Last Days in Thailand

A few days ago, I returned from the oceans course, which was a whirlwind of sun, sea, host families, meetings and so much fun.

The first week was spent in Baan Jao Mai, living with Muslim host families.  It is a very outgoing community, and it was such a pleasure to spend the week there.  While there, we visited mangrove conservation forests and sea grass beds (a favorite meal of the endangered dugong) to learn about  local conservation efforts.  We also visited a shrimp farm to see what effects shrimp farming had on the surrounding ecosystem.

Me with my host mom from Jao Mai

From Baan Jao Mai we caught a ferry to Koh Lipe, an island in the Adang Archipelago.  Our original plan was to stay for 2 nights to learn about tourism on the island, which is rapidly increasing.  But a visit from a tropical storm kept us on the island a couple more nights as we could not kayak to our next destination.  Eventually we did get out and paddled in beautiful weather to Koh Rawi, a camping spot of the Urak Lawoi, local people who formerly led a semi-nomadic, sea-based lifestyle.  In fact, when we arrived, most of the beach was taken up by Urak Lawoi families, so we set up camp on the end of the beach and hunkered down for the next 5 nights.

While camping on Rawi, we spent 4 days snorkeling the reefs surrounding various islands, being motored to various locations on a longtail boat by P' Khan or P' Tain, Urak Lawoi men that camped with us.  It was the first time I have been snorkeling, and the diversity of life found beneath the surface of the sea is astounding.  I saw sea anenomes, a barracuda, a stingray, eels, starfish, as well as a huge number of tropical fish, displaying bright colors and dizzying patterns.

One of our snorkel sites...not too shabby

After 2 1/2 weeks in the South, soaking up the sun, it was time to pack our bags and tents and take a ferry, van and 2 planes back to Chiang Mai.

In Chiang Mai, we had final seminar, farewell dinner, I handed in my final essay, and had my final Thai test.  A flurry of activity to keep my mind occupied.

And now, I am on the brink of departure, heading home tonight at 11:20 pm.  As I have been packing, the reality has set in that this semester has truly come to a close.  I have already seen 3 friends leave, and the apartment is looking more and more sparse.  I have grown to love this country and these people, so saying farewell to the most amazing semester of my life will be tough.

But I am so looking forward to greeting Grand Rapids, and all that it brings: family, friends, cooler weather, and much more.  As this is my last day in Thailand, I believe it will also be my last post on this blog, regaling my adventures here.  I hope I have managed to convey a small portion of what I have experienced here.

-Grace

Prateht Thai: Chan ja kittung mak mak.