Jake Visits!

Jake came back into Thailand Sunday evening and would be here until Saturday morning. Sadly English Camp and Jake's visit overlapped, we gave him a few interesting things to see and do in Bangkok. We had researched some other places to see together later that week.

Tuesday afternoon, we returned from camp and met up with Jake for a New Year's party thrown by the director of the school. We explained to the teachers the situation of Jake being here and we wanted to be with him, they all told us to bring him to the party - so to the party we went. People in Thailand know how to throw a good party! On arrival we were all given red Santa hats, people here also love Christmas. We sat down and the marathon of group pictures started. Jake was pushed into many of these photos also - guess he was temporary Wat Khema School staff for a night. We ate, we chatted, we danced, and we listened/watched to other teachers as they performed on stage. We also got gifts. Josh got a towel, Beth got sweet traditional Thai pants, and Jake a traditional Thai waist wrap thing.

Foreign Languages Department...and Jake 

With the School Director and our Department Head

At one point all of us were pulled up to do a traditional Thai dance, it was a lot of detailed hand moves - we need more practice at this one to look like pros! At another point, Beth was pulled up by the director of the school (major big deal in Thailand) to the dance floor.  He is kinda treated like a celebrity and Beth felt like she was with one by all the cameras snapping away. We had an enjoyable night.

Trying to teach me the hand moves

Wednesday, we did not have school because it was teachers day, so the plan was to explore some of the city. Jake and Beth (Josh did not feel well) visited our neighborhood market then enjoyed peaceful massages, and took a tuk tuk ride. We ventured down to Khao San Road for lunch, light shopping, and to take in the culture: sites, smells, sounds, and tastes. We ended our adventure downtown Bangkok then hopped on the BTS Skytrain back home. Another great day in the city.

Tuk Tuk Ride!

Thursday, Beth had no classes Thursday and Friday because her students were gone on a trip, however Josh still had classes. Trying to make the most of Jake's visit, Beth took Josh's classes on Thursday (what a wonderful wife) so Josh could spend the day with Jake. (*Sidenote - whew! I now know what it is like in some of his classes..wow!!) They went out on the town exploring. We had our big night out in Bangkok at Soi Cowboy... interesting.

**Another sidenote - our air conditioner broke right before we left for English Camp, so we had arranged for it to be fixed Thursday. Thank goodness - it was getting a bit hot in our apartment!

At Soi Cowboy

BTS Skytrain

Friday, we both took the day off to spend with Jake. We visited the Jim Thompson House in Bangkok and wandered around downtown Bangkok for a bit. We enjoyed the pool for the afternoon into the evening. We had a lovely supper riverside that night. A great way to spend our last day together in Bangkok.
 

Bangkok Sunset

It was so wonderful seeing Jake in Bangkok! We had a great time! :)