Challenges:

No tap water for brushing teeth, drinking, ice, washing fruits and vegetable

Communicating with those who don’t speak English in rural parts of the country

High heat and humidity

Coping when Eryn got left behind at a subway station (doors to train closed before she got on.) Fortunately Eryn knew which stop we were going to use and just caught the next train. She was not stressed at all. I did not remain as calm.

Figuring out life on the road — living out of suitcase and backpack, how to get laundry done for four people, how to do both homeschooling and travel activities

Favorites

Riding an elephant thorugh the rain forest

Looking at the very colorful orchid blooms at an orchid farm or in public buildings such as the Bangkok airport

Relaxing with a Thai foot massage

Attending the full-day cooking school

Seeing all of the beautiful details on many wats (temples)