I love Thailand. Thailand was the first foreign country that I ever visited and it has remained a very special place to me. I first visited Thailand when I was a teenager with my high school. I went to an alternative private school and a group of about 15 of us teenagers went on the trip. If you are interested in learning a little more about alternative education and our trip to Thailand, check out this film that one of the parents filmed while we were in Thailand.
Trip to Thailand (2002)
Nao’s Beautiful Farm
I have stayed in contact with one of my teachers, Saowanee Sangkara (or Nao ). I contacted Nao to tell her that I would be coming to Thailand and she invited me to stay at her farm in northern Thailand, about 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai. Nao is a filmmaker, artist and she has a farm where she builds mud houses. Nao’s farm is almost fully sustainable and she leads sustainability workshops that people from all over Thailand attend. I was excited when Nao told me that one of her workshops would be going on while I was there.
Upstairs where I slept
After spending two nights in Bangkok, I boarded an overnight bus to Chiang Mai. The bus ride was about ten hours, but I slept most of the way so it was great. I arrived at a bus stop on the side of the road at about 4:00 am. I road a taxi (back of a pick up) to Nao’s farm which was about 15 minutes away. It was so great to see her.
Workshop participants
About 20 people attended Nao’s workshop and many of them were staying at her house. We started each day at 6:00 am with yoga and meditation. We then all ate a delicious breakfast together and attended different activities.
Working on the mud house
Nao and I
Some of the activities we completed included:
- Building a mud house
- Making organic green drinks, face masks, soy milk, marmalade and other food.
- Hiking in the woods (Possible where I got Dengue!)
- Watching some of Nao’s films
- and much more!
Nao and Nurse making a green drink. We used the pulp for face masks.
🙂
I also had a blast playing with and helping to watch Nao’s niece, Nurse. After the workshop was over, I stayed and spent time with Nao and Nurse.
Playing in the river
So you went there before you got the dengue?
I found out I had Dengue while I was in Thailand. I could have gotten in Thailand or in Vietnam…I will never know!
So happy you could do this and that you are well again! I am so proud to know you, Melanie, and to watch how you’ve grown and continue to accept all kinds of challenges and adventures. What a gift you are to the world of children! With love, Sandy
Thank you, Sandy! That means a lot! It was amazing being able to spend some time with Nao. She is such an important person to me. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for reading!
love this xoxox and you, of course xoxoxox Love, Mommom
Love you too! xo