Thank you Lonely Planet, you know how to party

Chiang Mai has been great to us. Shoot, Thailand has been great to us... The weather is a hot 85 degrees here, it's cheap, and easy to get around. And so much to do... The past few days this is what we have been up to...

Remember that movie place I was telling you about with the private mini theater and you rent the room... well we went the other day. We walked up these creepy stairs down a dark hall way, and we came to this...

It was awesome! We watched Up In The Air in our very own private room. We had these ghetto recliners but we felt like Joey and Chandler on Friends with their chairs so we felt kind of cool.

Remember the Thai cooking class I told you about....

We went! This was our instructer Tdom, we called him Tom, because Tdom is hard to pronounce and sounds like Tom.

We learned to cook 6 different dishes and I must say I was good at the end of it, AND I actually enjoyed it... crazy right! I took tons of pictures and they took pictures of us in action and will be on their website in a few weeks, I'll post the link when they go up so you can see me workin' the wok.

Remember the night safari I told you about....

This was the shuttle bus that took us there. It was seriously wild and a bit creepy. Some animals just came right up to the giraffe painted tram. We did see some pretty cool things.... like a cow right next to me pooping, and 2 lions doing it. Kylie has the picture of that or else it would be posted now. 2 lions doing it. That's so cool.

Remember how I wanted to rent motor bikes....

Well we rented normal bikes instead! We rode all over today trying to avoid getting hit by traffic.

We rode ourselves on over to Amazing Sandwich and had ourselves another delicious sandwich!

And Remember the prison massage we wanted to get...

We got it! Our prison inmate massage lady said she could not be in the picture, but she took it for us. It wasn't as scary as I thought, the things that woman did to my body however were terrifying and I can't believe I lived to write this. But she was actually very pleasant. However the whole time I kept trying to figure out what she did to end up where she is, drugs, theft, murder, probably not the last one.... It made me sad to think about, so I would switch my thoughts over to how good that sandwich was.

I finished the day with a delicious Mexican meal. I sure do miss chicken enchiladas and margaritas!

I am accomplishing what is on my list which means it will be time for me to leave this amazing country. We are thinking we are going to fly to Hong Kong on Monday, so we still have a lot of days to fill. Who knows what other adventures we are going to have!

I'll keep you posted!

kisses.

Who has missed me....?

Here are just a few pictures from my trip... all the real good pictures are on my other camera and those won't upload to these strange computers I use... I'll work on that...

The Phi Phi Islands

Kylie and I randomly went to the World Cup Trophy tour and got tons of free stuff and our picture with the trophy!

The overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The top bunk has the buckles... I guess so you can't roll out!

I think this is what heaven must taste like...

kisses.

vacation is about relaxing...

I think whoever thinks that doesn't carry around a heavy backpack on their back from city to city.

We have been on overnight buses, and overnight trains for the past 3 days. We also did a 1/2 day bus tour with old people. We woke up at 5:30 am and rode in the big tour bus, had a tour guide, and everything, we were the youngest people by at least 20 years. It was very interesting... So now we need to relax.

We are currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The weather is supposed to be cooler here, but it still is in the high 80's, but it is a small town, easier to get around, and still lots to do! It has such a cool, relaxed, chill vibe here, there are cute unique coffee shops on every corner, local people to stare at and take pictures of, and good dining establishments everywhere!

We have a list of things to do while in Chian Mai... I will share with you...

-rent a motor bike! Kylie is scard, but I think I could really do it... we will probably just rent normal bicycles instead. but I know I could do it.
-shopping at the nice big mall
-night bazaar market, more shopping but a lot of like thailand stuff... anyone want anything?
-thai cooking class where we lern to cook like, 4 dishes, its a half day class, and I know I don't really like Thai food... or like to cook. But one day I will have to provide a meal for my family. And my future guy loves spicy food, and how funny will it be for me to take a cooking class!
-get a massage by a woman prison inmate, sounds dangerous, but i love the idea. these woman are supposed to be released within 6 months, and the money goes to them for when they are out. also I don't think they have killed anyone or anything awful like that...
-night safari, animals come up to your jeep thing and its supposed to be crazy. sounds like disneyworld.
-get a pedicure.
-jazz club. The hip old man from NY told us about it.
-private movie screening- we found a movie store that you can watch movies, movies that aren't even out to rent yet, for real cheap at their place in your own little room. romantic date with Kylie!
-ride elephants. When in Rome...
-eat more sandwhiches. We have already found this amazing place to eat... It's called "Amazing Sandwhiches" and they have SMOKED TURKEY!! They do not have turkey in China, or sandwiches in China. They don't even know what they are. It makes me miss Quizno's!

So as you can see we have a lot to do. We may go back to Bangkok before heading back to China... we just don't know. We really love Bangkok. We went there after the islands and hung out and did the old people tour, and our friend at the hostel who owns it, Ron, he wants us to come back. He is old but pretty tight. We wears plaid shorts. But we have to see.... Chiang Mai is so much cheaper it's hard to leave this place ever! We have to be out February 11th, that's when our visa runs out, so we will leave sometime!

We did figure out that there is the new DISNEYLAND in Hong Kong!!! And we are flying into HK.... so we are working on details for that. Anyone who knows me knows my love for all things Disney!

I can't sleep at night I'm so excited!

I'll work on trying to give you a picture of my pretty face.

xoxo

kisses.

Happy Birthday Aaron!

This is a big birthday for my brother. It is his first one as a father.

I wish I were home to watch your amazing parenting skills. If they are anything like your brothering skills, then this kid is in good hands!

I love you!

p.s. we need some new pics, these are so old!

kisses

remeber how i said my friends are the best....

THEY REALLY ARE THE BEST!!!! Cathy, Kori, and Kiner ARE COMING TO VISIT ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I had access to pictures I would post pictures of their pretty faces, but I don't... but you can be sure I will post them when they come VISIT ME IN CHINA!!!!!

p.s. The Phi Phi Islands.... it should actually be called Party Island. It is wild.

We are leaving the Pee Pees today and then back on the overnight bus to Bangkok, and then possibly staying in Bangkok or straight on the overnight train to Chiang Mai. It's gonna be a long couple of days for me.

Wish you all were here with me soaking up the rays on the beach.

kisses.

Bangkok, Phuket, Phi Phi

Could we go anywhere with grosser names? Phi Phi is pronounced PEE PEE... pretty great right? You know I am loving that!

Well we have been on the island of Phuket for a few days and so far all we have really done is lay at the beach for one day and burned my ankle, and today we went zip lining and went to a cashew factory. Sounds lame, but was actually a lot of fun. And I ate a lot of cashews.

It's super super hot here and even though it is 11 pm it still feels like Oklahoma on a hot hot humid summer day. We leave Phuket tomorrow and head to the Phi Phi islands. We go by boat and Kylie and I have already started making up words to "I'm On a Boat" for the Phi Phi island boat ride...

I was able to upload a few pictures from my old trust blue camera, but I have been taking most pictures on my big fancy camera. The hotel resort we are at right now has computers for us to use, so here are 2 pictures. I know you have missed me.


I must get to bed. My boat comes pretty early in the morning.

Until I am able to update again...

kisses.

yup... still sweating

We are still sweating, but not complaining one bit! It just keeps getting better and better around here. I could live here, and not just for the $8 Thai body massage or the Italian restaurants on every street.

Today Kylie and I had relaxation day... we did some window shopping in this hip part of town, and we found a Whole Foods type market. We picked out some items we can't get in China and had a picnic. Sushi and a bag of chips for Kylie. I had bagels and cream cheese. We both drank a beer outside in the middle of all these fancy rich people. We were total white trash, but totally content with life. After, we had a massage. We have been walking so we were pretty sore! We got worked over by these 2 precious Thai women, and it felt glorious! Now we are relaxing at the hostel and will go hit the town and some night shopping! WOah! Thai Baht, I love you!

I still can't post pictures, but believe you me I will make a killer facebook album upon my return to China. I will leave you with some of my findings here in the Big Bang...

1. They give you straws for EVERYTHING. Even the 7-11 will give you a straw with your water bottle. It is like the perfect city!

2.They have ICE!!!!

3.They don't stare at you and don't yell "HELLO?" at you as you walk down the street.

4.You can watch CNN and BBC and listen to NPR whenever you want

5.The cars don't honk at you and try and run you over as you cross the street, they stop and let you cross the street... fancy concept huh?

6. The clothes are sooooo cute here it makes me sick.

7. They sell TAMPONS!

More observations next time I post...

Sunday night we leave Bangkok and taking a bus to Phuket ( it's fun to say). Our bus is about 12 hours, but it leaves late at like 7, so we will get to the beack at 7am! Not looking forward to sleeping on a bus, but I have a whole bottle of TPM and my face mask, so I should be okay...

I'll update from the beach!

kisses.

p.s. it keeps messing up the format of my blog.. so I apologize for that

IT'S HOT HERE!

We made it to Bangkok. It is beautiful and hot and hot!!

I wish I could post pictures but I can't... I didn't bring my computer... sad day I know.

However, a few things you should know about our first encounters with this place....

1. the taxi's are hot pink and hot purple... that's hot

2. the dogs are big and not dirty

3. they have a water taxi that is like you are getting on a speed boat everytime. they don't actually stop to let you on and off. you have to jump

4. they have a Dunkin Donuts with donuts that look like Bailey decorated them

5. it's really stinkin humid here

and there are more, but no time. Our hostel only lets us have 15 minutes of free internet.

And if anyone ever needs a vacation idea... go to Thailand. Do it.

Until next time...

kisses.

Thailand or Bust

Nothing cool has happened the past few days. I really don't think I have taken my camera out of my bag. I finished my scarf, I've watched a lot of Scrubs, and I have been busy trying to get ready to leave for 2 months. I haven't had time to do anything awesome.

I could have taken a picture of all my clothes rolled up laying on my bed waiting to be put into my backpack. But then you all would have told me there is no way that I could fit everything into that tiny backpack. Well you are wrong! Okay, I had to take out some things, and I'm not bringing a coat. But I think I have successfully packed for 90 degree weather, and 20 degree weather in one bag.

I am looking forward to this vacation. I love China. I do. I really do. But I need to get out of here. I need the sun, I need the beach. I need a change. And when I come back, I will love China more.

I'm not sure about blogging while I am away.... I will try my hardest. But no promises.

I love you all. Send me e-mails so I know what is happening in America, who the Bachelor dissed, what is happening on Gossip Girl, who got married, keep me up on the scoop.

Until I have access to some internet... peace.

kisses.

p.s. I'm sorry this post is so BLAH.

School's out.... for... the holiday

FINALLY. We are finished. The rest of our team has been done for weeks, so these last few weeks have been lonely and kind of awful knowing our friends are out traveling the world. BUT WE ARE DONE NOW!

But before we could celebrate no school we had to take care of some business. Our organization, ELT Edge, gave 4 students some scholarship money for the school year. The school officials have been putting it off for months and finally they organized this shindig. We didn't know what to expect. This shouldn't have been a knew feeling to us, we NEVER know what to expect in China.

This huge banner was hanging in the conference room.

The students that were there supporting their fellow classmates.

Marty was there taking pictures.

The 3 girls who received the scholarships. The boy, Randy, was not present for the ceremony. I will say that 2 of the 4 winners were my students.

We had about a 15 minute awkward waiting time for Mr. Wu to show...

Mr. Yu examined my Carmex while we waited. He just couldn't figure it out.

Once Mr. Wu got there it was time to get that party started.

Mr. Wu made a speech. In Chinese. He doesn't speak English nor care to learn English. But he is cute and always bows.

We presented the scholarships, of course in an awkward manner.

And then it was time for pictures....

The teachers and the students. The Chinese do not smile... and apparently neither does Kevin.

Just the teachers. Notice the awkward hands and space between everyone.

ELT Edgers and students. Again, notice the awkwardness. My hands especially... what am I supposed to do, I'm all locked in.

We wanted a picture with our banner.... But when you give your camera to your student they don't zoom or move their body to get a better picture... and this is what you get.

My students from my favorite class, Thursday at 4. I cried when saying goodbye to them yesterday. The girl in the turquoise jacket also cried.

I said, FUN PICTURE! Please notice Marty. He is doing the "elephant sign". I taught them The Elephant Game in our last class. If I have taught them anything it is how to play The Elephant Game. Success!

After the ceremony we went to dinner with the 3 girls, and Elliot, a Chinese English teacher.

Our eyes were bigger than our bellies.

Elliot bought. He rocks. He is married and has a tiny precious 5 month baby girl. But better than that... he has a New Zealand/Australian accent. It is wild.

SCHOOL'S OUT! 2 MONTH BREAK HERE I COMMMEEEE!!!

kisses

MY FRIENDS ARE ZZZZZZZZ BEST

I received a package today.

From my besties!

They really know me.... In this box was the following... Goldfish, TAMPONS, a microphone, Oatmeal Creme Pies, sugar cookie mix with precious potholder and spoon combined, cookie cutters, naughty/nice stocking stuffed with letters for my students and me, The Charades board game to play with students, and last but certainly not least....

THIS LITTLE NUMBER!

I love it and might never take it off! Adult onesies are brilliant.

AND...Inside my letter from Cathy was a picture of Cathy on a stick/pen. Genius!

I have the greatest friends in the whole world. Their cards made me laugh and cry and miss them more than I ever thought I could miss them. They know the way to my heart. (And please note the Whitney English stationery used by Bailey... nice work Bai)

Thank you Bailey, Cathy, Emily, and Kori... my sweet and precious friends.

Okay, pretend this was just 1 picture of all of us together... I searched and searched my pictures and couldn't find one of just us. But I think a singlet of just Cathy is always something to make you smile. We sure know how to have fun!

I LOVE YOU!!!

p.s.... if you have ever wanted a blog post about yourself, it's easy. send me a package. i'm a sucker for gifts.

kisses.

Another productive day here in Chiner

While we were in Beijing and haggling at the market we came across the glasses booths. After some bargaining we left with some pretty sweet "Ray Ban". I have been wanting some crazy Chinese glasses so I will feel more Chinese. I think I found my pair. (they actually aren't that crazy.)

I needed lenses put in them, so Winter agreed to help me. Of course. They just took my old glasses and magically got my prescription and then got to work.

There they are, sitting on top of that dirty machine.

And this little (no lie, she was a foot shorter than me) lady made my glasses. She refused to have her picture taken. I showed her! Ha!

This is for Marshall.... Is 1 better or 2, 2 or 3? Look top right, okay look bottom left.

This is exciting too... American brand saline!

While Winter and I were walking to the eye place she said the greatest thing to me. She said and I quote "Heidi, you know besides your face you really look Chinese now" Isn't that the greatest compliment ever!

After the glasses she wanted to take pictures of me in my new glasses...

Her response to this picture "You don't look Chinese like this"

So I did the typical Chinese girl pose. No smile, Victory sign raised and all crooked like. She agreed that this pose was much more Chinese.

She was smiling like an American girl for me. We do smile a lot.

Still no classes today so what did I do with my time? Well, Kylie had class so I made her a little treat.

We don't actually have a cake pan, so cupcake style...

Thanks to my sweet momma, we have a little bit of heaven in a can.

So I got started...

And I don't have any pictures of the cupcakes in the pan... but you know what that looks like.

They said 15-20 minutes to bake... well that may be true in a normal oven... but apparently in our ghetto toaster over it mean FOREVER.

So I was productive during that FOREVER time...

I looked outside and watched the students walk to class. They looked cold.

I filed my nails. They are looking good now.

And I researched some hostels in Thailand. Have I mentioned that I am going to Thailand!? Thaightland here we come!

All while of course watching Friends.

The cupcakes finally were done. I don't have pictures of the finished product, because well Kevin ate them. And I'm not Kara. Her food is beautiful and perfect. Mine looks like a 4 year old made it.

But my bagged milk was a delicious addition to my day and my cupcake!

After dinner...

we started a new project

This one is for my Chinese boyfriend... Just kidding, Just kidding people. Only 1 boyfriend for me. They didn't have the color I wanted, so I got this random one.

p.s. I heard the new season of The Bachelor started. Man, I miss American trash television.

kisses.