Sawadee, sorry I was so lame yesterday, I was feeling a bit down. Back to my normal self today though and I had a superb day so far.
Im back at Wiangfe's with the Iceland girls and Elena. We went to the Elephant market and then came here...whoa whoa whoa. I better start from this morning.
Well, yesterday was extremely hot and on my long bike ride home my bike started acting up and nearly broke. I literally had to use all the strength I could muster just to keep the bike moving and by the time I got home I literally thought I was going to vomit from being so tired. I showered and laid in bed for a while reading. The positive about this was that it meant that I did not have to bike to school this morning. Elena's bike broke yesterday too, she had a flat tire so she had already arranged for Awsawin to take us to school. I arrived at school nice and clean...what a change from yesterday lol.
I had my first class at 9:30. The teacher gave me a workbook and told me I was to read the story and have the children repeat me line for line. (I am really frustrated with the way they teach because the children arent learning) I looked at her and said..."do you really think that will help them to learn?" She looked at me, shocked (I had shocked myself too) and she said shook her head no. Instead I decided to teach them vocab words...check out my pictures. It was successful..I hope. I got to play outside with the kids a long time too which was great fun. Jump rope, Thai jacks and badminton. :) One of the the teachers..Oats..drove me home which was absolutely glorious.
I got back and read for a while then Elena got home and we went with the Iceland girls to the Elephant market. I of course bought more sack pants...I couldnt resist. GIANT SIDENOTE: I RIPPED THREE HOLES IN MY BLACK SACK PANTS THIS MORNING WHEN I STOOD UP AFTER BREAKFAST. A FREAKING NAIL SNAGGED THEM! I also bought some little necklaces for my sisters. So cute. The big purchase of the day, however, was my soda in a bag. Yes, soda in a bag. Its cheaper than cups so they literally pour the soda into a small bag and give you a straw. Quite the experience. Check out the pics.
This market was a lot smaller than the one in BKK but it was just as interesting. There were literally some of the grossest sights and smells ever. All sorts of weird..vegetables or fruit or who knows what. There was all sorts of raw or dried meats. And smoke. But there were also lots of sweets so there were some places that smelled good...their version of cotton candy and also like praline thingys with nuts. Dogs were everywhere as well as chickens and a goose and some cats. Overall its just really an interesting place to be. I always feel bad taking pictures at the market though because it is people's workplaces, its not a tourist attraction. People actually go there to shop so it seems weird for me to take pictures. I already draw enough attention to myself just being white.
Tonight is Elena's last night (shes the only other American here) so we are going to Swensen's for "dinner" aka ice cream sundaes or waffles. I havent decided yet. So much for losing weight lol.
Much happier today thank goodness. Oh, and I am going to Ko Tao this weekend which is like a beach. Tari: I promise Ill wear sunscreen! :)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Day 8
Sawadeeeee. I hate to break it to everyone but today was a pretty boring day so I dont have much to say.
I woke up this morning and it was raining. It was truly one of those days where you just want to lay in bed with a good book. Btw...I finished the book I was reading and I am quite sad. I have started another book, one of Elena's. Elena and I called Awsawin so that he could give us a ride to school since it was raining and he made me over an hour late for school. When I arrived I immediately had to teach. Just vocab today. We played a version of tic tac toe where I put words on a tic tac toe board. There were two teams and the kids had to chose a word and give the past tense version of it. For example...see to seen. If they did this their team got an x or an o and they had to get three in a row. It worked really well. We played this for an hour or so then I went to talk to Punch...the male teacher who speaks english. At 11:30 we had lunch and it was extremely spicy. After lunch I got to wander around and play with the children. I learned a lot of names today...like Bus, Ping Pong, Tongue, Keem, Bim, Deem Sayoh (mom, this is pronounced how Nick says Nathaniel...thats how I remember it!), Some, Tone, Earth, Watine and others. It was a lot of fun. The kids also think its the most fun in the world to ask me places where I have been. They say "have you ever been to..." because that is one of the phrases I taught them and they all cheer when I say yes. They also find it hysterical when I say Phuket for some reason and die laughing whenever I speak it.
The other interesting part of my day was that I had to teach an art class. They just expect me to do whatever...its so strange. It was funny though. I had the kids draw nature and animals and I also kind of taught them how to say certain animals in english. I have learned so much about thinking on the spot and coming up with things to do.
Now I am back Tony's place for dinner and to use the internet...with all the girls from the hostel.
Thats all for now...told you it was going to be short. I hope all is well at home!
I woke up this morning and it was raining. It was truly one of those days where you just want to lay in bed with a good book. Btw...I finished the book I was reading and I am quite sad. I have started another book, one of Elena's. Elena and I called Awsawin so that he could give us a ride to school since it was raining and he made me over an hour late for school. When I arrived I immediately had to teach. Just vocab today. We played a version of tic tac toe where I put words on a tic tac toe board. There were two teams and the kids had to chose a word and give the past tense version of it. For example...see to seen. If they did this their team got an x or an o and they had to get three in a row. It worked really well. We played this for an hour or so then I went to talk to Punch...the male teacher who speaks english. At 11:30 we had lunch and it was extremely spicy. After lunch I got to wander around and play with the children. I learned a lot of names today...like Bus, Ping Pong, Tongue, Keem, Bim, Deem Sayoh (mom, this is pronounced how Nick says Nathaniel...thats how I remember it!), Some, Tone, Earth, Watine and others. It was a lot of fun. The kids also think its the most fun in the world to ask me places where I have been. They say "have you ever been to..." because that is one of the phrases I taught them and they all cheer when I say yes. They also find it hysterical when I say Phuket for some reason and die laughing whenever I speak it.
The other interesting part of my day was that I had to teach an art class. They just expect me to do whatever...its so strange. It was funny though. I had the kids draw nature and animals and I also kind of taught them how to say certain animals in english. I have learned so much about thinking on the spot and coming up with things to do.
Now I am back Tony's place for dinner and to use the internet...with all the girls from the hostel.
Thats all for now...told you it was going to be short. I hope all is well at home!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 7
Im back at my little coffee shop in Ayuttaya with Elena :)
Today I got to sleep in, sleep in. I mean til like 11 oclock! Toon was still asleep when I got up so I got out my book (the girl who played with fire) I am almost done with it and will be ready for a new book soon...maybe I will be able to find the sequel somewhere! When she woke up we went and got juice from the little mart down the hall and got ready. We decided we would go and see a movie since thats one of the things I was told I have to do while in Thailand.
So we took a cab to the mall and walked to buy a ticket. We chose to see Green Lantern. It only cost 320 baht for both of us to see the movie which is like $10 and then we got a big popcorn and two big sodas for 159 baht or about $5. It was insanely cheap compared to American movie theaters. When we got inside we sat in our assigned seats and watched the previews. Those were in Thai. Then all of a sudden everyone stood up and we all listened to the 'royal song' and watched a little slide show of the king. It was funny. Then we all had to bow to the screen. Then the movie started. It was soooooo loud!!! Toon said all theaters are like that. The movie plays in english with thai subtitles. At some parts I was the only one laughing and I think it is because a lot of the jokes dont transfer well to Thai. The movie was good and the experience was good too. Next, I want to see a thai movie with english subtitles...Im thinking a love story.
After that we went to the 'food court' check out my pics to see what it was like. Then I took a van back to Ayuttaya for 40 baht or just over $1.
Im gonna head back to the hostel in a little bit. p.s. its pouring here right now for the first time since Ive been here. Like torrential downpour. Wish me luck getting back!
Today I got to sleep in, sleep in. I mean til like 11 oclock! Toon was still asleep when I got up so I got out my book (the girl who played with fire) I am almost done with it and will be ready for a new book soon...maybe I will be able to find the sequel somewhere! When she woke up we went and got juice from the little mart down the hall and got ready. We decided we would go and see a movie since thats one of the things I was told I have to do while in Thailand.
So we took a cab to the mall and walked to buy a ticket. We chose to see Green Lantern. It only cost 320 baht for both of us to see the movie which is like $10 and then we got a big popcorn and two big sodas for 159 baht or about $5. It was insanely cheap compared to American movie theaters. When we got inside we sat in our assigned seats and watched the previews. Those were in Thai. Then all of a sudden everyone stood up and we all listened to the 'royal song' and watched a little slide show of the king. It was funny. Then we all had to bow to the screen. Then the movie started. It was soooooo loud!!! Toon said all theaters are like that. The movie plays in english with thai subtitles. At some parts I was the only one laughing and I think it is because a lot of the jokes dont transfer well to Thai. The movie was good and the experience was good too. Next, I want to see a thai movie with english subtitles...Im thinking a love story.
After that we went to the 'food court' check out my pics to see what it was like. Then I took a van back to Ayuttaya for 40 baht or just over $1.
Im gonna head back to the hostel in a little bit. p.s. its pouring here right now for the first time since Ive been here. Like torrential downpour. Wish me luck getting back!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Day 6
Good morning everyone.
Yesterday was a full day of adventure. I woke up in the morning and packed my things and Julia and I set off for Bangkok. We rode a tuk tuk to the train station the took a train for fifteen baht (50 cents!) and rode for two hours to BKK. It was hot on the train because there is no air conditioning but I read the whole way and it went by quickly. Then when I got to the train station I messaged Toon and told her I was there. There were a few complications...her friend who was driving her to Bangkok got into a car accident on the way. That meant that she wouldnt be there to pick me up. So I had to take a subway alone to the market and her mom would pick me up when I got off there. That was quite interesting...lol. But it all worked out and her mother greeted me when I exitted the station.
The market was huge! It was like nothing I had ever seen before. There were so many people. Her mom told me to make sure to hold onto my bag because people might cut it off of me and steal it! We arrived...
im gonna pause for now...im in bangkok for heaven's sake...im going out to enjoy the day!
just kidding. Toon just went to get into the shower. We are going to go and see a movie and get lunch before I head back to Ayuttaya.
Okay so where was I...oh yeah, we arrived at her mother's shop and I set down my bags. Her mother ordered me lunch...noodles and chicken and I got to eat it with chopsticks. Oh so asian. It was delicious. Then I got to kind of talk with Toon's mom and the woman who was like her nanny growing up. I think her name is Wed. Then her mom told me I could pick out bags to bring to my sisters lol so I was doing that and Toon and her boyfriend, Nong showed up. After that we went to walk around the ginormous market...this is the exciting part.
We first stopped at this little stand because Toon wanted me to try milk tea. There is like this little man with two pitchers and he dances around and splashes the tea from one to the other. Its hard to explain but I took pics and there will also be a video eventually. The tea was interesting tasting but I was more interested in the stand next door where they were making homemade coconut milk ice cream so that was our next stop. I got to eat it right out of the coconut shell and boy was it delicious.
For the next few hours we weaved in and out of rows and rows of clothes and jewelry and food and just about anything you can imagine being at a market. I bought some of my first souvenirs for my friends and some of my cousins...stuff I just could not resist. I bought more baggy Aladdin pants because I am pretty sure they are the best thing ever invented :) I will not be allowed to where them in public once I am home Im sure...lol. It is really cool to shop here but kind of annoying too because when I ask how much something is they tell me one price but as soon as Toon asks for me they give her a much cheaper price...apparently I am just a stupid farong (falong, or foreigner.)
After shopping for quite some time we emerged back on the main road of the market. I was told they sell pets at this market so we set off to find the animals. It took us a while to find the animals but there was no mistaking the smell once we did. There was everything from turtles to puppies...snakes to hedgehogs. Im not kidding...you could buy hedgehogs. You could buy chipmunks and squirrels...I ALMOST BOUGHT ONE FOR OUR ROOM CAP AND SAN. There were trays and trays of worms and maggots and other insects. There were cats and kittens and puppies of all breeds and birds and bunnies and ducks and chickens. Pretty much any animal you could possibly own as a pet was there. Check out my pictures if you dont believe me. It was insane.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention...before we went and saw all the pets we passed this man who was selling fried bugs and...baby birds. Dead. Fried. Baby. Freaking. Birds. I couldnt believe it. I was thoroughly appalled. He wanted me to eat them. I was so freaked out that I just walked away. I still wonder where he gets said baby birds. Disgusting...
So anyyyway. Back to my adventure. We were done shopping/walking around at like 7 oclock. We got back to Toon's mom's shop and we all set off to get a cab to Toon's aunt's restaurant to have a birthday dinner for Kitiya...Toon's mom. Once we got there I got to meet all sorts of Toon's family including her aunts, uncles and cousins. Some of her mom's friends came to join the celebration, too. At first I just ordered what I wanted to eat but then Toon told me that you basically order something that you really want to eat but then when it comes everyone just shares. Its like family style. I actually loved this because I never would have known what thai food to order and this way I got to try everyone else's. Plus, everyone else's food always looks better than mine does lol. I ordered italian food and so did Nong and I also ordered a salad...the first salad I have seen here that didnt come with mayonaise on top of it lol. But I also got to try a bunch of other food like pork and chicken and rice and soup and even...cow tongue. Yes, I ate cow tongue. Had they not told me what it was I would have eaten more of it because it just tasted like meat. However, the eat idea of putting tongue in my mouth appalled me. There was sooo much food on the table and I got to try portions of all of it. A little bit later on Toon's brother and his girlfriend came. It was really great to meet her brother. Toon told me he wanted to talk to me, but he didnt say much. I had a great time at the birthday party. There were a couple of live bands at the restaurant playing american songs lol and it was kind of funny to listen to them. We took lots of pictures and stayed until about 11:30 then we took a cab back to Toon's school. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the way there and passed out in her bed as soon as I got inside.
Yesterday was a full day of adventure. I woke up in the morning and packed my things and Julia and I set off for Bangkok. We rode a tuk tuk to the train station the took a train for fifteen baht (50 cents!) and rode for two hours to BKK. It was hot on the train because there is no air conditioning but I read the whole way and it went by quickly. Then when I got to the train station I messaged Toon and told her I was there. There were a few complications...her friend who was driving her to Bangkok got into a car accident on the way. That meant that she wouldnt be there to pick me up. So I had to take a subway alone to the market and her mom would pick me up when I got off there. That was quite interesting...lol. But it all worked out and her mother greeted me when I exitted the station.
The market was huge! It was like nothing I had ever seen before. There were so many people. Her mom told me to make sure to hold onto my bag because people might cut it off of me and steal it! We arrived...
im gonna pause for now...im in bangkok for heaven's sake...im going out to enjoy the day!
just kidding. Toon just went to get into the shower. We are going to go and see a movie and get lunch before I head back to Ayuttaya.
Okay so where was I...oh yeah, we arrived at her mother's shop and I set down my bags. Her mother ordered me lunch...noodles and chicken and I got to eat it with chopsticks. Oh so asian. It was delicious. Then I got to kind of talk with Toon's mom and the woman who was like her nanny growing up. I think her name is Wed. Then her mom told me I could pick out bags to bring to my sisters lol so I was doing that and Toon and her boyfriend, Nong showed up. After that we went to walk around the ginormous market...this is the exciting part.
We first stopped at this little stand because Toon wanted me to try milk tea. There is like this little man with two pitchers and he dances around and splashes the tea from one to the other. Its hard to explain but I took pics and there will also be a video eventually. The tea was interesting tasting but I was more interested in the stand next door where they were making homemade coconut milk ice cream so that was our next stop. I got to eat it right out of the coconut shell and boy was it delicious.
For the next few hours we weaved in and out of rows and rows of clothes and jewelry and food and just about anything you can imagine being at a market. I bought some of my first souvenirs for my friends and some of my cousins...stuff I just could not resist. I bought more baggy Aladdin pants because I am pretty sure they are the best thing ever invented :) I will not be allowed to where them in public once I am home Im sure...lol. It is really cool to shop here but kind of annoying too because when I ask how much something is they tell me one price but as soon as Toon asks for me they give her a much cheaper price...apparently I am just a stupid farong (falong, or foreigner.)
After shopping for quite some time we emerged back on the main road of the market. I was told they sell pets at this market so we set off to find the animals. It took us a while to find the animals but there was no mistaking the smell once we did. There was everything from turtles to puppies...snakes to hedgehogs. Im not kidding...you could buy hedgehogs. You could buy chipmunks and squirrels...I ALMOST BOUGHT ONE FOR OUR ROOM CAP AND SAN. There were trays and trays of worms and maggots and other insects. There were cats and kittens and puppies of all breeds and birds and bunnies and ducks and chickens. Pretty much any animal you could possibly own as a pet was there. Check out my pictures if you dont believe me. It was insane.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention...before we went and saw all the pets we passed this man who was selling fried bugs and...baby birds. Dead. Fried. Baby. Freaking. Birds. I couldnt believe it. I was thoroughly appalled. He wanted me to eat them. I was so freaked out that I just walked away. I still wonder where he gets said baby birds. Disgusting...
So anyyyway. Back to my adventure. We were done shopping/walking around at like 7 oclock. We got back to Toon's mom's shop and we all set off to get a cab to Toon's aunt's restaurant to have a birthday dinner for Kitiya...Toon's mom. Once we got there I got to meet all sorts of Toon's family including her aunts, uncles and cousins. Some of her mom's friends came to join the celebration, too. At first I just ordered what I wanted to eat but then Toon told me that you basically order something that you really want to eat but then when it comes everyone just shares. Its like family style. I actually loved this because I never would have known what thai food to order and this way I got to try everyone else's. Plus, everyone else's food always looks better than mine does lol. I ordered italian food and so did Nong and I also ordered a salad...the first salad I have seen here that didnt come with mayonaise on top of it lol. But I also got to try a bunch of other food like pork and chicken and rice and soup and even...cow tongue. Yes, I ate cow tongue. Had they not told me what it was I would have eaten more of it because it just tasted like meat. However, the eat idea of putting tongue in my mouth appalled me. There was sooo much food on the table and I got to try portions of all of it. A little bit later on Toon's brother and his girlfriend came. It was really great to meet her brother. Toon told me he wanted to talk to me, but he didnt say much. I had a great time at the birthday party. There were a couple of live bands at the restaurant playing american songs lol and it was kind of funny to listen to them. We took lots of pictures and stayed until about 11:30 then we took a cab back to Toon's school. I was so tired that I fell asleep on the way there and passed out in her bed as soon as I got inside.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Day 5
Sawaddeeeeee!
Fridays I dont go to work so Ive just been hanging around for the day, therefore, I dont have much to write today.
Last night we had pad thai for dinner. Its like noodles and bean sprouts and tofu and other vegetables except they put a lot of sugar in it so I wasnt really a fan. Plus, after the lunch that I had I wasnt at all hungry. After dinner we walked to Tony's place which is like a restaurant, internet cafe, bar, hotel and you can also get massages there as well. I ordered a watermelon, pineapple and banana 'fruit shake' and it was delicious. Then we walked home after a few hours.
I actually slept decent for the first time since Ive been here and since I didnt have school I was able to sleep in. At 8:45 I woke up (yes mom, this is when I naturally woke up and was ready to get up and also what I call sleeping in a little.) I went outside and had papaya and granola for breakfast. The rest of the people staying at the hostel went to different places for the weekend so it was just me and Julia from Germany there. We sat and talked and Sukanya came and talked for a little bit. After a while we decided since it was such a beautiful day that we would bike to one of the local hotels and ask to use the pool. It was actually super close to Tony's place so like a ten minute bike ride. We had to pay 80 baht each to use the pool or like...just over $2. lol. And it was absolutely gorgeous...check out my pictures! We swam and laid out in the sun for like 3 hours...I used sunscreen on my arms and chest but neglected my face and legs. Big mistake. Im baked and sooooo sore. It was wonderful to swim though...so relaxing. I was really happy. The sky started to get extra cloudy so we left the pool and biked to Swennsen's which is like a Friendlys and had the most delicious sundae ever. So much for losing weight while Im here! Then we biked home and I laid in bed and read for a while.
Now I am back at Tony's place with Elena. She is from Washington. I will probably spend most of the evening here since there are a lot of fans and internet lol. They also serve American food...cheeseburgers and fries so I might have to treat myself. Again, so much for losing weight!
Tomorrow I will take a train in the morning with Julia to Bangkok or BKK to spend the rest of the weekend with Cartoon. We will go to the market and since its her mother's birthday we will have a party at some restaurant. Im sooo looking forward to that. :)
Sorry I dont have any interesting stories today...it was a pretty mellow day. I will be gone for the weekend so I dont know how much Ill post but Ill at least update it when I return!
<3 to all!
Fridays I dont go to work so Ive just been hanging around for the day, therefore, I dont have much to write today.
Last night we had pad thai for dinner. Its like noodles and bean sprouts and tofu and other vegetables except they put a lot of sugar in it so I wasnt really a fan. Plus, after the lunch that I had I wasnt at all hungry. After dinner we walked to Tony's place which is like a restaurant, internet cafe, bar, hotel and you can also get massages there as well. I ordered a watermelon, pineapple and banana 'fruit shake' and it was delicious. Then we walked home after a few hours.
I actually slept decent for the first time since Ive been here and since I didnt have school I was able to sleep in. At 8:45 I woke up (yes mom, this is when I naturally woke up and was ready to get up and also what I call sleeping in a little.) I went outside and had papaya and granola for breakfast. The rest of the people staying at the hostel went to different places for the weekend so it was just me and Julia from Germany there. We sat and talked and Sukanya came and talked for a little bit. After a while we decided since it was such a beautiful day that we would bike to one of the local hotels and ask to use the pool. It was actually super close to Tony's place so like a ten minute bike ride. We had to pay 80 baht each to use the pool or like...just over $2. lol. And it was absolutely gorgeous...check out my pictures! We swam and laid out in the sun for like 3 hours...I used sunscreen on my arms and chest but neglected my face and legs. Big mistake. Im baked and sooooo sore. It was wonderful to swim though...so relaxing. I was really happy. The sky started to get extra cloudy so we left the pool and biked to Swennsen's which is like a Friendlys and had the most delicious sundae ever. So much for losing weight while Im here! Then we biked home and I laid in bed and read for a while.
Now I am back at Tony's place with Elena. She is from Washington. I will probably spend most of the evening here since there are a lot of fans and internet lol. They also serve American food...cheeseburgers and fries so I might have to treat myself. Again, so much for losing weight!
Tomorrow I will take a train in the morning with Julia to Bangkok or BKK to spend the rest of the weekend with Cartoon. We will go to the market and since its her mother's birthday we will have a party at some restaurant. Im sooo looking forward to that. :)
Sorry I dont have any interesting stories today...it was a pretty mellow day. I will be gone for the weekend so I dont know how much Ill post but Ill at least update it when I return!
<3 to all!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Day 4
Sawadee :)
Im back in the coffee shop, drinking cantaloupe soda (its...okayy..)
Lots has happened since I wrote yesterday. I left school and biked back to the hostel. I had to shower as soon as I got back because I was so sweaty. Its really hot to bike in. I sat around for a little while then a group of us who are staying at the hostel decided to bike to the floating market. Its pretty scary to bike since its all like mini highways and in Thailand they drive on the opposite side of the road as us but we made it and locked up our bikes. We decided not to rent a boat but to just walk around the market instead. There were like a hundred little shops for clothes and trinkets and food and jewelry; pretty much anything you can think of. It was really fun to just wander around. I bought a pair of pants...you should really see these things. They are like royal blue Aladdin pants but soooo comfortable and only 200 baht which I think is like 6 or 7 dollars. I bought them because its super hard to bike in skirts all the time but because my school is Buddhist I have to wear things below my knee AT LEAST. I also tried a few free samples of snacks that were being sold. The t-shirts there were sooo funny and random. I cant wait to buy all my girlfriends and sisters a tee haha.
I forgot to mention the floating market is right next to an elephant zoo thing...there were a million of them just walking in the streets. I got to touch one of them but sadly didnt get a picture. There was also a man riding a bike with a side car in it. I was riding my bike behind him as we were leaving and out popped a baby tiger. A REAL baby tiger...just chilling in the side cart. It was insane.
When we got home I wasnt feeling very well so I organized my things a little bit and lay down to rest and read. Im still sick though...I woke in sweats several times in the night despite the AC being on 20 degrees C. :(
Today I biked to school wearing my new pants lol. It was teacher day today so there were no classes, just a ceremony. I sat down and waited for about 30 minutes for the ceremony to begin. There is younger guy...probably 25 years old...that speaks english so he was explaining things to me. There was another guy...a huge guy...who kept saying things about me in thai to this english speaking teacher. He told me he was saying that I was very beautiful. lol. Then the children started singing, well practicing singing, as song that they would sing later in the ceremony. Most of them only knew the chorus of the song but when it came to that part boy did they belt it out. I was laughing so hard at this lol. It was so cute. They sang this over and over again. Then, all of a sudden everyone stood. In walked two men and they mustve been very important. Thats when the ceremony began. There were six girls elaborately dress that came forward and danced. Then two girls sang and then the whole group sang. Then they offered gifts to the teachers, two by two. They had to kneel and bow in order to do this. All of the students had flowers for the teachers. Next, a monk came in and again everyone stood. He sat in a special chair and gave envelopes to certain children and money to others and to certain teachers and to the headmaster...I didnt understand this part. After this the teacher came over to me and told me that I could go sit outside for an hour until it was time for lunch so I went outside. Then a bunch of kids came over to talk to me. Check out the pics I just posted...they loved my camera!
Then I went back inside and had to go into a room and listen to the monks for like an hour. Then people brought them in food and we watched them eat. Then finally it was time for us to eat. They took me to the lunch room and brought me a feast...check out my pics to see what I ate. It was all really good and I was stuffed afterwards! Then I got to bike it all off on the way home haha.
Thats all for now...Im really gettting sleepy even though its only almost four here. I may go take a nap. Talk to you all soon!
Im back in the coffee shop, drinking cantaloupe soda (its...okayy..)
Lots has happened since I wrote yesterday. I left school and biked back to the hostel. I had to shower as soon as I got back because I was so sweaty. Its really hot to bike in. I sat around for a little while then a group of us who are staying at the hostel decided to bike to the floating market. Its pretty scary to bike since its all like mini highways and in Thailand they drive on the opposite side of the road as us but we made it and locked up our bikes. We decided not to rent a boat but to just walk around the market instead. There were like a hundred little shops for clothes and trinkets and food and jewelry; pretty much anything you can think of. It was really fun to just wander around. I bought a pair of pants...you should really see these things. They are like royal blue Aladdin pants but soooo comfortable and only 200 baht which I think is like 6 or 7 dollars. I bought them because its super hard to bike in skirts all the time but because my school is Buddhist I have to wear things below my knee AT LEAST. I also tried a few free samples of snacks that were being sold. The t-shirts there were sooo funny and random. I cant wait to buy all my girlfriends and sisters a tee haha.
I forgot to mention the floating market is right next to an elephant zoo thing...there were a million of them just walking in the streets. I got to touch one of them but sadly didnt get a picture. There was also a man riding a bike with a side car in it. I was riding my bike behind him as we were leaving and out popped a baby tiger. A REAL baby tiger...just chilling in the side cart. It was insane.
When we got home I wasnt feeling very well so I organized my things a little bit and lay down to rest and read. Im still sick though...I woke in sweats several times in the night despite the AC being on 20 degrees C. :(
Today I biked to school wearing my new pants lol. It was teacher day today so there were no classes, just a ceremony. I sat down and waited for about 30 minutes for the ceremony to begin. There is younger guy...probably 25 years old...that speaks english so he was explaining things to me. There was another guy...a huge guy...who kept saying things about me in thai to this english speaking teacher. He told me he was saying that I was very beautiful. lol. Then the children started singing, well practicing singing, as song that they would sing later in the ceremony. Most of them only knew the chorus of the song but when it came to that part boy did they belt it out. I was laughing so hard at this lol. It was so cute. They sang this over and over again. Then, all of a sudden everyone stood. In walked two men and they mustve been very important. Thats when the ceremony began. There were six girls elaborately dress that came forward and danced. Then two girls sang and then the whole group sang. Then they offered gifts to the teachers, two by two. They had to kneel and bow in order to do this. All of the students had flowers for the teachers. Next, a monk came in and again everyone stood. He sat in a special chair and gave envelopes to certain children and money to others and to certain teachers and to the headmaster...I didnt understand this part. After this the teacher came over to me and told me that I could go sit outside for an hour until it was time for lunch so I went outside. Then a bunch of kids came over to talk to me. Check out the pics I just posted...they loved my camera!
Then I went back inside and had to go into a room and listen to the monks for like an hour. Then people brought them in food and we watched them eat. Then finally it was time for us to eat. They took me to the lunch room and brought me a feast...check out my pics to see what I ate. It was all really good and I was stuffed afterwards! Then I got to bike it all off on the way home haha.
Thats all for now...Im really gettting sleepy even though its only almost four here. I may go take a nap. Talk to you all soon!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
just a side note...
1. Sorry for all the typos
2. I forgot...last night one of the girls ordered alfredo and she made me taste it to see if it tasted American/Italian...surprisingly it did.
3. Just had to give a speech to the whole school about myself, where Im from and what I like about Thailand...then someone translated it for me. Can you say awwkward? They applauded...almost a standing ovation hahaha.
2. I forgot...last night one of the girls ordered alfredo and she made me taste it to see if it tasted American/Italian...surprisingly it did.
3. Just had to give a speech to the whole school about myself, where Im from and what I like about Thailand...then someone translated it for me. Can you say awwkward? They applauded...almost a standing ovation hahaha.
Last Night/Day 3
Sawadee!
I have to be brief ish...idk how long I have to be in the computer room. I am at school and already taught me first class and had lunch!
Last night proved to be verrrry interesting. Toon surprised me and picked me up to spend the night with her soo I quickly packed a bag and we were on our way. Her friends Ploy and Ai were in the car (not sure how to spell Ai) and we drover for a while then stopped at this little side stand. There they sold filled breads. It was like American dinner rolls filled with basically anything you wanted from chocolate to fruit to meat. I got blueberry. Ploy chose 'sausage' which turned out to be hotdog. I then had to explain the difference between hotdogs and sausages...it was actually really hard. They thot hotdog meant sausage in a roll. lol.
Then we got to Toon's dorm...which was super nice btw...and I got to try tons more food. I first tried mangosteen and fell in love. Then I tried lots of different dishes...like a seafood, curry dish and some soup and what they call cellophane noodles (google it) It was spicy but I liked it. They also bought me Thai snacks to try and I had some disgusting corn puff thing and a gross homemade banana candy and some koala thing that tasted like chocolate dunakroos lol. It was fun. There were like ten people here by now...I cant remember all their names...there was an Effy, Golf, Joe...I dont remember the rest...
Thennnnnn we all went to the club. It was soooo funny! I feel bad saying it but it was. It was similar to clubs in the US but...I guess Thai style. There was a sign out front that said 'PHAT' : pretty highly attractive' lol I died laughing. Thai dancing is obviously way different too but its really hard to explain. I tried to show them how Americans dance and they were all like "wahhhhhh!!!!' I think its too....sultry...for them hahaha. They played a lot of popular American songs though so I was able to sing along. It was fun. We left around 12:30 and went home and went to bed.
This morning we took a taxi then a van to get back to Ayuttaya. Then I had to bike 6 km to work. MISERABLE. I was dying by the time I got here and Im pretty sure I have massive bruises on my rear end from the seat. It was soooo hot. As soon as I arrived I was ushered to my classroom. I was DISGUSTINGLY sweaty but the children mustve thought I was a queen lol. It is their custom to rise to greet the teacher so they did and performed wai and said 'good. morning. teacher. how. are. you. today." slowly but in unison. lol it was soooo cute! Then they all rushed forward to shake my hand and compare skin tones. Then I taught..
They know some english thank god. I was given a workbook and told what to teach them. First we had to practice 'whats his name? his name is..." and we role played it after they repeated after me. Then we sat in a circle and passed a ball while we sang 'happy birthday' since its the only American song they know and when the song stopped I would ask the person holding 'whats his name?' and point to a student. It was fun. Then I taught them the words baby, boy, boat, rubber and job and had to draw a picture of each but it was really hard to draw a picture for rubber and job...I hope they got it. Then we played hangman with these words and others that I knew they know. I think it went well...
I just want to note that I have never seen so many children so...excited...or fascinated to see me. Everywhere I go they follow me and say hello and smile and stare. Its so cute lol. There is currently a large group of boys standing behind me watching me type even though they have no idea what I am writing. They keep touching my hair and saying hello.
Lunch was good. It was like..soup and then rice with this vegetable...maybe chopped green beans with chili to make it spicy and pork possiibly...? I dont ask, I just eat. I also got to try rambutan, a fruit, for the first time. Google it. There was a little, little girl in there and she kept bringing them to me and whispering something in Thai. Her mom said that the she was saying I was beautiful. SO CUTE! They all laughed at me as I tried to open it...its hard to do!
I guess thats all for now. Its just really amazing how every moment I learn something new. Everything is just amazing.
bye!
I have to be brief ish...idk how long I have to be in the computer room. I am at school and already taught me first class and had lunch!
Last night proved to be verrrry interesting. Toon surprised me and picked me up to spend the night with her soo I quickly packed a bag and we were on our way. Her friends Ploy and Ai were in the car (not sure how to spell Ai) and we drover for a while then stopped at this little side stand. There they sold filled breads. It was like American dinner rolls filled with basically anything you wanted from chocolate to fruit to meat. I got blueberry. Ploy chose 'sausage' which turned out to be hotdog. I then had to explain the difference between hotdogs and sausages...it was actually really hard. They thot hotdog meant sausage in a roll. lol.
Then we got to Toon's dorm...which was super nice btw...and I got to try tons more food. I first tried mangosteen and fell in love. Then I tried lots of different dishes...like a seafood, curry dish and some soup and what they call cellophane noodles (google it) It was spicy but I liked it. They also bought me Thai snacks to try and I had some disgusting corn puff thing and a gross homemade banana candy and some koala thing that tasted like chocolate dunakroos lol. It was fun. There were like ten people here by now...I cant remember all their names...there was an Effy, Golf, Joe...I dont remember the rest...
Thennnnnn we all went to the club. It was soooo funny! I feel bad saying it but it was. It was similar to clubs in the US but...I guess Thai style. There was a sign out front that said 'PHAT' : pretty highly attractive' lol I died laughing. Thai dancing is obviously way different too but its really hard to explain. I tried to show them how Americans dance and they were all like "wahhhhhh!!!!' I think its too....sultry...for them hahaha. They played a lot of popular American songs though so I was able to sing along. It was fun. We left around 12:30 and went home and went to bed.
This morning we took a taxi then a van to get back to Ayuttaya. Then I had to bike 6 km to work. MISERABLE. I was dying by the time I got here and Im pretty sure I have massive bruises on my rear end from the seat. It was soooo hot. As soon as I arrived I was ushered to my classroom. I was DISGUSTINGLY sweaty but the children mustve thought I was a queen lol. It is their custom to rise to greet the teacher so they did and performed wai and said 'good. morning. teacher. how. are. you. today." slowly but in unison. lol it was soooo cute! Then they all rushed forward to shake my hand and compare skin tones. Then I taught..
They know some english thank god. I was given a workbook and told what to teach them. First we had to practice 'whats his name? his name is..." and we role played it after they repeated after me. Then we sat in a circle and passed a ball while we sang 'happy birthday' since its the only American song they know and when the song stopped I would ask the person holding 'whats his name?' and point to a student. It was fun. Then I taught them the words baby, boy, boat, rubber and job and had to draw a picture of each but it was really hard to draw a picture for rubber and job...I hope they got it. Then we played hangman with these words and others that I knew they know. I think it went well...
I just want to note that I have never seen so many children so...excited...or fascinated to see me. Everywhere I go they follow me and say hello and smile and stare. Its so cute lol. There is currently a large group of boys standing behind me watching me type even though they have no idea what I am writing. They keep touching my hair and saying hello.
Lunch was good. It was like..soup and then rice with this vegetable...maybe chopped green beans with chili to make it spicy and pork possiibly...? I dont ask, I just eat. I also got to try rambutan, a fruit, for the first time. Google it. There was a little, little girl in there and she kept bringing them to me and whispering something in Thai. Her mom said that the she was saying I was beautiful. SO CUTE! They all laughed at me as I tried to open it...its hard to do!
I guess thats all for now. Its just really amazing how every moment I learn something new. Everything is just amazing.
bye!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Day 2
Sawadee everyone! Thats hello in Thai :) I am back in the coffee shop...Wiangfe's drinking a blueberry soda (sooo much better than the strawberry!) I know I was supposed to be working today but if there is one thing Ive learned in the past three days its that plans change and I have just got to learn how to roll with it.
>>>SIDE NOTE: I posted some pics on Facebook. Be sure to check them out!
I woke up this morning like I was supposed to and was ready to go by 8 am but Awswin (not sure how to spell it Thai style but thats how you say it) was late arriving to take me to work. I sat outside on the patio just relaxing. I dont know if Ive mentioned him before but there is this little old man that kind of hangs around our hostel. We call him either the gatekeeper or the shirtless man. He is really old and ridiculously wrinkling and we always emerges from the alley. He has a tendency of 'borrowing' shoes from the people living here. The only english word he knows is 'morning' and that is how he greets us no matter the time of day. Hes pretty cool. The reason I mention him is because as I was sitting there he approached me holding a shaft of bamboo. He said morning and began to motion for something to write with. I handed him a pen and said 'pen.' He repeated me. Then he took and used it to cut open the bamboo. Inside it kind of looked like sushi...it was like purple rice wrapped in like...thin thin paper. He ripped off a piece and ate it. Then he shoved it at me to eat. Its impossible to say no to an elder here so I accepted, took a piece and ate it. It tasted like...sweet rice...and felt like over cooked, sticky oatmeal. I said 'mmmm good' he looked and me, overjoyed and said 'mmmm good.' Pretty sure I made his day haha.
Finally Awswin arrived to take me school. We left the hostel and set on our way to his car. He realized he forgot something so he sat me down on a bench to wait for him to get back. Seated next to me was an older man who was holding a baby (SO CUTE!) He was selling roosters. Awswin later explained that they are sacred or something. The man kept telling me...'50 baht! 50 baht!' He wanted me to buy a rooster...what the heck was I going to do with a rooster??? I kept trying to refuse until finally Awswin rescued me and we were on our way. He showed me the route that I will have to bike tomorrow morning to get to work...I dont know how he expect me to remember it. Wish me luck!
>>>SIDE NOTE: all the people staying at the hostel are with different organizations and we all work at different school. on thursday another girl with be arriving and she will be at the same school as me.
So we arrived at the school and we had to take our shoes off before entering. Then we went into an office so that I could be interviewed. In Thailand when you meet someone you must 'wai.' This means that you put your hands together like you are praying, raise your hands to the bridge of your nose, bow and say Sawadee. I greeted the headmaster like this and we proceeded with the interview. It was weird to sit there and listen to them talk about me but have no idea what they were saying. Every now and then they would look at me and smile and I would smile too but I have no idea why. I guess she liked me because I start tomorrow. The school is for 5-12 year olds and I will be working with 10-12 year olds. I died when I saw a long line of tiny little girls in uniform waving at me and smiling when I went to leave. Maybe I will get to play with them though! I work from 8-2 everyday and I am in charge of three different classrooms at different times. I have no idea what they expect me to do...Ive never taught english before. I was supposed to be feeding and playing with little children, not teaching 12 year olds english! Oh well, everything happens for a reason.
Awswin took me back to the hostel and Sukanya…that’s the woman that lead me around yesterday told me I am basically on my own for the day. So I packed my bag and walked here to update this thing. When I am done I will walk back and then take my bike to the market and see what that’s like. Maybe Ill try some fruit or something, who knows? I may even be back here later.
>>>SIDE NOTE: I posted some pics on Facebook. Be sure to check them out!
I woke up this morning like I was supposed to and was ready to go by 8 am but Awswin (not sure how to spell it Thai style but thats how you say it) was late arriving to take me to work. I sat outside on the patio just relaxing. I dont know if Ive mentioned him before but there is this little old man that kind of hangs around our hostel. We call him either the gatekeeper or the shirtless man. He is really old and ridiculously wrinkling and we always emerges from the alley. He has a tendency of 'borrowing' shoes from the people living here. The only english word he knows is 'morning' and that is how he greets us no matter the time of day. Hes pretty cool. The reason I mention him is because as I was sitting there he approached me holding a shaft of bamboo. He said morning and began to motion for something to write with. I handed him a pen and said 'pen.' He repeated me. Then he took and used it to cut open the bamboo. Inside it kind of looked like sushi...it was like purple rice wrapped in like...thin thin paper. He ripped off a piece and ate it. Then he shoved it at me to eat. Its impossible to say no to an elder here so I accepted, took a piece and ate it. It tasted like...sweet rice...and felt like over cooked, sticky oatmeal. I said 'mmmm good' he looked and me, overjoyed and said 'mmmm good.' Pretty sure I made his day haha.
Finally Awswin arrived to take me school. We left the hostel and set on our way to his car. He realized he forgot something so he sat me down on a bench to wait for him to get back. Seated next to me was an older man who was holding a baby (SO CUTE!) He was selling roosters. Awswin later explained that they are sacred or something. The man kept telling me...'50 baht! 50 baht!' He wanted me to buy a rooster...what the heck was I going to do with a rooster??? I kept trying to refuse until finally Awswin rescued me and we were on our way. He showed me the route that I will have to bike tomorrow morning to get to work...I dont know how he expect me to remember it. Wish me luck!
>>>SIDE NOTE: all the people staying at the hostel are with different organizations and we all work at different school. on thursday another girl with be arriving and she will be at the same school as me.
So we arrived at the school and we had to take our shoes off before entering. Then we went into an office so that I could be interviewed. In Thailand when you meet someone you must 'wai.' This means that you put your hands together like you are praying, raise your hands to the bridge of your nose, bow and say Sawadee. I greeted the headmaster like this and we proceeded with the interview. It was weird to sit there and listen to them talk about me but have no idea what they were saying. Every now and then they would look at me and smile and I would smile too but I have no idea why. I guess she liked me because I start tomorrow. The school is for 5-12 year olds and I will be working with 10-12 year olds. I died when I saw a long line of tiny little girls in uniform waving at me and smiling when I went to leave. Maybe I will get to play with them though! I work from 8-2 everyday and I am in charge of three different classrooms at different times. I have no idea what they expect me to do...Ive never taught english before. I was supposed to be feeding and playing with little children, not teaching 12 year olds english! Oh well, everything happens for a reason.
Awswin took me back to the hostel and Sukanya…that’s the woman that lead me around yesterday told me I am basically on my own for the day. So I packed my bag and walked here to update this thing. When I am done I will walk back and then take my bike to the market and see what that’s like. Maybe Ill try some fruit or something, who knows? I may even be back here later.
So I start work tomorrow and then Cartoon is going to pick me up at the hostel around 3 and I will go and spend the evening with her and her friends. I think she wants to go dancing so Ill be going clubbing Thai style! She is going to bring me a phone too so I will be able to call and receive calls from home and Iraq!
I hope everyone is welllllll! I miss you all but I am having the time of my life and Ive only been here for two days!
Day 1
Wellllllll. Im going to first describe my living conditions. I told you about the bunk beds. Hard as a rock. There was air conditioning though...thank God! But really the most bizarre part was the bathroom. The shower and the toilet are in the same place. I shower...with the toilet..
Its basically just a little whole in the wall and the water just runs all over the floor and out a little hole in the wall. Of course I wore shower shoes. The water was cold but I actually really enjoyed it. It was refreshing. There was also a little hose next the toilet, the kind that is attached to a kitchen sink, but I didnt know what that was for...I assumed migits. jk jk. Later I found out though, that Thai people dont use toilet paper because their sewer system isnt good and thats to uhh...spray yourself off.
I also met my roommates this morning. Elena and..I dont know how to spell the other's name but Ill get on that. Elena is from Washington and the other is from Germany. There are a bunch of other people at the hostel as well from all over...Britain, Ecuador, Iceland, France and Germany. Oh, and a guy from Texas. I havent met all of them yet.
So this morning after I was all showered and dressed the little woman who runs the program came and got me to take me on a tour of the city. We drove all around. We visited a few ancient temples, we ate lunch, we saw elephants, we rode a Tuk-Tuk (basically like a miniature vehicle. google it!) to the mall and walked around there for a bit. It was scorchingly hot...but an eye opener for sure. I went back to my room and napped. Sorry this post is so lacking in details...Im skyping my boyfriend for the first time in over a month while sitting in a thai coffee shop sipping homemade strawberry soda! Such a highlight of the day!
More next time!
ohhh...shoot...no...
I start work tomorrow. Change of plans. I will NOT be working in a child care center. I WILL be working in a school with 7-15 year olds teaching them english. Sad about the age change but still super excited. NOT excited about the 2 mile bike ride in 95 degree weather...one way. lol...I better drop some weight during this trip!
Its basically just a little whole in the wall and the water just runs all over the floor and out a little hole in the wall. Of course I wore shower shoes. The water was cold but I actually really enjoyed it. It was refreshing. There was also a little hose next the toilet, the kind that is attached to a kitchen sink, but I didnt know what that was for...I assumed migits. jk jk. Later I found out though, that Thai people dont use toilet paper because their sewer system isnt good and thats to uhh...spray yourself off.
I also met my roommates this morning. Elena and..I dont know how to spell the other's name but Ill get on that. Elena is from Washington and the other is from Germany. There are a bunch of other people at the hostel as well from all over...Britain, Ecuador, Iceland, France and Germany. Oh, and a guy from Texas. I havent met all of them yet.
So this morning after I was all showered and dressed the little woman who runs the program came and got me to take me on a tour of the city. We drove all around. We visited a few ancient temples, we ate lunch, we saw elephants, we rode a Tuk-Tuk (basically like a miniature vehicle. google it!) to the mall and walked around there for a bit. It was scorchingly hot...but an eye opener for sure. I went back to my room and napped. Sorry this post is so lacking in details...Im skyping my boyfriend for the first time in over a month while sitting in a thai coffee shop sipping homemade strawberry soda! Such a highlight of the day!
More next time!
ohhh...shoot...no...
I start work tomorrow. Change of plans. I will NOT be working in a child care center. I WILL be working in a school with 7-15 year olds teaching them english. Sad about the age change but still super excited. NOT excited about the 2 mile bike ride in 95 degree weather...one way. lol...I better drop some weight during this trip!
Travel/Arrival
As you can imagine the travel was pretty sucky. I was sick as a dog and I was en route for over 24 hours. It was awful. It was better though, because on my flight from Chicago to Tokyo there were only two of us in a three across and on my final flight it was just me in a three across. I was so sick that I couldn’t eat anything on the plane…and I still haven’t eaten anything. So basically I’ve been fasting since dinner at Sylvia’s on the 16th minus a popsicle, half a yogurt, a few bites of lime jello, water and two potato chips. I'm dying.
So that’s all I'm going to say about the travel for now…there may be more stories later. But let’s talk about my arrival. All went well when I got off the plane. I was surprised to find my luggage. The way the trip had been going so far I assumed it would be lost. When I got exited the baggage claim area I had no idea where to go to meet Cartoon and Mr. Kai (the man taking me to the hostel.) I wandered for about twenty minutes until I saw Cartoon sprinting towards me, teary eyed. I dropped my stuff and began crying as well out of joy and relief to see her. She gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and her mom gave me a bag and her mom’s “friend” gave me a box of chocolates. Then she introduced me to Mr. Kai whom she had sought out and found for me. She’s such a good sister. Then we left the airport. She said to call her as soon as I got the my new home and that she would see me on Wednesday.
So on my way to the hostel I was freaking out, partly because I was excited to finally be here but I was really scared too. It was an hour drive. I tried to talk to Mr. Kai but his English isn’t very good so it was hard. Everything was gorgeous and exotic…that is, until we go to Ayutthaya. It was like a very poor city, I would even say it’s like what we call inner city. There were markets set up along the road and a lot of the buildings were in poor condition. It got even worse when we got to “old Ayutthaya” where I would be staying. There were lots of people on motor bikes and I saw a couple of pickup trucks with probably ten young children in the back…and this was 1 a.m. It was basically the ghetto.
Then Mr. Kai pulled down this little side street and up to this gated building. He gave me his phone to call Cartoon and then went to the gate and shook/rattled it until a sleepy-eyed man came and undid the padlock. There were stray dogs and cats all up and down the dirt road. It was rather creepy. Then he walked me inside the gate and around the back of the building. There was a stone wall with little pieces of glass along the top of it. He unlocked a room and gave me the key. I stepped inside a tiny room smaller than my freshman dorm. I had two roommates but of course they were asleep. I had the top bunk so I basically dropped my things on the floor and climbed up...onto stone hahaa. The bed is hard as a rock but it worked just fine. I was finally able to stretch out. I fell asleep quickly but was awakened by the sounds of stray dogs trying to kill each other or the stray cat with a nub tail.
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