Monthly Archives: February 2013

Our camera gave out right about here. Jesse was having so much fun taking tons of pictures, that we ran out of battery. We exchanged info with the friends we met so we can share all our photos at a later date! We laughed so hard watching everyone go in the water and try to hold on. One of the elephants wanted to stay in the water and play some more. One of the guys had to swim after her. We were saying “Let her play for Pete’s sake!!!! She deserves a break!”

Only female elephants give rides, male elephants are too aggressive. I think the females give the rides because they’re stronger and sweeter. Just sayin’!

The picture of Lennon playing UNO was taken while they were teaching our guide, Sue, how to play. Sue is studying to be a teacher. He was absolutely incredible with the kids, often pairing up with maddux or lennon. At one point in the kayak trip, maddux suggested to him that we all get out and swim. He kayaked to a little island, jumped out and dove in. So fun! Lennon said, “I think Sue practices his dreams.” We all should!

When we first arrived, the villagers seemed a bit shy. I can imagine it would be strange to have white people schlepping through your home every few days to take pictures of you living your everyday life. We were as respectful as possible, often asking if it was ok to take photos. They knew no English and we don’t speak any Hmong or Lao, but we still managed to communicate.
Jesse joined in a crazy game of soccer/volleyball. When they served the ball, they would kick higher than their heads. Jesse held his own and there was a lot of laughing. They called him “You.” Crap talking is universal- they made fun of each other on bad plays. It was fun to watch a game bring everyone together.
Lennon got out his UNO and had a little buddy join him in organizing the cards. Maddux and Em gave the kids an animal book. We told them the English names of animals and they told us how to say it in their language.
At night, we played tag and watched a group of 3 and 4 year olds make a fire. Most families have about 6 children. They usually get married in their teens. The roosters start crowing at around 4am. That’s when everyone starts waking up to start their work. People seem to be doing something from morning until sunset. There is only electricity in one or two huts. All other huts are lit by candles or a small fire pit. We slept in a hut with five partitions that could hold between 10-15 people.
In the morning, we walked to the school. All grades are taught in one room. The little kids were outside doing cartwheels and playing with rocks and sticks. We saw many siblings (about 5 years old or so) carrying their infant brother or sister in a sling on their back. All the children seemed amazingly happy.

At this village, we ate, played tag, watched a warthog take a bath and em bought a bracelet from a local girl. These kids are either not old enough for school yet or can not afford to go. They will learn to farm and make things to sell in order to survive.

We got so lucky when this group came together! Forgive me if I am spelling any names wrong. We had 3 Brazilian girls (may, danny and pati), a German girl (audina), some Canadians (emma, sara and jeff) and our guides Sue, mr. Hurley and mr. Man. We all worked together and shared a life changing experience. I love the quote by Madeleine Albright that says “there is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” None of these girls will be there. If I were their parents, I would be so proud of the way they helped each other, reached out to other travelers and wanted to have everyone have fun as a group. I hope Emerson can find good girlfriends like that when she is older.The world would be a much better place if more women banned together instead of being competitive over stupid stuff. Two of the women (audina and emma) were solo travelers doing a great job on their own (very inspirational.) Please be super safe and keep in touch! Love!