children's day in thailand

It's one of those days where I just can't get enough of Thailand.
Every year, on the second Saturday of January is a day called children's day. On this day, children are permitted to go and do anything they want for free. they get free ice cream all day, balloons, toys, games, rides etc etc free alllll day. There was an entire island (rather small and beautiful island which is more commonly used on a daily basis as a large outdoor gym complete with equipment and tracks etc ) marked off for childrens activities. It was just amazing ... the respect and fun that was offered to the kids!!! =)
best of all, the kids that I teach privately chose to have my lesson rather than go to this huge once-a-year event... and then when I got there their mother had a hand made BEAUTIFUL reversable cloth bag to give me. I nearly burst into tears in gratitude. The parents appreciate you as a teacher and respect you a million times more than I've ever seen offered to a Western teacher. It's amazing. If only I felt this accomplished after teaching in my government school on a weekly basis- there, it feels absolutely hopeless.
I went with my friend Scott and his son Sebastien to go see it, but we both had to work for one hour so we left, worked and raced back but we had missed most of the big events and stuff but it was still cool to see.
I like it here very much. This friday is teacher appreciation day! I think we get Friday off, so Reffa and I might pack up our bags and either go meet our friends in Phuket , or have them come meet us to go on vacation to one of the islands or something. =) =)
miss you all. xoxo