Thai Journal ‘25 - #3

 As in times past, today was the final day of the de-jetlagging activities. First a trip to Khao Yai National Park – a huge rainforest less than an hour from the university. Lots of hiking through the woods and visits to waterfalls. Disappointingly, the path down to the big Haew Suwat waterfall was closed off. There have been exceptional amounts of rainfall; thus, the danger in getting close. A bit of wildlife was seen: monkeys, deer, leeches (sadly, a bit of blood was drawn from those with the good blood), etc.  No elephants this time. Then, our annual visit to

the Jungle House for elephant rides. BUT, the mango eating master class could not take place as in former years. We always demonstrate the fact that mangoes must not be eaten with knives and forks! This is an important cultural dimension of the trip. Again, sadly, there was not one ripe mango to be found anywhere (except some young green ones at the end of the day! What a disappointment). For many, the visit to the Chocolate Factory is one of the highlights of the trip. They weren’t disappointed. The day was topped off at the Boekban restaurant, about a couple of miles from the university. And then a quick jaunt to the Sunday Night Market. Tomorrow begins the joys of farming and teaching.