From Brenda
What a phenomenally amazing trip, Donna. How lucky you were. The pictures were incredible. Your description of your trip was awe-inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
Response: Thanks Brenda! Hope you're feeling better!
From Kim
Amazing trip Donna!
Thank you for sharing your travel adventures complete with journals and pictures. I was amazed to see how rice is planted. It seems like such tedious work for such a tiny product. I was also impressed by your sharing about the level of respect that children have for teachers and their elders, their counntry and their religion. I especially love the statement, "Mai bpen rai!" What a great philosophy! I'm am so glad that you had such a unique and mutual learning opportunity about a different culture. However, I wonder if you gave them a false impression that American women are "height challenged!" Looking forward to seeing you in the end of August after your family bike trip. All the best, Kim :)
Response: At least this American/Canadian woman is height challenged! How about you go there next and see what impression they get! Seriously, it was a great experience. Thanks for checking out the site and more pictures to come! See you soon Kim!
From Jenny
Hi Donna! I finally got a chance to read the second half of your entries and I must say that this is absolutely AMAZING! I admire you for doing this. You're quite brave and selfless by going on this trip alone, to a country you've never been to before, where you cannot even speak the language and you devoted much of your time and effort to teach. According to my experiences, it's the riskiest situations that make everything worthwhile... and clearly, that's what happened to you on this trip! I was especially impressed by the painting elephant and the silk worms. I'm not sure if you know about this, but it's no secret of my fear of insects, so thinking of ingesting them... gives me shivers.
Glad to see that you got home safely, and I look forward to seeing more of your pictures!
All the best,
Jenny
Response: Thanks Jenny! It's great to hear from you! It was an adventure, but one that was not without supports. So it wasn't overly difficult - but as you say, very worthwhile for me. Does my nephew know about your insect thing? Somehow I can see him giving you a hard time about that!
If he doesn't know, don't tell him!
From Ronnie
Your adventure has the ring of "Anna and the King of Siam" even though you were not teaching at the Palace. And, it seems that the teaching/learning went both ways - amazing how that happens when one has the bravery to go outside the safety of the known into the unfamiliar!
Response: The teaching certainly did go both ways! I don't know about bravery in this case. I had nobody to worry about (as Anna did with her young son), but I had wonderful people who worried about me and provided guidance.
From Beth
So, are you going to do some cooking when you get back to school? Just be careful about trying to adapt to kosher..one of my mom's more memorable kitchen faux pas was "halibut cantomese" I recommend just leaving out the shrimp paste! Oy....
Take care, Beth
Response: The shrimp paste is out! About cooking, you should check put my Facebook page and see what my son Matti posted. Poor boy- no food at home, he says!
From David
Its fine as long as u don't come back with a new Tarzan.
Response: No worries there!
From david
Hi Donna,
I have been reading with fascination each entry. Your recent weekend topped the prior. Have a lot of fun this last week.
Love David
Response: So what do you think of your wife who swings between trees?
From Kristin
These posts are awesome!
Although, I have to say, they sell the elephant paintings at the circus in Hartford. Don't need to travel across the world for that. :)
I haven't been on my bike since Maine and am missing it. Trevor rode 60 miles on the rail trail the other day and I was entirely jealous. I'm getting back on the bike this weekend for sure.
Yes, we'll definitely have to bike some more when u get back.
I'm loving your blog! You are so brave!
Response: Thanks Kristin. But you have to see the picture of my elephant's painting!! It's gorgeous! A real Van Gogh!
From Iris
How long are you there for? You are so fearless and inspiring! When I get buzzed by mosquitoes or feel hot & kvetchy I think of what you're going through and fuggetaboutit. You keep going, girlfriend!
Love,
Iris
Response: Thanks Iris! Whenever I get too hot, I "take a bat!", as my hosts say!
From Laurie
Do you think the elephant would exhibit at MOMA? I have always wanted to try zip lining...what an incredible place to do it. I am loving this blog...keep it up.
Response: I think he should! I was so impressed with the elephant painting! I've never actually thought about zip-lining, but when I stumbled upon it on the Internet, it sounded cool - and it was!
From Karen
Hi Donna, We saw the elephants painting as well. It's amazing. You have done some fascinating activities! I did the Eastford ride yesterday, Monday - the same one we did last year. Jeff was there and Nancy and Tom Mann. Hopefully ,when you get back, we can do some bicycling. Karen
Response: I'd love to do some bicycling when I get back. I'll only have a week, as I'll be going to the Cape with my family on August 14th until the 21st - but afterwards will work too! How was the Eastford ride? Say "hi" for me to the other cyclists!
I was so impressed with the elephant painting!
From Donna
To my family and friends: please leave messages! I would love to hear from you! Donna
Response: Sorry everyone who's left messages! I didn't understand how to access them, but now I do! Thanks for the messages!
From melanie motter
Wow-what an amazing trip! I'm getting such a kick out of your entries. Don't drink too much beer! Love, mel
Response: Thanks Mel! The beer-drinking just lasted a few days. In Chiang-Mai, I had relief from the heat!
From Beth
Hey Donna, I find myself curiously trying to follow your vacation. I'm sending a second email as you can know I'm reading your blog. Sounds like the english/thai pronunciation is difficult. Reminds me of when I first started subbing & hated Fridays because kids "couldn't understand my pronunciation of words" so, I had Espie give a spelling test or two! Keep trying! And, maintain your sense of humor! I'm really enjoying your blog..so keep writing...I can wait to imagine where I go via you next! Take care.
Response: Hey Beth! Thanks for explaining how the message board works! So, when my New York friend can't be understood by kids in Connecticut, she gets our Mexican friend to give the tests! Reminds me of the time our handyman, an Irishman with a thick brogue, needed to get some additional paint for my Israeli friend's house, he asked her (with her thick Israeli accent) to call the paint store, because he said they never understand him!
From susan taylor
Donna, what wonderful entries you write - I can almost picture the places you visit and understand the daily life of the Thai people. Thank you for this gift! Susan
Response: Thanks for reading along, Susan. It makes me feel that I have company!
From David
Hi Don,
Keeping up with your entries which sound fascinating. How are you at remembering any childrens names?
Love David
Response: Hi Dave! I'm terrible at it! Actually, if I knew I were going to be here longer, I would put some effort into it, but my time is almost up. I just resigned myself to the fact that it was not going to happen. I do have some of them, though, with what I'm sure in incorrect pronunciation!
From Lea
Hi Donna,
What a surprise to find out you are having such an adventure so far away! How long is this to last? Will you ever come back? It sounds like you are having too much fun!!!
Thanks for including me in your travels,
Be safe,
Lea
Response: Hi Lea! You are right - I am having too much fun! It reminds me of my adventure 30 years ago when I went to Israel with only a few words of Hebrew! Thanks to you and occasional others, I've been able to keep up with that. But I only know Arthur A from BSBI with whom I can practice Thai!
From Kristin
This is great! Sounds like a fascinating trip!
Response: Hi Kristin! I even did a morning cycling tour of parts of the outskirts of the city of Chiang Mai two days ago. It was a fun way to see things and places I would not have been able to otherwise! Some biking together when I get back?
From Linda Hilliard
Donna--HI!! From Grand Isle, Vermont, where Lee and I have been camping for a week. I am so intrigued with your wonderful blog, and all the amazing new places and people and customs you have been experiencing. You go, girl, because your whole life and outlook are changing and that's great. I give you huge credit for being so brave and innovative to do this thing. I'm here, following your journey, and stay well.
Linda
Response: Thanks Linda! It is a wonderful thing to be able to try something new like this. I am truly fortunate. The school here just got a new music teacher, for Thai music. There is already one who teaches Western and Eastern music. I haven't had a chance yet to listen to their lessons. I think I should!
From Beth
Cool Donna! I was thinking about you & wondering where you landed this summer. It's 8am here and just woke up & very curiously read the blog through my very sleepy eyes. Can't wait to here more about your adventure! Take pictures & take care! Beth
Response: Hi Beth! Thanks for following along!
From Iris
WOWEE ZOWEE! This is such a good read. Donna, you are awesome!
Love, Iris
Response: Thanks Iris! How are you and the brood? I have to be honest - sometimes, there are words in Thai that sound like Hebrew to me! My Thai friends and I are laughing at each other's pronunciation! Good entertainment!
From Al Krupp
Hi Donna,
So you're a pharange in Isaan.
How exciting. and to think ,as a focused and intelligent school psychologist, disciplining yourself
into the daily journal routine. You're just fantastic. Jeri Jaminet always asks about you. Any bikes in Isaan?
Keep up the good work.
Fondly,
Alan
Response: Hi Alan, there are definitely bikes in Isaan (and loads of motorbikes and motor-scooters) - but no nice bikes like ours. The roads are also not conducive to nice road bikes. How are you doing?
From Susan Taylor
Hi Donna - what a wonderful adventure you are having - I hope you have your camera and are taking photos. Be well, I hope you continue to enjoy this experience. I'm so glad you had this opportunity!
Thanks for sharing it! Susan
Response: Hi Susan! I am taking plenty of pictures, but haven't had a chance to upload them to the site. Thank YOU for reading along with me!
From David Elkin [dad]
Dear Donna; I am enjoying reading your Thai diary. I am impressed by the insight you have of the people that you meet and the friendships you are forming. Bobby is also impressed when we discussed you on Sunday. Love, Dad
Response: Hi Dad! Thanks for the encouragement! It has been an interesting and fun experience! I miss you! Regards to Jenny! Love, Don
From michal twig
I hope you enjoy in Thailand.
I'm sure you have a lot of new adventures.....
I am looking to hear from you after you return....
I realise you recieve my message to your iphone.
love
Michali
Response: Shalom, Michal! How are you doing? I will be in touch when I get back! Love to the family!