Almost out of the weeds

Hi everyone! Sorry for the long absence. Josh and I are currently mired in a CELTA (Cambridge English Language Teaching to Adults) course in Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a 4 week intensive course, so we've been writing reports and attending classes day in and day out.

Fortunately, we had a bit of time to wander around in Old Chiang Mai with Kawasaki and some other friends over our first weekend. We get out about once a week to stock up on tea, snacks, and other essentials, like orange Fanta, to keep us going. The rest of our week is spent in classes from 11:30-9:00 with a few breaks for lunch and snacks in between. We are definitely getting some prep work in for graduate school, and I have to admit, it feels nice to be on this side of the desk again. In one more week, barring any unforeseen drama, we'll both be certified CELTA English teachers! Cross your fingers for us :D

Nihon no tomodachi, gomen nasai! Kono pasokon ha nihon no ji ga arimasen. Mousugu nihon no tegami wo kakimasu! Eigo de ganbatte kudasai!

Sabaidee (hello) from Laos!


We started off in Bangkok, and went south to Hua Hin for a few days to catch up with some of Josh's friends from his days in Thailand. Highlight, 2kilos of mangosteen for 50baht. That's less than 2 US dollars! Yum.

ラオのパソコンで日本語で頑張ります。最初、バンコクとフアーヒンへ行った。ジョシュのタイの友達に会った。２キロはマンゴスティーンを買った、でも２百円だけ！安い！

After a few more days in Hua Hin and back in Bangkok, we flew up north to Chiang Mai where we explored a bit and were picked up the next morning to head further north to Chiang Khong. We took a longboat from Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang, passing over the border to Laos on the 28th.

フアーヒンの後で、バンコクに帰り、チアンマイへ行った。次の日長い船でラオスへ行った。メコング川はとてもきれい！

We are currently enjoying double-priced yet air-conditioned internet in Luang Prabang, a bit down from our hotel. Our first 3 days were spent at a great little bungalow place named Khoune and Khone about 4km outside of the city. The owners are a husband and wife who built and run the place with their family. We experienced shoe-cleaning ants, a monster spider, and a really beautiful setting. The family is lovely, and we got to spend some time talking to them and eating Laos home cooking.

ルアンプラバングに小さい旅館の方がバンガローに泊まりました。クンとコーネのバンガローですした。市は４キロからにいました。本当に楽しかった。大きい庭とかわいいバンガローがあった。コーネの料理はおいしかったも。

Yesterday, we rented a motorbike to head out to Kwang Si waterfalls, about 29km southwest of the city. It's nearing the end of rainy season, so the falls were very strong and the swimming was a bit difficult. We managed a bit of rope swinging (Josh more than myself). You can see we have very different "styles".

昨日バイクを借りまして、くワングシ滝へ行った。ルアングプラバングは２９キロからにいました。ラオスはすごく緑の国です。滝の川に私たちはロプスウィングをした。ジョシュは上手ですでも、わたしはちょっと。。。写真を見て下さい。





We have to leave Lao a day early because of a flight cancellation. I guess that will give us a little more time to explore Chiang Mai before the course starts. Silver lining? I'm not so sure. Josh is pretty bummed to leave. I think he has become a bit fan of Lao.

ラオスから一日早くで去り無ければなりません。残念です。じゃあとで！