Ban Aonammao & Phi Phi Islands

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Another great week in Krabi. It's almost summer and the schools have weird schedules due to exams and preparation, so I asked to work in 3 different schools for these 3 weeks of teaching rather than teach only a few days/hours at Ban Aonammao where I was originally placed. I'll miss it, but I'm excited to see the differences between the schools, teachers and students. So far, the students have been shy and hesitant to speak, but they are very welcoming, eager to learn and loving. They often give hugs, kisses and little gifts that say sweet things like, "I love you" :-)

Took a weekend trip to the Phi Phi Islands and saw the most colorful water, fish and sunsets yet...and the beach where "The Beach" was filmed! Bad movie, but great beach! Phi Phi is a great island to visit, but it's filled with backpackers coming in and out through the busy, small streets (kinda felt like a dirtier Greek island with better, cheaper food and nightlife). It was nice to get back to Krabi and relax after eating some home cooking! Hope this finds you all happy and well. I appreciate the messages and comments, so please keep them coming! xo

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Photos

Ban (School) Aonammao
English classroom in the middle next to an area where the students can play.

The Staff
Left- Ruang manages all volunteer projects in Thailand, Middle- School Director, Right- Kru (Teacher) Sa- volunteer supervisor and their only English teacher (it was difficult to communicate with her in English, but apparently she's good at grammar!)

P-1
The lil ones. Youtube helped me teach them the ABC Song. The girl on the bottom right stopped crying just to take the picture. They were SO adorable and intrigued by the computer and speakers.

Technology in the Classroom
All smiles and cheers of "Again!"

P-2
Seven/Eight years old.

P-6
The oldies. Eleven/Twelve years old.

The Window
Students pop in and out throughout the day.

P-5
Ten/Eleven and full of energy to play games!

Sweaty Kru Laura
Dripping after tag. A very sweet girl gave me her towel <3

Lunch time!
Thai equivalent of a vending machine. They can purchase fruit, juice and all types of meats on a stick.

The little ones!
We didn't teach them, but we talked/played with them a bit during lunch.

P-3
Eight/Nine years old.

P-4
Nine/Ten years old.

Jump rope
Games in the classroom before lunch.

Curious & cute!
They were intrigued by my iphone, camera and computer. I showed them a video of me snowboarding in CO and they looked at me like I was Shawn White/ super-human ;-)

Gifts from the girls
Ann and Shahna made me paper hearts that were beautifully colored and said, "I love Laura". My heart melted.

The Computer Room
They have a teacher come in once a week to teach the kids basic word processing and PowerPoint.

The Girls
Hangin upstairs after lunch.

The Boys
Hangin outside after lunch.

Maney Resort
Not bad for about 20 dollars a night! We had to walk up a steep hill and many steps, but it was well worth it! They even had hot water and our bathroom was built around a rock that you could stand on while showering!

Comments

[Bangkok]

go thai gooo

[beth]

Laura!!! What great pictures and it is so fun to read your blog --- a beautiful experience. I am looking forward to being on your list and getting the new updates!

[Laura London]

Thanks...
...for your kind words and help getting here... your motivational words definitely influenced my decision... and it was one of my best ones yet! Love and miss you all lots xo

[anonymous]

OMG I LOVE these pics! So beyond adorable! What sweet kids :)

[Corey Gilbertson]

Amazing
Laura I am so proud of you! Those kids will never forget you! What you are doing is so fabulous!!! Xxoo p.s. I wrote another comment but forgot to put my name, dunno if it still shows up? Anyway, Love you tons and miss you!

[Corey Gilbertson]

Beautiful!
I want to be there with you! This photo is breathtaking!

[Corey Gilbertson]

omg
so pretty!!!