Water Project

This is Eileen. We had a chance to visit a water project that is dear to my heart. The Chumphon Cabana is a resort but also a center for people to learn to live harmoniously with nature. They had several water projects that promote natural ways to purify water. Thanks again Rotary for giving me this outstanding opportunity to learn from the Thai people.

Presentation # 2

Wow!!!!!!!!! Another action-packed day in Thailand. Kim here. We started by going to a Hair salon where I had the opportunity to cut the owner's hair. I was then able to watch another stylist cut a client's (Arit - a member of the Rotary) hair. It was very fascinating. The price of their equipment is incredibly less expensive than in Canada. I hope to order some scissors to take home.

Lee helped a chef cook our lunch. He had fun preparing the meal and learning the Thai cooking techniques. The meal was scrumptuous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the best we have had.

We also did our second GSE presentation today. The Rotary club made up a special banner for us that was posted on the window. The group was extremely nice to us. The District Director of Sawee was our guest. He has invited us to plant mangrove trees in order to preserve the sea life. Apparently what we plant tomorrow will provide life for many sea animals in about 5 years. How exciting to be a part of such an important project.

Our host families have been most hospitable once again. Everyone here is so friendly. It will be difficult to leave.

We went to the Chumphon Cabana Resort this afternoon. They have a totally self contained resort that is run by the environment around them. They grow their own food, purify their water and even destroy bad bacteria. It was incredible to see how much we can do to save our environment. After our tour, it was beach time. What a lovely way to spend our day.

Tonight we experienced cutting our own crab in half in order to eat it. The Thai culture is so fun. We are learning a lot.

Well, I will sign off now. Thanks for taking the time to read our blog. Until next time.....Sawadee ka. (Good bye!)

Sunday, February 25th

Today was another amazing day. We got up early this morning and went to the Floating Market. We were able to look at the different venders and was able to buy different gifts. I (Brandon) purchased some homemade soap and candles. We were also given some gifts. One gift was a corsages made from fish scales. They are beautiful. Another one of the gifts were our shirts (seen in the picture). We also had an opportunity to ride in an boat along the Floating Market (picture above).

After the Floating Market we went for lunch along the river. Weena (my host sister, also seen in the above picture) ordered some different dishes. Even at restaurants their way to serve the meal is to bring the different dishes to the table and we all share. Instead of us ordering individual meals. The dishes never seem to have a lot of food on it but there is also so much. The food is very good and sometimes really spicy.

Following lunch, we were treated to an hour long foot massage. What an amazing experience. Though their massage technique seem rough, it was really relaxing. The thai people are really in to massage. I look forward to having another one real soon.

Tonight we are meeting the District Governor and a party for us. I am looking forward to trying the food and meeting all the Rotary Clubs. There are nine clubs in the Bangkok area.

Kim's Host Family Employee Party

Saturday was a day full of excitement. After seeing the Grand Palace, going for lunch, then shopping, we had a Thai foot massage. What a treat !!!!!!!!! The Rotary has been very generous to us. They have completely spoiled us.

In the evening we were treated to dinner at Mrs. Seemake's. The feast went on all night while we were entertained by her employees and Bim ( a famous singer here in Thailand). I (Kim) was surprised with a beautiful hand painted pot with lid from Mrs. Seemake. She has been so gracious and generous to me. Words cannot describe how much I appreciate all she has done. She has treated me to many bags from her factory and she cooked me a wonderful meal after a long day.

I am thoroughly enjoying Thailand and I am especially grateful to Mrs. Seemake and all her family for their care and hospitality.

We have arrived....

After nearly being in the air for 23 hours yesterday, not counting time on the ground, we arrived in Bangkok, Thailand at 11:30pm on Wednesday, February 21st.

Once we made it through customs, gathered our luggage (no lost luggage to talk about) and off to the exit to this unknown world to us. We turned the corner and scanned the sheer people to see if we could figure out who was picking us up. But we noticed right away a great big yellow sign welcoming us. As we approached, there were 15 - 20 Rotarians excited to meet us all. Talk about overwhelming and exciting. Pictures, welcomes, hand shakes all around. Funny looks as they gathered our luggage. I think some commented ... heavy.

For the next 15 minutes, there were a lot of pictures taken and introduction made. We look forward to meeting them all again tonight at our first Rotary Meeting.

We were swept away to our hotel for some much needed rest.

Itinerary

With only a couple of days to go, I thought this would be a good time to post our itinerary for all to see. It looks like it is going to be a packed thirty days. I cannot wait to start the experience.

Thank you to our friends, family, Rotary International, Rotary District 6380 and Rotary District 3330 for supporting this trip and for all the work it takes to pull a trip like this together.

Itinerary

February 20th - Leaving Canada & USA
February 21st - Arriving in Bangkok, Thailand (roughly 24 hours of flying - 3 flights)
February 22 - 26 - Samutprakarn
February 26 - March 1 - Chumphon
March 1 - 4 - Surat Thani
March 4 - 7 - Nakorn Sri Thammaraj
March 7 - 9 - Phuket
March 9 - 11 Mid Trip Break in Phuket
March 11 - 14 - Trang
March 14 - 17 - Hua Hin
March 17 - 18 - Karnchanahuri
March 18 - 20 - Nakorn Prathom
March 20 - Leaving Thailand and living March 20th over again in Canada and USA

Show and Tell Dinner

We had a farewell dinner to thank the Rotarians who are sponsoring us and to show our friends and family our presentations. We picked a date 10 days before our departure so that we are not rushed at the last minute. It was a great evening for all.

Bringing Rotary Flags to Thailand

We're all looking forward to sharing tokens of appreciation and goodwill with our Thai friends and "families" when we arrive. We'll be bringing rotary club flags to exchange with the clubs we visit. Let us know if you have some you'd like us to pass on in Thailand for your club!