I'm Alive!

First off, happy 4th of July!  I am currently blogging from "Internet Zone" in the mountains of Pangmapha.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm alive and well.  Yes, I have only been gone a few days but it feels so odd not having any connection to the outside world.  I will write more about Pangmapha when I get back to Chiang Mai but what I can tell you is that it is absolutely beautiful.  The past couple days we have been visiting hilltribes such as the Lahu and Lisu and have been talking to them about their lives and of those in the mountain area.  We are doing our homestay tomorrow night which should be very interesting.  I guess the families we are staying with don't speak english but my friend, Trina, and I will be staying together which will be a relief!  One thing that I love about this place is the food!  Our second professor that came with us on this excursion, Ajan Thanit, has a sister who owns a "resort" here.  We are staying in little bungalows and it's very cute.  She makes AMAZING food.  We are spoiled every night!  Although it's still white rice and some kind of stir fry, it is far better than the food at the dorms!  We're leaving here Thursday morning and our professor, Ajan Chris, was nice enough to move our final to Thursday night when we get back to Chiang Mai so we have all of Friday off and don't have to come to class.  It's bittersweet though because it's my friend, Lina's, last night on Thursday!  But we're still planning on going out after to celebrate her last night!  I hope you all are having a great 4th of July and a great rest of the week!  Love and miss you all!