Teaching in Bangkok,Thailand: Kanchanaburi

A great end to a school week and an even better start to a weekend. On June 14th, many of the English teaching staff headed to Kanchanaburi right after school. It was quite an amazing sight, at exactly 4:30 pm there was a long line up of Farang (Foreigner in Thai) teachers with their back packs at the fingerprint scanner on the main floor waiting to sign out and get ready for this trip. It was like a mob as every teacher signed out and walked over to the 7/11 where we were being picked up. Some of up made a pit stop at Mont Blanc, a cute cafe, to change out of our uniforms and into our shorts and tanks. The transformation was amazing! In less than 30 mins more then 30 individuals all dressed in uniforms and dress clothes were all in casual wear ready to hop into the mini vans. People were stocking up on drinks and snacks for the 3 hr ride to Kanchanaburi. Everyone was psyched, ready to enjoy an amazing view and party on a Barge. That is right a Barge!

The 3 hr ride was amazing with great people and of course a sing-along. No road trip is complete with out a sing- along. Finally after a 3hr ride or a bit more, most of which (or so it felt like) we were stuck in Bangkok traffic (Surprise, Surprise!) we finally made it to Kanchanburi. Most of us headed to our hotel rooms to drop off our baggage and freshen up before dinner. We were divided between 2 neighbouring hotels, Ploy and Phong Phen, both of them were beautiful with an amazing view of River Kwai. Finally we were all ready for dinner. Many of the returning teachers complimented this Pizza place down the street so everyone decided to head there for dinner. They weren't lying! The Pizza there was amazing! We indulged in some western food as we waited for a few of the staff from Campus 2 to arrive.

After dinner, some of us decided to call it a night and head to the hotel to relax and enjoy before the big day. Katie and I decided to head to the pool area. It was amazing! You could see the moon out and lots of stars and it was so peaceful and quiet. It had been really long since I had experienced quite. No cars buzzing around, nothing but the sound of crickets and frogs in/around the River Kwai. It was definitely relaxing and quite a beautiful sight. After a few minutes in the relaxing atmostphere I decided to call it a night and head to bed.

Had an early rise and shine the next morning. At 6 am went for a swim in the amazing infinity pool. The view was breath taking. The sun still rising, the birds singing, the river flowing, amazing mountainous back drop and evergreen plants, so peaceful and gorgeous. Follow that with breakfast close to the pool where you can still enjoy the view, it was great. After having an amazing morning, Katie and I decided to explore the street a little bit. We ended up walking down the street. Every few meters there was a massage parlour with amazing prices! It was insane, so we decided to treat our sore teacher feet with an hour long foot massage for only 150 bht ($5 cnd), amazing deal!

After the massage, we headed to our rooms to get ready for our costume party on the Barge. I went as a belly dancer with Erika and Jenna. There were some really creative costumes, it was great. The barge was awesome and once again the view from the barge was just as breath taking. Definitely glad I went. The Barge took us down River Kwai and back. With music pumping, amazing people and a great view, this day couldn't have been any better. It also amazed me how a very small boat could pull a very large barge :S (see pictures below). After the party and arrival at mainland, we decided to go grab some dinner. After dinner, most people were poofed, including myself, and decided to call it a night and head to bed. It had been quite an eventful day.

Next morning after sleeping in, I decided to go for a Thai massage. My first one. It was amazing. Definitely unstrained my very tight muscles. It was a great way to end this trip before departure to Bangkok.

It was a weekend well spent with amazing people, food, spectacular view and some peaceful moments!

Here are a few pictures to show you some of the breath taking view. Enjoy!