The first week of August will mark 10 years since my first visit to Thailand. I regard myself as extremely fortunate to have met so many smiling Thai faces that have made me feel so welcome in this country. Many of those welcoming smiles have been encountered in the vast array of classrooms where I have taught, particularly as a volunteer in Jangwat Chantaburi but more recently in my job at Phetchabun Rajabhat University. Fortunate also to have seen so much of the natural beauty of Thailand. I have had the opportunity to see many of Thailand's beautiful islands, its beaches and its mountains; its ricefields, its cornfields and its fruit gardens. But I have only just begun to explore some of the region of Isaan. Prior to the last month or so I had only known of Khon Kaen and Nong Khai. But now I can add Roi Et to my list. What a beautifully tranquil lake occupies its centre! I am indebted to my special friend Khru Nat for giving me a fine introduction to Roi Et!