Amazing Ending here in Thailand!
July 18, 2024
Hi Thailand families! We’ve been having the best time in Krabi following our four epic days of SCUBA!
Monday was a more relaxing day, allowing us to recuperate from our four big days of scuba diving. Despite this, Charlie, Alex, and Grant still had loads of energy and played ping pong and swim in the pool! Miller and Tally joined me for a nice, sweaty workout on the rooftop gym/yoga deck at our hostel. It was so much fun sharing my passion for fitness with these girls, and they absolutely crushed it!
We then gathered the group and headed to one of our all-time favorite lunch spots in Krabi, Tan Tribe. Grant got a killer-looking chicken sandwich, Gigi and Penelope had fluffy banana pancakes, Libby enjoyed some pasta, and Tally and I had smoothie bowls. The variety at this place is amazing. After lunch, we spent the afternoon playing a heated game of “spicy uno,” which became one of my fondest moments from this trip. We laughed endlessly through every round.
Following countless rounds of Uno, we took the group out for their highly requested shopping spree! We visited local stores and got so many goodies, including bracelets, bags, and more. To close out the evening, we went to a rooftop restaurant that offered a stunning view of the mountains, ocean, and town. There was even a live performance during dinner.
**Beach Day:**
We started off our morning giving the kids some extra time to rest, while Millie, Grant, and Tally went off with Owen to explore the town. They discovered an incredible coffee shop and returned with smiles on their faces! Then we packed our day packs and hit the beach. Alex was nothing but a ball of excitement as we made our way to the coast. Millie and Tally took some iconic beach photos with the beautiful rock boulders in the background. Grant brought a volleyball and got a group of kids to play a game of catch in the ocean. Meanwhile, Gigi, Penelope, Elle, Libby, and Fifo lounged on chairs in the shade, reading their books and listening to music.
Rain clouds rolled in quicker than we anticipated, resulting in a full sprint towards shelter. The rain escalated from sprinkles to a downpour in moments-it was quite memorable and hilarious. We huddled together under a tiki hut as the rain passed before making our way to our lunch spot. We enjoyed fresh smoothie bowls and grilled cheese. After lunch, we returned to the beach for more fun. Owen took a group on a small hike called “Monkey Trail” to a secluded beach. Fifo captured many beautiful moments during the hike. Tally and Millie were excited about the floating dock they got to walk on. After freshening up, we headed to dinner at a beachfront organic restaurant, where most of the group indulged in Tuscan fettuccine Alfredo while watching an oceanfront fire show.
After dinner, we strolled along the streets of Krabi for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Tally and Penelope got adorable smoothie bowls made from real coconuts with paintings inside, while Charlie and Millen bought Thailand-exclusive Rip Curl shirts. Of course, we had to stop for some gelato before heading home for the night.
**Rock Climbing:**
Today was our final day in Krabi, and we woke the group up bright and early for some fun at the famous Raillay Beach. The rock climbing here is world-renowned, with beautiful massive rock boulders providing an incredible view. We loaded up long-tail wooden boats for our short journey across the sea to Raillay Beach, which is located in an international park accessible only by boat. Once there, we headed to our beachfront rock climbing location, enjoying an absolutely stunning walk through a windy trail.
During rock climbing, Tally and Millie showed their skills and determination by making it to the top of the highest climb, demonstrating incredible strength and bravery. AnneMillen watched with a smile on her face, snapping action shots of her friends. Libby cheered me on as I struggled to the top of a climb, giving me the encouragement I needed to succeed.
After climbing, we headed to the big event for the day: the oceanfront rappel. The group made their way down the beach and into “Bats Cave,” where it soon became a pitch-black journey. Elle’s positive attitude and commentary kept morale high and everyone giggling. One by one, we rappelled down the oceanfront rock, capturing some epic photos. Alex was especially excited to get some good pictures. After the rappel, we hiked back to the beach, where Fifo was thrilled to have made it down successfully. We had lunch and treated the kids to fresh fruit smoothies. A core memory from the day was when a real monkey stole my fruit smoothie, making us burst out laughing as we watched the monkeys eat and play. We then made our way back to Krabi to get ready for our journey back to Bangkok. We were blessed with safe travels and had a wonderful night’s sleep to prepare for our last day ahead.
**Bangkok:**
We can’t believe the final day is here-it feels like just yesterday we were having breakfast at this same hotel, but that was 21 days ago! After breakfast, we headed off for a day full of adventures, starting with a tour of Bangkok, the Grand Palace, and the Sacred Emerald Buddha Temple. On our bus ride there, we jammed out to our favorite country songs.
Our first stop was the Grand Palace, where we marveled at the golden detailing and colorful sculptures and architecture. It was Fifo’s time to shine, really utilizing his camera to get some awesome shots. Charlie and Alex took time to appreciate the detailing in the tiling, painting, and architecture of the palace buildings. I made sure to capture group photos as well as solo shots. Tally and Millie wore their elephant pants, and we saw the sacred Emerald Buddha, giving the group the opportunity to sit and make a wish.
The second half of our tour included a boat ride through the water channels of Bangkok, where we saw a 160-foot Buddha statue. After our boat tour, we went out for lunch. Tally and I enjoyed some special Thai cuisine from a food hall, while the rest of the group got KFC and hit up a bakery. We then made our way back to our hotel, giving the group time to shower and get ready for their long journey home.
We couldn’t end our trip without a Moondance traditional banquet final meal, so we headed to a special spot for an early dinner. Throughout our meal, we discussed our fondest memories from the past three weeks, what we gained from this experience, and what we wish to carry with us throughout the upcoming year.
It was an absolute privilege and blessing to have had the opportunity to spend the past three weeks with each and every one of your kids. These are memories and moments that Owen and I will cherish forever. They have made such an impact on our hearts, and we are so grateful for our group’s spirit, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It was truly beautiful to experience and inspiring to be a part of. We will miss all of them so much and wish them the best of luck on their journey. They are all destined for greatness. Be confident and always believe in yourself- we’re cheering them on!
Gracie + Owen
Thank you from Thailand!
July 15, 2024
Penelope : hi fam and friends I love and miss you all but I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to spent a amazing time with amazing people
Libby: Hey guys! Thank you so much for the opportunity to come on this trip and experience Thailand! It wouldn’t be possible without hard work and a lot of love for me! I am so thankful for all of y’all and can’t wait to see you ❤️
Charlie: Hey mom just wanted you to know I’m great an having a good time thank you for sending me on this trip.
Grant: Thank you so much for sending me on this trip. I am so grateful and have had the best time here! Can’t wait to see you!!!
AnneMillen: Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to come to Thailand! We have had so much fun, and I am so grateful to be here! Love y’all.
Gigi: hi fam I love and miss y’all bunches! I’ve had so much fun and so grateful for this trip and meeting some of my best friends! ❤️
Elle: Hi fam! I have had the best time in Thailand thanks for letting me come on this AMAZING trip!!! I miss y’all and can’t wait to see everyone (especially scout)❤️❤️
Millie: Hey fam! I’m having so much fun and doing/ seeing so many amazing things! Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do Moondance, it’s been an incredible experience. I love and miss y’all, and am excited to catch up over some Chic fil A soon!
Alex: Thank yall so much for sending me on this amazing trip. It was the most fun 3 weeks of my life. I can’t wait to see yall!!
Fifo: Hello everyone, thank you do much for sending me to Thailand. It has been so much fun and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!
Tally: Hi family!! Thanks for the opportunity to come to Thailand Ive had the best time and can’t wait to share my adventures!! I love y’all so much, see you soon!!❤️
Diving the Depths of the Thai Reefs!
July 14, 2024
7/14
It’s scuba diving time and our group is so excited to get it going!! They’ve been looking forward to some ocean time and we are about to get tons of it! Fifo has been especially looking forward to our scuba portion of the trip, as he’s been gracing us with his pre-learned scuba knowledge from the Online PADI course. For the next four days our group will be diving into our scuba diving segment where all the students will learn, develop, practice and put their scuba diving skills into action. The students will be divided into two groups – those who have dived before, who will be getting their advanced open water (Grant, AnneMillen, Talky & Owen), and those new to scuba diving getting their normal open water (Fifo, Alex, Charlie, Millie, Elle, Libby, Penelope, Gigi) and myself tagging along for all the dives!
POOL DAY + CHARLIE’S BIRTHDAY!
Our first day of scuba diving was an incredible combination of learning, practicing, and celebrating. We started the morning with a delicious breakfast at our big picnic table, where everyone wished Charlie a happy birthday!! The new divers, eager to begin their Open Water certification, headed to the dive shop first. There, they met the instructors they would be working with for the next four days. After getting acquainted with all their instructors and their scuba equipment, the students learned how to set it up, with Penelope being particularly thorough, making sure to pay close attention to each detail and going through the steps aloud. Next, we headed to the swimming pool, where we would spend the next few hours learning and practicing our diving skills. The students swam 13 laps around the pool and performed a 10-minute safety float. Libby expressed her love for the experience and overcame the challenge of clearing her mask in the pool, a significant milestone for any new diver. The group was doing great, showing impressive progress. We enjoyed chicken fried rice for lunch by the pool. In the afternoon, the advanced Open Water group joined us for a refresher course. While the new divers had a full day of learning and practicing skills in the pool, the advanced students reviewed what they had learned in the past. Once the advanced group was done, we all went out for smoothies. AnneMillen, Tally, and I enjoyed “Blissbowls” made of chia seeds, yogurt, mango, and more. After a full day of diving practice, the kids were more than ready for a shower and a big meal. To celebrate Charlie’s birthday, we went out for Mexican food, which turned out to be the perfect place for a celebration. We sang karaoke all night long, starting with Millie, who bravely took the stage first with “Dancing Queen.” The rest of the group soon followed, with maracas and tambourines in hand. We danced to the Macarena, cracking up the whole time. Gigi and Alex belted out “Party in the USA,” while Grant and Fifo performed “Don’t Stop Believing.” It was a night of dancing, singing, and celebrating Charlie’s birthday in the most joyful way possible. The restaurant even sang happy birthday multiple times and we got homemade churros!
FIRST BOAT DAY
Our first day of scuba diving was an incredible adventure, filled with excitement and memorable experiences. We started the day with a charming ride on a little wooden boat, known locally as a long-tail boat, which is an authentic Thailand vessel. This took us to the big dive boat where our underwater journey began. On our first dive, Gigi surfaced brimming with excitement and happiness, completely amazed by everything she saw beneath the surface. Penelope was equally thrilled, marveling at the stunning corals and her newfound scuba diving skills. Between dives, we enjoyed delicious banana muffins as a snack. For our second dive, Fifo came up absolutely thrilled to share his underwater discoveries, adding to the group’s growing sense of adventure and wonder. After a delightful lunch on the boat, the advanced group embarked on their third dive, a thrilling drift dive that took them deep into an underwater cave, providing an exhilarating experience. In the afternoon, some of the kids took a trip to 7/11 to grab some treats, while others chose to relax and shower. We wrapped up our day with a wonderful dinner at a local pasta joint. Grant enjoyed some tasty buffalo wings, many kids savored buttered noodles that Libby said tasted just like home, and AnneMillen, Tally, and Millie shared two sizzling hot pizzas. To top off the day, we surprised the kids with a movie night in our hostel’s common area. Staying on theme with our underwater adventures, we watched “Finding Nemo.” The group was so excited and definitely deserved this restful and entertaining end to our first day of scuba diving.
PHI PHI ISLAND DAY
Today was a beautiful day from start to finish as we set out for the famous Phi Phi Islands of Thailand under clear skies and perfect weather. The journey began with a calm two-hour boat ride to our dive sites, allowing everyone to relax, read, and prepare for the underwater adventures ahead.
Once we arrived, the kids received a detailed briefing for their dive certifications. The advanced group would first be completing the fish ID dive! Here, AnneMillen spotted a lion fish and Grant spotted an Eel! They drifted upon a beautiful coral reef filled with marvelous colors and textures. Meanwhile, the open water groups diligently completed their dive skills. Millie, Charlie, and Penelope successfully mastering their emergency ascent for certification. Between dives, we enjoyed banana nut muffins and soaked up the sun’s warmth, fueling ourselves for more underwater exploration. The excitement peaked during the second dive when the advanced group descended to 100 feet and all the groups had the awesome pleasure of seeing a couple of Nurse sharks, sparking enthusiastic conversations among the group after their dives. The groups can officially say they’ve scuba dove with sharks, and that’s pretty epic!! After completing all dives, a sense of achievement filled the air as the group reflected on their accomplishments. As a fun end to the day, Charlie’s request to jump off the boat was met with smiles and laughter, especially from Tally, whose joyous expression captured the essence of our adventure. The return journey to Ao Nang beach was peaceful, with the calm ocean reflecting the fading colors of twilight. Some enjoyed music and books, with Elle engrossed in a novel recommended by her friends. Back at the hostel, we relaxed with showers and aloe vera for sun-kissed skin, especially Libby who enjoyed the top deck of the boat as she sunbathed and read her novel. The night was followed by a simple dinner before winding down with a cheerful Moonup session led by Gigi and Libby. It was a day filled with achievements, new experiences, and shared moments that will be cherished long after our return from the beautiful Phi Phi Islands!
FUN DIVES
Today we headed out for our final day of scuba diving, but unfortunately part of our group had fallen ill with stomach aches over the night, so only half of our group sailed away for our final day of diving. The students have all officially completed their PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certifications!!! WOO! Therefore, today we just get to enjoy fun dives without performing any special skills. Penelope, Fifo and Millie made up a scuba team, they all descended below the surface following a bow line all the way down to the reef. During their dive they spotted clownfish, Parrot fish, Eel, Boxfish and much more! The Advanced group was myself, Grant and Tally during our first dive we went all the way down over 20 meters to an artificial reef. This reef is made of big concrete blocks that allow new corals to grow on, as well as attract a lot of sea life. We made our way back up to the surface and aboard the boat just as rain began to come down. We snuggled in on towels to warm up and eat banana muffins. We all chatted sharing stories, Tally shared her love for California and desire to travel around the Pacific Northwest (where one of our scuba guides is from)! Then it was time to slash into the water for our final dive in Thailand! We enjoyed chicken and rice for lunch as we sailed back to shore. Once we got back we reunited with the group, we all enjoyed a relaxing evening. We are incredibly proud of everyone who worked so hard and diligently to get their scuba certifications. Scuba diving is such a special skill that these kids will now be able to participate in for the rest of their lives. Having a glimpse into the ocean, coral reefs and fish is an incredible honor and privilege that is special. We are looking forward to heading into our final sections of the trip and still fostering our friendships.
Much love,
Gracie & Owen
Great Times in Chang Mai!
July 10, 2024
Our adventurous journey in Chang Mai kicked off with a hearty breakfast before we embarked on a scenic hike up a mountain, gearing up for the exhilarating challenge of rappelling 200 feet down into a cave. The view from the summit was breathtaking, overlooking all of Chang Mai. Each of the kids conquered the descent into the cave rappelling one by one, feeling immensely proud and accomplished as they touched ground. Fifo especially rounded the corner after the long rappel with a big smile thrilled about his achievement! Lunch in the cave refreshed us for an afternoon of rock climbing, with four challenging lines set up for us. Tally and Alex tackled all four climbs, showcasing their determination and skill. Millie absolutely crushed it as she pushed through the hardest course like a champ! After freshening up, we ventured out for a delicious Thai dinner followed by a visit to the vibrant Monday night market, where we indulged in fun purchases, feeling like we’d stepped into a fair with our quirky trinkets and toys. Charlie and Elle loved to bargain with the vendors getting good deals. One highlight of the evening was Penelope, Libby and Myself (Gracie) getting a “speed portrait” by a local artist, kinda like one of those character paintings at the fair. The results of our portraits looking absolutely nothing like us, completely cracking us up!! Of course, no night ended without a stop for ice cream before we strolled across the bridge back to our hostel to have Moonup before bed.
The next morning began with waffles and a special celebration—Gigi’s birthday! We started with a heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday” before heading to a local market for a Thai cooking class. Split into teams, the kids navigated shopping with locals, honing their Thai language skills and selecting fresh ingredients. AnneMillen so gracefully made her way around the market connecting with locals ordering food off her teams shopping list like a pro! Gigi and Libby even discovered a quaint trinket shop. At the cooking class, they prepared an authentic Thai chicken stir-fry and grilled a whole fish, cooked inside bamboo alongside rice. Charlie showed off his food chopping skills as he sliced and diced Thai Basil, lemons grass and other native herbs. Dessert featured bananas in coconut milk, a true Thai delight. Afterward, they enjoyed climbing on a rock wall and were surprised with mini birthday cakes for Gigi and Charlie. Back at the hostel, we had a couple of hours to relax and swim before heading out to celebrate Gigi’s birthday dinner at a fantastic Italian restaurant in Chang Mai, renowned for its homemade pasta and sauces. En route, we stopped at charming stores, including an antique shop and a print store where Fifo picked up prints for his future dorm. Back at the hotel, a surprise birthday cake awaited for Gigi’s celebration and we all joined in song as she blew out her candles. Just when the kids thought the night was winding down, we began playing the song “kung foo fighting” to reveal our surprise tickets to a Thai boxing match!!! The excitement was over flowing as the kids jumped up and down so amped up! The event turned out to be a thrilling highlight, especially for Grant in his new Thai boxing shorts, he really got into it and his excitement showed!
As our time in Chang Mai drew to a close, we started the day leisurely with a late breakfast, packing up before heading out for lunch where the kids had the choice of acai bowls or sandwiches. A quick grocery store visit stocked us up on snacks for the journey ahead before we made our way to the airport. Tally and I spending far too long in the cracker aisle going back and forth contemplating the best crackers. Our flights went smoothly, with the second leg offering unexpected comforts like TVs and dinner. Arriving in Krabi, we settled into our new home for the next seven nights, enjoying homemade pizza from the hostel’s restaurant and reflecting on the unforgettable adventures of our time in Chang Mai. We are so excited to kick off the South Thailand part of our trip and dive right into scuba diving first thing tomorrow morning! The group is eager to learn and get into the water and we cannot wait to see them flourish!
Till next time – Gracie & Owen
Update from Thailand!
July 7, 2024
Trip update 1Arrival day is here and we couldn’t be more excited! After their long haul flight from Atlanta the kids safely made it to Seoul South Korea! They boarded one last flight to finish their journey to Thailand. They had a late arrival but we greeted the group with big smiles. First to find us was Fifo, Grant, Millie,Elle and tally and the rest followed close behind. After many hours and miles of travel the group was thrilled to be here. We headed to the hostel for dinner and a quick get to know you gathering before letting the kids shower, decompress and get a good night sleep. We can already tell that we have a fabulous group and we cannot wait to see the group dynamic and good times unfold.
Fly to Chang Mai
After a restful night of sleep in our perfectly chilled rooms we enjoyed our first official sit down meal together. For breakfast we were served a spread of all sorts of Thai and Breakfast foods. Including eggs, fried rice, Pad Thai, toast, egg rolls, fruit, bacon, cereal and more – truly delicious! Owen gave the kids a special Orange drink to kick off the day and explained the importance of staying healthy and hydrated. After breakfast Owen and I (Gracie) kicked off the day with morning huddle. ‘Morning Huddle’ is the way we kick off every day with a quote to set the tone and go over the daily game plan. Today’s morning huddle we went over general trip expectations and gave out moondance gear !!!Next we headed to the airport for our flight to Chang Mai. Alex and Charlie were already buds and were quite the hilarious duo, they had us all cracking up as they tried an authentic Thai snack they found at the airport store.Once we got to Chang Mai we meet with our guide that we will be working with for the next week, Uncle Chai! Uncle Chai was been working with Moondance for over 5 years and is a staple component of the Thailand experience. Uncle chai is a Thailand Native and is a wealth of knowledge about Thailand and the world in general, he even knows over 8 different languages. Uncle Chai got the kids so excited for our adventures ahead of us in the mountains of Chiang Mai and Karen Village. We went out and explored Chang Mai and got out first real feel of Thailand in the bustling city. We walked the streets seeing all the shops, restaurants, street markets and vendors and art! We made our way to the largest Temple in downtown Chang Mai. We toured ourselves around the temples and were able to sit amongst Buddhists praying to a massive beautiful golden Buddha at the alter. We went into a few different sections of them temple and saw some real Monks. It was all so sparkly and Gold. We went out to dinner at an authentic Thai restaurant. Libby raved about her chicken fried rice and said she would eat it everyday during the trip. AnneMillen was so pumped to order one of her all time favorite dishes, Pad Thai and it did not disappoint! Millie tried Owens favorite drink Thai Tea and loved its sweet smooth taste. After dinner we had time to shop at some local markets!! We discovered beautiful hand carved and pained wooden elephants the whole group flocked over!! Elle bought a cute one for her college dorm and I bought some for the perfect little gift. We made our way back to our hostel for Moonup and a good night sleep before we headed out tomorrow for more adventures.
Elephant Day
Today Fifo and AnneMillen served as our leaders of the day today and woke up each room one by one amping everyone up for the day ahead of us. Today’s activity is truly once in a lifetime, it’s Elephant Day! We started the day with morning huddle & a breakfast buffet before loading up the vans to head out on our journey. We had a few stops along the way to the elephant sanctuary, first we drove through a Thailand university. Then we stopped at a local market for snacks, drinks and more. Alex got a scored a soccer ball !! Then finally we headed straight for the Elephant Sanctuary. Once we got there we got dressed in the proper Thailand garb and journeyed down a beautiful path until it opened up to an elephants play ground! Smiles and squeals of happiness spread across the group. Penelope could barely contain her excitement. We had the pleasure of being able to get up close and personal with all the elephants. There were about 5 large adult elephants and 2 baby elephants, all so adorable. We fed them sugar cane and bamboo right to their trunk from our hands. Next we followed them around while they ate bamboo straight from the trees. We took a break for lunch with a view of the sanctuary and then made elephant herbal medicine. We fed the herbal medicine to the elephant by saying “bon bon bon” to make them lift their trunk. We gave the elephants a mud bath before we went to the watering hole to play in the water with the elephants. The elephants sprayed us with their nose and we all burst into laughter. After all our elephants fun we headed to our accommodation. We freshened up and relaxed with snacks and games as a group. Alex cracked us all up during our game of Mafia. Dinner was so yummy we gobbled up Curry, chicken, rice and more. We ended the day with moonup.
TREK TO VILLAGE
Today marked the beginning of our unforgettable journey to Karen village, where we’ve committed to engaging with the community over the next four days. The day started with a delightful breakfast buffet that featured Charlie’s favorite-banana pancakes-setting a perfect tone for the adventure ahead. Fully fueled and packed, we embarked on a 17km hike through the majestic Chang Mai mountain range, led expertly by Uncle Chai. Along the way, Uncle Chai enriched our experience with insights into local wildlife, Thai traditions, and the natural wonders that surrounded us, each viewpoint more breathtaking than the last. Fifo diligently captured the essence of our trek through stunning landscape photographs.Our hike included a refreshing stop at a picturesque waterfall, where we indulged in a swim and a satisfying lunch, refueling our energy for the rest of the journey. Along the trail, Charlie and Alex trekked alongside our knowledgeable guide named “Chow,” enhancing their understanding of the terrain and local culture. We also visited a local garden, where we learned about indigenous crops, and observed Moondance’s impactful past projects, recognizing names painted on schools and water tanks.Stopping at a village house allowed us to take a break and immerse ourselves in the community’s way of life. Here, the girls eagerly participated in weaving, with AnneMillen demonstrating remarkable skill, while the boys learned to chop rice using traditional methods. We sampled Thai snacks, and gained insights into local hunting and food preparation practices, deepening our appreciation for Karen village’s rich cultural heritage.As we continued our hike, the serene beauty of the rice paddies added to the charm of the landscape until we reached our final destination: the welcoming home of our host family, where we will reside for the next four nights. Eager to refresh ourselves, the boys and I took a refreshing dip in the pool before gathering for a delicious dinner. Charlie and Elle led our first village moonup, fostering connections with our hosts and reinforcing our sense of community. With hearts full of gratitude and anticipation for the days ahead, we retired to our separate sleeping quarters, reflecting on the day’s adventures and looking forward to what tomorrow will bring.
July 4th
Our leaders, Grant and Libby, kicked off day 6 with a patriotic bang, waking us up to “Born in the USA” and giving everyone festive face tattoos and bracelets. Our local guides joined in the fun, and even helped us find a local pig to roast for our big Fourth of July celebration dinner.The morning was spent on a meaningful project: building a water tank to improve water distribution in the village. The guys did a fantastic job digging the trench for the foundation footings, while Gigi, Penelope, and Libby expertly mixed concrete. The rest of the group tied rebar forms, with AnneMillen quickly mastering the task and teaching the others.After a productive morning, we took a lunch break and then had a surprise visit to a waterfall, courtesy of Uncle Chai. We had a blast sliding down the natural slide and enjoyed the built-in waterfall massage. On the way back, we climbed some inclines, and Elle decided sprinting ahead of everyone ahead and resting at the top was the move – which had everyone laughing as she zoomed past us.Back at camp, we prepared for the pig roast. Charlie and Alex helped skin the pig, while Tally and Fifo worked on the seasoning rub. After swimming and showering, we gathered around for a delicious homemade pulled pork dinner and a moonlit bonfire for moonup. We closed out the night with some music and card games, and Millie got pretty good at ERS! The group loved it, and everyone agreed it was a Fourth of July they’ll never forget.
Day of Work
we woke up and headed to the water tank project after breakfast, determined to finish the slab for the tanks. Everyone pressed in and mixed concrete, working together to get the job done. The teamwork and effort were impressive, and the slab turned out great.For lunch, we enjoyed some delicious Pad Thai before heading off to the local school. There, we taught a short English lesson and spent the afternoon playing with the kids. The girls in our group had a blast running around with the schoolgirls, while the guys played soccer with the boys. Alex even got to show off his impressive skills on the field.As the day wound down, we gathered for Moonup and enjoyed some local music around the fire. It was a perfect end to another fantastic day in Thailand.
Last day of work
Hope you’re doing great! Here’s an update from our amazing trip so far:This morning started off with delicious banana pancakes for breakfast. Gigi and Penelope took charge as our leaders of the day, and we had a relaxed start to the day, which gave us time to hang out and chat.For our community work, we dug a trench for the pipe that will connect to the water tank we helped build. This trench runs down a large hill to a central part of the community, improving water accessibility for everyone. AnneMillen, Millie, and Tally really stood out today with their incredible effort and hard work-they were truly impressive!Charlie spent time chatting with the locals who joined us, and their conversations were filled with laughter. The locals even began teaching Charlie their language.After a morning of hard work, we headed back to camp for some downtime. The boys went straight to the pool while the girls read books and caught up. Penelope and Elle made adorable charm bracelets, and we all enjoyed the sunshine that finally came out.Lunch was a hit with everyone’s favorite fried chicken and a Thai-twist macaroni noodle dish. After lunch, we finally got to paint, something we were all looking forward to. We added our names to the pavilion and water tank that previous sessions had worked on.In the afternoon, we hiked to the rice paddies, winding around beautiful mountains and valleys. We had a blast planting rice bundles alongside the locals, even if our rows weren’t as perfectly organized as theirs. The mud between our toes made it a memorable experience, and Alex said it was his favorite activity in the mountains.Later, we hiked back to the waterfall where Fifo enjoyed sliding down the rocks. Gigi and Penelope couldn’t stop laughing as they slid and swung in the water to cool off. We spent about an hour swimming and relaxing before heading back to hang out before dinner.Our homestay hosts treated us to popcorn, and Charlie and Alex, along with a few others, enjoyed another swim in the pool. We read and showered before dinner, but a sudden storm brought heavy rain and wind, so we all gathered in one room to play games. Alex was hilarious during a game of mafia!Dinner was extra special as it was our last night. The hosts served it in special bamboo and watermelon shell dishes, which we all appreciated. The meal was fantastic and topped off with a traditional Karen Village Farewell Ceremony, wishing us luck on our journey.To end the night, a local played Thai music on the guitar, and we all sang and laughed together. Grant was beaming with excitement when we sang “Country Roads” and Uncle Chai belted out the lyrics.Gigi and Penelope led us in Moonup before another storm hit, sending us off to bed with memories of an incredible day.
Farewell to Karen Village
Wrapping up our time in the Karen Village and bamboo rafting was truly unforgettable!
We woke up to a sunny morning after the rain had cleared, bidding a heartfelt farewell to our host family who welcomed us so warmly into their home. Taking one last look at the breathtaking rice paddies and mountain views from our deck, we packed up and set off for another adventure-filled day.Our morning started with a hike down from the mountains, guided by Uncle Chai who shared his knowledge of the local wildlife and nature. One memorable moment was when we stumbled upon a fire ant mound and hilariously began flailing and slapping ourselves to fend off the bites-it was like a scene from a comedy, and we couldn’t stop laughing.During our hike, Libby and Penelope kept spirits high with their humor, while Grant led a lively game of “Never Have I Ever” as we made our way down the trail.At lunchtime, we stopped at a waterfall where we watched elephants bathing nearby and took in the majestic sight. Tally and I marveled at the differences between Asian and African elephants. Charlie and Alex even braved the waterfall, sliding down it like a waterslide!We enjoyed a group favorite for lunch-Pad Mama noodles-in the warm sunshine and shade. After lunch, we embarked on another thrilling adventure-bamboo rafting! Fifo and Grant hopped onto the first raft, gliding smoothly down the river atop large bamboo sticks, while Millie and AnneMillen soaked in the scenery with smiles.Upon returning to Chiang Mai, we bid a fond farewell to Uncle Chai before heading to our hotel rooms. In Chiang Mai, we explored a special Sunday night market, where the kids had a blast shopping at local vendors for jewelry, clothes, and more. It was a real treat to experience the vibrant market atmosphere on a Sunday evening.Everyone left with big smiles-Millie even snagged a pair of elephant pants, and Fifo got a beautiful painting! For dinner, we decided on a burger joint to give the kids a taste of home after their hard work in the village. We topped off the evening with a visit to Owen and my favorite ice cream spot before heading back for moon up and a well-deserved rest in our cool, cozy beds.The trip has been absolutely phenomenal so far and Can’t wait to share more stories with you soon!
Shoutouts
Grant – Shoutout to Leiden Mom and baby Frankie. I love you. I miss you all so much and cannot wait to tell you all about Thailand it’s been awesome.
Charlie – Hey Mom an Dad I’m having a time of a lifetime an tell Carter an Davis I say hey and what up addy hope everything is well. Thank y’all and I rode an elephant.Alex – Hey mom and dad, it’s been so fun. The Elephant experience was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. Thank y’all
Fifo- Hey Mama and Papa, I am having the best time I’m Thailand. I can’t wait to tell you all about it, especially the elephants.Libby- Hey fam! Happy belated bday Paul!! I miss all of y’all so much and can’t wait to tell you all about my time in Thailand! See you soon!
Elle- Hi fam! Hope y’all had fun in Italy and bought me something fun. I’ve actually been trying a lot of the food so you should be proud! Tell Carol I said happy bday (it’s on the 12th) Love and miss y’all see you soon!! Also when you go to the beach please don’t forget my stuff! Thanks🫶🫶 oh and I forgot to order my outfit for HAs so can y’all do that for me please?!
Gigi – Hey family! I’ve been having soooooo much fun✌️🤙 Soooo I might’ve lost your hat AC sorry! I’ll pay u back😘 I’ve really been loving it. Thx😊😊😊 Also I get to sleep with Penelope and terrorize her so life is great!
AnneMillen: Hey Mom and Dad – I’m having a great time! Tell Clara I say happy birthday!Millie: Hey mom and dad, I’m having the most amazing trip! I got kissed by an elephant, and we visited a mountain hill tribe. Give biscuit and bleu a hug for me!
Tally: Hey hey family!! I miss yall so much and can’t wait to tell you all about Thailand! I hope yalls 4th was great and that Mikey had an awesome sweet 16! Give the dogs a hug for me! And Lauren- see you soon for our walk!!!
Penelope: hi mommy, benty and toomates.🧚♂️🧚♂️ I am having an absolute blast and miss you all sooooo much. Gigi and I are sleeping together tonight and it’s almost her birthday so yay yay 🍓💕🎊🎊👯 I’ve seen so many cute little animals like piggies, elephants, chickens and puppies and I’ve said hi to them all- sorry. we’ve also hiked so much and I’ve fallen so many times but I’m still perf. Love, love, love, you all and I’m having so much fun with my group and my leaders. 🎡🎡🇹🇭
And they are off from Bangkok!
June 30, 2024
Hello Thailand Families!
All students have landed safely and the trip is off to a great start! We can’t wait to share more updates from their adventure. Please remember our leaders and students will be unplugged during their trips, but we will be posting trip updates throughout the next two weeks! This will allow you to follow along with the trip. You can also follow us on Instagram, @moondanceadventures, to see more of what we are up to!
-Moondance HQ
