One of the more special is the fenomenon that occurs every last full moon in October. This marks the end of the Buddist lent and the Naga, a huge snakelike animal that lives in the Mekong river, sends balls of fire just outside of Nongkhai. This is a mysterious phenomenon and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Nongkhai has, of course made a festival of the event so we all passed the weekend watching lightboats going slowely up and down the river, eating grilled sorpions and other delicious food served in abundance as soon as ther is a party going on here.
One of the more special is the fenomenon that occurs every last full moon in October. This marks the end of the Buddist lent and the Naga, a huge snakelike animal that lives in the Mekong river, sends balls of fire just outside of Nongkhai. This is a mysterious phenomenon and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Nongkhai has, of course made a festival of the event so we all passed the weekend watching lightboats going slowely up and down the river, eating grilled sorpions and other delicious food served in abundance as soon as ther is a party going on here.
When we were just about to move into a flat near the Chaiapon market, we found this house in tne middle of Nongkhai. It's next to a temple and quite close to our "headquarters". It can easily host 10 or 12 volunteers along with our personal.
There is a garden and we have started to grow some of the most used vegetables in Thai cuisine.
The tearrace along the back of the house is our favourite, five hammocks, shadow all day and banana trees to feeed you a snack
This weeks volunteers trory is from Daniel Krikke, 19 and from Aamsteerdam. Dan was here for a month last summer together with his girlfriend Denise:
How can i describe my Thailand-expieriance? In one word.. fun!
I can guaranty you, one month is way to short. But all the things I did, all the people i met.. I woundn’t forget that.
he fun started on arrival-day. After a flight from hell (after 30 hours on the road you just want to sleep) we were picked up by Kerstin's daughter Tina and Thai volunteer Mooy. They brought us too Nongkhai. After a nice (cold) shower, Denise and I wanted to go down town. By bike. Boy, did we get lost!
The rest of the week we were off (no school, it’s my holiday as well) and had a great time. Rented a bike (great fun) went to the pool (a lot) and to the Sculpture park (beautiful) and a lot of other stuff. In that same week Denise and I went to the Chinese School. They asked us if we would teach their. How could we say “no” to such sweet innocent children. Boy, where we wrong.
Six hours a week (not much!!!), spread on two classes. We had a great time. Although the kids were pretty loud, some a bit to ‘smart’ others a bit to slow, teaching them was great! When class was over, and you left the classroom, they all wanted to shake hands or do a Thai game (something like paper/scissor/rocks). Besides the teaching their is so much more! I loved renting a scooter, and go 80 on the freeway ( Born to be wild). I loved the weekend evenings: funny games, nice dinners, the trekking weekend, the Laos weekend, the city, the ceremony, the parties at Kerstin, the great GREAT food, the nice local, the sweet volunteers.. I’m back home almost two months now and I miss it so firkin’ much. I miss the people so much. So, from here, again thank you!