bcgypsey

Traveling through 15 countries in three months was never really the plan but as oft laid plans often happen, they went astray. I hope you enjoy sharing this adventure with me through words and pictures. This journey is actually threefold beginning in Vienna with car camping south into Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia for two weeks. Words simply cannot describe the incredible beauty we found at the Plitvicka Jerera National Park in Croatia. It's fame arises from the multitude of lakes and waterfalls, falling from tier to tier with water so clear it looks like the Carribean. We thought it would be difficult to find other treasures in a country that suffered so much only a few years ago. We were wrong. The coast shares the same waters of Greece and offers many islands to explore ... read more

If ever I dreamed of being a princess, that dream came true on November 20, 2011. It was a fairytale event when I married Robert David Williamson. The day began at 0400 when we were roused from bed for our early morning hair and makeup appointment. Looking, but not feeling wide eyed and beautiful at 0600 we were whisked off to my ban (house) where we were greeted by village guests, then ushered upstairs where nine monks awaited, reciting pali chants to bless the union. We offered food and money to the monks before going downstairs for the white thread ceremony, called phiti bai sri su kwan. Each guest tied a string around our wrist as they gave us good wishes. The coiled string was placed on our heads and water poured on our hands using ... read more

It's been raining most of the day and one would think it has cooled enough to be comfortable in front of the computer. It most certainly is, as long as the fan at my side rotates at 45,000 rpms and quickly oscillates back to me. 98% humidity, prickly heat and gecko poop, are a few of the things I will not miss about Thailand. However, it's been fun sharing these things with family that's come by to visit. My brothers Bruce and David were here in July and with a rental car at our disposal, we covered a considerable distant in a few days. Of course it was not without it's challenges and costs. Not everyone has the privilege of getting a ticket as they are exiting a highway toll booth for not wearing a seat ... read more

I’m sure most blogs coming out of Thailand are filled with talk of civil war and glimpses of Bangkok burning. I want to reassure you that the rest of the country is not under siege. Granted, there have been some isolated incidents, in a few outlying provinces, of demonstrations and fire setting. If my village is any example, without TV most people would not be aware of the turmoil. That is not to say that they are unaware of the troubles festering in the country. On the contrary, there are many poor and disadvantaged people here who have been snubbed for generations by their government. Isan, the region in which I live, is by far the poorest area in Thailand. Many of the UDD (Red Shirts) have come from here. I believe, and this is only ... read more

How can this be…where have the days flown, the hours ticked away and the minutes disappeared to? Its official, I’m in my second year of Peace Corps service and on the down side to home. Two weeks ago I hosted four incoming trainees and really felt like an old timer giving them a pep talk about the blips and bumps of the first year. Things are pretty laid back for me now and I can reflect on some of my accomplishments and disappointments. My biggest accomplishment came as a surprise and I still have trouble taking credit for any of it. This past Friday was an award day at the Muang (the main city in the province). Eight of my students were awarded gold medals for excellence in English. This was the FIRST year that any ... read more