Family Get-Away at the "Naam-Tok"

This past Sunday, I enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing time at a nearby waterfall (naam-tok in Thai). As the days get hotter and longer, visiting waterfalls, ponds, pools, and rivers becomes a popular pastime. We headed from home around 10 AM and arrived at the waterfall at 11 AM. I was happy to have one of my fellow volunteers and her family join us. Our families had coordinated the trip so well; they immediately set up camp right next to the waterfall. I must say I was quite impressed with how well they had the whole thing organized. We had a large picnic complete with som thom (papaya salad), kao niao (sticky rice), and an assortment of fried meats. In the late afternoon when the lull set in, we replenished our spirits with ice cream, of course. For at time or two our cares were carried away by the serenely streaming waters and sound of giggling children wading in the water. The timing for this was so perfectly aligned with my need to ‘get away’ as well. I know my friend appreciated the trip too.