The best surprise ever was my mom's visit to Thailand. A few days before I returned from my holiday vacation, my mom announced that she would be traveling with me and spending a month with me in Thailand. My whole family was in on the surprise, and even one of my friends out here in Thailand. My mom had done all of her research, and even made a few calls so that we could be seated together for the whole trip (I purchased my tickets a couple months in advance). This vacation was her well deserved gift to herself after a very trying and very successful academic year, it was also her first trip outside of the US/Caribbean. I'm usually not one for surprises, but this one was amazing, I'm really glad she chose to spend this time with me, it was wonderful.
Our journey from Miami to Bangkok was over thirty hours long, including a lengthy layover in Doha, Qatar. The flight itself was pretty pleasant and comfortable. The food, the entertainment, the legroom (!!!) and overall service were great. I would definitely use Qatar Airways for future travel, and would highly recommend to others. We left Miami on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in Bangkok on Thursday evening.
The big surprise revealed. My mom's ticket to Thailand! |
Qatar Airways. World Class Service! |
In Doha, Qatar. It was freezing cold! We were on a mission find someplace quiet and comfortable to sleep until our next flight |
One of the many delicious meals that we were served along the way |
We finally made it! |
At the Victory Monument in Bangkok. Ready to head to my home! |
My mom-mom with my host mom and brother. |
The Welcome Party! |
It was nice to have two moms. |
Right down to the knowing look they gave each other as they watched me hurriedly packed my travel bag on our last night, at the last minute of course. |
My host mom doesn't usually cook, but she made her specialty for our special guest
my personal favorite: pat gra-prao gai (chicken stirfried with basil)
and locally grown riceberry
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During her final week in the village, my mom accompanied me to my schools. For the most part, the students were on their best behavior, and my mother was very impressed by how respectful, responsive, and eager to learn they were.
My mom with a few students at another school |
My mom is a nurse and helped me with my lesson about healthy habits. |
My program manager came to visit, and all of my school directors came to the meeting. I wasn't sure if some of them would show up, so "You'll get to meet my mom" was part of my invitation/pitch. |
At the elephant village หมู่บ้านช้าง |
Just washing his pet elephant, the others playing in the background. |
Momma elephant going after baby elephant |
My mom was so scared in the beginning. They were about to let her off. |
But it wasn't long before she was enjoying herself |
My host mom. |
I was the bravest of the bunch lol |
I don't usually take selfies, but when I do... |
Giving it another go. |
Such Friendly Giants. This one really liked me :-) |
We had some free time with the elephants before the show |
Monkey School |
Monkey School |
Baby monkey, went in to grab a sticker on her shirt. |
Tiger Kingdom |
Love the big cats |
Tiger grooming itself as I pet it. |
We did some more sight seeing and enjoyed being tourists for the last couple of days before her departure.
At Wat Doi Suthep |
We had to climb over 300 stairs to get to the top. We took breaks. |
Kinda like a 'Congrats You Made It!' sign. But not really. |
It was gorgeous |
Everything was beautiful. The weather was overcast so we didn't get any good pics of the view. |
Night Safari |
Night Safari |
Amazing Light/Water Show. Better than fireworks! |
On the safari! |
Zebras! We saw so many animals but weren't allowed to use flash, so not many good shots. |
Overall great night! |
As if petting tigers wasn't enough adventure for one trip |
Panda Time |
I'm not gonna hurt your baby. I promise. |
Sweet Water |
To get to the other side. |
Hanging on for dear life |
... and then there was a Michelle! |
Under the Sea! |
Just floating around |
Just floating around |
Just floating around |
What a view! |
Best seats in the house |
Really! |
On a song-taew, our last adventure in Chiang Mai. |
Figuring out where we wanna go next time lol
A few hours before my mom said goodbye to Thailand.
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