Loi Loi Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong is an amazing holiday that was celebrated by all Thais this weekend. It takes place on the night of the full moon in November every year. The festival is done to give thanks to the river goddess and to ask for forgiveness for using and polluting the canal or river. People believe that when one floats the krathongs (which are made of banana leaves and flowers), they are sending away all the bad things in their lives and good things will come instead. Or so I'm told by my kids.

Our coordinator asked us to stay the weekend for the celebration, and I was glad she did. This was one of those weekends it was packed with things to do (Saturday's event was posted before this). It was a great way to explore and learn more about the town.

So this past friday was essentially the appetizer to my experience of the Loi Krathong festival. One of the Thai teachers, who I mentioned previously, Tu, offered to show us around. She is simply wonderful as I mentioned. She took Jenny and I to the temple and to the festival in U-Thong. When I saw the opening festival in U-Thong, I was amazed.  Not only did we get the chance to explore the temple before it was packed, we saw the ruins where the first king of Thailand lived. We got to walk in the back of the temple and see some interesting animal sculptures. Also, we got to see people release the "first" lantern, and then a rush of balloons. These balloons are used to say thank you to the spirits of the sky (though it's not all the environmentally friendly).  Of course, the night wasn't complete without a traditional performance explaining the Loi Krathong story, a good meal, some experimental treats (i.e. fried grasshoppers) from the many food stalls, kids running around, and a couple mosquito bites.  It really was nice to leisurely walk around, see each stall without any pushing, but it was nothing compared to Sunday.

On the actual day of the Loi Krathong…

Color! Color! Color! An explosion of color all around me.

We started the day dressed in bright BRIGHT hot PINK flower print shirts for the parade we were to participate in. We were then given these vivid GREEN. YELLOW. krathongs to carry during the parade around town. I thought it would be similar to the stares and pointing we get on a daily basis, but this was slightly more in your face with invisible arrows pointing "farang" as we walked down the streets of U-Thong. It was unbelievable how many people took pictures of us and pointed. Celebrity? Maybe so…..

After the parade, we went back to the park where we attended another photo session. Could we take any more? We have to…. After the photo session, we went to the river and finally got to release our krathongs. Woot!! I was soo excited. The dark water was soon filled with green, pinks, purples, yellows, and a sweet smell from the incense. The park was packed to capacity with people. It was lit up with lights hanging from trees and lights from the tons of food stalls and other vendors. And if that wasn't enough…the whole park was light up with fireworks. I couldn't believe how colorful everything there was all around me. What's more, even after the main events passed like the Thai traditional dances and singing, there were still more people coming to light their lanterns and float their krathongs in the river. Who knew U-Thong had that many people? My question is where did they all come from?

Besides how I couldn't believe how colorful and how many people were in U-Thong, I of course ate way too much as usual. There were the normal dishes we see all the time plus some special dishes I haven't seen before --- som tam (papaya salad which is superb and one of my favorites), gung tort (shrimp cake), french fries, chicken nuggets, and pizzas…. Jenny and Elana were glad for the French Fries since their Som Tam was too spicy.

So besides being overstuff, overstimulated, and overpacked…I would say this was a Wowwwzz. Sums up my experience. I'm so grateful for staying this weekend. I had such fun meeting and getting to know in depth some of the students, teachers, and other locals. It was great to see them out and about and in their normal clothing. I hardly recognized some of my own. Good weekend :)

My Krathong

U-Thong School's Krathong

Floating Krathongs

The River View

I am thankful.

This week I taught the kids about Thanksgiving. I thought it would be a good idea to introduce an American holiday to the kids as they have introduced several Thai holidays to us i.e. Sports Day and Loi Krathong.

While they were confused about who the Indians (they thought Indians were individuals from India) and the Pilgrims were, they understood the concept of coming together for a feast, and being thankful (glad). They told me they were thankful for friends, family, the U-Thong school, chocolate, popcorn, good weather, etc… One of the activities I had my students do, after of course teaching them vocabulary (if I didn't it wouldn't really be a lesson), was to make turkeys or "Gai Nguang" with their hands, and to write one thing they are grateful for.

                            

Something I am clearly say with clarity after talking about being thankful besides being thankful for my family and friends for their support and love and for being in Thailand- I am thankful for Tu. She is an amazing person. She didn't have to, but she looked and took us around all Saturday.

Tu took us with her as she went to work with a group of women who needed assistance in learning how to advertise their handcrafted baskets. Of course because we are in Thailand, we left later than the actual time, and we arrived late. We had drove in and out of the countryside roads wandering, and asking for directions from several people who each gave us different instructions for an hour. As we were searching for Tu's group,  we stopped and meet another co-op who weaved baskets. Eventually two of the ladies came to the main road to find us, but it was all fun and "Mai pen rai."  With their help, we got to where we needed to, spoke to them, saw how they produced their crafts, and shared a meal with them. It was a pretty sweet experience. Not only did we see and meet these amazing women, we got a glimpse of the beautiful countryside I didn't expect to see.

Amazing Women

Some of their Crafts

Aroi Noodles!

The BEAUTIFUL countryside

Tu then preceded to take us to the Beungchawak Vegetable Garden. This is right next to the aquarium I went to last with Wattana and the others. The garden was pretty awesome. I saw a couple vegetables I recognized, but with my one track mind, I mainly took pictures of flowers. Though there was this really cool sculpture - a gourd shaped by wire and pots. Innovative and super creative.

By now, it's 4 and we drive to meet her family, and eat at her restaurant. Thai hospitality is seriously living up to its reputation and has far preceded all my expectations. Tu and her family welcomed us with open arms. They make us feel welcome,fed us snacks, and then following that, fed us a large dinner. Endless love and generosity.  Seriously.

One month...

November 14, 2010

Well the dogs are alive and well. As usual, the smallest of the lot, a brown and white spotted mutt jumped up to say hi to me. I guess they have been living in the garage and sleeping during the day when it’s hot, and so, we haven’t seen them until recently.

So Week 4 has come and gone and I can’t believe how fast everything has moved as I’m living this new life in Thailand. I’ve been teaching for what seems like forever, but it’s really only been about a month. And it’s true when people say each day is truly a new day. There is no take backs, no pause. Something is always happening whether it’s a random meeting that dismisses class, an upcoming English competition that we need to help the students prepare for, or a national holiday that students are getting ready for such as the Loi Krathong.

Each time I step into the classroom I still feel nervous because I still don’t know how much of what I taught they grasped from the week before. Also, I don’t know all the 1000 kids names!!! Realistically I know I won’t know them all. I have attempted to learn the children’s nicknames, which are way better and more helpful. Crazy nicknames that are funny and not something I would have thought they use such as Boss or Wassa, and of course, the name I give my kids silently in my head as well…work too. What’s more, each week the kids act differently. One week they’ll be on time and ready to learn, while other times they’ll be 30 minutes late, and I don’t know what I can really teach in 20 minutes. I guess I just need to always be on my toes, to find ways to make it interactive, and where TTT (Teacher Talking Time) is less regardless of the amount of time I have. Sigh…never a dull day in the life of a teacher in a new country.

So as a gift to myself, I went with my girls, Liz and C, to Khruen Thep aka Bangkok for some stress reliving via dancing, shopping, and eating. Life as a teacher is hard huh? It really is…just not on weekends :) Surprisingly this one place on Khao San Rd. which last time kicked us out since we didn’t order drinks was fun -amazing music, a really nice bartender, and some interesting dance partners until late. While I’m not a fan of overally touristy spots, it was a great way to blend in on such a night. We were just another bunch of farangs. I got to meet some remarkable individuals. This teacher who we’ll call Moa is originally from Africa has been teaching for two years in what is the flurry of Khruen Thep’s government school, while getting his masters. I met Tony who was infectiously funny and kind. He was speaking English as he was sitting with his friend who was hennaing Moa’s friend. Then I met Guk who was the brother of the tattoo artist. He was so curious as to why this Thai girl couldn’t speak Thai. What a compliment I think…I look Thai. Then again I’ve been counting all the countries I appear to represent. [List on the side] 

 

The next day, we had a tuk-tuk tour that cost 5baht but we paid the driver 30B since it was over an hour worth of driving to see the tallest standing Buddha and the lucky Buddha.

Both wats were free, not swarming with tourists, and was just as amazing as the others I’ve been too. I don’t think there is such a thing as an uninteresting wat. Hopefully, all the wats don’t’ begin to blend like the churches I saw in Europe.

Cha Am

 So after a weekend of playing hard in Bangkok, and then attempting to work with my sickness, I took a relaxing break to Cha Am, the Thai people’s local getaway. Loved it. Though the first night was quiet for a Friday, we enjoyed ourselves. We explored the little strip of beach, and got some great grub (e.g. Burgers!). The crowd grew a little more on Saturday, and even without the sun being completely out, I got burned. Liz made me realize how I’ve never been South of the Equator, and that I need to be even more careful about suntanning. On Sunday, the crowd was even larger. I guess with locals, they have the option of coming whenever and not having to worry about hotels and what not. Sunday is the day to relax and chill so it makes sense they were all there.

This week I’ll be teaching a subject with a song that goes…“Head, shoulders, knees, and toes..."

Most kids were into drawing the face and body on the board, doing a quick worksheet, and then playing a game of ‘Simon Says,’ but there is always the small group or two who don’t care to participate at all. I am so over worrying about every bad student because I don’t get to spend enough time with those that actually care, but I want to get those "naughty" kids a chance and get them engaged. The dilemma of a teacher…

But on a happy note, the commercial teachers (FYI: commercial teachers teach only commercial students - students who wish to go directly into some kind of business - a kind of technical/trade school) were extremely kind and hospitable with us yesterday, November 8. They invited us to eat with them in their large office. There were generous portions of Vegetarian Pad Thai and Khao Pat, and of course loads of fruit such as papaya (which is called Matlagow and is my favorite!), Pineapple, Mango, Guava, and a wannabe apple with the sugar/spice dip on the side. We got to ask questions, answer their questions, and overall just chill and enjoy being with fun Thais. A great lunch date I must say :)

Also, I’ve been hearing strange whining and whimpering sounds from the dogs outside around 9pmish every night. I haven’t seen them in a long time, and I am actually worried. I know they had beat the dog that bit Jenny, but as far as I know that was a one time thing. Hopefully all is well with the little buggers.

Until next time...

Tuk-tuk and friends

Going to Bangkok with my girls for a weekend equals Tuk-tuk adventure. 

  Friday: We were looking for Indian food, and although we essentially lived in what I thought was Little India by the New Road Guesthouse, we took a tuk-tuk of 7 people to a restaurant we could of walked to. The restaurant we were dropped off at was way over priced, and it makes me even more suspicious of all drivers – scams! We eventually walked to a restaurant that was decent priced but still quite expensive (guess that’s what we get when we get non-Thai food).

 Saturday: We took more taxis and even more tuk-tuks throughout town this day. I guess that is the whole process until we learn more about how to get to pint A to point B. We went to the day market. So much to see, so much to buy. I can’t wait for my paycheck. Although we went in the morning, and they were setting up, within an hour there were so many people I wonder where they all came from. Later we saw the Reclining Buddha. It was way more impressive than I imagined. I wish I knew more historical significance besides it being the largest reclining Buddha, and that the temple, Wat Pho, is one of the national headquarters for education, thai massage, and yoga.But I guess that would be one bonuses if we actually had a tour guide..ehhh

  

The Reclining Buddha

The Wat Pho

 That night we were at the Moon Bar in the Vertigo hotel. Breathtaking views of Bangkok even if it was overcast and we didn’t see a perfect sunset and the drinks were expensive (400B) was worth going. We followed that by going for some free margaritas at Coyote on convent – never again. More tart then liquor, more ice then crush. I would say I am never going to have good Mexican anytime soon. Sigh…

View at the Moon Bar with the Chelsea & Jenna

  Anyway, that night, we had dinner near convent. It was a pretty delicious green curry, but even nidnoi prick was too much. I thought I was getting better in handling the prick, but I think I need to practice more. This Saturday was Halloween as well, and we hoped to go out for some parties, but it seemed like every taxi/tuk-tuk driver drove us to sketchy places. Good thing we only payed 5B a person (9 people on one tuk-tuk), and we were in a group. We tried two different places, and you would think they wanted to accommodate such a large group of hot foreigners, but both places didn’t. We seriously need to find a spot to party that doesn’t cost an arm or a leg i.e. 300-400B. So even if we didn’t party, we drank enough. It ended up to the point where Andrew, Brandon, Allison, and I went for a late night snack/dinner –

 Sunday:  As I was coming home, Jenny gave me a phone call, and forewarned me about the dogs. Now we have about 6-8 dogs that roam the school grounds. Most are friendly, and usually keep to themselves. But when she told me she was bite, and had to be taken to the hospital, I kind of freaked. Rightfully so....even with a warning, and being more careful, a dog attacked me when I got back. Good thing the security guard was there and biked me to my home 20 feet away. Yah for security!

So after having a great weekend, I thought it would be a normal week. Nope. A little nausea, some sharp stomach pains, migraine, fever, the chills, and a touch of throw-up… I think I'm sick. It could be food poisoning or maybe just my body deciding to give up and tell me to rest. I wonder what I ate or did I overexert myself beyond what I was capable of. Good thing after two days it went away. I guess I didn’t think I’d get homesick with all the things I’m juggling, but when you’re sick and laying in bed, you have time to miss home.

FOR REAL, I'm a Teacher

This week in teaching I focused on words relating to family. 

I thought if I drew a house and people standing next to it it would make sense. Obviously not since my kids stared. So I had my smart kid in class (and if you ever talked to a teacher, there are always one or two smart ones you pick to assist you, and if they say that’s not true, they’re lying) help me translate family – translated loosely to “krapcua.” Of course I butchered it and the kids got a great kick out of it, and helped me pronounce it properly. I retaliated and had them pronounce “family” correctly along with a few choice vocabulary.

I found this method to be the best. I teach them one word, they teach me another. Those that are interested in learning the language are really eager to assist in my pronunciation as I help them pronounce English words correctly. Those that aren’t usually do other homework, goof, and/or primp themselves. Isn't it great how Thai students are the same as American students? Slackers are slackers everywhere. haha.

Something I've been thinking about for awhile since I learned more about the Thai educational system, but specifically here at my U-Thong school since that is where I'm teaching and I can only speak about what I know... why is it that all kids from lower to upper secondary school (12-18 yrs.) have to learn English even if they don't want to?  Why force them if they have no interest? Wouldn't it be better to have students invest their time into something they are passionate about?  I believe that if students want to learn, they’ll do everything they can to learn, and vice versa for the others. It should be a option the kids have rather than a forced obligation. I wonder sometimes if this is what makes the kids so uninterested, or rather the system itself - where Thai teachers teach English grammar so strictly, that when they learn the conversational they refuse to speak it for fear of punishment. 

Sorry for my "teacher" moment.

On a fun note, in Thailand, they have this very popular thing called “Sports day.” This is where students and teachers alike practice and compete on one day or depending on the school several days. My school has one ‘official’ day to compete but have been practicing more intensely as the days get closer. I guess this is reason for the attendance dwindling, and why they started school earlier than others did. Now, I'm still not sure how my kids are supposed to learn enough English if they are constantly 20 minutes late to a 50 minute class or absent, but I guess rolling with the punches is the right concept. I teach what I can when they enter, and hope they are able to grasp and retain the information. (Hopefully it'll happen less when the day passes...fingers crossed.)

Some Thai teachers this week encouraged us after school to play Bocce ball or  “Bah-tong" with them. They were very kind in teaching us the basics, and letting us 'practice.' I must say it was a very interesting game, and I had more fun then I imagined. I lost, of course, with Jenny and Jaeb (the other director), but I know everyone had a “Sanuk” time. What is so amazing is that almost half the teachers and students will stay after school til at least 7 or 8 practicing or playing volleyball, badminton, soccer/football, or bocce ball. I hear the marching band, see the cheerleaders practice daily, and see more and more decorations being arranged on campus everyday.  I am really quite excited to see what "Sports Day" will be like. 

Update: I didn't see what the entire day entailed, but the opening ceremony was quite a sight. Colors, elaborate costumes, dances...

trophies galore

The King

Heavy Blue Dress

Kids and their Colored Flags

Just some of the kids

A Warmup Game of Football