This week - I visited Doi Chaang coffee in Chiang Mai and tried the Wild Thai Civet coffee that I mentioned in a previous post. Stu (one of the Partners staff) is a photographer and took some pictures for me which I have included below. It was nice coffee, not acidic and didn't leave much of a lingering taste. However, I can't say it was amazing and for $20 NZ dollars a cup - it was a one off experience!
I have also been getting stuck into some new work and learning more about Shan state - one of the ethnic states in Burma that Partners works in. Shan state borders Thailand, China and Laos and there are about 9 million people living there. In some areas, only about 4% of children get to go to school and Partners is involved in helping communities start schools in parts of Shan state.
I'm also learning about the nature of applying for government funding as an NGO - a complex process and a world I am not that accustomed too! Thankfully - I have got some friends who are, and have been giving me some advice on navigating the system:)
The Davies and Malcs arrive on Mon/Tues next week which will be great. I haven't seen much of Chiang Mai yet so it will be a chance to do all of the touristy sort of things with them:)
The best smoothie I have had so far in Thailand - blueberry goodness!
Alison, Claire and Ken with a New York pizza in Chiang Mai! I've been to NY before and have never seen such a big pizza.
Tamarind - a type of fruit that tastes like date and is quite nice. In NZ, we often use tamarind paste for curries.
The process of brewing civet coffee - picture courtesy of Stu
Enjoying the Civet coffee - photo courtesy of Stu
Rice paddies next door to where I am living
To all my vegetarian friends out there - I saw this at a mall, advertising a hamburger place!
I thought OMG purple coffee but it ended up being the smoothie.
ReplyDeletesorry to disappoint:)
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