teaching, so I am definitely kept on my toes here!