this little guy is definitely the cheekiest, along with the boy sat next to him. With his head down doing work for once! I can't help but find him funny. He loves shouting out 'shut your mouth!', proud of knowing the English phrase. Shame he doesn't take his own advise...
The Thursday of Week 6 was the two Chinese TA's last official day, and we through them a leaving party. As I've mentioned in a previous post, the girls have been wonderful to have around and they are both such characters - school has definitely been a lot quieter without them around. Their leaving party was emotional not only because I was sad to see them go, but because it reminded me how soon I was leaving! They got so choked up making their speeches... Pee Yung who is the one with less good English couldn't speak for about 30 seconds whilst holding the mic, because she was welling up. Then all she could say was 'I just, don't want to leave.' I can't imagine the mess I'm going to be. Other then that, it was a fantastic night with good food (CHIPS!), wine, dancing and karaoke. As expected, I was dragged up to sing - can't go wrong with a bit of Britney!
with some of the teachers at the leaving party
The girls getting emotional as the director of the school does a speech for them...
After school on Friday, Purn took me to Chumphon van station where I met Vikki. Together we journeyed down to Surat Thani to meet the others, and then went on to Khao Sok National Park - myself, Vikki, Caity, Faye, Ryan, Aimee, Chloe, Becky and Fran. When we arrived at our bungalows we quickly checked in and then had dinner at the Nung House restaurant, whilst it rained and rained and rained... We prayed the down pour would be over for our busy day tomorrow, but it didn't. But that definitely didn't stop it from being an absolutely brilliant day.
An elephant trek has been at the top of my 'To Do' list since coming to Thailand, and was the main reason for coming to Khao Sok. Although there are many opportunities to ride an elephant all around the country, the Khao Sok trek is considered to be the best and most natural trek in the South and the real 'elephant experience'. This is because it has no set path or route, and goes through a very untouched section of the jungle. It absolutely did not disappoint. We all arrived ready in our rain macs (thank God Purn had insisted on lending me one) and paired up. Me and Vikki hopped on board a beautiful elephant we later learnt was called 'Pancake', and we were told she was the only female elephant on the trek.
Me, Vikki and Pancake!
The trek itself was incredible; up and down hills so steep I was sure we were going to topple backwards, and through gaps so small I wasn't sure I'd fit let alone an elephant. But old Pancake managed it! I'm sure I should have been a little more scared than I was, but I was far to excited. The elephants were incredible to watch, despite their size they moved so gracefully and slowly that they looked almost mechanical.
Me and Pancake
We stopped half way through the trek to give the elephants a break and also to see a beautiful waterfall and have some pictures. When we climbed back on to pancake's seat, the guide asked if I'd like to ride on her neck instead of the seat. I jumped at the chance! It was, I must admit, pretty terrifying - especially on some of the ridiculously steep hills without the comfort of the make shift rope seat belt we had on the seats! But it was absolutely amazing. Even if I did get itchy legs from her bristly hair.
Me, Caity and Vikki at the Waterfall
On Pancake's neck!
cuddles!
After the elephant trekking, it was a quick lunch and then straight off to tubing. Not quite as much of a momentous activity, but just as fun! You get in rings, and it's basically like a river run you'd get at a water park - but in an actual fresh water river. However, it didn't quite compare to a make shift river run in terms of relaxation; a real river, in the heavy rain storms we'd been having, runs a lot faster than a fake river in a pool. Not forgetting the random branches growing through the water you have to try and avoid as well. It was the funniest couple of hours and I spent most of it crying with laughter! We all tried to stay holding hands but it didn't last long. The best moment by far was Becky getting caught underneath a bunch of trees in her ring, with her back bent over and head touching her knees, unable to move, whilst we swiftly moved onwards all in hysterics and left her behind. Sorry Becky!
When we were still able to hold hands, before it got a bit crazy
Thumbs up!
Clinging on to Chloe as branches tried to split us up!
After tubing, our driver took us to some other great view points. It really is a beautiful scenic area, and I would definitely come back here if I got the chance again!
Caity, Vikki, me and Ryan - check that view.
We headed back, got showered and went out for our last evening together. We spent the night chatting about how quick the summer had gone, and all the amazing times we've had. I really do consider them amazing friends, and will miss them all to bits when this is all over! But before we had the chance to get emotional about that, the conversation swiftly moved onto Gavin and Stacey quotes so I was happy. We were also joined at the restaurant by Toffee/Coffee; a dog that had swam with us the whole time we were tubing! We're still unsure of his name. When we asked the owner of the dog who happened to run the restaurant, he said (in a thick Thai accent) 'Yes his name is Toffee. You know, like black Coffee. As in Toffee.' So, we'll just call him 'Offee'.
Overall, another amazing and fun-filled weekend, as well as another box ticked on my 'Things to Do in Thailand' list. SUCCESS!
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