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Published: October 23rd 2007
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Monday 22 October - Well, it was up and about quite early today as a lot of activity happening in readiness for the big party tonight. But before things really started to happen it was a two hour English test for the kids and then they were into getting their instructions from Kietnarong. They were erecting signs, placing plants around, carrying furniture to various places - he certainly has their respect and once you know him you can see why. They are all his "sons and daughters" and he their "father" (Ba). He is just one very proud man of his students. There were about 25 kids and three schools were represented. I was still trying to learn my Thai speech and my little song I wrote as part of the proceedings of the evening. We had an early dinner and then I was "ordered" to have shower and go up to my house and see Troo (his daughter) who was going to dress me for the night. I thought I looked very nice - but my thought was - hope I don't need to go to toilet in a hurry as for the bottom half of the dress, you start
off with a huge piece of material that is put around you and then folded, pulled between your legs and forms three quarter pants. Anyway, by six the starting time, I was dressed and made up. Got some lovely comments from th kids - "Oh, you look very beautiful" - sounded really lovely. Parents had arrived, the kids were dressed in their costumes and all looked stunning - even the lads and then the party started. Kietnarong made his speech, I cheated with my Thai speech and had to refer to my notes as I was ever so nervous - public speaking is not one of my best - Then it was Brenda singing her song and playing the keyboard. I felt as though I messed it up completely as the light was a bit dim and although I "wrote" the nerves took over. Anyway, I received congratulations.then it was Jon's performance of his Thai boxing and sword fighting (fundarp)- He was really great and he was really pleased when he had finished as by this time with the effort that he had been asked to do had made him quite exhausted. You did really well Jon - a great
performance "my son"!! After that, two other lads "boxed" and did their sword fighting to some very haunting music. It was great to watch. Next, it was out with 3 (couldn't get a big one) birthday cakes and lighting of the candles, singing Happy Birthday to me and blowing out the candles. The cakes were then taken away for the "party"afterwards. The next item on the agenda was where we all did Thai dancing. After the dancing, Jon and I were asked to "Please sit down here" and we duly obeyed. We were then ach given cotton thread which were tied to our wrists by each parent that was in attendance and by each of the students as a sign of wishing us "Chook Dee" (Good Luck) for our futures. You felt very regal sitting there being the centre of attention!!! I became quite emotional when it was time for my thread to put on by Kam who is a beautiful 15 year old and I helped with his English lessons. That set me getting very tearful as the thoughts were really flowing in that it was only a couple of days and I would be leaving this wonderful place
and the wonderful people here. Anyway managed to compose myself eventually. Soppy Brenda.The finale was letting off of fireworks and this was very exciting for the young and old kids. And then we had my birthday cake although it was not birthday until tomorrow. It is one I won't forget though as the kids were lovely. Had a little chat with Jon and then a few of us sat around and had a few beers and then it was Happy Birthday wishes again. I felt as though I needed a break from the floorsitting so went into the computer and then rejoined until I went to my room. Poor Jon had to come to my rescue and "unsew" and unpin my costume - we both had a giggle. And then it was finally bed after a truly amazing night.
Tuesday 23rd October - Was up quite early - and yes, more Happy Birthday wishes and little messages from some of the children. After breakfast, made some little bands and distributed to the kids. There was a general cleanup by the children before we went to a local restaurant for lunch and yes, you guessed it - came back to
the house for the farewell speech to the children by Kietnarong and we had more birthday cake and then it was the farewells to the kids. Because it was King Rama V of Thailand's birthday today it was a public holiday so after the camp kids left there was no other child here and it just seemed so quiet. I set about seeing what luggage had !!!! But didn't get too far into before it was 4.30 and time to get in the car with Kietnarong, Tim Troo and Jon on our way to Udon Thani for a meal and more market looking. We arrived home at about 9.00 and Jon and I forfeited our beerdrinking for tonight as he is very "knackered" were his words and has gone to bed so I took this opportunity to try and bring my journal up to date. Don't know how many photos I will manage to put up as I am way behind in that area. At least those that are reading this still, have an idea of how I am still spending my time.
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