Project Term 2016: Ricefields, Monks, and Smiling Children: 2016

The long day home!

We left Udon Thani, with Chris, about 7:45 pm on Sunday. The short flight got us to Bangkok with plenty of time to check in and then make our way to the gate. There might have even been time for some pizza (didn't we just eat dinner?).

The flight to Dubai was "overnight", but we landed at 3:00 am. This is going to be a long day!

The flights were uneventful, but long.

The connection in Boston - was very, close. With moments to spare, the group made it on board, headed for Detroit. All but three bags made it home, but would eventually catch up with the group.

Pouting, outside the Udon Thani Airport

Saying good bye to Wee

The wait - Jerri managed to buy a coconut purse during the wait.

Our good-byes to Chris in Bangkok

Dubai - Boston

Boston - Detroit

Rustic Ties Ceremony

The afternoon was drawing to a close, and it was nearly time for us to depart. There are several Rustic Pathways traditions, with a Thai twist! We did participate in a closing reflection, led by Chris. We each shared our "Coat of Arms" (Personality, Area of Strength, Area of Growth, and Future Self). As we did this, a Thai bracelet was passed from person to person, where they added their good karma to the bracelet.

Following this, we convened in the Sala, where P Maha thanked us for our service and wished us safe travels and a swift return to the Ricefields Base! The ceremony was very moving, with each of us receiving a sash and then "ties" from several of the staff. It was a very touching service.

At the conclusion, we all left our hand-print on the ceiling of the Sala, for those who will follow will find our hand prints.

Coat of Arms

Preparing for Rustic Ties

Thanking our hosts!

The final group photo!

We've left our mark!

Gathering outside the Ricefield House before we left for the airport

A final tour of town - The Brunch Tour

It was important for Ched to give us some authentic restaurant experiences. We hopped into the song-taew and headed into town. We had the BEST pad thai and shared several dishes. The second stop was for ice cream! The Thai people take their ice cream "sandwich" very literally. They are served on a hot dog bun. We concluded our tour with roast chicken and roast pork and delicious sticky rice!

Chicken Fried Rice

Pad Thai

An Ice Cream "Sandwich"!

Jerri reading our horoscopes, in Thai!

The beautiful grilled fish!

The grilled chicken!

The fun little diner!

The delicious roasted chicken!

Sticky Rice, served in an authentic rice pot, found in the Udon Thani province

A Lesson in Thai Martial Arts - Muay Thai

The work out was intense. What began as a slow stretch became a full blown work out! It was a great lesson, and everyone worked hard. All this before 9:00 am!!

The important stretch!

The basic demonstration!

The group all geared up!

Clare demonstrating a right punch.

Sarah giving a full kick with her shin!

Oh yes, even Mrs. Wilcox was working it out!

Chris has done this more than once!

Chloe kicking it out!

Go, Shannon!

Gabby demonstrating her left hook!

Group shot!

Closing Ceremonies!

There's nothing a little ice cream won't cure, so with Thai Fear Factor behind them, the group took their ice cream and gathered in the Cafe to await the Bon Fire and Thai Dancers. The night was beautiful. The stars beginning to appear, dotting the sky with bright specks. The Dancers were beautiful. They performed for the group and with the group. After the dancing, we lit Lanterns, made a wish and released them into the night sky!

The final event of the evening was the viewing of the video produced by Mr. T - taking the stills and videos of the week and creating a gift which we would take with us and have has a constant reminder of our days in Thailand and our new friends!