Scouting, Thai Style
I am going to be timely with this blog, for a change. Yesterday I visited my friend and co-teacher Sam’s high school where he teaches English (Sam is the only adult you will see in the photos). I was lucky enough to be there on Scout Day when the entire day at school is devoted to “scouting” activities. Scouting was founded in Thailand in 1911 when King Rama VI brought the idea of scouting back from Britain where he had studied. Thailand was even among the charter members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.
Here in Thailand, the Scouts are an integral part of the public schools; they even wear their uniforms to school once a week. On this annual Scout Day, the students take a 6km hike and cook their own meals (life skills) over open fires, which they have to build themselves. Sound familiar to all you former Scouts and Campfire people? I had great fun moving among the various groups, practicing my Thai and taking photographs. I was impressed with how well everyone got along and the teamwork exhibited. However, the best part was the taste testing. Great!!!! I was so busy eating all this amazing food, I only got a few shots of the dishes. Sorry. One of the best reasons for living in Thailand is the food – even the youth are amazing cooks.
Jane Estes
John and Jane in Thailand 
Wow! Great pics! I just found your blog and really enjoyed reading it! I’ll be back.
Laurie Nguyen
February 15, 2014 at 1:39 am
Not only makes me miss Thailand, but it makes me miss camping too! You are truly leading an extraordinary life!
Daniel Kuhlman
February 17, 2014 at 4:32 pm
HI Jane and John, I wonder if you have gotten any clearer about the days you will be in Seattle. I am really looking forward to hosting you and visiting. All the best, Ilene
Ilene Stark
February 24, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Hi Ilene,
Yes, we are a little clearer. We arrive in Seattle on the evening of the 29th. We will be picked up by our friends Lynn and Jane and will stay at their house out in Ravensdale initially. We can’t stay there too long but I can’t remember the reason. Maybe a week or so. Then we will need a place to bunk We can split our time between you and Marion/Irene so we are not too much of a burden to any one household. Oh, at some point we will need to go to Vashon Island for a few days to stay with Nathan’s parents. On April 9th John is going to Colorado for a week to visit his parents (I opted not to go). I’m hoping to be using my Dad’s car if it can be pried out of the hands of my brother (who is not happy with me for various reason). We leave for Thailand on May 12, assuming there is a Thailand to go back to. There has to be because we now own a boat and are building a house and have a chunk of money in the bank. Lots to tell you about when we get to Seattle. Really looking forward to it. You are so kind to open your home to us. Is there anything you would like me to bring to you from Thailand?
Soon,
Jane
Jane Estes
jane.estes3@gmail.com
johnandjaneinthailand.com
Thailand
Jane Estes
February 24, 2014 at 3:27 pm