Life after Baan Tharn Namchai......

Our new reality is a very stark contrast to life at Baan Tharn Namchai.  Le Meridian is a stunning beach-front resort, quite sizeable but still very intimate. In spite of the luxury of pools and fluffy towels, we have mixed feelings about being here.  Tom, in particular, is not happy about leaving his friend, Gean.  BTN has been our home for two and a half weeks and the simplicity, yet rich and loving life there, has affected us deeply.

I am trying to reassure Tom that this is certainly not the end but the beginning.  He is lucky enough to have made a very special friend on the other side of the world, and they can remain friends, continue writing to each other and we can follow Gean's development and growth.

I have given some money to Alison and asked her to put a monthly sum into Gean's savings account.  They have two accounts, one for spending money which they put small sums and pocket money into, and the other savings scheme cannot be touched until they go to University or turn 18.  I have asked that she explain to Gean that this is an investment in his future and he must study hard, improve his English and Tom will follow his progress and come back again.

After a morning on the beach, we went back to BTN for the annual friendly soccer match between Hands Across The Water and Baan Tharn Namchai.  In the sweltering heat of the late afternoon, the boys' match was an intense tussle between riders, some family and the staff and boys of BTN.  Tom was delighted to be in goal for the first half, and played well, in spite of the goal that slipped by.  The final score was BTN 3- 2 HATW.

There was lovely food supplied for the rowdy supporters and massage available for those, like Clare,  who were too tired or hot to really care!

The following day we invited Gean and Gan over to Le Meridian to spend the afternoon with Tom, knowing this was it, and they would have to say goodbye.  They played in the pool, played ping-pong and in the gym all afternoon until I treated everyone to a beefburger or club sandwich and Maya and I shared a couple of beers.  

I hate goodbyes and, for Tom, it is no different.  Gean and Tom gave each other a very big hug, and then again, and it brought tears to my eyes seeing their little bodies clinging on to one another, not wanting to let go. 

I am sure that the girls, and particularly Tom, have been changed by our enriching experiences here. What started for me last year as a personal journey to raise $10,000 and cycle 800kms in 8 days, has now become a new journey with a different focus altogether.  The wonderful children at BTN have touched our hearts and we have shared some of their life for the short time we have been here.  They are kind, loving and respectful and we will miss everyone terribly.

However, I have committed to doing the ride again in 2014 and look forward to coming back again then...if not before!