HATW NE Thailand Last Day Amnat Charoen to Yasothon ( Home Hug) 74 kms

The last day brings a mix of emotions and feelings; elation, fatigue, joy, sadness, a sense of accomplishment and perspective.

The day was a nice short day of mainly flat riding through rural villages where we got our customary friendly welcome. It was a Sunday so the schools were closed and quiet, but it was National Children's day in Thailand and most of the towns seemed to be having some form of celebration.

At one of our last stops in a very small village we were greeted by a band of troubadours with some Esan (NE) folk music - a variety of drums and a wailing electric guitar.  The village seemed pleased we had dropped by and we spent some time dancing, admiring babies and chewing the fat. A pretty cool impromptu way to wrap up our Esan experience.

Then it was on to Home Hug for fantastic welcome from staff and children and families of the riders. After a sumptuous lunch  and some games we each found our own allocated  child ( mine was Keung aged 4) to find us our home made gift and takes us on a tour of the orphanage. (Sue has more photos of the arrival which I will load later)

It was Sue and my first return to Home Hug since we were here with the first HATW renovation project in November 2010. More has been done by others on the grounds and water systems since we were last here, but the biggest difference  is in the spirit of the place. The children are noticeably healthier, more confident  and more outgoing. Later that night back at our hotel they joined us for dinner, to perform dancing and then  to dance with us. The happiness we shared with them having a normal fun night is what the ride was really all about and what your sponsorship has helped achieve.

Korp kun krup mak...thankyou very much

Now it is just the small matter of the second ride form Petchaburi to Kao Lak statring on 15 Jan.....


HATW NE Ride Day 8 by Paekak at Garmin Connect - Details