Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Scott Neufeld
So Jazzy and I are on our Christmas break right now, so there hasn't been much posted to the blog. Right now we are relaxing in Phuket on Christmas eve, and are going to the Fantasy Show tonight which is a Thailand speciality, complete with dinner. Should be fun. Tommorow we are going to relax in our hotel for Christmas day, and then fly home on boxing day. Then off to Bangkok for new years. Having a three week break has been great, but we do miss home at this time of year, even the snow I guess. But certainly our family and friends. So for all those who check this blog, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from both of us. We love you.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Scott Neufeld
On a nice day on Koh Phi Phi, three girls saw a monkey sitting calmly on the beach enjoying the beautiful weather in Thailand. Said the girls to themselves, "We should get it to look at us". They all agreed. In their great wisdom, they decided against purchasing bananas or fruit (sold at a nearby stand) to feed the monkey and make it friendly. Rather, they chose simply to throw sand at it.....this video captured it all. Well done Jasmine (the one throwing the sand), Victoria (the one who ran the fastest) and Claire (the one in the far back).
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Scott Neufeld
Jasmine tried her best to be a chef at a local thai restaurant.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Scott Neufeld
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Scott Neufeld
So last weekend our school was involved in the cross bay swim challenge. This is sponsored by the rotary club of Pattaya and raises money towards a charity here. Jasmine signed up to participate as a swimmer. This involved a lengthy swim across the bay (gulf of Thailand). Basically, it costs so much to enter, and you raise this money by being sponsored, and that money goes to Charity. As you can see, many students and teachers were involved in this. All the swimmers got medals and t-shirts afterwards, plus a nice little lunch.
I too was involved. Initially I was going to be a swimmer too until one of my friends asked if I would help in Kayak support. I hadn't been on a kayak since grade ten, but I gave it a go. Basically, Kayak support stays alongside those swimmers who choose to do the 3.5 km swim and make sure they are okay. After the start, one of the thai officials assigned me to watch a certain participant, who happened to be the slowest guy there. At one point he was losing ground doing the breast stroke, so I was literally sitting still for about twenty minutes going nowhere. At this point, I decided to put my feet up and tan for a bit, and then proceeded to doze off. Falling asleep on a kayak sounds peaceful enough, unless you put too much weight to one side, which I did. I woke up to the wonderful feeling of ocean water as I flipped over. It was not great, but a lot of fun. Altogether that day, with the extra journey we went on, I kayaked about 12 km, which felt pretty good. Plus, I got a t-shirt out of it as well, so all was good. Jazzy and I have decided to enter an adventure race in early February next year, which would include running, swimming, biking and Kayaking.....so let the training begin.
Do you see the the guy in the blue kayak between the two boats. That's me!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Scott Neufeld
Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.
"Loi" means "to float". "Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk (although modern-day versions use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrofoam), decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense sticks etc. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a small raft like this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much bigger and more elaborate rafts, and these are often judged in contests. In addition, fireworksand beauty contests take place during the festival.
- Wikipedia
So at our school we celebrated Loy Krathong by dressing up, making "Krathongs" or boats made of wax and banana leaves and having a parade and celebration in the school oval. It was a long day in the hot sun, but it was quite fun. As I understand it, thai people float their Kathongs on the river to float away their sins and begin fresh. Its also a celebration to thank the goddess of the water for the water itself. Its quite a party in the Buddist faith. As you can see, our kids at school looked adorable.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Scott Neufeld
Now where did I park my....aw crap!
