Hi all, Just a quick update on latest news since arriving home. Back at work, and it was good to see all the staff at the hospital, they are all so interested in what I did, and many want to do something in the future to help others in Asian countries. The staff want me to give a talk on my experience and as yet a date has not been set, but so many are interested I cannot put it off for too long.

I am hoping to contact the woman (I met on the bus ) who runs an orphanage for abandoned and orphaned children from Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia. I am sure with the help of friends and family that we can do something worthwhile for her children Anyhow shall keep you posted on that.

I have two very reliable contacts now in Thailand, so feel confident that anything we do will get through to the right people!! More later.

Hi all, Well the mother hen has returned to her chicks in Adelaide after four weeks away in Thailand. I was greeted at the airport by my girlfriend and taken to one of my daughter's home to see my beloved grandson Charlie. He is now crawling and recognised his Grannie. I was so pleased to see him. Picking up my car, I went home to be very warmly greeted by my 2 dogs. What a welcome! The crying, wagging tails and licks were a sight to behold!! Georgie has tried very hard to keep the garden alive, and the house was neat and tidy. She and Jacqui had prepaid a beautiful marinated roast leg of lamb for dinner which 7 of us enjoyed immensely. Much talking and giving out of gifts. A perfect finish to a wonderful experience in Thailand.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help out in the school I went to in Mae Ai, I would be more than happy to recommend it and give them contacts without going through a volunteer agency. Much easier and financially cheaper for the individuals.

My hearfelt thanks must go to Nivea Vitality Project, New Idea, OMD Advertising, Yahoo 7 staff, and Channel 7 for giving me the opportunity to have this amazing experience in Thailand. Their support was fantastic, I cannot thank each and everyone of you enough!

Hi all, Well what a busy time I have had in the last few days! Thursday, my last day at school, the children from each grade performed for me. It was a mixture of traditional Thai and some modern movements to current hit parade music. Much fun was had by all. Kindergarten children had robes and mortar board hats as well as year 6 .. All teachers and children had to formally sit for a professional photo. Myself included!! I think I may have lowered the tone of the photo. I had asked the computer teacher to take photos for me and he assured me he was familiar with digital cameras. Unfortunately none were taken!! This has happened numerous times consequently none of me teaching a class!

After this special presentaion by the children, I was showered with gifts and cards from nearly every child from the school. I was quite overwhelmed by it all. Children were crying and asking me to come back because they loved me. Their English did improve and I think I have made a small contribution to this school. Unfortunately it could do with a lot more help. There is a unit ready for a couple or single person to help at the school! It has been a worthwhile experience.

Hopefully my hotel room is ready now, and I can have a quick sleep before catching up with everyone tonight at dinner.

Hi all, Well I guess this may be the last blog entry from Prannee Wittaya School in Mae AI, as I am heading down to Chiang Mai by local bus tomorrow around lunch time. This morning I walked up to pay and say goodbye to my washing lady. She cried and hugged me when I gave her a card I had made and a headband. I also left a bag of pencils, ruler, rubber, school supplies for her daughter, as she used to deliver my beautifully washed and ironed clothes each morning. Onanong, her daughter, is in year 6 and very shy. Their family obviously don't have much, but they do a have a big TV.

Yesterday, years 4, 5, 6, went to Mae Fang National Park and hot springs for English Camp. A great day was had by all and I must say the eggs I boiled in the hot springs were delicious!! The classes were divided into groups and went from one station to the next doing different things that involved them practising English. Much copying by all to get the right answers!!

I counted 36 children squeezed into a "bus". These are little more than a ute with a top on. All equipment is then piled on top of them, which they think is great fun!! Motor bike riders are supposed to wear helmuts, but not many people use them. Sometimes you will see a driver with one perched on his head (not done up of course) and the other three people (including children ) not wearing any protection. The mind shudders!

Must away and hand out the prizes for the year 6 drawing contest. Ciao for now.