I have one month of teaching left. Literally. I finish teaching February 23. Has time really gone by that fast? It only seems like I was celebrating Christmas and New Years yesterday. I can’t believe it. The semester has definitely gone by extremely fast, faster than I imagined. But thinking back to when I first got to Bangkok, it was forever ago. Ugh…orientation. Not exactly my favorite way to get introduced to Thailand.
I have been extremely lucky to have been able to teach and travel to all these amazing places. Cha-am, Kanchanburi, Khao Yai, Samet, etc… I am so grateful for the experience of teaching English as a second language (if that). It has definitely given me a clearer picture of what I want to do with my life. For sure…. good bye middle schoolers. So not in love with you even if you are a bunch of cuties. Wayy too much to deal with. And even though I am just starting to really get the feel for living in U-Thong, I'm so ready to move on and travel. I'm ready for that "where to next?" but not the "what am I doing next in my life?"
So where am I going next? It shouldn't be as difficult as I'm making it, but when you think about it…where you go first and where you end makes or breaks the trip I believe. So where should I go? Lao or Vietnam or Cambodia? Which one first? Wow do I sound bratty. But I seriously need to focus, plan, and just buy them tickets so I can enjoy the rest of my time here in Thailand and then to other parts of Southeast Asia.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Field Trip #2
Another fieldtrip with the kids. We left Saturday to go to the floating market in Amphawa and to some museum supposedly a wax museum…but we'll see. Their translation wasn't all that great when I asked what kind of museum… But I'm so glad I went with the school. The market is no where near Bangkok, so getting a bus ride directly there was really just perfect. I didn't have to ask around while taking multiple buses. And surprisingly, I've gotten used to their crazy music. Although I was quite surprised I got to listen to Thai alternative music for a good portion. yah for the bus helper being less mainstream!
On the way to the market we stopped at the “Siam Cultural Park."
Not a wax museum, but a really pretty park with lots of trees that had several exhibits. The park showed several Buddha statues from various time periods, as well as a few old Thai style houses that you could walk through (similar to the ones I saw at the Jim Thompson Farm).
At one point however, we did enter what could be a wax museum. There were these wax statues depicting the life of a man who was important to the history of Thailand. When Jenny and I asked one of our coordinator's, Jeab, to translate what the tour guide was saying it went something like this:
“This man had many wife even though he was very poor"
“He asked Buddha for help”
“Buddha give him his last children (Buddha had children before he became Buddha)”
“He eat too much”
“Stomach blow up”
So…to say in the least… I have no idea who this man was, why he was famous, or why his stomach blew up, or more importantly why he was important in Thai history. Typical…
The floating market itself was pretty cool but not what I was expecting. Most pictures will show tons of colorful items being sold on the boats. Lots of fruits and vegetables. I only saw food vendors on the boats with one or two individuals selling the season's fruit - some weird kiwi look a like thing and pomelo. So the vendors we saw actually cook the food on the boat and you sit on the steps at the edge of the water to eat. Although this was not as I imagined, it was nice to see something different, but at the same time, it wasn't all that different. Confused? It was "Same same but different" - It was different because of the scenery, but same in that it was just as crowded and touristy as most places. Anyway, they had some pretty unique souvenirs (I got over the fact I wouldn't be buying things from boats) that I picked up that I haven't seen else where. So all in all I had a sweet day. I'm glad I went.
On the way to the market we stopped at the “Siam Cultural Park."
Not a wax museum, but a really pretty park with lots of trees that had several exhibits. The park showed several Buddha statues from various time periods, as well as a few old Thai style houses that you could walk through (similar to the ones I saw at the Jim Thompson Farm).
Can you tell the difference??
At one point however, we did enter what could be a wax museum. There were these wax statues depicting the life of a man who was important to the history of Thailand. When Jenny and I asked one of our coordinator's, Jeab, to translate what the tour guide was saying it went something like this:
“This man had many wife even though he was very poor"
“He asked Buddha for help”
“Buddha give him his last children (Buddha had children before he became Buddha)”
“He eat too much”
“Stomach blow up”
So…to say in the least… I have no idea who this man was, why he was famous, or why his stomach blew up, or more importantly why he was important in Thai history. Typical…
The floating market itself was pretty cool but not what I was expecting. Most pictures will show tons of colorful items being sold on the boats. Lots of fruits and vegetables. I only saw food vendors on the boats with one or two individuals selling the season's fruit - some weird kiwi look a like thing and pomelo. So the vendors we saw actually cook the food on the boat and you sit on the steps at the edge of the water to eat. Although this was not as I imagined, it was nice to see something different, but at the same time, it wasn't all that different. Confused? It was "Same same but different" - It was different because of the scenery, but same in that it was just as crowded and touristy as most places. Anyway, they had some pretty unique souvenirs (I got over the fact I wouldn't be buying things from boats) that I picked up that I haven't seen else where. So all in all I had a sweet day. I'm glad I went.
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| Seafood |
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| Pomelos |
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| Famous Amphawa Market Lady |
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| Our River Tea Lady |
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| Mad Crazy Food Vendors in Boats |
Just A Little Late Tu
So what happens at a two week late New Years Party in Thailand? Dancing. Singing. Food. Of the three can you think of what I wasn't expecting? That's right. Dancing. More specifically…Salsa Dancing. Who knew? I found myself learning how to Cha Cha Cha as well as other Latin inspired dances from my Thai teachers.
Our teacher friend Tu invited Jenny and I to a party at her family restaurant to celebrate “New Year”. Only just a little late….She had told us that there would be “dancing” and “singing”, which really means anything can happen. So how can we say no? (feeling the sarcasm?) Jenny and I went to the party not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into as per usual.
The evening started when we sat down to eat a delicious six course meal. The table was filled with my favorites I've had previously there and with chatter and attempts at English from several teachers from U-Thong school and a bunch of Tu’s friends from Suphanburi and surrounding areas. Dinner was fun.
After dinner one of the other teachers dragged me to the dance floor. I wouldn't necessarily say the music we heard was Latin but more Thai music with a slight Latin flare. I found myself on the dance floor attempting to learn how to salsa dance. Easy as "Neung, Song…. SamSiHa" = cha, cha…chachacha. I was seriously shocked and amazed to see how good the teachers were at dancing. Tu especially. They got some moves on them. As for myself…I just smiled, laughed, and attempted. No more no less. Definitely a unique time…but it tends to be that way when you let go and enjoy the unexpected.
Our teacher friend Tu invited Jenny and I to a party at her family restaurant to celebrate “New Year”. Only just a little late….She had told us that there would be “dancing” and “singing”, which really means anything can happen. So how can we say no? (feeling the sarcasm?) Jenny and I went to the party not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into as per usual.
The evening started when we sat down to eat a delicious six course meal. The table was filled with my favorites I've had previously there and with chatter and attempts at English from several teachers from U-Thong school and a bunch of Tu’s friends from Suphanburi and surrounding areas. Dinner was fun.
After dinner one of the other teachers dragged me to the dance floor. I wouldn't necessarily say the music we heard was Latin but more Thai music with a slight Latin flare. I found myself on the dance floor attempting to learn how to salsa dance. Easy as "Neung, Song…. SamSiHa" = cha, cha…chachacha. I was seriously shocked and amazed to see how good the teachers were at dancing. Tu especially. They got some moves on them. As for myself…I just smiled, laughed, and attempted. No more no less. Definitely a unique time…but it tends to be that way when you let go and enjoy the unexpected.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Field Trips
Last weekend Jenny and I went along to both Saturday's and Sunday's school field trips, which was great because I did not have to think about what, when, and where I was going. The school organized everything. Although the school was organized, it was as my friend Jenny said, "organized chaos." Whenever the bus stopped, the kids were let loose. And I mean that in the nicest way possible. The kids roamed until it was time to come back. Though that's probably the best since there were so many kids…it would be to difficult to account for every one of them. It's just soo different from how you would bring kids on a field trip back home. And the buses/vans…man. What an interesting journey…seriously….they sing and dance in the back of the bus or in the aisle to pop/techno Thai music. They'll sit with four people in bucket seats meant for three. And snacks galore…. I'm sure the 7/11s we bombarded wondered where we all came from, and are single handily glad we helped clear out their inventory.
Saturday.
We went to Kanchanaburi to see and learn about the Bridge over the River Kwai (pronounced kway not kwai; kwai means buffalo and when I said it the kids and teachers got a great kick out of it), the Kanchanaburi National War cemetery (pronounced Sook - Sauw) which commemorates all the fallen Dutch, British, and Australian soldiers during WWII, as well as the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall.
The kids who went were assigned an English project, 3 short activities to be specific, as this was an English Day Trip. The activities weren't crazy difficult, but just enough to make them work. One specific activity however was to practice speaking English; they were supposed to speak to a foreigner and ask them for their name, where they were from, and how long they would spend in Thailand. Every time I asked a kid if they did it yet, they would say "Ah-loo-wah?" - Huh? or What?. Of course they understood me, but pretended not too. Grrr… And when I tried to get a kid to talk to a foreigner, they would bunch up in a group and be giggly. Sigh….
And although Jenny and I have been to the bridge previously, it was nice to see it during the day without a rain cloud hovering like last time. The Kanchanaburi war cemetery was quite well kept and simply beautiful. However, something shocking that we heard via one of the Thai teachers - the groundskeeper spoke to a bunch of Japanese tourists who were taking photos, and told them in not so many words that it was their ancestors which put these people in the ground, consequently causing some of them to cry and then leave. Talk about being blunt and brutal…
After these two stops, we went at last to the place I wanted to go to most of the day - the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. This is the Thai people's local waterfall in the Kanchanaburi province. I heard if you don't play in the water, it's a great place to sit on bamboo mats and munch on Som Tam (papaya salad which I am addicted to and wanted to have horribly). I guess I was too excited….The waterfall was nothing more than a trickle due to the decrease in water level above, and I didn't see any Som Tam. Disappointing…. On the other hand, Jenny and I did get to hike and enter a small cave with some kids; and we got to buy some "healthy" nibbles i.e. Taro chips (shoe string style chips as well). YYYYum!!! Of course this was no where as exciting as it was for the Thai teachers who relaxed, had lunch, went and literally bought at least 3 bags of snacks from the stands.
Sunday.
Hot. Humid. Chatuchak market - largest weekend market possibly in the world. 7 buses packed with Thai children. = sticky madness…
I didn't and still don't understand why this was a "field" trip; there wasn't anything educational about it, but from what they attempted to try to tell us - something about school policy to take the kids somewhere outside of U-Thong to explore...
When we got to the market, the teachers instructed the kids when to come back and not to do anything stupid and to stay safe (or so I assume that was what they were saying in Thai), and then let them loose. At the end of the day, I really was quite surprised no one got lost or straggled back. I mean Jenny and I wandered round and round, sometimes unsure of where we already walked or where to go. Sometimes I felt claustrophobic and worried I wouldn't get out. But two things I learned this weekend, somehow organized chaos works, and Thai teachers like to shop hardcore once the kids are away.
Saturday.
We went to Kanchanaburi to see and learn about the Bridge over the River Kwai (pronounced kway not kwai; kwai means buffalo and when I said it the kids and teachers got a great kick out of it), the Kanchanaburi National War cemetery (pronounced Sook - Sauw) which commemorates all the fallen Dutch, British, and Australian soldiers during WWII, as well as the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall.
The kids who went were assigned an English project, 3 short activities to be specific, as this was an English Day Trip. The activities weren't crazy difficult, but just enough to make them work. One specific activity however was to practice speaking English; they were supposed to speak to a foreigner and ask them for their name, where they were from, and how long they would spend in Thailand. Every time I asked a kid if they did it yet, they would say "Ah-loo-wah?" - Huh? or What?. Of course they understood me, but pretended not too. Grrr… And when I tried to get a kid to talk to a foreigner, they would bunch up in a group and be giggly. Sigh….
And although Jenny and I have been to the bridge previously, it was nice to see it during the day without a rain cloud hovering like last time. The Kanchanaburi war cemetery was quite well kept and simply beautiful. However, something shocking that we heard via one of the Thai teachers - the groundskeeper spoke to a bunch of Japanese tourists who were taking photos, and told them in not so many words that it was their ancestors which put these people in the ground, consequently causing some of them to cry and then leave. Talk about being blunt and brutal…
After these two stops, we went at last to the place I wanted to go to most of the day - the Sai Yok Noi Waterfall. This is the Thai people's local waterfall in the Kanchanaburi province. I heard if you don't play in the water, it's a great place to sit on bamboo mats and munch on Som Tam (papaya salad which I am addicted to and wanted to have horribly). I guess I was too excited….The waterfall was nothing more than a trickle due to the decrease in water level above, and I didn't see any Som Tam. Disappointing…. On the other hand, Jenny and I did get to hike and enter a small cave with some kids; and we got to buy some "healthy" nibbles i.e. Taro chips (shoe string style chips as well). YYYYum!!! Of course this was no where as exciting as it was for the Thai teachers who relaxed, had lunch, went and literally bought at least 3 bags of snacks from the stands.
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| Jenny and the kids on the bridge |
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| Itty Bitty Sai Yok and some Russians |
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| Buddha in the cave |
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| Mini Cave Explorers.. |
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| Our Van |
Sunday.
Hot. Humid. Chatuchak market - largest weekend market possibly in the world. 7 buses packed with Thai children. = sticky madness…
I didn't and still don't understand why this was a "field" trip; there wasn't anything educational about it, but from what they attempted to try to tell us - something about school policy to take the kids somewhere outside of U-Thong to explore...
When we got to the market, the teachers instructed the kids when to come back and not to do anything stupid and to stay safe (or so I assume that was what they were saying in Thai), and then let them loose. At the end of the day, I really was quite surprised no one got lost or straggled back. I mean Jenny and I wandered round and round, sometimes unsure of where we already walked or where to go. Sometimes I felt claustrophobic and worried I wouldn't get out. But two things I learned this weekend, somehow organized chaos works, and Thai teachers like to shop hardcore once the kids are away.
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| 7 Buses |
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| Don't Get Stolen Please |
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Some funnies.
I thought I'd share about my kid's daily activities: (3 favorites)
"I only eat noodle and pepsi. Sometime ice-cream."
"I eat a fried pig for breakfast and drink glass of milk."
"I do my homework and then I go to bed and dream a good dream."
"I only eat noodle and pepsi. Sometime ice-cream."
"I eat a fried pig for breakfast and drink glass of milk."
"I do my homework and then I go to bed and dream a good dream."
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Tropical New Year
After celebrating with my fellow teachers and students, I left U-Thong to start the new year with my friends. I arrived in Bangkok at the Southern Bus terminal (SaTai) to take an overnight bus (12 hours yuck…) to Phuket (excited!), and thought I'd get there just in time to fall asleep like I always do on buses….yea that wasn't the case. What a slight rain on my parade to a glorious end of 2010. I arrived too early so I sat there, and then when we got on the bus, we sat some more (couldn't sleep due to all the random stops), and let's just say all I wanted to do when we got there was ready to drop my bags down and relax on the beach.
Of course, we arrived Friday morning to an overcast and drizzly Phuket….not good that's for sure. So instead of beaching, we explored some of Patong.* Phuket was filled with tons of travelers and random western stores all over. Although it was overwhelming at times, it was handy this weekend. *Note: Phuket is sectioned by different towns. We entered in at Phuket Town where the bus terminal was, but stayed over an hour away in Patong.*
Luckily our luck and weather changed (a good sign for the new year?). The sun was peaking, and the sky cleared just enough. We got all glammed (courtesy of Allie's makeup magic) after a short nap, (of course this was in addition to after I recharged with some nachos from a little Mexican joint owned randomly by a guy from Oahu since I was starving as usual), and went downstairs to our hostel which was kind enough to host a little dinner party for NYE. Super cute of the owners, the food was yummy, and a fantastic way to meet the other people staying there - some cool Aussies, Argentians, Londoners who now work and live in China, and several Canadians (some that teach in Korea, and traveling buddies Mike and Chris).
That night was just perfect for viewing fireworks, lighting lanterns (a tradition similar to Loi Krathong - to send a lantern out in the sky to release the bad and wish/hope for a good new year), and dancing around the beach with my new friends :) and the bajillion other peoples from all over. Although I could of done without such a large mass as I felt I literally would have been swallowed by them if I didn't stay glued to some friends. I thought somehow Bangkok moved to the beach just in that night alone. It was an endless stream of people. Serious Madness….
The next day was just a relaxing day. Food. Beach. No particular order of course and repetition definitely transpired. We got to eat a delicious breakfast at the PS Hotel. hahaha. love that name. I got the Scandanavian Breakfast - a mess of potatoes, bacon, onions, chives topped with a slightly runny egg on top :) The sun was out. The water, although dirty from the fireworks that went on till as late as 4 am from my recollection after I hit the sack by 3, was pleasant enough to swim in once you pasted a certain point. I tanned, and after enough basking in the rays I finally got to finish watching Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach" at the hostel with my new buddies (Mike and Chris).
Although we only stayed in Phuket for 3days/2nights, I grew to adore the Patong Backpackers Hostel I was at. It was located in a great location (tucked in-between two business), had comfortable beds, a friendly staff, great amenities (movies galore), and great people living there - people we could actually have a conversation with; although, it was the most expensive of all the hostels I've stayed at, it was worth it (especially since I had to pee several times on NYE - I ran there for a break instead of in the beach [don't yack on me because I know ya'll do it too if you had to] or in a 20 baht bathroom).
On Sunday, I definitely didn't want to leave to teach. Talking to all these people at the hostel made my travel itch just that much more prominent. People were heading to Bali, Malaysia, Australia. But I guess it's that time to suck it up and slather on some responsibility…I was a teacher after all…
After squeezing in as much beach and sun time as possible, we left via sorng-taew later in the afternoon to the bus terminal to then take another overnight killer. However, after settling into my 12hr hole, I found myself smiling. I found myself to be smiling not just because of the slightly odd/cute attendant that was with us. I was smiling and happy because I just left Phuket with two new individuals I can call friends. I am tanned. And more importantly, I am lucky to have such amazing family and friends who love and support me in most of what I do. Oh and I definitely can't forget... I am even luckier to be getting PAID to live in this amazing country. Hopefully whatever comes my way will continue making it a great year and will keep me smiling!
So simply put…. HAPPY HAPPY 2011!!!!
Of course, we arrived Friday morning to an overcast and drizzly Phuket….not good that's for sure. So instead of beaching, we explored some of Patong.* Phuket was filled with tons of travelers and random western stores all over. Although it was overwhelming at times, it was handy this weekend. *Note: Phuket is sectioned by different towns. We entered in at Phuket Town where the bus terminal was, but stayed over an hour away in Patong.*
Luckily our luck and weather changed (a good sign for the new year?). The sun was peaking, and the sky cleared just enough. We got all glammed (courtesy of Allie's makeup magic) after a short nap, (of course this was in addition to after I recharged with some nachos from a little Mexican joint owned randomly by a guy from Oahu since I was starving as usual), and went downstairs to our hostel which was kind enough to host a little dinner party for NYE. Super cute of the owners, the food was yummy, and a fantastic way to meet the other people staying there - some cool Aussies, Argentians, Londoners who now work and live in China, and several Canadians (some that teach in Korea, and traveling buddies Mike and Chris).
That night was just perfect for viewing fireworks, lighting lanterns (a tradition similar to Loi Krathong - to send a lantern out in the sky to release the bad and wish/hope for a good new year), and dancing around the beach with my new friends :) and the bajillion other peoples from all over. Although I could of done without such a large mass as I felt I literally would have been swallowed by them if I didn't stay glued to some friends. I thought somehow Bangkok moved to the beach just in that night alone. It was an endless stream of people. Serious Madness….
The next day was just a relaxing day. Food. Beach. No particular order of course and repetition definitely transpired. We got to eat a delicious breakfast at the PS Hotel. hahaha. love that name. I got the Scandanavian Breakfast - a mess of potatoes, bacon, onions, chives topped with a slightly runny egg on top :) The sun was out. The water, although dirty from the fireworks that went on till as late as 4 am from my recollection after I hit the sack by 3, was pleasant enough to swim in once you pasted a certain point. I tanned, and after enough basking in the rays I finally got to finish watching Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Beach" at the hostel with my new buddies (Mike and Chris).
Although we only stayed in Phuket for 3days/2nights, I grew to adore the Patong Backpackers Hostel I was at. It was located in a great location (tucked in-between two business), had comfortable beds, a friendly staff, great amenities (movies galore), and great people living there - people we could actually have a conversation with; although, it was the most expensive of all the hostels I've stayed at, it was worth it (especially since I had to pee several times on NYE - I ran there for a break instead of in the beach [don't yack on me because I know ya'll do it too if you had to] or in a 20 baht bathroom).
On Sunday, I definitely didn't want to leave to teach. Talking to all these people at the hostel made my travel itch just that much more prominent. People were heading to Bali, Malaysia, Australia. But I guess it's that time to suck it up and slather on some responsibility…I was a teacher after all…
After squeezing in as much beach and sun time as possible, we left via sorng-taew later in the afternoon to the bus terminal to then take another overnight killer. However, after settling into my 12hr hole, I found myself smiling. I found myself to be smiling not just because of the slightly odd/cute attendant that was with us. I was smiling and happy because I just left Phuket with two new individuals I can call friends. I am tanned. And more importantly, I am lucky to have such amazing family and friends who love and support me in most of what I do. Oh and I definitely can't forget... I am even luckier to be getting PAID to live in this amazing country. Hopefully whatever comes my way will continue making it a great year and will keep me smiling!
So simply put…. HAPPY HAPPY 2011!!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Roosters.
They just need to shut up. They don't just crow at dawn, which is bad enough and quite annoying. Rather they cuckoo at all times of the day. It's this screechy yelp rather than what we imagine it to be via cartoons. Why!!!! Ugh...
And my kids don't even like you as an animal.
Last week I did a lesson revolving animals. And one of the questions I asked was, "What animal would you like to be?" One of my students said, "I think an ant." I resounded, "An ant? Not a hamster, shark, cat, or rooster?" "Roosters make noise. Shark is mean. And a hamster is kitty's food." My response was straight out laugh. Love my kids. hahahahah
And my kids don't even like you as an animal.
Last week I did a lesson revolving animals. And one of the questions I asked was, "What animal would you like to be?" One of my students said, "I think an ant." I resounded, "An ant? Not a hamster, shark, cat, or rooster?" "Roosters make noise. Shark is mean. And a hamster is kitty's food." My response was straight out laugh. Love my kids. hahahahah
Jim Thompson
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| God's Eyes |
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| Random Silk Art |
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| Field of pretty pretty flowers |
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| What can I say? I like pumpkins... |
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| Lucky Money Ox |
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| Reacting old school silk techniques |
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| Ryan, C, Liz, and I posing on a pumpkin - Thai Style |
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| Jim Thompson's Farm |
happy happy happy
So it's been a while since I last updated. Whoops. This hopefully will flow in order from the 3-day weekend in Khao Yai.
It's been a crazy flurry of testing and grading my little munchkins. Yes it was that time of the semester….midterms. I was testing them on what I've taught the past couple of months. I had less than 20 question on how to spell or to draw things relating to family (ex. grandfather), weather (ex. storm), food (ex. vegetable, pineapple), and body (ex. elbow). Simple enough right? Hardly. Add in grading and it was no walk in the park. Remember I have about 60 kids in each class and about 20 classes total, and so truth be told, I was tempted to just give a class average. After some consideration (and realization that I have to turn in grades at the end of the semester)…ehhh… their grade is their grade. This will serve to be a wakeup call to them.
My class isn't hard. We do a little vocabulary, I teach a short lesson/ give students a worksheet, and then play a game relating to the lesson. All they need to do is listen and attempt to participate. Guess time will tell how they behave after the test. I'll let you know once I find out myself.
***Jim Thompson blog***
Besides that, I received some awesome packages and letters from friends and family this holiday season. It helped ease the homesickness that suddenly crept up on me. I guess those holiday times are a tricky bugger. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SENT/EMAIL WARM THOUGHTS AND GOODIES MY WAY. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! <3
And so Christmas was a warm affair in Bangkok. We celebrated in a new part of the town, Sukhumvit and RCA [Royal City Area]; went for a little Mexican instead…rather a lot of Mexican food from this one little place - La Monita. Love Love Love. <3 Woot for a BayArea folk opening up shop in Thailand. We proceeded to splurge - courtesy of Starbucks with some holiday java, and then Saturday night wandered to Siam Square to view the lights and Xmas decorations. I was blown away with how many people came out. But then again…this is Thailand. This is what they do - take tons of photos when they can. And furthermore, how else would you celebrate this holiday in a country that generally doesn't know much or has never seen snow and hardly knows what a pine tree/douglas fir/etc… looks like. Close but no cigar.
For New Years, the girls and I preplanned to head to Phuket (thank goodness since places were booked, and prices went up). But before I celebrated with them, I celebrated with my school. U-Thong had a large running/marathon to the temple down the street. Tons of kids filled the field and I was surprised that some actually ran. They bombarded the gates and sprinted down the street. As they were going, the teachers began their run. This was a competition for all to participate, but all I was thinking was I should of rode my bike alongside them hahahaha. Of course I didn't…I walked with Jenny and many of the other students who came to realize that running in the heat despite the occasional breeze at 830am was no bueno.
So of course it's not a celebration without food, presents, and singing; and that was what followed. There was a two hour presentation of trophies to the winning runners of several age groups, and a raffle of an assortment of donated prizes from the community (ex. clocks, sweaters, umbrellas, tvs, dvd players, fans, and MO-PED [which was the ultimate prize dangling in front of the students all week]. Insane! By noon, all the students and teachers split to their respective homerooms or to their buildings to celebrate the upcoming year. Jenny and I were invited to go to the Commercial building to eat and celebrate with them (our go to Thai family - Wanchai and Tu besides our lovely local coordinators). And celebrate we did. We had two servings of this delicious noodle. Yum!!! This is one of my favs….thick gravy broth slavering over thick rice noodles and vegetables. We helped hand out raffle prizes. Simple gifts like whitening lotion/body wash, a hello kitty pillow, pots and pans, water filter, doremon things, etc… made them so happy.
And then Tu took us to the quad. There was a stage and extremely large speakers set up… ohh this was what Jenny and I my students told us was where they were going to dance and sing…right??? Not quite. We assumed the students were traditionally singing and dancing, but it was actually a concert. What a surprise! I never thought U-Thong would have such a event. The kids went insane. A sea of yellow and red uniforms, jumping all around, going crazy to their favorite pop songs.
What a way to end 2010, and a way to begin 2011! A little morning exercise, the giving away of prizes, with food, music, and dance to end the school day.
(New Years in Phuket to come shortly...)
It's been a crazy flurry of testing and grading my little munchkins. Yes it was that time of the semester….midterms. I was testing them on what I've taught the past couple of months. I had less than 20 question on how to spell or to draw things relating to family (ex. grandfather), weather (ex. storm), food (ex. vegetable, pineapple), and body (ex. elbow). Simple enough right? Hardly. Add in grading and it was no walk in the park. Remember I have about 60 kids in each class and about 20 classes total, and so truth be told, I was tempted to just give a class average. After some consideration (and realization that I have to turn in grades at the end of the semester)…ehhh… their grade is their grade. This will serve to be a wakeup call to them.
My class isn't hard. We do a little vocabulary, I teach a short lesson/ give students a worksheet, and then play a game relating to the lesson. All they need to do is listen and attempt to participate. Guess time will tell how they behave after the test. I'll let you know once I find out myself.
***Jim Thompson blog***
Besides that, I received some awesome packages and letters from friends and family this holiday season. It helped ease the homesickness that suddenly crept up on me. I guess those holiday times are a tricky bugger. THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SENT/EMAIL WARM THOUGHTS AND GOODIES MY WAY. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!! <3
And so Christmas was a warm affair in Bangkok. We celebrated in a new part of the town, Sukhumvit and RCA [Royal City Area]; went for a little Mexican instead…rather a lot of Mexican food from this one little place - La Monita. Love Love Love. <3 Woot for a BayArea folk opening up shop in Thailand. We proceeded to splurge - courtesy of Starbucks with some holiday java, and then Saturday night wandered to Siam Square to view the lights and Xmas decorations. I was blown away with how many people came out. But then again…this is Thailand. This is what they do - take tons of photos when they can. And furthermore, how else would you celebrate this holiday in a country that generally doesn't know much or has never seen snow and hardly knows what a pine tree/douglas fir/etc… looks like. Close but no cigar.
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| Double Cali Fish Taco |
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| Chelsea, Allie, Jenna, and I |
For New Years, the girls and I preplanned to head to Phuket (thank goodness since places were booked, and prices went up). But before I celebrated with them, I celebrated with my school. U-Thong had a large running/marathon to the temple down the street. Tons of kids filled the field and I was surprised that some actually ran. They bombarded the gates and sprinted down the street. As they were going, the teachers began their run. This was a competition for all to participate, but all I was thinking was I should of rode my bike alongside them hahahaha. Of course I didn't…I walked with Jenny and many of the other students who came to realize that running in the heat despite the occasional breeze at 830am was no bueno.
So of course it's not a celebration without food, presents, and singing; and that was what followed. There was a two hour presentation of trophies to the winning runners of several age groups, and a raffle of an assortment of donated prizes from the community (ex. clocks, sweaters, umbrellas, tvs, dvd players, fans, and MO-PED [which was the ultimate prize dangling in front of the students all week]. Insane! By noon, all the students and teachers split to their respective homerooms or to their buildings to celebrate the upcoming year. Jenny and I were invited to go to the Commercial building to eat and celebrate with them (our go to Thai family - Wanchai and Tu besides our lovely local coordinators). And celebrate we did. We had two servings of this delicious noodle. Yum!!! This is one of my favs….thick gravy broth slavering over thick rice noodles and vegetables. We helped hand out raffle prizes. Simple gifts like whitening lotion/body wash, a hello kitty pillow, pots and pans, water filter, doremon things, etc… made them so happy.
And then Tu took us to the quad. There was a stage and extremely large speakers set up… ohh this was what Jenny and I my students told us was where they were going to dance and sing…right??? Not quite. We assumed the students were traditionally singing and dancing, but it was actually a concert. What a surprise! I never thought U-Thong would have such a event. The kids went insane. A sea of yellow and red uniforms, jumping all around, going crazy to their favorite pop songs.
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| The "Start" of the Race |
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| On the way to the temple |
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| Go Go Go!!! |
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| The Ultimate Prize - MoPed!! |
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| Delicious Noodles - without the gravy |
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| Just an offering to the masses... |
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| Jenny and I getting groovy with our kids |
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| Enough Said. |
(New Years in Phuket to come shortly...)
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