Elephants and Whitewater rafting

COMMENT SECTION WORKS!!

Well, today was just another amazing day. I awoke from my food coma as the result of last night's amazing feast that we prepared. I made red curry with curry paste that I crushed myself, coconut soup, chicken Pad Thai, and fried banana spring rolls dipped in sweetened condensed milk. It was a blast cooking. Our teacher had the most hilarious laugh. He sounded like and evil cartoon character. Thanks to my mom's cooking genes I did very well and was especially proud of the rose that I made from a tomato as a garnish.

Anyways back to today, I woke up and went to my favorite little spot near our hostel for some Thai tea and more Pad Thai (I am either addicted to it or they spike it with MSG). I love the mornings here because they are quiet and provide excellent time to ponder life and its wonders. Again, I find myself smiling as I reflect back on my life, which has been (so far) and incredible adventure. I had We had to split up today because Lori didn't want to go rafting being pregnant and all, which is understandable so she left to train elephants. Brent and I, on the other hand, REALLY wanted to go rafting. The tour picked us up and two hours later we were riding elephants through the jungle towards our rafts. I was taught how to operate an elephant and led our little train through the jungle. Before, I thought that riding a horse was an ultimate power trip but a 1.5 ton elephant trumps that any day. I sat on his neck and controlled him using my feet on his ears. So cool! Next we reached our rafts and went through the brief instructions. Our boat was the "American" boat with Brent, Brian (a lawyer from Philly), myself, and the guide. We ripped through rapids, careened over waterfalls, dove in and swam through some of the rapids and down the river; all the while splashing and dunking the other boats' patrons. By the end of the trip we were soaked, muddy, exhausted, and grinning ear to ear. Life. Is. Good.

And a very special shout out to my dad! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Thank you for always pushing me to be/do my best. Thank you for all of those wet and freezing nights cheering me on along the sidelines of my soccer games, thanks for sitting through the sweltering heat timing at my swim meets, thanks for all those late nights helping me with my homework and most of all thanks for always being there. I love you very much and hope you have a great Father's Day!