Wet! That's what I am. Pretty much all the time. It's a soggy world over here! The flooding has expanded to most of the street leading to the orphanage, and has seeped into the orphanage. Even the classroom has water in it. And, the stage area is covered with water. This is a worry for them, because the dancing show they perform every evening is really the only way they support themselves. We wander around all day in water. In the street, it is up to my knees, but it really only covers my feet in the orphanage. There's no way to avoid it. The kids are having a blast! They have made boats out of styrophone and other objects. One little boy even made one with a motor. I don't know if it worked. And, they keep losing their flip flops. They are such hard workers. When we ride up on our bikes, they jump over the sanbags to help us lift our bikes up over the entrance. If a motto hits a pot-hole, they run out to help. They tried to identify pot holes, so they could stick something in them to warn on-coming traffic. It's amazing how thy work together and help each other out, and how they jump right in to help anyone else that needs it. They're cute!
Mota Fofalia, India
Parking Spot
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Acodo Orphanage Day 1
This has certainly been an experience! We arrived safely in Siem Reap yesterday. We got here too late to do anything, because it get dark so early. We went to the orphanage to check in. We took a tour, and then stayed for their traditional dancing show. The kids are so cute! That's what made me fall in love with them last year. Then, we stayed after to fill out the paperwork.
I have been assigned the beginner English class, and Cami will teach the kindergarten English Class. My kids are early teens, and hers are school age. There are currently around 70 kids at the orphanage. They are very sweet and loving. Some are truly orphaned, and some come from small villages where children are dying of starvation Last year,one such village asked Acodo to come because children had been dying. The village held a council to decide which children would go to the orphanage. It is very sad! I teach 2 classes and assist with 2. Because my classes are at a different time than Cami's, I help with hers to. Her kids are a bit more of a handful, because they are young and really don't understand English.
We arrived at 7am this morning. I assisted for the 7am class, where the kids learned tomato, grapes, pears and other items in your lunchbox. They sing songs on a CD, but all the kids wanted me to sing. Then, I went in to Cami's class. They learned the months of the year. Then, Cami turned her part. We didn't really come prepared with lesson plans, so we're kind of winging it. Her class didn't quite follow. She had balloons to go over the colors, but the kids just wanted to play with them. We did sing a few songs with them. Then, I taught my class. It went really well. We practiced introductions and reviewed the morning class. Then, I read Amelia Bedelia. They loved it. We talked about the different meanings of the words. It's complicated to explain, but they thought it was funny!
I forgot to mention that when we arrived, the road was flooded right up to Acodo's door, or rather gate.I don't know if I have fully explained, but Acodo is more or less an outdoor facility. There are a couple buildings. There is an office, the classrooms, the stage area (which is all new since last year), the kitchen and living area and the bathroom. These are all separate little buildings, that look more like shacks. So, to have it flood is a big deal. The water was seeping in. It was up to my ankles in the street. You just have to walk through it. By afternoon, it was getting higher and higher. They took some of the donation we had made to buy sand. Then, after lunch, the kids started making sand bags. They stacked them at the gate, but water was seeping under the walls on the side. I'm afraid it will be flooded tomorrow. On my way out, my pants were soaked clear up to my knees. So, afternoon classes didn't happen. I organized the medication cabinet for them.
Then, a humanitarian group of Dentists showed up from Singapore. The kids were terrified, but they were very brave. I felt so sorry for them, sitting in an unfamiliar dental chair while he sticks needles in your mouth. I kneeled on the floor to hold their hand. I figured their mothers would have done the same if they had one. I tried to sing songs and play games to distract them, but it's hard when you don't speak the same language. So, all in all, it has been an unforgettable experience!
I have been assigned the beginner English class, and Cami will teach the kindergarten English Class. My kids are early teens, and hers are school age. There are currently around 70 kids at the orphanage. They are very sweet and loving. Some are truly orphaned, and some come from small villages where children are dying of starvation Last year,one such village asked Acodo to come because children had been dying. The village held a council to decide which children would go to the orphanage. It is very sad! I teach 2 classes and assist with 2. Because my classes are at a different time than Cami's, I help with hers to. Her kids are a bit more of a handful, because they are young and really don't understand English.
We arrived at 7am this morning. I assisted for the 7am class, where the kids learned tomato, grapes, pears and other items in your lunchbox. They sing songs on a CD, but all the kids wanted me to sing. Then, I went in to Cami's class. They learned the months of the year. Then, Cami turned her part. We didn't really come prepared with lesson plans, so we're kind of winging it. Her class didn't quite follow. She had balloons to go over the colors, but the kids just wanted to play with them. We did sing a few songs with them. Then, I taught my class. It went really well. We practiced introductions and reviewed the morning class. Then, I read Amelia Bedelia. They loved it. We talked about the different meanings of the words. It's complicated to explain, but they thought it was funny!
I forgot to mention that when we arrived, the road was flooded right up to Acodo's door, or rather gate.I don't know if I have fully explained, but Acodo is more or less an outdoor facility. There are a couple buildings. There is an office, the classrooms, the stage area (which is all new since last year), the kitchen and living area and the bathroom. These are all separate little buildings, that look more like shacks. So, to have it flood is a big deal. The water was seeping in. It was up to my ankles in the street. You just have to walk through it. By afternoon, it was getting higher and higher. They took some of the donation we had made to buy sand. Then, after lunch, the kids started making sand bags. They stacked them at the gate, but water was seeping under the walls on the side. I'm afraid it will be flooded tomorrow. On my way out, my pants were soaked clear up to my knees. So, afternoon classes didn't happen. I organized the medication cabinet for them.
Then, a humanitarian group of Dentists showed up from Singapore. The kids were terrified, but they were very brave. I felt so sorry for them, sitting in an unfamiliar dental chair while he sticks needles in your mouth. I kneeled on the floor to hold their hand. I figured their mothers would have done the same if they had one. I tried to sing songs and play games to distract them, but it's hard when you don't speak the same language. So, all in all, it has been an unforgettable experience!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thailand Conquered!
The name "Siem Reap" literally means "Thailand Conquered." That is how excited the Cambodia people were to have dominated this area, that had so much religious and political power for so many years. The differences between Thailand and Cambodia are significant. Having been to Cambodia before, I expected Thailand to be pretty similar. I had heard that Thailand was more developed, but the differences are night and day. Homes in Thailand actually look like homes. A majority of the population have access to clean water, and it probably even runs into their house. Homes in Cambodia look more like a tree hut. 70% of the population do not have access to clean water and it rarely runs into their house. Homes in Thailand have more than one room. This may include a bathroom, a kitchen and a bedroom. Homes in Cambodia include one room that does not include a bathroom or a kitchen. There are many cars and a few mopeds and tuk tuks in Thailand. In Cambodia, there are many mopeds and tuk tuks and a few cars. In Thailand, people look and dress pretty clean. In Cambodia, there is a vast difference between the poor and those who have money. And, not very many have money. You have to be careful you're not being cheated of your money in Thailand. I guess you have to be careful anywhere, but I sense a sincerity from the people in Cambodia. In both countries, the people really are so happy and nice. They want to help you and make sure your needs are met. Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world. That becomes so obvious when you come from a poor country to Cambodia, because the differences are so obvious. There really is a difference that is hard to describe between the poor and the poor. I love Cambodia! I love the people here. I love working with and being with them! I felt like I was coming home in a way!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Chiang Mai Day 3
Today was another adventure! It was a good day! (Of course). The weather is being so cooperative. It rained like crazy last night, but the sun was shining today! Today, we went to the Golden Triangle. That is the point that Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. The point they actually meet is in the water, where two rivers meet. We took a boat out on to the river. We rode the boat over to the Burma side we rode it to the Laos side. We got off the boat in Laos and shopped at the market. Then, we took the boat back to Thailand. Then, we drive to the Thailand/Burma border. We got off the van and walked across the border. So, three countries in a day! Pretty incredible. Not a significant difference on each side that I noticed.
Other highlights of the day include going to "The White Temple." This is a Buddhist temple that is currently being restored. I have to say, it was pretty incredible to look at. It is white, as the name implies, but has little mirrors all over it. The effect is amazing. The temple looks like it could be in a fairy tale. The inside is a little bizarre. On the way up, there is a hole with hands coming out of it. The hole represents Hell. The Buddhists believe all people must go to Hell to pay for there mistakes. When their mistakes are paid for, they can move on to the after life and/or reincarnation. The inside of the temple has a wall depicting vices. The temple is obviously being restored now, because the wall includes such things as Michael Jackson, Superman, cell phones, and even the twin towers tumbling to the ground. It was really out there.
We also went to a tribal village called the "Karen Long Neck Tribe." This is a tribe where the ladies have rings around their neck to make it long. There are theories about when this started. One is, the rings are to protect the women from the tigers biting their neck. Another theory is that when the tribe was captured, the men were gone to war, but the women where captured, they put rings around their neck to mark them as a slave This tradition held. They start layering the rings around the neck when the children are 4, and the bones and tissue are still pliable. Then, the layer more and more rings on as the girls grow. It is no a sign of beauty, similar to feet binding in ancient China.
We also saw a tribe of people where the women have very large holes in their ears. Our tour guide doesn't know the reason for this. It is probably also a sign of beauty. Some gangsters in the US apparently think so!
Seeing these tribes with the traditions still strong is fascinating to me! These tribes do not have any citizenship. They don't attend public schools or get any education. And, they don't have access to health care. And, the things people do in the name of beauty!
Other highlights of the day include going to "The White Temple." This is a Buddhist temple that is currently being restored. I have to say, it was pretty incredible to look at. It is white, as the name implies, but has little mirrors all over it. The effect is amazing. The temple looks like it could be in a fairy tale. The inside is a little bizarre. On the way up, there is a hole with hands coming out of it. The hole represents Hell. The Buddhists believe all people must go to Hell to pay for there mistakes. When their mistakes are paid for, they can move on to the after life and/or reincarnation. The inside of the temple has a wall depicting vices. The temple is obviously being restored now, because the wall includes such things as Michael Jackson, Superman, cell phones, and even the twin towers tumbling to the ground. It was really out there.
We also went to a tribal village called the "Karen Long Neck Tribe." This is a tribe where the ladies have rings around their neck to make it long. There are theories about when this started. One is, the rings are to protect the women from the tigers biting their neck. Another theory is that when the tribe was captured, the men were gone to war, but the women where captured, they put rings around their neck to mark them as a slave This tradition held. They start layering the rings around the neck when the children are 4, and the bones and tissue are still pliable. Then, the layer more and more rings on as the girls grow. It is no a sign of beauty, similar to feet binding in ancient China.
We also saw a tribe of people where the women have very large holes in their ears. Our tour guide doesn't know the reason for this. It is probably also a sign of beauty. Some gangsters in the US apparently think so!
Seeing these tribes with the traditions still strong is fascinating to me! These tribes do not have any citizenship. They don't attend public schools or get any education. And, they don't have access to health care. And, the things people do in the name of beauty!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Chiang Mai Day 2
Today was a day of being a tourist. Which, isn't my favorite thing. But, I got to see and do and experience a lot of very unique things. Our day started out with an elephant ride. This was probably my favorite part of the whole day. We rode elephants through a very dense green area. My friend had a bag of bananas, and the elephant grabbed the bananas, bag and all, and ate it. Good thing her camera wasn't in the bag! Don't know how well elephants digest plastic!
Next, we took a trip down the river on a bamboo raft. The raft consisted of 9 bamboos bound together. We sat on them and floated down the river. This was actually quite fun. And wet!
After lunch, we got to see a waterfall, followed by a hiked. We hiked for about an hour to a village that looked very much like most villages I have seen in Cambodia. I was hoping to see some of the tribal people in their natural habitat, but we merely saw an uninhabited house and some people that tried to sell us some stuff.
The day ended with yet another river adventure. This one on rubber canoes. There were giant jumping spiders that would jump into our canoe. I was in a panic and started yelling and swatting at the big spider with my paddle, completely forgetting I was supposed to be steering the boat. We started going in circles, and I could not get rid of the spider! This happened more than once. Scary at the time, but we got a good laugh at it later!
Next, we took a trip down the river on a bamboo raft. The raft consisted of 9 bamboos bound together. We sat on them and floated down the river. This was actually quite fun. And wet!
After lunch, we got to see a waterfall, followed by a hiked. We hiked for about an hour to a village that looked very much like most villages I have seen in Cambodia. I was hoping to see some of the tribal people in their natural habitat, but we merely saw an uninhabited house and some people that tried to sell us some stuff.
The day ended with yet another river adventure. This one on rubber canoes. There were giant jumping spiders that would jump into our canoe. I was in a panic and started yelling and swatting at the big spider with my paddle, completely forgetting I was supposed to be steering the boat. We started going in circles, and I could not get rid of the spider! This happened more than once. Scary at the time, but we got a good laugh at it later!
City of Splendid Wats
Chiang Mai is Thailand's second most important city. In the year 1292, it was chosen as the capitol of the Lanna Kingdom. It was during that period of time that many Wats were built within the walls of the city. Many of the Wats survived from this period, but most were altered by the Burmese, who subsequently ruled the city.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thailand Day 1
After 36 hours of travel, I arrived safely in Chiang Mai, Thailand! This time, my luggage arrived too. And, despite predicted rain storms, the weather was perfect! Chiang Mai is described as the "rose of the north." Chiang Mai replaced the former capitol in the 13th century because of flooding. It is a walled city, that also became a religious center for budhism. There are hundreds of Wats! People say there is a church on every corner in Utah. Well, there is a Wat on every corner in Chiang mai. The wats are very ornately decorated in gold and budha statues. We spent some time at the market this morning. Cami was fascinated by the bizarre thigs sold in the market. Snakes and snails and cows hearts for example. Then, we moved on to the Wats. We visited several. In one, the monks were sitting in rows chanting and praying. They sit differently for each portion of their worship. It was very interesting! We walked around, and sometimes on top of the city wall. Then, we went to the night market and got a massage. I'm praying the nice weather will continue! I love you all! I'll keep you updated!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)