We arrived at Joy's House in Chiang Mai today

My first impressions of Joy's House: beautiful, classic "Lanna" style Thai grounds....friendly hosts....peaceful, relaxed environment.

Joy introduced us by saying for the next week, we are like family. She explained that this beautiful place was her mother's estate, given to her and her partner Ulrike 7 years ago for their project. The Children's Shelter Foundation (CSF) gives a home to needy children along with education and job/ life skills. More info here.










Charity-travel sounded like a good way to spend Christmas. There will be a Christmas party complete with Santa, singing, and gift exchange....Amanda is so exited!

Joy was explaining to us an education program supported by the local Thai government that CSF administers....she called it "learning by doing" and "classroom without walls" saying that it is a very effective and fun way of learning outside of the classroom....I think we know a little bit about that!!!

The students here are learning many things involved in running a guest house and an organic farm....hospitality, English, technology, farming, cooking...Some have gone on to university, some got jobs working in hotels, some opt to stay here.

We were hungry when we arrived....no worries because in Thailand food is never far off and always offered before anything else! As our Thai friend Awe from Ko Ra Ecolodge put it, it's "food first, safety second" (actually, it seems like safety in Thailand is way less than second.....78th maybe? But that's another story)...we ate some delicious fried rice, toured the beautiful grounds, got situated in our rooms, played in the pool, met some other guests, then received our welcome massages.

Later, dinner was served and was of course, delicious! Did we mention yet that all our meals have been delicious since we arrived in Thailand?? Anyway, after dinner the music started up. A few acoustic guitars, some rhythm makers and singing. Amanda joined the guys on stage as soon as she heard them begin John Denver...."Take Me Home, Country Roads".  Part of the education here includes music and  guests were encouraged to participate.