They've had a few challenges in life but they're all smiles now

What does a children’s orphanage, a dam, a tent, 3,000 year old rock paintings and a couple of ferry crossings have in common?  Normally I would say very little.  But on a recent weekend we combined all these features plus a whole lot more into a busy couple of days up in the Kanchanaburi region northwest of Bangkok. 

The kids, volunteers, sponsors and friends all gather under the new sign

One of ANZWG’s primary functions is to raise money for worthy causes in Thailand, of which there are many. Over the last couple of years they have focused on a very special school near Kanchanaburi which is run by the Duang Prateep Foundation.  The program is called New Life and that’s exactly what it does for young children whose home life was marred by abuse and neglect. 

Two kids reading to each other - magic stuff

The computers in the library were running hot

 

I had a lot of help planting my tree

I was given this gift from an aspiring young artist

We were overwhelmed by the smiles and hugs and love these young children showed us, they would constantly want to hold our hands, talk to us, show us their library or their art work or their handicrafts, help us plant our ceremonial trees, whatever it took to interact with us.  They were the stars of the show and worth every donated Baht.  Very powerful stuff and a very moving afternoon.

Julie hates this stuff

 

Cocktail hour under the teak trees

 

But wait, there’s more.  That afternoon Julie and I drove to Erawan National Park, a place we know well and is famous for its seven-tiered waterfall and huge dammed lake.  And we also had come prepared.  At the national park we went straight to the camp ground and pitched our tent amongst the giant teak trees in a quiet corner of the camp.  From there we enjoyed the beautiful peaceful setting, a great local dinner down the road at the food stalls (of course – they are everywhere!) and a glorious morning in a very tranquil and relaxed private clearing. 

Thais enjoy their camping but they have their unique technique.  In most major national parks there are camping facilities, complete with full amenities.  But they will also rent the tents, pads and sleeping bags to anyone who wants them.  In some cases the tents are already erected, you just need to move in.  And they move in with great style, usually in a large herd, complete with enough food to survive a year, enough talking and laughing and communal friendship to last forever.  Great stuff.

Early morning coffee duty at the campsite

The local drive on drive off ferry was good fun

Sunday we headed north, away from Bangkok, with a grand plan to drive along this huge lake formed by the Si Nakarin Dam, around and over the mountains, visit another national park, explore some caves and return to Bangkok  all in one day.  Well, I don’t think so.  As always, we were a bit too optimistic and the winding road, the frequent stops and the ferry crossings slowed us down.

Peaceful views across the lake on the ferry

Yes, ferry crossings.  The lake created by this dam snuck its way back into the valleys and canyons of this mountainous region and formed giant fiords, one of which has a narrow mouth and a long slow drive around it.  So we did what the locals do – we drove onto the local ferry which shuttled us across the mouth of the fiord and took us to the other side.  The tranquility of the lake, the beauty of the mountains and the wispy clouds above made a magnificent setting. 

3,000 year old rock art - stunning stuff

As part of our drive we came to a rare sight in Asia – rock paintings that were said to be 3,000 years old (although the sign at the entrance said the paintings were from 3,000 year old people, proving that artistic skills increase with advanced age).  The hike to the escarpment to see these paintings required serious commitment – a steep climb, stinking hot, lotsa stinging insects, forgot to bring the water.  But the reward was worth the effort, first class rock paintings in the same league as Australian aboriginal rock art, great stuff.  And a seriously under-developed and under-appreciated site.

Fill 'er up at the local hand pump drum

The weekend ended in the worst possible way – a horrible traffic jam returning to Bangkok.  But there was a good excuse as the main road from the west of Bangkok was closed due to the flooding – yes, some areas had lingering flooding for some time with closed roads and many seriously disrupted lives – so we had to detour around the flooded areas and join the main throng from the south.  Not fun. 

Now that's a serious crop of papayas

But what a weekend we had.  The inspiring kids’ program through the  Duang Prateep Foundation, camping in the jungle setting of Erawan National Park, beautiful mountain and lake drives and rock art by 3,000 year old people – now that is a full weekend!

Warning signs can be helpful for small hazards

Similar to a Waratah, standout colours