Pun Pun Week 1

There isn't any way to describe all that has happened since we last wrote. The idea of writing about anything in detail is far too overwhelming for me and makes me want to avoid writing at all, but.....I'll just see what comes out!

Every morning (by choice), I rise at 6:30 am in order to walk up a grassy hill for yoga or tai chi and meditation, which begins at 6:45. It is a wonderful way to start the day, although it is a bit challenging for me to meditate and silence my busy mind. It takes practice so hopefully after 2 1/2 months of doing this, it may become easier. The site we do this at overlooks greenery of all sorts and a few baan (houses). It is so gorgeous in the morning, sometimes foggy and chilly, sometimes clear and crisp. Wow.

Our days here have consisted of learning, learning and more learning. I have been so saturated with new experiences and information, I feel like the smartest person in the world. What have my days here consisted of?

planting seeds making garden beds eating all sorts of bitter and interesting veggies off the vine observation using composting toilets and learning how it all works drinking rice wine conversing with lovely and dynamic people from all around the world getting my toe run over by a motorcycle eating fruits and veggies and rice galore learning how to samba enjoying nature playing with the kids around here watering gardens going to bed before 10 every night learning lots of Thai and using it

participating in a big Thai holiday called Loi Gratong (where we make little boats made from banana tree stalks/flowers/candles and send them down the river to ask forgiveness from the water goddess)

making wood vinegar living in an AMAZING earth house along with many ching choks (geckos) and a very large alligator-ish iguana making new friends hanging my mosquito net nightly grafting for propagation learning about water catchment systems getting a silly rash studying permaculture visiting a few wats (temples) playing music reading about globalization/localization getting dirty loving life living simply learning how to be SELF-RELIANT!

I wish that I could communicate how exciting and wonderful and empowering Pun Pun has been for me already. The other 10 interns besides Katie and I are kind and intelligent people. The instructors have diverse knowledge and are all about us being hands-on. So much can be accomplished so quickly if people just decide to DO SOMETHING, even when they don't know exactly how. That is a common thought around here. Anyone can grow things. Anyone can build their own house. (almost anyone! I cannot wait (well, yes I can!) to be back in Portland to experiment and play with all the things I've already learned. Yipppeee!

This may not be a very interesting blog because I can't very well explain what I'm doing. Soon, my initial excitement may subside and then I can describe more eloquently the life here! Hopefully, our pics can give you a little window into our days here!

Love you and will write more when able,
Nicole