Nicola

We are now in Thandaung Gyi, and we were greeted with the biggest welcoming party. As soon as we got off of the bus, we were greeted with smiles and handshakes. Everyone seemed so happy to see us, and it was absolutely amazing. There was musicians playing, and people talking to us, and when we got up the hill to Saint Georges retreat to where we are staying, we were sat down under the veranda, and they performed two dances for us and played a song for us with a dancer. We were soon looked after and ready for bed, but not after receiving gifts from the community, which were traditional Longyi's (long skirts) and Traditional Karen Shirts. When we went to bed, we were so ready for sleep. But not for the cold. You would not believe how cold it gets during the night, when you experience the heat during the day, but because we are high up in the mountains it kinda makes sense. But that doesn’t change the fact that it was absolutely freezing. Even so, I am enjoying myself more and more every day, and even though I am missing my family, friends and home (especially my bed and pillow oh my gosh), I am enjoying being away with the group I am with (they are so lovely) and meeting the people we are meeting.