Has anyone ever been to BOOT CAMP? Well I did and everyone that knows me, knows that I don’t enjoy waking up early and exercising. Oct. 20^th I was told that I had to attend a ‘Leadership Workshop’ along with a few Y.E. students, but to our surprise we had to spend five days in the ARMY or as Rotary would call it RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp. The first day was just registration, but the days that followed were torture. First of all everyone had to wake up at 5am and we only had 10 minutes to take a bath. Second we had to assemble outside in an orderly fashion at 5:45am and if you were late the punishment was 50 squats…it’s sad to say but I was among the many that were late (boo hoo). After exercising for an hour, we said the National Anthem and then we ran to the Soldiers Canteen where our cold breakfast awaited us. Just as I was about to take a seat, a soldier came in the back of me and blew his whistle to stop me from sitting (at this point I thought to myself and asked God to please forgive me for whatever sin I was being punished for). My friends and I just looked at each other with helpless faces. After 10 minutes of eating we got into groups to discuss topics like Public Speaking and how we could be great leaders for our country. Although the food and exercising was torture for me, I tried to enjoy the workshops and learn as much as I could! The way we prepared for breakfast was the same way we prepared for lunch and dinner. After dinner we all gathered in a hall and played games and other activities. Finally 11:30pm came and it was time for bed……..YESSSSSS! Lights were out at 11:45pm and so was I. Everyday we went through the same procedure, but the last night we were rewarded with a party and I think we all deserved it. For the first time in four days, we had real food and to go along with that we had a live band and fireworks. The last day came, we said our good-byes and can you believe the soldier that blew the whistle at me came to me and said, “You are a survivor” and I replied “Thank you”. I came to the camp worrying if I would make it, but I left thinking that I could conquer any and everything!

A week after RYLA camp was the ‘Presidential Salute to Thailand’ conference, where the Y.E. students performed Ram Thai and if I must say so myself our performance was the BEST (I think the Rotary members would agree as well)! There were about two thousand Rotarians in attendance and also Y.E. students from three other districts in Thailand. We all had a great time meeting and sharing with stories with each other, but of course all good things must come to an end. After the conference I was supposed to return to Bangkok but instead I went back to Ang Thong. Everyone knew I fell in love with Ang Thong, so the ‘Youth Exchange Committee’ allowed me to stay. Although I was happy, my host in Bangkok wasn’t. There was a misunderstanding between Rotary and my host, but we got that problem resolved. Now that I’m in Ang Thong, I attend both High School and University (pretty cool huh?). It’s also a Dramatic Arts University, so I’m learning basically everything to do with the Thai culture. I travel to and from school by bus, but sometimes I walk or take a motorcycle taxi. So far it has me a little tired but I’m enjoying every minute of it. My new host mother who is also one of my teachers at school has really helped me with my Thai and I am truly grateful……………..I thought I would never learn this language. 

On October 31^st was Halloween, but there was no trick or treating in Thailand. Instead they had the famous ‘Loi krathong Festival’. The Loi Krathong Festival dates back to the Sukrothai period. It takes place on the 15^th day of the 12^th Lunar month of the full moon and Loi Krathong is an offering of gratitude to the water spirit, Sukrothai historical park holds a traditional festival every year of particular beauty during this period. It is believed that the ‘Loi Krathong Festival’ originated in Lukrothai, the first Thai capital. It is therefore appropriate that this captivating event is held a mid the breathtaking ruins of this glorious ancient city. Some of the activities include Krathong floating, fire works, cultural performances and an amazing light and sound show. It started at about 4:30pm and lasted all night, at the end of it all I was exhausted, but I had a great time. I am REALLY experiencing a different culture and loving it!

God Bless you all,

Leila a.k.a. Ploy.