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In search of an opportunity to experience another way of life, teach at an orphanage, and immerse ourselves in a vastly different culture, we boarded a plane in Boston and four stops, twelve time zones, and 28 hours later we emerged in the tropical heat of Denpasar, Bali. Please have a look at some great captioned photos and share in our experience. As any good Balinese would do, we offer thanks for your curiosity and friendship.

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Thailand Tips

Location: Rasi Salai, Thailand

Although we're a very well-traveled family, our time in Thailand teaching and living with a local family through Volunthai was the greatest trip of our lives. Here are a few tips on making it YOUR greatest adventure yet!

Embrace the differences... Here's a typical Thai classroom-the floors are teak, the windows open to the air and the birds, and the ever-present photo of the king is proudly displayed on the wall.

Make the teaching fun...play games, sing songs, be goofy, talk alot and have the students practice their pronunciation. Timmy (age 11) teaches with Pi Piggy, one of the English teachers, and a great friend to our family.

Try to accumulate points on Michael's list...Here's one way to do it-chew betel nut with a student's family...Poot chai Thai (Thai man!)

Do as the locals do...this is a favorite form of transport for the students at the school. Eve gives Chris a lift to the market.

Become part of your town...we were the only non-Thai entrants in the Rasi Salai 10K and loved every mile of it! Get ready for coffee at the halfway point and warm soy milk and pork soup at the finish line!

Connect...because in this warm, friendly culture you can in ways that don't even seem possible at home. These were the moments that showed us how little time it takes in Thailand to really feel a part of life here.

Do stuff you'd never do at home...noone knows you here-let out the fun self that's hiding inside and the Thai kids will love it! Scratch your armpits and say, "Ling, ling" and instantly you're a Thai monkey!

Eat off the floor and use your hands...eating pizza will keep you from discovering new favorites like this-"lahp"-made with spicy minced liver and pork

Games will make the school days go easier, for you and the students...Thai kids bring the rock, paper, scissors game to a whole new level of excitement.

Share your culture...One of our missions was to teach the Sompoi kids the art of the High Five!

Eat things that crawl and slither...because 1. you can and 2. they're good and 3. those are the kinds of things you remember so much more than your visit to a tourist site.

Expect the unexpected...At the end of our time at the school they wish us farewell with a beautiful Sai Sin ceremony. After the ritual, the students and teachers all come over, ties strings on our wrists and wish us safety, good health, and happiness. An incredibly moving experience.