As fast as we came back to Samut Sakhon we left again. We took an overnight VIP bus to Chiang Mai. We really failed though because we thought that we could have this entire area on the bottom of the bus for ourselves but at the last moment they added 6 people to where maybe one or two more could fit. It was a 15 hour bus drive. Not the best nights sleep I've ever had but it was an enjoyable 30 minutes when we were in laughing hysterics because we just couldn't believe that would happen. I've been to Chiang Mai before so I was really excited to see other things that I didn't have time for before. Chiang Mai is where you can take elephant treks, jungle treks, go white water rafting, zip lining, ... read more

Due to the flood in Bangkok and its escalating dangers to the people of Bangkok, the king announced a five day holiday so that people can prepare their homes or leave the city. Even my city, Samut Sakhon, received 5 days off school and there are rumors that the water will come through to reach the ocean. As we walked through the streets of Samut Sakhon today, businesses and homes were building sandbag barriers for protection. There is hardly any water left in our city because everyone is stocking up or coming from Bangkok to get some. It's crazy to think that I'm so close to such a natural disaster yet feel really disconnected from it too. After such a stressful week, we were overjoyed to hear about our holiday. I feel bad thinking of it ... read more

The last two weeks of my training in Naiharn were jam packed with activity. Besides Naiharn we explored the various areas in Phuket such as Kata Beach, Patong Beach, and Rawai Beach. Each has it's own personality. Kata beach is a family tourist beach where there is always something going on. Patong Beach is known for it's sex industry activities but also is great for a night out on the town. You just have to avoid the ping pong promoters as you walk through the area past 9 pm. Rawai Beach is known for it's very fresh seafood. You can purchase your fish from one side of the road at the fish market and then walk over to the other side to get it cooked up at a restaurant. Apparently, it was delicious. I almost caved ... read more

Sawatdee Kah!!! (Hello!) So I've been here for a solid week now! It's crazy to think that Thailand is my new home. We are a pretty solid routine with the course. We start at 8 am and end at about 3. We get an hour or so for lunch and two 15 minute breaks as well. The class is very helpful and I'm so glad I chose to go this route with getting my certificate. Our teacher goes through different kinds of lessons we could do with our students and runs through them a bunch with us until they are drilled into our minds. The people in the course with me are all wonderful people. It's really nice to know that everyone who would come to Thailand to take a course like this are all in ... read more

This amazing tradition started back in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of prince Ludwig I and princess Therese. Everyone enjoyed the celebration so much they decided to continue it every year and now 201 years later we are still celebrating. Oktoberfest is surprisingly mostly in September because the weather is better. They can still legitimately call it Oktoberfest though, because it will always end on the first Sunday of October. Today, Oktoberfest is known as the world's largest festival. This year there were 14 tents for people to enjoy. Now, when you think tent, this is not your typical festival tent...no, no... these are more like temporary buildings that hold thousands of people at one time! and there are 14 of them!!!! This is just to give you some sort of scope on the scale of ... read more