Short, Sweet and to the Point

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Well, I certainly did not mean to frighten anyone with my last blog. My spirit was caught in a barbed wire, but not punctured. I just wanted you all to see the other side of things, the untold story of travel that's forgotten when your destination is reached. Yes, I am homesick, I think we all are, but we aren't crying at night in our bug nets. But, for all the years I lived away from home, this is the first time I've been homesick. Four years in NJ, a study abroad, and never once missed home, but now it's different. I take it as I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I am meant to be doing, that's why I miss it. And I didn't want to mention this before, and I know I'll get made fun of wicked bad for it, but I can't wait for school to start! My internal clock just knows when it's time to start setting things up and to know I have to wait a few weeks is killing me. I already have the first few days planned in my head. A wonderful little Thai craft that will allow the chlidren to settle in and for me to decide which direction to take them in next. Be warned, as each day passes, the school paragpraghs will grow longer. Some of you will understand, but most will not.

After 11 hours on a bus, there really isn't much else to say. We leave tomorow at 8AM for a bus ride, followed by a ferry to one of the islands. It will be nice to stay in one place for more than two days. Here are some pictures I never had time to post.

Love,
Kristin Van Gogh (It comes and goes, but my creativity is flowing again....always when I least expect it)

PS Finally, I opened my dictionary. I was quite pleased to begin reading the A's only to find out I knew most of the words, they are just words I don't normally use in my everyday conversation, so I may skip on over to my thesaurus. I'll try to incorporate my new words in my next blog. And you thought I was kidding about that vocabulary thing.

Jen and Rich--- Happy 2nd Anniversary. Sorry I'm so late. There was no internet in Pai. I even skipped a day of showering to look for someplace, but nothing. Hope you did something fun! Seems like just yesterday PJ was throwing me around on the dance floor.

Rob, jut in case there is no internet on the islands, happy birthday. You are the best brother in law ever. Don't worry, I probably won't become Buddhist. I just found out they have no gift giving holidays.

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Photos

Umbrella Factory
Everything from the paper to the paint is made right here under this little roof, by hand

Bug
We didn't eat this, just wanted you to see how big it was

Football Team
I added this picture to grab your attention. Don't think I haven't noticed that at the beginning of my blog I had about 20-30 comments, I'm down to about 10-15. Come on now, it's the home stretch.

Comments

[Kristin]

I miss you
Hello K-Ho I just read both blogs, I am glad I got this one after I read the one for yesterday. Hang in there, you are almost done. You will look about at this in 30 yrs and think, what a great trip. And think of all of the information you will have for your students. I miss you, have safe travels! I am off to NYC for the weekend, nothing compared to SEA.

[Howell]

??
Mystery person, I have no idea who you are. Enjoy NYC. I probably miss you too, but seeing as I don't know who you are I'm not so sure.

[ontheroadEandS]

Homesick!?!?!?
It will only last a day or 2. Remember.... Eat all the foods you've loved, you'll crave them once you can no longer have them. Take in all the smells, they are the things that can NEVER be duplicated. Breathe the people, when you get home no one will understand where you've been, who you've met and what your eyes have seen much less be interested in all the little details of your life in the way that the thai people are. They make you feel really interesting. (not that you're boring, but you know what i mean. To them you're an anomilie(sp)) And most of all... I'll be there soon and everything will be ok. BTW, am I meeting up with you guys? Where are you headed? I have no guide book, instructions would be helpful. I'm sure I'll manage but really, help a president out! At least tell me the name of the island!

[sharon]

What about ping pong??
I've been waiting and waiting, have you learned how to play it yet? That was the class you were supposed to teach for us when we got back to school.... I already bought ping pongs, darts, balloons, and a really nice pen!!!! love and miss you! Sharon

[Aili]

I'm thoroughly enthralled by your travels and blogs! I just haven't left comments because I know your time at internet cafes is precious. Keep them coming! I'm so impressed and envious of all your travels - even when they are not glamorous.

[Eric B]

Clik clik
Your photo skills are better and better. Remember to look at your backgrounds as well as what you are shooting. Your doing an amazing job. So.. what does an Elephant smell like? Oh and can you get me 8 umbrellas? You can just carry them for the next 2 weeks, right? :) (KIDDING!) - Eric

[Jen]

Hey hey
Can't say that I'm rushing towards school as enthusiastically as you...wouldn't mind if summer lasted a few extra weeks....BUT I know once I get back in the swing of things, I will share your excitement. Went to Salem the other day and had our Tarot done...wished you were there with us. Said I should write a book...interesting, huh? Thanks for the anniversary wishes. We just went for dinner...we figured the cruise was enough of a celebration! ;) I love your pictures (minus the grossly enormous bug). I'm noticing that you are trying to be more of a creative photographer. I looked up some info of classes and stuff, so we can talk about it when you get back. Only a few more weeks!

[Cheryl]

I love reading your blogs. You continue to make me laugh!!!! Believe it or not, but I am looking forward to getting back to the classroom as well. I've been home most of the summer with teenagers so I'm sure you know what I mean. My new addition (13 week old golden) has been quite the challenge. She now goes to training and she is not the problem. It is her owners!! Bob and I try to be stern, but she's so cute it is hard to not laugh at her. Can't wait for you to see her again. On a different note I got contacts for the first time and I needed them so I wouldn't have to wear glasses for my upcoming vacation to Bermuda and for our family picture. But as you can guess I had lots of trouble getting one of them out last night. It was either to the emergency ward or to continue to try with the help of a neighbor. Needless to say I won't be able to use them for my family picture or vacation since my eye is a mess. I scratched it badly and I look horrible!!!! Miss you so much!!! Love, Cheryl

[Nicole (friend)]

Please tell me it's fake!
Kristin, Is that bug real? Do you see those flying around? Oh my god, I don't know how you are able to handle this! I am shocked by that....so I missed you the other day at Coldplay. It was a good show and we thought about you and talked about u. I am going to the Pat's pre-season game tonight with my dad and cousins, and it is supposed to severely storm and rain. You are not missing any good weahter here. It has been horrible. Miss you lots Move in 5 days! Be safe. Nic

[Nicole (sister)]

Chin and spirits up!
Hey you! I was panicked leaving the house today in case I missed your call. But realizing you have called only one time in 4+ weeks I wasn't staying home either. ha! Glad you are in a better frame of mind and you will be home in less then 2 weeks now. Loved this blog and the latest pictures. And just remember who has responded to every last blog with a paragraph. :) Rob thanks you for the birthday wishes although the sound of you not becoming a Buddhist is what really had him shaking his head in the yes position. Thank you for thinking of him and your kind words, I think he blushed...a little. He was eating Doritos so we are well stocked and we got Dino's at BJ's yesterday. You are all set. Any other requests??? I don't think I want the aftermath of your first American foods in my house though. haa! And to answer your other blog q's -- Jaclyn sang the whole alphabet in the car ride earlier - counting to 12 when climbing steps and colors are somewhat successful - she knows my toenails are pink!?!? Ok, miss and love you - keep the blogs coming!!

[karen]

Here comes the sun!
I'm glad to hear your spirits have lightened. BTW I love your metephor of being caught on a barbed wire.. I'll be sure to keep it in mind as I am writing with Lucy this weekend. Next time you see me I will be an Ivy League graduate. As hard as it may be try not to think about school. There is plenty of time to organize your classroom and plan for the year ahead. Be thankful that at least you have a classroom to set up, as I will have only a sad rolling cart to decorate. I am looking forward to hearing tales from the islands. Watch out for fins in the water!

[Marie]

mystery writer
Kristen, You know it can't be me since I havn't been able to get off my recliner for the last month. Feeling sorry for myself, you bet I am. Miss talking to you about baseball. Marie

[Andrea G]

Heyyy
So if you ate that bug I think I would have puked...... I have your sweatshirt on that you left at my house 3 years ago...Thanks its comfy You must be excited for the last week of your trip to be able to relax... Get some sun for me there hasnt been much of it here.... I sent you an email the other day and I sent it to Cop by accident haha..... Alright stay safe Miss Ya..... Love Andrea

[Madison's mom]

had to put my 2 cents in
Hi Kristin (Madison fom Paci's class), I have been here from the first couple days. I have to say your sister has made me cry..how could you leaveher I've really been hanging on every word from every one of you I look first thing every morning to see who has updated and look forward to reading every word. You and Christina have been the most reliableI'm so glad to have spent this summer living vicariously through all of you. Thank you. Marie

[jane]

Kristin...How beautiful the art work is. The parasol's are absolutly beautiful. Enjoy the islands and the experience. You are sooooo missed back here. PS Is that bug a real meal???? Love Ya, Jane

[ontheroadEandS]

Motorcycles
Steph and I couldn't get one in Indonesia and I doubt I will in Thailand. That whole driving on the wrong side of the road thing scares me. Killing myself is one thing, taking someone with me is another.

[Shayna (Courtney's Sister)]

Hello
Hello Group! These pictures are amazing. Court, I hope you have been taking tons of them! Can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks ~ miss you!

[Lucille]

Enjoy
Hi, Your travels and experiences have only enhanced your outlook of the world as well as allowed you to continue to be an educator to all of us as well as your students. A worthwhile experience you willhave forever.. including good and bad parts which are always anywhere you are/go. Have enjoy the blog and photos. thinkin gof you. enjoy the ned rest and the islands. I'm s ure relaxing and a visit with the President will make it even better.

[anonymous]

Hi, clicked before I finished. Where are we going next summer? I'd be willing to meet whoever or start but not go for as long...maybe 3 weeks......... or so. Start thinking if not already doing it. Stay safe, enjoy, Love Lucille

[Maureen]

Bug
Hi Kristin Was that a dinner plate or a child's plate that the bug was being served up on. If that's someone's idea of a meal, how can we be repulsed--we eat lobsters. I think this trip far outweighs any trip to the Eiffle tower or London Bridge, don't you? Take care

[Howell]

Mary
What, another Beverly visit? Do I need to call you? Send me a message or an e-mail. I'm dying for some major details on this one.

[Howell]

Madison's Mom
Hi Marie! Thanks for the comment, although now my sister will read it and agree that I can never travel again...ever. I'm afraid to say, I'm the one in the family that everyone is scared to hear what I have planned next. Hope you have been enjoying your summer! Tell Madison I said hello.

[Nicole (friend)]

Morning!
Morning K-HO. It's 6:30 on Sat. Morning. I am up getting ready to head up to Vermont to a wedding with PJ. It's a wedding that I wasn't really invited too. Thought you might chuckle at that. Yeah PJ got invited alone, then tries to tell me they messed up. Cpme on now what bride messes up the invite. NONE! OH well. Miss you. I move in 4 days....I am getting very nervous. Hope you are having a great bus ride. I feel like you guys have spent a good magority of this on a bus. LOL. Miss ya

[Nicole (sister)]

Comments read..
Yup, I'm reading all the comments and can't beleive one of my blogs made someone cry?? At last, I've gotten my point across! haa! This has been very hard for me to sit here worrying yet exhilerating all the same thanks to the blog. Eleven days to go and counting......

[Ann Marie Cugno]

Thanks!
You are all amazing! You have not only educated yourselves but you have given us an opportunity to share a little bit in your experiences. When I read your blog I've shared your stories and pictures with my family, especially my kids. I try to learn and explain to them how other people around the world live. You have in a way made it more realistic. I can not wait till you come home, and we (you, Breanna and myself) sit down and I could hear first hand about your experiences. Take care and be safe! Also, Breanna had her beautiful baby girl! Hope to see you soon!!!!! Ann Marie, Michael and the boys!

[Babs]

Howell
Kristin, Your blogs have been great!!! Sounds like you having quite the adventure over there. Enjoy the islands and be safe. Till next time! Babs

[Howell]

Babs
Babs, what a surprise! Welcome to the blog. How has your summer been? Have you been behaving? Probably not, but that's okay. We'll have to catch a drink when I get back before school starts.

[Howell]

Karen (Mary's sis)
Hello Karen! The sounds of a clean bathroom gives me the chills, as does a clean bed and a soft pillow. The comforts of home are calling my name.

[Howell]

Ann Marie and Family
It's about time I heard from you. I was starting to think you didn't get the link. Glad you've enjoyed the journey. See you soon!

[Howell]

Nicole
Less then 11 days to go now. Next week at this time we will be packing our belongings.

[Howell]

Nik
Are you in ? Are you moved yet? Where do I sleep?

[Howell]

Lucille
Next summer is on, however, different altogether. I'll keep you posted on the plans.

[Howell]

Shayna
Did Courtney even bring a camera?

[Howell]

Eric P
Okay, lesson learned on the motorcycle. I REALLY thought I was going to end up inside the 7/11. What mess that would have been!

[Howell]

Murph
So, reruns of I Love Lucy? WOW! When are you freed from your cast?

[Howell]

Karen "White" Bonanno
I would have been jealous of that little message you sent me, but now for a chance you can be MY in. I want copies of ALL notes at your week long event with Lucy. She's coming to Boston. Should I go? I want to know everything.

[Howell]

Nicole
No phones on the island, so I won't be making any more unexpected phone calls. Sorry! The next call will be from Logan on Wed 8/20, begging you for a ride home.

[Howell]

Nik
A fake bug? Yes, in a country where there are few hospitals and more homeless children then tourists, the locals spend time making fake bugs so Americans can take photos and send them back home. Brilliant idea!

[Howell]

Cheryl
How is little baby Bella doing? Are you spoiling her too much? What else have you been doing this summer? How are the kids? I knew you'd be happy for school to begin, seeing as you had September and October planned before summer started. Go team Brigida!

[Howell]

Jen
You had a tarot reading without me? Where did you go? I want to know everything, and I KNOW you wrote it all down. Miss you!

[Howell]

Eric B
Photos are slowly becoming my specialty. Are you keeping track of all the things we need to do when I get back? I've lost count.

[Howell]

Aili
Thank you for thinking of me. Yes, internet places are one thing I will not miss, but I may miss the excitement of looking for comments. It's like waking up in the morning and looking for presents. You just can't wait to see who left you what.

[Howell]

Sharon
Eric really enjoyed this comment. We are waiting until we get back to Bangkok, sort of our last good bye to the country. What will I do without you at lunch? I'm not sure my new lunch crew can handle this kind of talk.

[MOM]

By the way...How is the internal plumbing coming along for all...Hope everyones blockages have past....A concerned Mom

[Sarah]

It was ME
I totally forgoet to write my name!!! It was me.. I am the mystery person.