Preggo Baby Update!

When we stopped by Lung Geet’s, he told us that Preggo Baby had her kittens! Three black and white ones that Lung Geet calls Panda (yes, all three have the same name).

The Gremmers Take Bangkok (and Phuket)

With impeccable, and totally coincidental timing, my mom and dad arrived in Bangkok on Sara's final day of orientation. They took our advice and flew in on Korean Air, with twenty hours in the air split between Chicago, Seoul, and Bangkok. The day they arrived, I'd been staying alone in various guesthouses and hotels all over the north side of town and was elated not only to see them for the first time in six months, but to have a bigger sense of day-to-day purpose than finding the best deal on a bottle of Coke Zero.

Back to Base Camp

After three days of intense relaxation, I was still not ready to go to work. But alas, putting in some time with OEG was going to help fund our month-long vacation. It turned out to be fun to meet two new groups of teachers, scare them shitless with spider and snake stories, and assure them they’d probably suck at teaching because we all do at first.

The most amazing part was going to Siam Niramit, which we did not attend when I was in orientation. It seriously blew my mind with a little bit of Thai history, theatrical depictions of heaven and hell, and a sampling of Thai festivals. Before the show, you can wander around a faux Thai countryside complete with crafting stations and musical entertainment.

Kanchanaburi (Part 2): Elephants!

This morning was amazing! We went to Taweechai Elephant Camp to meet some pachyderms. Shot this on the way (I think I’m going to like this place!):

Day Two in Krueng Tep (Bangkok)

Skytrain above the downtown traffic

Jack and I started our second day a little more refreshed than the first. After talking with Eric yesterday, we had big plans to take the ferry along the river and check out the Grand Palace. Our hostel is right off the BTS line, a Skytrain that runs all around town. Bangkok has THE most amazing public transportation and it is incredibly affordable. In addition to the Skytrain, there is an elaborate subway system and plenty of busses.

We took the Skytrain to the central stop of the Chao Praya Express. This is a system of ferries that runs along the Chao Praya river making various stops depending on the line. Eric recommended we avoid the tourist line and take the orange line instead. Good call!

Leg 2: Green Bay, WI to Chicago, IL

               ~ 3 hours, 45 minutes, 210 miles

The goodbyes have been especially difficult this leg. We had to part with my family, friends, and our little girls. I only see my family and home friends a couple of times a year so I'm just trying to tell myself that we're only missing a couple of get-togethers. That helps.

The cats, however, have been particularly heartbreaking. Throughout the packing process, Doodle has been jumping into my luggage and laying down. I'm nearly convinced she knows what's happening and wants to come along. It. kills. me.

Change Brings Opportunity

Every time I think about the things that I would miss if I leave, I inevitably start thinking about the things I might encounter...and I get super excited.