Chapter 23: Thailand

After school I walked around campus and ran into Jeng and 4 of his friends.  We took a walk through the woods and pointed things out…I taught them in English and them in Thai.  Buffalo- quai, chicken- guy, this continued until it started pouring down rain.  We quickly ran for cover to an abandoned building.  For an hour we played games…I taught them a few and they taught me.  They even knew one potato, two potato…but in Thai.  It made me realize that where ever you are and whatever language you speak…all kids are te same at heart.  They love to play games and have fun.  And deep inside I think I will always be a kid…

I’ve also met and have grown very fond of my neighbor Audamaupan.  She is the Thai language teacher. She is older and very funny.  I think I will learn a lot from her.  She brings me bananas everyday from the tree in her yard.

 Finally, I’ve begun teaching classes.  The children seem happy to be in class and the ones that usually skip are attending my classes.  We’ll see how long that lasts.  The children are great though and many of them are shy, but eager to learn.  I taught them how to shake hands the other day and they thought it was the funniest thing.  Now all they want to do is shake my hand:)

 many hugs and kisses abroad.  missing many of the comforts from home, but I’m realizing that most of them are not needed.  Thinking about you all and I truely appreciate all the comments.

ps happy halloween! celebrate and have fun for me:)

Today I met Jeng. He is a student who helped me clean up my room and put pictures up.  He is very interested in the United States and probably knows more than many secondary students know in the states.  The reason I write about him is because he sang the national anthem with me.  Ofcourse, he did not know the words perfectly, but he knows the sound of them and sang the entire thing.  We also drew a map together and labeled the states he knew.  He does not know a lot of English, but he tries to talk to me whenever he can.  Singing with him today touched me.  aw…i know dont cry…

Today I receieved my thai name from the other teachers..."Pi Lin" meaning jewlery.  I've taken out my nose ring and put on the yellow shirt.  I am official thai English teacher.  They are all welcoming and my picture is posted ... [Continue reading this entry]

I'm trying to post as often as possible...but I am finding it difficult with week wifi:( Last night, I met and spoke with my new Thai directors and coordinators at the school I will be teaching at in Uthai Thani. ... [Continue reading this entry]

 Bangkok's full name in Thai: Krungthep - maha nakorn - amorn ratanakosindra - mahindrayudhya - mahadilokpop noparatana rajdhanee - buririom - udom rajnivet mahastan - amorn pimarn avatarn satit - sakkattiya vishnukarm prasit Which can be translated into english as following : The ... [Continue reading this entry]

I ordered a Thai fettuccine dish last night, with little spice, (nid noi phet ka) and it burned my mouth off.  I think I may have finished 5 bottles of water at dinner.  It's taste was worth it though and ... [Continue reading this entry]

Yes, it surprised me too, but there is still a starbucks on every corner in Bangkok.  After a 13 hour flight plus six more from Tokyo and close to 10000  miles later, I've finally arrived in destination Bangkok.  Seems like ... [Continue reading this entry]