Another beautiful beach

We are further south along the gulf. But now we see waves. Since it is the weekend, there is more activity here than at our last beach.
Snorkeling in Koh Talu

Our morning was spent snorkeling. But, Thailand did not protect its water resources and the reefs are dead. They are working on restoration projects that build artificial reefs.
Mushroom farm

When I learned that mushrooms grow in this area, I asked the company to find me a mushroom farm. For three years we have visited Tum and his family. Today, the students had to prepare the mushroomsLeggi altro
Try this...haha

The drivers played a trick on the students by asking them to try this green fruit. You can see their reaction.
Coconuts

Tum also grows coconuts and pineapples. We sampled both.
The locals

Some of the locals, cousins most likely, came to hang with us during our mushroom lesson. I think they were taking pictures of the girls!
Can Earl juggle coconuts?

Check it out!
Duskey leaf monkeys

Spent time watching these adorable monkeys that come down from the mountains and into the park on the air force base.
Sweet view

This is our view tonight from the hotel. We are actually at a hotel on an Air Force base. And it is strange that we can just come and go.
Happy birthday Taran

Another birthday on this trip!
Earl eats everything...again

Bought a bunch of individual cakes for the birthday tonight. Found one odd flavor...taro root...and it’s purple. Guess who wanted it?
Happy birthday Casey

Hard to believe it is a third birthday for our group. Interestingly, it is also the Queen’s birthday, so today is a national holiday.
Elephant conservation

We stopped at a mall and found this stand selling t-shirts to raise money for an elephant conservation project. Super cute...so we bought a bunch for a great price.
Rom Hoop market

This market was built up along the railroad tracks because there was no space available elsewhere. When the train comes, the vendors have to move everything out of the way and then back again.
Thai popsicles

A five Baht (15 cent) delicious treat.
And more fruit

We have eaten our weight in watermelon and pineapples...platters at the end of every meal. So it is time to eat something else. Trying lychees (pink and round) and mafai (yellow). We also ate moreLeggi altro
Traditional breakfast

Enjoyed a Thai noodle soup breakfast today. Locals taught some of the girls how to use chopsticks. Earl and Sam tried chicken feet too!
Pet market

The weekend market is not open today, other than the pet market, but that section is pretty crazy.
And it comes to an end

We are heading to the airport in ten minutes. I think most students are sad for this adventure to come to an end. Thank you for following us. Annette Rosado and I are heading to Luang Prabang, LaosLeggi altro
Laos extension

Made it to Luang Prabang, Laos with my colleague. So beautiful and looks nothing like Thailand. You can see the French influences.
Rice farming in Laos

Learned all about rice farming at a local farm. Great program. The food was good too...fried lotus flower. Yum.
Buffalo farming

Visited a buffalo farm too! They rent female buffalo from locals, which creates a win-win! Ate lemongrass buffalo milk ice cream. Delicious.
Beautiful waterfall

Went swimming at a beautiful waterfall about 30 minutes from Luang Prabang, Laos. Burmese monks were there as well!
I love street food vendors

So many photo opportunities related to food and locals who sell or prepare it.
Wooden bridge

There is a wooden bridge made of bamboo that allows the locals in Luang Prabang to cross the river. But, it is a private venture and costs 63 cents round trip. The view is just great.
ViaggiatoreSo beautiful!
ViaggiatoreI love the plam trees lining the beach!