Our crazy weekend began at 9:00 AM Friday morning, when Hui and Pat picked us up in our bus to go to Ampawah! The country side was beautiful. On our way we stopped at a place where they paint the beautiful ceramics traditional in Thai.
The next stop on our way to Ampawah consisted of another temple! (there are so many here in Thailand)
Believe it or not, this is the outside of the temple. Covered in one massive tree.
This Buddha image is covered in gold leaves that donators place on the statue.
Thai boxing figures!
Christine and Colby going at it!
At out next stop we fed some animals at a petting zoo. The tall camel was our favorite!
This temple had the most beautiful wood carvings.
Me and Pat bing cats!
Once we arrived in Ampawah it was straight to a boat!
Foot massages? It think yes!
Best foot massage ever! On a boat with a beautiful view too!
The foot massage boat took us straight to the floating market!
After the floating market we went to the place in Ampawah where we would stay the night. The innkeeper there taught us how to cook Thai food and then we ate it for dinner! The best part about the night was when we took a boat out on the river to see the fireflies! I had never seen fireflies before, which shocked everyone, and they were so beautiful. Literally flashing stars in the trees by the river. It was absolutely beautiful and no picture could capture it.
On Saturday we woke up bright and early to make our way to King Rama II's Academy. There, children learn Thai classical music and dance.
After we visited the academy we got on yet another boat that took us through the mangrove area of Thailand. Basically, the water isn't very deep but thick clay mud is at the bottom. Perfect for growing mangroves! The boat took us out into the ocean to a tall shack made entirely of bamboo, where we had a picnic! Climbing up was pretty difficult in flip flops, but eating above the waves was a very cool experience.
After we finished lunch and took a nap on the bamboo floor (which is surprisingly comfortable!) we got back on the boat to try Thai water skiing! After Pat demonstrated for us how it was done he turned to the group of young Americans and said, "who is first?" I immediately got up from my seat on the boat and jumped into the water. The water was warm, and not very deep, but your feet sink into the mud and feels very strange. Walking to the water ski was a workout.
Thai water skiing is pretty easy. You just balance on a board while the boat pulls you, but it is SO MUCH FUN! Literally, my favorite experience so far. (Hui took pictures, so once I get them from her I will be able to post them) After everyone took a turn water skiing, we went over to the extremely muddy area to plant some mangrove trees. We all looked at the mud, and I could tell most of the girls were not liking the idea of getting in it. Especially after seeing Pat walk in it and it was knee deep. But Pat said "come one in!" and so I jumped in. The mud came up to my mid thigh, and it is very thick and squishy, so crawling with hands and knees was actually easiest for getting around. After I jumped in Becca and Alyssa followed and soon everyone was crawling around in the mud except for a few people. We planted the mangroves and had a mud fight with Pat before Dr. Register made us wash off the best we could to get back on the boat.
We were able to "shower" once we got back to shore, but really we dumped buckets of clean water on each other to get the mud off before changing clothes and going back to the van. After all the fun in the sun we were able to relax as we drove down to Hua Hin.
Hua Hin has a beach!
This is just across the street from our resort!
Best night market so far is in Hua Hin!
Me and Alyssa with the Thai performers at the Cicada night market!
My new favorite drink in Thailand!
After the night market we didn't get home until very late. It didn't take long for us to crash after such a long but amazingly adventurous day! I only wish I had pictures of our shack on the ocean and our experience water skiing and planting mangrove trees, but Hui will get them to us eventually!
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