I don’t have very much to report on this week. I didn’t have many classes this week because all students are preparing for exam week. I took the opportunity to study Thai and read some books (in English). I finished 2 books this week! I was also able to hang out with my friends at cafes after school! This was my last week of school for a whole month! Because the Thai school year starts in May, October is their “winter break”. I will return to school October 27. 

This weekend I got to explore many parts of Phrae with my host family! On Saturday, we visited “Teletubby Mountain” and went to a temple. This temple had a humongous statue of Buddha surrounded by the mountains. On Sunday, we went to a restaurant near a river. We ate fried fish, which was served on top of the whole fish.

I don’t have any plans this week ( except for listening to Taylor Swift’s new album on Friday 😉), but I have a packed schedule the next 2 weeks. I will be attending a Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, which brings together students from all over Northern Thailand to learn about AI and leadership. It will be held at an elephant conservation camp, which I’m so excited to see!!! Then, I will travel to Pattaya and Bangkok with Marie’s host family (will be my 3rd family) and Brian. Right after that, we will go to Phuket with all of the Rotary exchange students that I met at our orientation. There’s so many things to look forward to this month!

This week didn’t bring anything huge, but that made it kind of nice. Sometimes the little things like reading, spending time with friends, and exploring nearby stand out the most. With camps, travels, and new experiences coming up, I’m excited to see what this next month in Thailand will bring!

Until the next adventure…

Emma Kate