First Week of Teaching

June 12, 2012

Yesterday was my first real day of teaching. I wnt into the classroom having absolutely no ida what I was going to do but some how I managed to wing it.

I'm still trying to gage the students English abilities which in most cases are non existent. Still being in the classroom feels natural and fun. In the morning I was given a microphone and was told to introduce myself to about 1500 students. It was embarrassing but fun.

The students make me feel great, they all greet me all the time and tell me I'm beautiful. I have to say they make me feel truly blessed to teach them.

I went home after school and worked out (did a jail cell workout) and read and entertained myself. I have found solitude to be my worst enemy; not only do I question myself, my thoughts, my decisions, my past, my future and everything else in the realm of my reality but I also question everyone in my life... Like my co-worker said "its not about what I am planning to do when I get back, it's about what the changed me will want and will do".

If anything, this experience is already making me a better, stronger, more solid, more selfless person. Depending on only me, questioning myself, and defining clearly what I want and need as a person is setting a pathway that I am bound to follow. A pathway that when crossed by other people will be met by someone who can give and receive a lot more than the person I was yesterday.

PS. My motherboard on my computer broke so all of this has been journaled by hand like in the good old days and copied. Yet one more defining rough patch that will add to the experience.

And then I Found Paradise… Koh Samed

Being in complete culture shock after arriving in my small village, I decided it would probably be best to take off for the weekend. I called a couple of my friends from orientation and was actually able to arrange with Jessica to meet and go to Koh Samed.

I left by Songthaew at 4 pm from Wangchan (where I live). Songthaew is basically a converted pick up truck. You ride in the back with a other people (sometimes packed like sardines); and go wherever you need to go. I felt like I was in a movie, I couldn’t believe I was doing this, much less I couldn’t believe I was doing this alone.

When I arrived at Rayong, about 45 minutes later, I called Jessica. She was delayed and did not know when she would get there and there was no way of asking as most people in Thailand cant speak English… So I went to a nearby little restaurant got a beer and listened to my iPod and read my book. It was wonderful.

She arrived about an hour later; we got another songthaew this time to a port which was about 25 minutes away. We were super packed! She stood the whole way and though I was sitting I was wishing I could be standing… being squished between Thai people who cannot for the life of them communicate with you can be an awkward experience to say the least.

We got to the port where we took a boat to Koh Samed Island… The boat was full of people and food; it was dark but we were very excited to go on this adventure. When we finally got to the island they made us climb through another boat, and mounds of rice to get off the boat. Jessica and I found this incredibly odd, we couldn’t help but laugh at the situation.

We walked the island until we reached a place called “Jep’s Bungalows”; we got a room, got settled and decided to go out for a night of drinking and dancing! It was awesome!!! We first went to eat and they had nachos on the menu! I was soooo excited. They were the worst nachos I have ever had in my life but I LOVED every single bite. We then decided to go dancing. 

Koh Samed Island is awesome! It is very beautiful and full of bars and restaurants. The beaches are white and the water is crystal blue. The heat is not too bad as there is a constant breeze. Paradise to say the least. There are motorcycles EVERYWHERE. You can rent one for about ten dollars a day and ride around and explore; something I will definitely be doing on my next trip to the island.

We stopped at the first loud fun bar we saw, we ordered a bucket of mojitos and began our night. We were amazed at how many gay men there were. We were very confused and thought that maybe the island was just a very popular gay destination; we found out the next day that that was not the case. We had stumbled into the gay bar in town and as naïve as we are thought it was just pure coincidence. Oh to be a tourist! Hahaha!

We made a couple of friends who are stationed around Thailand teaching English but at International Schools. We exchanged information and hopefully get to see them in the future. We had this young good looking guy approach us and start talking to us. He had a wedding ring on when he first came to talk to us, and magically his ring switched hands… Oh Thailand. He kept buying us drinks and trying soooo hard. It was so funny because even though he was American you could tell that he thought we had no idea what was going on, but we were on to him so quick and laughing about it the whole night. He kept trying and trying but obviously did not get anywhere with us… Instead we danced the night away with our new gay friends.

The next day we woke up early and booked an excursion of the 5 islands around Koh Samed. We got some breakfast and laid by the beach as we waited to get picked up by our boat. In our boat was a group of new Thai graduates. One of them was able to communicate with us and we became friends. They were so interested in us and we were so interested in them. They all laughed as Jess and I tried to speak Thai, it was so much fun. We had some lunch at the first island and then went to stop number two.

Stop number two was hilarious. Jessica decided that we shouldn’t snorkel by the boat but instead we should follow our new Thai friends. They seemed to know where they were going and there was probably better snorkeling there. So in our bikinis, our bare feet, and with our snorkeling gear on we followed them as they went through a trail (they were all wearing similar attire). Little did we know that this turned into a 45 minute hike through a random trail, in a random island, in Thailand. It was hilarious. We were so lost but kept going because we did not want to turn back. I have to say it was the best hike I have ever been on (amazing views, hilarious people, no shoes, and communicating by sign language and broken English).

After this we went and saw the remaining island. We ended our trip by going to a “aquarium”. We got to look at sketchily look at fish and sharks and a sea turtle.

We finished our excursion and went back to our hotel. We got ready and went out for dinner. To my surprise I was so sick of the horrible western food that I was craving some Thai food. I ordered some lab (one of the only dishes I like), and a couple drinks. We ate and killed some time enjoying the view. We then went to another local bar. It is the bar where they hold all the Mai Tai fights. We sat at the bar and hung out with the bartenders for a few hours. This bar provides you with black light paint to paint yourself and all over the walls. We painted all over the place and shared stories with the Thai bartenders. I think this was by far my favorite part of the trip.

We left a little after nine to go catch the fire show at another local bar. It was incredibly. The agility and athleticism of these guys is something I have never experienced before. We sat and enjoyed the show until it was over and then exhausted after a long day of exploring and having fun decided to go back to the hotel and go to sleep. What a wonderful first weekend vacation.

I Understand Why It’s Called the Land of Smiles…

I woke up Friday still depressed, still doubting my decision, and to be honest still wanting to go home. I finished unpacking my things, getting my room together, and then took off to school.

I went to the teachers lounge where I got my schedule I teach either 3 or 4 classes every day. I teach 7^th to 12^th grade, and my classes range from advanced to the worst students in the school (that’s going to be a challenge).

I was supposed to observe a few classes the rest of the day and that was it. The Thai English teacher told me to come with her; her first period was two hours and I was to observe.

The dynamics in a Thai classroom are quite different. There are no bells, there is no sense of time “Thai time”, and kids are very relaxed yet very respectful. They all come to the classroom from when the class starts until about 20 minutes in; we are not supposed to say anything and just let it be. They take their shoes off and go sit down. When most of them are sitting they all stand up and in chorus say “Good morning teacher, how are you”, to which we answer “Good morning students, I am fine thank you and how are you?” etc. and then we tell them they can sit. They don’t get grades, and no one is allowed to fail.

Back to my first class, the teacher spoke to them in Thai and then told me to go to the front and introduce myself; after I did she told me to teach the class. I had to wing it and teach 45 students for 2 hours. I was a little bit scared at first but just went with it. It was actually pretty cool!

After that I observed another class and just walked around the school. The students were sooooo excited to see me whenever I walked by! They all wanted to great me, touch me, and ask me questions. They kept calling me beautiful and going to great lengths to grab my attention. By the end of the afternoon I felt a million times better than I did before….

I Miss Home...

Yesterday was the last day of orientation. As it is to be expected Olivia and I were late for breakfast and orientation (we had to pack all of our belongings and bring them to the front desk). When we got to orientation we all went to our usual training room where we learned about living and traveling in Thailand. We went to lunch where once again I tried some new food, and surprisingly enough I liked most of it. We then took some more Thai lessons. I can now say a few words here and there (Sawaadeh Kah= Hello, Kapun Kah= Thank you, Mai Ben lai = Your welcome, let it be, sort of “hannukah matata”).

Throughout orientation I was somewhat home sick. Let me explain, today we all leave each other and Bangkok to go to our villages. I just got to a whole new country where I don’t know the language, the food, the people, etc.; and when I finally start getting used to it I get thrown back into the mix. I guess I am getting what I bargained for; I wanted to get out of my element and live, learn, and grow, and that is exactly what I am doing.

After orientation, our school coordinators were waiting for us. We met them grabbed our bags and left for the school. My orientation and the teachers who picked me up are incredibly sweet and nice. They ALWAYS smile and like to touch my arms and hands.

We got into the school van and drove two hours south to my small village, Wangchan, in the province of Rayong. Personally, I think being in an elevator is one of the most awkward situations ever; if you do to imagine it times a million! I sat in a van with 6 people who kept talking and laughing in Thai while I could not communicate with anyone. I just had to keep smiling and trying to make the best out of the situation.

The drive was beautiful!!! So much nature; beautiful hills and trees EVERYWHERE! It was amazing. When we finally got to my town it was exactly what I expected, yet I still was in shock. For those of you who have been to a third world country, imagine that, for those of you who haven’t, imagine the ghetto areas of Oakland or somewhere else in the US, completely run down but no factories.

The school is a big and pretty school. It is gated and I live inside it, in the teacher housing. It is very minimal living to say the least. I will post pictures because there is no way I can describe this. The English teacher home is still being worked on (they are adding a bedroom for me), so I am staying in a little shack by myself. I have a little room and a squat bathroom, and no sink, and… oh man I don’t even know how to write about this; I guess I will just post pictures.

I had a breakdown; I just don’t know if I can do this. I am pushing myself above and beyond my limits; but thanks to my parents, Allan, and John I was reminded of why I am here. I am here to help people, to humble myself, to live, learn, and grow. To spend time alone and figure out who I am, what I need to fix, and to accept those things that I can’t; and that is exactly what I will do.

Oh ps. There are dogs EVERYWHERE! There are the two cutest little puppies that live on the street right by new home. They can never replace my Izzy and Leila but I they will somehow make me feel more at home. 

Orientation

Wednesday June 6, 2012

Yesterday was our first official day of orientation. We were met at our hotel by Phillip and walked to the OEG office which is about a 25 minute walk away. The orientation lasted from 9 am until 5 pm and was very intense. We first learned Thai for a couple of hours, learned English teaching methods, and learned about the Visa process. At lunch we went to a giant cafeteria like area, it was all full of street vendors and we each got to pick what we wanted to eat. I ate some chicken and rice but did not really like it.

After orientation we all went out to dinner. We ordered a ton of food, I tried everything and ate enough to be full, but once again I was not very in love with the food. In the middle of our meal it started pouring rain!!! A slight remainder that it is monsoon season in Thailand; how exciting!

Later on at night, a few of us decided to go to Kaho San Road. This is a famous road where all the backpackers and foreigners go to. It is full of small bars, vendors, clubs, and activity. It was incredible! The energy, the lights, the colors, everything was so much fun!

It was our first night out and we were all ready to let loose a bit. We went to a bar ordered a couple of beers and a few buckets of Mojitos.

We walked around and decided to stop at a different bar to get some “Fucking Hell Beer”, it was absolutely disgusting but worth the pictures.

Finally we went to a last bar where the girls ordered a hookah and we talked with a few other foreigners. A particular guy from Australia came and sat with us and convinced us of trying fried maggots! So disgusting, but again, this is a once in a lifetime experience so I kind of had to it! There is no backing out now…

Just joking... I didn't eat it, but maybe at some point during this trip I will... 

Then out of the middle of nowhere a group of Thai break dancers started competing in the middle of the street. It was unreal! They were so good at it and it was so amazing to watch people with such agility and body strength. It was a great ending to a great night.  

Today orientation was long the least. Nothing too interesting happened. We did go to a North Easter Thai restaurant and for the first time since this trip I loved the food! LOVED LOVED LOVED the food. It was like Thai mixed with Mexican and it was delicious! There goes my diet... I guess Im not starving after all! 

After orientation Olivia and I walked home... In the pouring rain! I love the rain in the heat. It feels wonderful... Apparently foreigners do to, while walking we didnt see a single Thai person walking but did cross a few foreigners, some with umbrellas and some not.

We got to the hotel and ordered the best grossest pizza I have ever had and fell asleep really early. 

The Grand Palace

I was sick until 5 in the morning. I felt like I was going to die, laid in bed all afternoon and all night crying wishing my mom was here taking care of me. Oh yes, 25, and I still revert to a child who wants her mother and is completely worthless when sick… Thank God my orientation roomie, Olivia, took care of me and made sure I wouldn’t die. I was so sick that we called Phillip, the guy who runs the whole program, and told him I probably would not make it the next day. Yet, still, true to my character I woke up at 7 am and met the rest of the group in the lobby ready to go at 7:30 am.

We were told to wear something long enough that it would cover our knees and something that would not show our shoulders. We were going to the Grand Palace. It was Monday, and a national holiday, it was on this day 2600 years ago that Buddha gave his first sermon (or something of the sort, I was so sick that I really can’t remember as much as I would like).

The Grand Palace was beautiful. The architecture was incredible, very ornate. We took a tour that was about an hour and a half. We got to hear all the history and all about the King, but really all that stuck out to me was that his mother was a commoner and that believe it or not the King of Thailand was born in Boston! How cool is that?

While touring around we got approached by a group of Asian people, they started speaking to me and I had no idea what they were saying. My tour guide got really upset and told them to leave. She then told me that they were asking to take a picture with me, it was kind of flattering but kind of strange. From then on I was incredibly aware of random people taking pictures of our group… how awkward!

We then got to go into the temple and look at the Buddha! I was amazed at how small it was compared to its huge temple! But again, it was beautiful! The architecture, the detail, everything, it was like nothing I have seen before.

I was also given a holly egg by a monk. Pretty cool… but it ended up in the trash at the end of the night.

When we were done with our tour we walked through some more street markets and killed time until lunch. It was while walking the tiny Thai streets, where mostly only Thai people hang out that it hit me; I’m not just a tourist, I’m not just a backpacker, for now and for the next few months I am a resident. I am Thailand resident working for the Thai Government.

We then head out to lunch to a buffet, I wasn’t feeling good so I skipped out and went back to the hotel. I went to bed very early and slept through the afternoon and night; tomorrow was the first real day of my orientation to be an English teacher in Thailand. 


Oh and here is the O.G. Crew!