Sukhothai, Chinarat Buddha, and Lop Buri_From The CULP Leader

Sa Wat Dee Khrap (Hello) from Thailand:

Our Cadets spent the weekend exploring Thailand with the AFAPS Thailand Cadets and Cadre. The weekend started with a rather long bus drive; about 8 hours. The good part of this long trip was that it allowed the Cadets to continue building a bond and find common interests. We enjoyed lunch along the way with many traditional foods. As we entered the restaurant, we took our shoes off, and sat on the floor around small tables. I realized that I am getting older, because sitting on the floor on my legs, isn't as easy as it used to be...:) The food was incredible and each of  us tried a little of everything. Real Thailand Food is no comparison to what we find in America; great food. After lunch, we boarded the buses and continued towards the ancient temples at Sukhotia Historical Park. What a feeling, walking in a temple that is over 800 years old. Also, we were able to see where some of the Thailand Monks studied. The AFAPS Cadets served as guides around the temple and explained many details. The day's visit concluded with some snacks and we headed to the hotel. Dinner was another great experience and more time for our Cadets to bond. The Thailand Cadets speak outstanding English and truly understand their country's history. Besides the dialogue, we had great food!

After a good night's sleep (in a soft bed, finally...), we headed to see the Chinarat Buddha; incredible experience. The Cadets were able to walk around and explore the grounds. Also, some of them received blessings from the Monks. There was a small, shopping market and most of us broke down and bought an American Style Ice Cream Bar. Besides some food, many of the Cadets bought small, souvenirs. Hopefully we received a good price...:) After visiting the Buddha, we explored a crocodile farm and monument. The city where the crocodile farm is located centers around a legend of a "Werecrocodile"; like our Werewolves". Interesting...On our way back to AFAP, we had another lunch on a restaurant on the river; good food. The next stop was Lop Buri (City of the monkeys). In the center of the city are old ruins where monkeys live and are free to move without fences. Also, monkeys are found all over the city and are accepted by the residents. The Cadets were able to feed the monkeys and some had monkeys jump on their heads and shoulders. If you ever visit, make sure you do not have sun glasses, purses, bracelets, hats, or similar because the monkeys will steal everything. If you ever visit Thailand, you must visit Sukhothai, Chinarat Buddha, and Lop Buri.

I hope that each of you have enjoyed the daily blog and look forward to your comments.

Pass our blog site to your friends and family. It's great to share this experience with all of you.

Khaawp Khoon Khrap (Thank-you),

MAJ Glassman (CULP Leader)

Inside one of the ancient temples

Beautiful structures

Incredible Buddha statues

Our two females posing with the Buddha structures

MAJ Duncan and MAJ Glassman with the Thai Cadets on
the trolly at the historical park

Enjoying touring the ancient ruins
with our new Thai friends!

Authentic Pad-Thai. Very different from American Pad Thai! 

Eating Fish Ice Cream.

Visiting Crocodile Monument. The city has a "Werecrocodile" legend.

Good lunch.

Getting ready to tour in Si Satchanalai Historical Park.

Cadet Deschenes with some monkies from Lop Buri.

Si Satchanalai Historical Park. 800 year old temple.

Cake made from fish. Good cake.

Eating lunch at traditional

Thailand Restaurant.

Just had to put this here since it's one of our modes of
 transportaion to get to class everyday.

Photo with the Thailand Cadets in
Si Satchanalai Historical Park.