Kuraburi/Burmese Learning Center - June 23 18:00

These are some long days. They start early and end late and, even though they are exhausting, I would not have it any other way. I just realized I have not remarked on the state of affairs in Thailand. I hear no news, so I cannot speak for Bangkok, but Kuraburi is so far removed - if not by distance, then by functioning. Most people ride scooters and only seem to travel very locally. It is an outing to go to Phuket or Bangkok and buses run there. Everywhere I have been, the people are peaceful, friendly, and very patient. They lead a laid back way of life that reminds me of Jamaica, but without all the ganja. People are already starting to recognize me and get friendlier the longer they see me around. I think that maybe some foreigners pass through without staying long and they have no reason to get to know them. There is nothing political that I have seen. There is law enforcement (I partied with them) but they do not seem to be kept too busy. I have not heard a single siren in Kuraburi and I had only heard one in Phuket. No, everything is safe. I walk around alone frequently and love it. I am starting to learn the way of things.
Ok, back to my adventures. So we have gotten to know the kids pretty well, although their names are impossible for me to remember since the sounds are so unfamiliar. They love to see us and get all excited when we arrive. They also love cameras and having their pictures taken. Here they have taken Andrew's camera and were taking pictures of each other. One of the girls was showing the picture she took. Today they were sad when their English lessons were over. We get 45 minutes with each grade 1st through 5/6th combo, five classes. Tomorrow is our last day teaching English - and Mom, we use games and associations to teach, a lot of pictures. Our game for tomorrow is Match - matching the words to the pictures on cards turned face down. It should be a lot of fun. Then on Friday we are planting an herb garden with them by their picture wall. The wall was painted by the kids and is a lot of fun.

Saturday Andrew and I are going to spend the early part of the day recuperating. Then, if it is not raining in the afternoon, we are going to rent a motor scooter and see some of the local sights at our leisure and take pictures. If it is raining, it will not be such a good idea to teach him to ride then. However, it is a good opportunity for him to learn before a big group of us from Andaman decide to rent scooters for a bigger outing. Sunday we are volunteering at the high school and then next week we are going to the Muslim village for a homestay experience. It is not located in Kuraburi and is quite some distance away. There we are going to learn the crafts that they use to supplement their household income with and work in their garden (I think). I admit I am a little nervous about the homestay part, for food and bathroom reasons. Haha.