Calm Before The Storm

On our return to Thailand, we were surprised to find ourselves in a city that was quiet, clean, and modern. This perception differed from the memories of our previous visit, most likely due to the time we spent in India. Due to a combination of comfort, poor weather, and getting organized for work in NZ, we've spent almost a month hanging around Bangkok doing absolutely NOTHING!! We've feasted on great food, watched a lot of movies, and I've enjoyed reading many books.

We did spend a couple of days in the city of Kanchanaburi. It's famous for its WWII history. During the war, the Japanese army required a safer route for the transport of equipment and supplies between Burma and Thailand. They used POWs and civilians to build a railway, and it was finished in 16 months. It should have taken 5 years. Due to intense physical labour, poor living conditions, and brutalities inflicted by the guards, many of the labourers died. In fact, it is known as the "Death Railway" as more than 100,000 people perished during its construction. We visited the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery, a couple of historical museums, the Bridge over the River Kwai, and we rode the railway.

We also rented a motorbike and drove to the Tiger Temple. It's a Buddhist Temple where the monks raise and live with the tigers. Although it's quite a tourist attraction, it was worth the visit. You are escorted (they literally hold your hand) around the canyon, and get to touch and stroke the tigers. They are so soft and beautiful! Jas was thrilled to be able to hold a tiger's head in his lap! He had to wait a long time before they thought the tiger was "ready", but it was a great experience. My favourite moment was cuddling with a 4-month old cub...soooo adorable!

Apart from our lazy behaviour, a number of hours have been spent dealing with NZ Immigration. Among other things, we had to obtain a medical clearance in order to get a NZ Work Visa. This turned out to be an intense process that involved a booklet of forms, a physical check-up, an eye exam, a chest x-ray, blood work, a urine sample, and, yes, even a stool sample! Those of you who have been worried can relax...we are both healthy. Perhaps the only shock was our weight: I have lost 10lbs and Jas has lost a whopping 17lbs!! Who knew he had anything to lose!?

As well, we have both accepted nursing positions in the small city of Dunedin. It's a Scottish city located on the South Island. It's close to wildlife and some very cool adventure stuff. We're very excited to settle down, and plan on working for at least a year. Jas will be working on an adult medical unit, and I will be working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I love the babies!!

So...after almost a full year of travel we are headed to NZ on July 24th! We've loved every minute of our time in Asia, but we're both really excited to get there. It'll be super busy getting settled as I start work on August 6th; however, Jas won't be working until August 25th and will be able to get a few things organized.

A whole new adventure awaits! Oh, and our pics are updated...hope you enjoy!