rot mor-deu-sai!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love this country?  Yesterday, we went to a National Park about 60-km inland.  What had started as a small contingent grew to be a larger group.  While many opted to charter a van from Ban Phe, a few hearty souls including myself rented motorbikes from a shop down the beach.  For the cost of 200 Baht, you can be given a motorbike for 24 hours.  No identification or insurance required.  Security deposit?  Nope.  It cost a mere 70 Baht to fill the tank.
The drive to the park was beautiful and took about an hour.  Seeing the country this way is definitely the way to go.  The ease of getting around on them makes me understand why they are the vehicles of choice for the Thais.  Plus, they’re pretty fun to drive.
The park was also an amazing experience.  It is built around a hike up a large hill showcasing seven waterfalls.  At various places along the way, you can swim or play in the waterfalls.  The clear, crisp water was sublime after hiking up the trail in the tropical heat.  Stopping periodically to refresh ourselves, we managed to make it all the way to the top.  This was no small feat, as the trail becomes much more intensely overgrown and difficult to navigate as it progresses.  The seventh waterfall was certainly worth the effort, however.  Pictures can’t do it justice.
We returned to the hotel, but having the motorbikes, we decided to use them to their fullest.  Four of us mounted our two bikes and traveled into Rayong.  Driving around, we came upon some sort of major event.  A stage had been erected and there appeared to be some sort of concert going on, attended by a throng of Thais seated at round tables.  We pulled in and watched a speaker take the stage.  Immediately we were unsure of whether it was an entertainment event or something political or otherwise.  As many of the eyes in the crowd fell on us, we felt rather unsure of whether our presence was welcome or not. The looks were not hostile, but rather, inquisitive.  Nonetheless, the feeling of hundreds of pairs of eyes trained on you can be rather disconcerting.
As we observed the singing and dancing routines from the periphery, we were approached by some very nice women who explained that it was a class reunion for a local technical college.  We were invited to stay, and after making friends with some very drunk Thai gentlemen, were shown to an open table near the stage and given bottles of Pepsi and ice.  Moments later, a parade of waiters came bearing food.  Our table was filled to overflowing with whole fried fish, soups, rice, potstickers and fried wontons, and a salad of papaya, fried anchovies, cashews, and pork skin.  After gorging ourselves and expressing our gratitude we took our leave from the festivities and finally returned to our hotel.
The test Friday was very difficult for me, and I was relieved to learn that I passed.  While my score is not exactly something to brag about, my greater fear had been that I might not pass and would have to retake it.  With that behind me, I can focus on the teaching that will begin tomorrow.  My basic lesson plan is done, but I must draw some picture cards today and rehearse so that my timing is what it should be.  Tomorrow’s teaching has me a little worried, but also excited.  The monks are very nice, and most speak English rather well or at least at a rudimentary level.  As long as I am prepared, it should go smoothly.
On a sour note, my longtime friend and traveling companion, Erica, and I have had a falling out.  Much of the blame, unfortunately, rests with me.  I am not certain what will become of it, but it does cast a dark cloud over this experience.  I will try my best to resolve it and remain friends, but I can only go so far in that before she must meet me.  For my part, I will try to remain optimistic and positive.