The last few days have been my favorite here in Thailand. We left Chiang Mai yesterday, picked up Berkeley (my grand dog) from the kennel, and headed to Chiang Rai.
Along the way we stopped at the Chiang Rai Winery, a fascinating place off the main highway. I’ll write more about it some other time, but it was really fun to sip wines made from various fruits (no grapes in this wine). I had such low expectations, and I guess they were met, but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, I bought a couple of bottles! Mostly just for fun, but still!
More of the White Temple.
We arrived on the outskirts of Chiang Rai and toured the White Temple. What a bizarre and fascinating place. Envisioned by a successful artist, the temple has monsters and demons as decor on the outside. Inside it will be mostly peace and calm … I say “will be” because the artist envisions a 90-year project to finish. The idea is that we are filled with evil until we enter the temple, where we are cleansed.
We hooked up with my friends from California and headed to The SOLD Project Resource Center. The Resource Center is where the program to protect kids really takes place. They provide an after school drop in center, counseling, health care, and any number of other options. I’m listening to an English class as I type this.
The SOLD Project Resource Center. Kids drop in after school for tutoring and support.
It was great to see the kids riding their bikes down the dusty road, eager to arrive and connect with the SOLD volunteers. Such beauty and grace amongst these kids. It’s tragic to think of the risks they live with. I’m incredibly proud of my kids for being here and making this program happen. The Resource Center is a sanctuary for the kids and a place the parents know is a safe haven. It’s remarkable, inspiring, joyous to see.
Last night we enjoyed an incredible Thai dinner at an outdoor restaurant in the nearby village. Total cost, about $6 for the four of us. Amazing!
This morning we took a walk around the area. The rice paddies are gorgeous, and the fruit orchards are fun to see. I saw the school that the SOLD kids all attend.
A quick trip into Chiang Rai for coffee at Doi Chaang Coffee, a well loved and excellent local shop. We also picked up a SOLD volunteer, bought a to-go lunch, and then returned to the Resource Center before the kids started arriving for English classes.
Below is a video showing some of the kids in the class. Thought it might bring out a smile for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-oMqy-x7W0