When it rains...

it pours here. People say you can set your watch to it. I do not think we are at that point yet, but we do get the occasional storm every couple days. It's beautiful when it's just lighting storms over the ocean off in the distance. We are dreading riding the motorbike to work in the rain. Ugh.

Speaking of water related subjects...  Brian washing clothes in the bathroom...Tsunami Wave!

This past weekend while he was at Dive School, I decided to be Susie Homemaker and do the laundry. He was feeling a bit ill, and I had nothing else to do but plan lessons. I had a nice system - soak in the sink, rinse off in the tub, ring out on the side of the tub, hang on the drying racks out on our balcony. No mess or water all over the place. A long process but easy enough. Your fingers do start to ache. Makes you appreciate washing machines! or Jang downstairs :)

I went into the bathroom today to find my sacred stash of tampons soaked! It was like interviewing one of my kid's at school! He wouldn't confess. I had to use the phrase, "It wasn't like this when I left!" Still didn't confess...

Later he turned on the puppy dog face and uttered, "Babe, don't hate me," that I finally got it out of him. He thought he might have accidentally got it wet yesterday while washing his work pants.

Not 30 minutes after this confession did he proceed to wash another set of clothes. He was cursing about not having enough towels in the apartment, so I walked into the bathroom to help. He was on his hands and knees sopping up water. I dove under the sink to check on my corner of stuff. Sure enough, He took out my waxing kit and medicine kit! Urg that boy... kind of funny though because it totally proved what happened the prior day to my beloved tampons. Caught red handed!

I told him to let me do the laundry from now on! My items are all currently laid out on the table with the fan pointed at them. Fingers crossed.

Aqua Lives!

Don't act like you aren't excited to see their video! Everyone loved BARBIE GIRL haha :) I won't lie, I owned their CD!!!!

 

 

Curfew

So, it got a little messy in Bangkok. They instated a curfew in a few provinces in Thailand. Pattaya was one of them. We are suppose to be in doors by 9 PM. Alot of business closed at 6 PM today. The banks haven't even been open for the last couple days.

But it was friday, and we really wanted to out. We went to Cob's shop in Northern Pattaya.

 Cob's mother's market

Bun, Cob's brother, in the front with friends

We ate papaya salad aka Som Tam (Pronounced Tum). Mmmm so good and only 25 Baht. If I go to a Thai resturant in the States it runs almost $8!!! We tried two different types - One with crab and one without. I perferred the one without. It tasted more like the typical papaya salad we are used to in the States. It had peanuts too :) Som Tam is a dish that is meant to be shared with people. For example, you wouldn't traditional just eat it by yourself. It is meant to be eaten over conversation and with company. It is served with sticky rice. You just grab some rice in your hand and dip into the Som Tam. No utensils needed!

Som Tam!! Comes in little bags.

We had a delicious pork dish with it and chicken wings. At least one meat is served with Som Tam. Basil and "green beans" were on the table as well. They help take the burning sensation away.

I could have eaten alot more that night, but once I got the heat out of my mouth - I didn't dare start eating again :( I have to build up my tolerance!!!!

Snacking

We were hoping to call it an early night, but Cob got caught up in one of the Thai drama's. Just like a soap opera, but very poorly produced. Eeeck. Anyway, we ended up leaving well after curfew. On the bright side it was easy getting home with no cars or motorbikes trying to run you over :) We didn't run into any cops... We saw alot of them with check points set up if you were going to enter Pattaya.

Where there used to be bustling streets with loads of street vendors, it was quiet and still. I think the curfew is suppose to be lifted Monday if not sooner.

Spirit House

If I had to pick one song...

to summarize Pattaya, it would be "My Humps," By the Black Eyed Peas.

School was slow today. It dragged on. I think I am still jet lagged. I am always tired! I consoled two crying children today (upset for no apparent reason) and yelled the loudest at my class today. My fuse was really short today. It's very important I get my sleep!!! They will fear an un-rested Teacher Misty!! Their little terrified faces looked so taken back that the farang teacher could be mean! Haha... Is it wrong that this made me smile :) Tutoring went better today. Pat likes me. We would have got alot of work accomplished if it wasn't for the other 4 children running wild in the classroom. One more day and then the weekend!

The Essentials...

Brian was making a list for the grocery store. We are trying to stretch our money till the end of the month. Live frugally. See if we can do it!

He asked what I needed to pick up at the store. I, of course, said a blanket because we get cold at night. It makes sense. He shouted back at me, "JUST THE ESSENTIALS!"

Ooooookay, well what do you have on the list so far?

His response, "Ketchup and Sausages."

Really, Brian, that's the essentials?

What do you need ketchup for?

His response, "I want to dip everything in Ketchup...actually just those mini hotdog/sausage rolls... I bet it will taste amazing! And all those sausages look so good at the store, I want to try them all."

The sausage kiosk he speaks of is all raw meat. We only have a microwave in our apartment. No hotplates. And to purchase a hotplate is just an extra expenditure. We really wouldn't cook at home enough to justify buying a hotplate. Of course, this justification only occurs to me.

"What are you going to do, microwave the sausages to cook them?"

His response, "Yeah."

Yum.

First Immigration Raid!

The day was winding down... only 30 minutes until the end of school!!! I was sitting at my desk helping some of my struggling students with their writing... I bribe them with stickers :)

Anyway, I saw one of the other Farang teachers zoom past my window. I saw her look in, but she was in a hurry. No sooner had I looked down at the student's papers did she come hurling into my room.

"Run. Immigration is here. "

I just looked blankly at her... "But...." My focus was half on her and half on keeping the children working on their studies. It's hard to get their mind to focus after nap time... I didn't want to spend another 15 minutes trying to get their attention!!!

"Never mind that. Leave it. Just leave. Now"

She turned to leave and knocked into the Thai office manager who was fastly approaching my room... *Smash* right into her cheek... it was definitely going to bruise. The farang teacher vanished.

The Thai office manager kept trying to get me to leave. I was a little bewildered considering I thought I was legal. I scrambled to grab the students papers and put away all the stuff on my desk.

"Just leave it. Go. Now"

I wasn't objecting now. I followed the Thai office manager out. I was halfway to Brian's building when Ooie stopped us. She said I didn't need to worry. I was okay.

Fabulous, I thought. I headed back to my room and re-started the tutoring process.

All I heard for the next 15 minutes was, "Teacher, Teacher why you leave?"

How do you explain illegal immigration to children?

Not five minutes later did another Thai woman come in my class. She asked if I was busy between 3-4pm after school. I knew where this was leading... I did have May's son to tutor at that time. She said, "Oh just one... I will give you NINE." Awesome.

Out of all the farang teachers it was just me, Brian, and Simon (Holland). All the other teachers do not qualify for Work Permits because they do not hold an actual Bachelors Degree. So technically, they are illegal workers. They do their Visa runs every 3-6 months, but that only qualifies them to live in Thailand, not work. We would have to cover all the extra classes from the other teachers who had to flee. The only bright side is getting paid more money. However, I'm not sure that fact wins we over.

I found Pat, May's son, and told him I couldn't tutor him today. I was busy. Surprisingly, he didn't run! He actually listened and shook his head okay having understood every word I said. He is a smart boy... just has some behavioral issues at first. The Chinese teacher was right though, just give Pat some time and he will warm up to you.

Simon gave me some worksheets to do for the 1 hour tutoring session. HA... that didn't really work out so well....

All the children ranged in age from 2-7 years old. It was chaotic. Thank God Brian decided to help me. They asked Brian to tutor from 2-3pm. He said, "No." Smart man that Brian.... granted his real class doesn't finish till 2:30 p.m. anyway.

Once that was done, We were all but too happy to leave the school. On our way home we saw a police man on every street corner. Luckily, we didn't get pulled over because we didn't have 200 Baht bribe money in our wallets.

Apparently raids happen every so often. I am not looking forward to it if it means tutoring that many children again. Ugh!

All I can say is the teachers better show up tomorrow. I don't want to have to teach three K2 classes for the entire day and tutor after school. Shoot me now if that happens!

"Is it wrong that I like this song?"

Quote Brian!

We are addicted to V - the music channel!

Haha... Right after this song they played R.E.M. "Everybody Hurts." Gotta love the random playlists :) It's so refreshing to hear everything mixed up. It's like inserting one of my mixed CD's at home. You never know what song to expect next...

Speaking of never knowing what to expect... then they played DubStars' "Stars." That was my favorite song in 11th grade of High School!!!! I  knew they were a UK band, and they didn't get alot of play in the States. I happened upon them by chance online while researching something for school... so it was cool when the song caught my ear while I was preparing my lessons for tomorrows class, and I actually got to see their music video. Made my night :)

You'll be happy to know...

I shower daily now! Some might find this comment disgusting. I don't care. I am what Brian calls a "Crusty." Not quiet granola and not quiet a hippie. People in Alaska don't seem to mind since a majority of my friends are "crustys" too and are always camping or living in the bush.

I'm like a cat though, I hate water. That's why I'm not becoming a dive master and Brian is!!!!

Living in Thailand, you will probably shower a minimum of 2 times a day. Count on changing clothes a couple times a day too, or stripping down into your birthday suit until you cool off :)

Not to be envied.

So today was my first day of tutoring.

Usually, new teachers have to wait out a 3 month probational period before they can start tutoring. If you read prior posts, you know my day ends at 2 p.m. but I can't leave the school til 4 p.m. No idea why... but not that it matters because Brian doesn't finish teaching until 3:30 p.m. anyway.

Teachers generally fight over tutoring hours because you get paid around 50 Baht an hour per child. It can really add up! Their logic is, You have to stay til 4 anyway - might as well make some extra money. Not that I don't agree with that statement, but I really like those 2 hours to spend in my "coloring class," and preparing for the next day.

Last Friday, May approached me and asked me to tutor her son. He is 3 years old but is in K3 - that is one level above my regular students who are in K2. I am told they did this because they want him to be around older students and learning faster. All I know is his K3 teacher isn't very pleased with the situation.

Either way, I couldn't say no to May. She's the boss. Plus, I did feel a little honored that she asked me - the new teacher. I had totally forgotten about the 3 month probational period when I gladly accepted the position. She offered to pay me 100 Baht an hour to tutor her son between 3-4 p.m. everyday.

In conversation, I let it slip that I had to tutor today. Not thinking about it, I was immediately asked how that was possible. I hadn't been here 3 months yet! Only a week. Ooops.

To my defense, I really did forget about the 3 month probational period. Trust me, I would rather adhere to it because I am totally drained at the end of day! More teaching does not sound appealing to me.

But then again, May makes the rules so the other teachers can't really blame me.

It took me a minute to find Pat.  Luckily, he was in a nice air conditioned room finishing his Chinese lesson. There where 3 other girls from my class in there too learning both Chinese and piano.

Pat was hiding under a table. He wouldn't come out. His favorite phrase is, "No." I know children are shy, but my kids are not like this at all! Nor were they the first day of class. Dealing with this type of behavior is foreign to me. Oh well... more of a learning experience for me....

After following him around, he finally warmed up to me the last 15 minutes of the class. I spoke a lot of English at him, but he didn't really talk all that much. I did get him to identify a couple colors before his grandmother came in to take him home. Thank God!

Hopefully tomorrow will be better. I'm quiet tired to chasing him around on the dirty floor.

Why couldn't they have had a girl? :)

Our Motorbike

This is the bike we are renting from Cob for 2,000 Baht a month. It's an automatic. 

These are our new helmets we invested in. 

Its not unusual to see as many as 4 people crammed onto one of these. Whole families get around on motorbikes. Children are not phased at all! I have no idea what the driving age is in Thailand. I asked once and the response was laughter... so I'm guessing if there is a law no one abides by it.

Another interesting music video

This one gets alot of play over here.... Take a look... I don't think it will get to America.

I am not amused...

*Warning: Men You Might Not Want to Read*

So I've been scoping out the feminine needs sections in the supermarkets. I want to make sure that they have supplies for when that time of the month comes. Unfortunately, I have not come across tampons... just rows and rows of pads. Perhaps I just haven't found them or Thai women do not use them. In one of the touristy convenient stores I found little OB tampons with no applicator. Hmm... I think I'm going to have to ration out what I brought with me!

This is what my South African girls used when they came to America, Perhaps the rest of the world isn't applicator enthusiast like women in the United States :) And they are pricey too!!!

My New Obsession

So Good!!!

Walking Street

We decided to take the Baht bus into town rather than ride in on the motorbike. We are still learning the roads and are still beginners on the bikes. Right hand turns still make us nervous. Having gone into town with Tom and Cob before, we know it can get pretty busy especially at night. Pattaya/Jomtien comes to life once the sun sets. It's a whole new world.

A baht bus is pretty much a pick up truck with bars and a top over the bed. You see them running up and down the street. They usually stop if they see you on the street or honk at you as to ask if you want a ride. If nothing else, you just stick your hand out and one will stop. It's not unusually to see a Baht bus filled to capacity with several people hanging out the back. Again, limited rules in Thailand regarding safety.

Example of safety! Always be careful walking by low hanging wires or wires on the street!

Once you get to your destination, you ring a bell and the driver stops. Most Baht buses have fixed routes, so you want to make sure your going in the right direction. Apparently, in the past there was a lot of discrepancy about fare. Farangs were being charged double what Thai's paid. The government stepped in to pacify the problem. A typical fare on the Baht bus is 10-20 Baht one way. If you go further the price increases.

Since we live right off the beach, it was easy to flag one down. It was nice not having to worry about driving or traffic. Brian pounded at least 2 beers on the ride. He was happy not to be driving! It only took around 15 mins to get to Central/South Pattaya. Time of course varies according to the number of passengers/stops, but we really do not live far from the city anyway.

We got off and paid the driver. We went into a Kodak store to buy batteries for our point-and-shoot camera. The batteries we bought at the corner store lasted 30 seconds but only cost 24 baht. We should have know better, but no other batteries where offered anyway. The new batteries were 80 baht.

A whimsical mannequin along the walk.

No more than 5 minutes of walking from getting off the bus, we where standing at the beginning of Walking Street. This is probably the most famous part of Pattaya. It is know for its bars and sex scene. I expected to see scandalous dressed girls, but was not expecting to be offered sex show after sex show... We barely made it in under the sign that said, "Walking Street," before we where being barraded by men trying to sell shows.

The Beginning of Walking Street

Looking down Walking Street

Men along walking street offer sex shows with these pamphlets. A bit raunchy, but some make you wonder...

 Something for everyone in Pattaya.

For a Saturday night, It wasn't very crowded. It is the slow season right now.

There are alot of seafood restaurants on walking street as well. Most overlook the water. In addition to tons of bars and clubs, there are also alot of places to buy suits. Apparently, buying suites is big in Pattaya. Perhaps all of Thailand, I'm not sure.

We walked through Walking Street. It really isn't that long of a street. It ends at a boardwalk. It is here that you can see the Pattaya City sign. We walked out on the wharf hoping to get to the restaurant at the end. Unfortunately, the restaurant is floating. The men at the beginning of the wharf take you out there by boat. I have no idea how much that costs, but we didn't do it. Maybe later...

Pattaya Sign

We met a farang who offered to take our picture. He was with a Thai girl, V or B. Brian and I argue as to what her name was. I think V... He thinks B... Either way he was part of the U.S. Navy. Their boat had just docked yesterday. That explains why we saw so many military guys on Walking Street. There are several Military Bases close to Pattaya. After all, it is the U.S. Miliatary that made Pattaya what it is today.

Since this side of Walking Street dead ends, We decided to walk back through to the beginning and go along the beach. We checked out restaurants along the way, but everything is rather pricey. Granted it is a tourist area, and we all know the more touristy the place - the more expensive. If you were just visiting Thailand, the prices would not be that bad. You would think you were getting a bargain. Paying 150-250 Baht for a meal seems reasonable. However, living here is a different story. I am used to paying under 100 Baht for a meal. Then again, I am on a humble teachers salary... not on vacation.

Hydration is key in Thailand! ~ That's my excuse for buying the beverage!!!! But Starbucks is still rather pricey, but worth a try. Nothing really different on the menu... Not like in China. China was alot more expensive too!!!

There are tons of girls sitting at the bars as though waiting for business. Most look bored. It was a rather slow night... perhaps things pick up the later it gets. We left around 8:30 P.M.  I wonder if they are paid by certain bars to entertain guests there? I'm sure the owners would like the girl's guests to rack up a pretty hefty tab in addition to paying for any services rendered. Prostitution is not illegal in Pattaya, but drugs are. But you can buy Viagra at any drugstore... no hard drugs are legal. Interesting fact to me.

It's not unusual to see girls dancing on poles or on top of tables as you walk through Walking Street. I suppose it is a way to draw in clientele. You do not see anything too risky on the street, everything scandalous is done behind curtains and for a premium price. You see strollers and children with their parents walking down the street. I do not think I would bring my children to such a place, but to each their own.

With Walking Street behind us, We walked along the beach and spotted a McDonalds. It is our thing to try every McDonalds outside of America. It is always interesting to see different menus and try the food. McDonalds is even expensive in Thailand... Not as expensive as in China though. The hamburgers we got tasted fine and the french fries were indistinguishable.

While we ate our meals, a couple more Military men came in with their Thai escorts. The girls where all too excited to be eating McDonalds.

We walked around the streets so more. Vendor after Vendor. Eventually we caught the Baht Bus home. Our trial run was a success.

This only perpetrates my name being synonymous with sexual innuendos. A Grand Theft Auto prostitute, a common stripper name, and now a Pattaya Go-Go Bar.

TV

Hulu doesn't work internationally. Boo!!!

Luckily, we are still able to keep up with LOST. It's the last season!!! We've been waiting 6 years for answers... But are still as confused... 2 episodes left! It was nice to sit down and watch a show in English.

We do have cable TV. I think every other station is a different language :) Brian and I ad-lib words. It is very entertaining.

They have the Sci-Fi channel here. Oh goody!

For news we have a choice of BBC, Fox, or Al Jazeera. Ironically, no CNN.

We mostly watch the music channels like V. They had this channel in China too. There are 3 music channels. No MTV - The channels here actually play music videos. I enjoy doing my make-up in the morning to old 80's songs. This morning it was "Rush" by Paula Abdule... Oh Keanu...

The selection of music is much different than in the states, but still good. I love watching the music videos because the videos released in America are not the ones released internationally. So each time I hear a familiar song the video is different. Our new "favorite" song is a cover of Under Pressure featuring Vanilla Ice by Jedward. It makes us stop in our tracks each time it plays on TV... it definitely has that WTF factor going on....

Week in Review

Most of my children are doing well for the first week. I am enjoying teaching.

Two boys don't know their ABC's and can only write their names partially.

Another boy went from only being able to write his first letter to being able to write his full name! Another member of my after school "coloring class." When its time to go home, we put all the students into one room. When their parents show up they get to leave. Until that time, we spend our time coloring. This week I have had mostly the same children with me. We spend the time coloring, practicing names, and numbers.

One girl still refuses to talk, but I know she is taking in the knowledge. I sat with her all week at "coloring class" and practiced writing her name. Today, she wrote her name on the worksheet all by herself! She ran up and showed me. SCORE!!! But she didn't do the rest of the worksheet. Small steps...

Another proud moment... One of my other students who refused to talk ace'd her assessment today. Spending all that extra time after school at "coloring class" paid off! I was so happy when I asked her questions and she actually talked!!! She's easily one of my favorites. She loves to cling to me. She doesn't really talk or play with the other children. She's quiet.

The rest of the students are doing well. They know their greetings, ABC's, numbers (1-3), light/dark, big/small, tall/short comparisons.

Two girls don't speak Thai. They are easily top of their class since English is their first language. When it's time to do things, they look just as confused as me when the Thai teacher is talking :) They always ask me what we are doing. My reply, "I don't know." Haha...

I got one new student today. I really hope the class doesn't get much bigger!!! I have 14 kids right now. The more kids I have the less time I can spend individually with them. I only teach around 3 hours a day even though I am with them all day.

I need to play games with my students more. I am pretty strict and am work oriented by nature. I have to remember they are only 3 and 4 years old!!!! Most speak at least 3 languages too.

I do love my class though. The other K2 classes are very rambunctious and can't sit still. When we meet up with the other classes at the end of the day to go home... Mine sit nicely in the corner with me for "coloring class." I think they look forward to this time because in class its all work and no play. They know at the end of the day I will sit with them, color, and give them more individual attention.

The other teacher who is from England looks on in astonishment as his children run around the room. He tries really hard to control them, they just wont listen. He sat down next to me and asked, "How do you do it." I think my kids really just want to learn?!? I dunno... I don't question it. I'm just thankful. I have my Thai teacher to thank for their behavior too.

Laundry

Conveniently, We have Jang downstairs who does laundry. We took our first load to her the other day. Just under 50 items. Our work clothes were in the bundle.

Jang's place is on the left and ours is on the right. We enter through this front door, but our apartment is behind this building. There used to be a street in between the buildings, but they built between them. So we walk to the back of this building through to ours and walk up to the 5th floor. That is our rented motorbike parked out front. Key card entry into building.

It was suppose to be done the next day. But of course it wasn't....

We went to dinner and came back. It still wasn't done.

The upscale hotel right by our apartment.

Brian was craving farang food...so this is where we ate. A bit pricey no doubt, but good.

Laundry in Thailand is quiet different than the states. Alot of the apartments/condos do not have washing machines. There are alot of places to take your laundry too. They are just as common as 7-11's here. Even expats with washing machines at home take their laundry to be serviced. Obviously, money isn't really a factor to them. We are even considered well off here... though we really can't wrap our heads around that because by American standards we are poorer than poor. We just have to stop converting everything back into American dollars.

Anyway, Brian grabbed his essential items and we went back upstairs. We would pick up the rest of our laundry in the morning. Hopefully.

The soi/street we live on. We live under the second illuminated sign on the left. A nice quiet street!

A couple hours later, I heard a faint knock at the door. We were not expecting anyone, and the security is pretty good at our place. I woke Brian up and told him someone was at the door. I wasn't going to answer it! We both had our knifes pulled. We always travel with knifes... just a cautionary precaution.

Brian opened the door. Neatly stacked in front of our door was our laundry. Nicely ironed and folded into bags.

Jang had walked all the way up to deliver our clothes. To get in our building she would have had to ring the door bell and get the tenants on the first floor to let her in. Then she would have to climb countless flights of stairs to the 5th floor! Poor Jang.... But we were happy to see our laundry.

I crossed checked the inventory with my list of things we dropped off. We had been give an extra pair of socks and underwear. We were missing a jacket. We would inquire tomorrow... no need to go up and down 5 flights of stairs :)

After returning from work, We stopped by Jang's. She already had the jacket ready with a pair of shorts. The shorts where not ours. Hmm... good thing I did inventory before we dropped our laundry off!

While waiting for the tab, I almost tripped over her dog. It had decided to lay beside my feet so when I stepped back I nearly fell! A man quietly laughed. His name was Aaron. He was a tenant at Jang's (She also rents out rooms). He was on a business trip. Aaron was an older gentleman from Texas. He had been traveling through Asia since August looking for prospective retirement property for his client. He is staying for a week in Jomtien and then is moving on to Malaysia. I almost envied his job until I remembered the hassle with real estate here. He was a very interesting character, but then again aren't most that you meet off the beaten path...

He was surprised we were from America. In his opinion, American's don't travel. Only a fraction of American's have passports and only a percentage of those use it. I would have to agree with Aaron on this point.

Laundry cost... 550 baht ($17). A discount for Ajarn or teachers with the agreement to help Jang with her English :)

Although Jang did an amazing job, I think we might stick to washing things by hand and drying them on our patio. Maybe using Jang's services once a month.

This is where Jang hangs the clothes to dry. It's right across the street.

Moving In...

Yay!!! We have an apartment!!!

Granted, We had to rush back to the Cold Rock and pack up our things after work. Our new landlord, Charlie, was driving to Bangkok tonight. We wanted to move in before he left, otherwise, we would have to wait another day or two to move. Ooie looked pretty busy at work. She would have been the one to drive us and all our stuff over to the apartment with her truck, but Charlie had no problem picking us up.

Brian followed on the motorbike.

Charlie helped carry everything upstairs. I was thankful for this fact because that would have been another trip up and down!

After the chatting ended upstairs... seems every expat loves to talk your ear off... we followed Charlie back downstairs to get a copy of the "contract." Charlie isn't big on paper work or legal agreements. This fact gives us the liberty to move whenever we want with no penalty, though we wouldn't without proper notice to Charlie. It isn't like being locked into a lease back in the States. More of a precaution in-case the government asks for documentation from Charlie about us. Technically, he is suppose to file something on-line. He is just going to play dumb if they ask. This is something alot of farang (foreigners) do.

He also asked us to say we were paying more in rent if the other tenants asked. Charlie has a soft spot for teachers and lowered our rent. I heart Charlie :)

Since we were downstairs, we went to eat and grab some essentials from the corner store.

Unpacking and putting everything away is a heavenly feeling.

First Day of School

We woke up early in time to go to the convenient store and get Manapua for breakfast. My first ride with Brian made me a little nervous, but something I would have to get used to living in Thailand. We got to school an hour early. We both wanted to get orientated with our classrooms since we really didn't have any time to prepare. We ate our breakfast in my room and said our goodbyes. Brian works in the other building. I hardly see him throughout the day.

I moved my desk from the front of the classroom to the back. Flipped through all the laminated posters they had. They have a pretty good assortment of ABC's and numbers.

At 8:00 A.M. all the farang teachers have to stand outside and greet the parents. Prior to this, all the Thai teachers greet the parents and children. We mostly just stand there and smile. Again, part of Thailand's culture of, "Showing Face." Sometimes we help the children carry their bags to the auditorium. The only thing that sucks is the heat! We are lucky because this year they built a roof over the place we stand. Last year they stood directly in the sun. We are allowed to wear our sunglasses. I am grateful for this fact!

At 8:30 we are allowed to go up to our classrooms. Between 8-8:30 the students sing songs and do other morning activities. I really don't know what they do specifically because I'm standing outside!

Before the children enter the classroom, they take off their shoes. Much like in Hawaii where you take your shoes off before you enter a house... but much more extreme here. It's normal to walk around alot of places with no shoes. Brian teaches in socks. I teach barefooted. I love it. He hates it.

When I first saw my class, I though they were tiny! They all sat down and were quiet. I stood awkwardly back and waited to follow the Thai teacher, Mi's, lead. To my astonishment, she turned to me and said, "Teacher, Teach." Hmmm...

Brian and I arrived only 3 days ago in Thailand. We really didn't have alot of time to prepare lessons. The school didn't have the students books/workbooks ready either. It takes a week to get photocopies back and we hadn't sent off for any yet.

It's a little uncanny how natural teaching comes to you. Especially, when your in a position where you have to do it at that moment. We did all the normal introductions and all the children introduced themselves. Some where shy and didn't want to talk. Each one got their picture taken so I could work on memorizing their names. Little did I know that I would have their names down within the hour. I had 12 students the first day.

Later I printed out their pictures and put it on their cubby holes with their name.

That introduction took up most of first period. After that, the children have their Thai lesson. Then its back to me...

I was really surprised that the children could already sing their ABC's and could count to at least 10. This first week was suppose to be the numbers 1 and 2 only! What was I going to do?!?

I didn't have any paper for the children, so we spent the first day talking.

After another English session, they had Chinese and Thai Math.

Then, lunch time!!!

I just have to stand over them and make sure they are eating. When they are done they put their dishes away. They brush their teeth after lunch too. They didn't do this the first day, but the third day. I imagine it took a couple days to get their toothbrushes/toothpaste organized.

After lunch it is the childrens' nap time. That means it's my lunch time. The two other farang teachers who are also teaching K2 invited me to lunch. Michael is from Australia. This is his second year teaching at the school. Sam is the other teacher. He is originally from England, but came down to teach because he was laid off. His wife is Thai, so they came back to Thailand with their 18 month year old son. He took a TESOL course in Bangkok, but this is his first time teaching as well.

We walked to a restaurant down the street. It really wasn't that far, but felt that way because of the heat. We took umbrellas. I enjoyed learning where the "go to" restaurant was for the teachers. When I say restaurant, I mean shack thing attached to a person's house. The food was very good though and around 30-40 Baht. As we walked back we stopped in at a gas station. Michael likes to bring his Thai assistant back a beverage. He says its a bribe to get on her good side. You always want your Thai assistants to like you. Sam and I followed suite.

Tons of places look like this in Thailand. It means... Come... EAT!!!

Cooking Yummy Food!!!

                                               This is where I eat my lunch now. Teacher's downstairs computer room.                                            I do not care to walk in the heat! Plus I get work done!!!

It's no hidden fact that we are paid 3-4 times as much as Thai teachers. The school has way more Thai teachers than farang teachers. I think there are only 10 farang teachers - 3 are from the United States (Brian, Tom, and me), 1 is from Holland, 1 is from Australia, and the rest are from England.

During lunch, Michael assured me that we where done for the day. I didn't believe him because our schedule said we had one more period with the children.

He was right. After they wake up from their nap, they have another snack. The Thai teacher then does their hair and puts baby powder on their face. I do not understand this, but it has something to do with Thai's wanting to looking whiter than they are. You see alot of kids walking around with white powder of their faces. Then it's time to go home.

The children who do not get picked up right away at 2:00 p.m. then join Sam's class downstairs. We sit, talk, and color. I used this time to practice a little more with the children. This was my first time seeing Sam's class. They are full of energy! He has more boys than me too, I think.

Even though class ends at 2:00 p.m., the teachers have to stay til 4:00 p.m. Your suppose to use this time to prepare for tomorrow. I usually use the first hour to sit with my kids, and the second to work in the computer lab.

Most of the second year teachers use this time to tutor. We are paid an additional rate per child that we tutor. However, you have to wait the 3 month probational period before you are allowed to tutor. That sounds find to me!

Brian looked really worn out at the end of his first day. He said, "We'll see." Translation: He didn't like it.

He loved his class, but I think just felt a little out of his element. It's normal. He said he would give it a week. I can now say (it's a week later) that he loves his class and teaching is becoming more natural to him! Yay!

My Class

Our First Tour

Tom is an American from Massachusetts. He has been vacationing in Thailand for many years, and on one said vacation he decided to stay. In his exact words, "I really don't have to go back, Do I?"

This is his second year teaching English in Thailand, first year at this school. He previously taught in Thailand's public schools. He wouldn't recommend it.

He is the other Primary 1 teacher with Brian. Upon learning that we had just arrived and it being our first time to Thailand, he asked May to have us call him. Brian did just that, and before we knew it he was standing on our doorstep with Cob.

It's no secret that sexuality runs rapid in Pattaya. You may have heard the term ladyboy, which refers to a transvestite. Ladyboys are very common in Pattaya. Needless to say, they are also totally open to homosexuality and hold no judgment on the subject.

Cob is Tom's partner. They are the cutest couple! Cob is quiet a bit younger than Tom. Alot of the farang men in Thailand are older and have younger partners. Age isn't an issue in Thailand.

Cob and Tom came with two motorbikes so they could take Brian and me around. Though we were happy to get a tour of Pattaya, I wasn't exactly thrilled about riding on the back of a motorbike. Regardless of my feelings, when it came time to hop on the motorbike, I did. I rode with Cob. Tom felt that Cob was a rather reserved driver compared to others and of course has more experience being Thai. This fact did comfort me. However, trusting all the other drivers on the road is a different story.

Cob is probably half the size of me. Holding on to him felt like holding on to air. I put on a helmet that was a little too big for me. It was very worn and would offer little help if an accident should occur. When we first took off, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I found myself holding my breath alot of the time or closing my eyes when passing cars.

Of course, he couldn't help but zip through traffic. The sound of cars passing you is a bit precarious. At times you find yourself squeezing your legs in as tightly as possible in order to fit through small spaces. I can honestly say, I have never been so close to other moving vehicles in my life. I thought we were going fast considering, but other motorbikes where flying by us. I kept hoping we were there!

Eventually, we turned into their "neighborhood." Luckily, it was a straight shot to their apartment. We only made one right turn. Going into town would be a different story.

They live in government assisted housing. Since Cob is Thai, he qualifies for the program. The buildings are still being built so they have no neighbors yet. Their apartment is smaller than the other apartments we've been looking at. It does have it's own bedroom cornered off.

We decided to get cell phones. We had a loner from May, but wanted one for each of us. Tom took us to a shopping place... somthing Com... Anyway, it's much like a department store. The second level is filled with Cell Phone vendors. Cell phones are very popular in Thailand. Even the poorest person has a cellphone and the average person has at least 2 or 3 phones.

There are no contracts in Thailand. You merely buy a phone, put in a sim card, call to activate it, and pay for minutes at convenient stores. It's a totally foreign idea to American's because we are used to being locked into contracts and paying fee's.

I love this new system! You just walk into the convenient store and hand the cashier the amount of Baht you want added to your phone. We did 250 Baht each. They print out a receipt and then you type in the number to your phone. Minutes are added instantly. Hopefully, it will last a month if not longer. If you don't have the money to buy minutes, no big deal... you just add money when you can. If you are really in a pinch, you can call someone and press *22 and use their minutes to talk :)

Example of 1-2-Call Sim Card Package. Number is in Left Corner.

Brian and I both bought a cell phone for 1,000 Baht each with a little negotiating. The sim cards came free with the phones. They holdout a couple choices for sim cards out because a specific cell phone number is assigned to each card. I picked the number that ended in 0.  I had 15 free minutes added to mine until I could run into a 7-11 to buy more. The sim card we use is 1-2-Call. I hear this is an affordable one. Meaning, when you go to buy your minutes at the store, they go futher and don't charge more per minute used. I forget the name of the other sim card company, but they are notorious for being expensive. Tom clued us in on this fact.

Our cell phones are very simply. No camera or touch screen. We could have bought those phones, but we were being cheap. We just needed something that works. Believe me, they had tons of I-Phones and other technologically advanced phones I have never seen before. Ironically, the police had done a raid on the place prior to us arriving. I can probably bet most of the phones in that place are high quality knock offs. When Cob approached the counter with us, the girl who sold us the phones thought he was an undercover cop. Ha.

Misty's Left, Brian's Right.

We went down the street to eat. Choice of either boiled chicken and rice or fried chicken and rice. It came with a soup broth on the side. 30 Baht. It was very good.

After eating, we went to Cob's mothers house. She is recently divorced and Cob helps her take care of the store. It was a glimpse of real Thai living. Her storefront is her house. She has a tiny bedroom behind the store... really only room for the bed. There are a couple picnic tables out front. That is where we sat and talked while Cob worked. The neighborhood children play outside the store front. Bun is Cob's younger brother and the leader of the gang. As soon as we stepped off the motorbikes, they wai'd us. My first time being wai'd :) So cute. They go to public school so their English isn't that good.

Tom took Brian down the street for motorbike lessons. I sat at the picnic table and watched the children play. On the other side of Cob's mothers house, there were about 4 public school teachers. They where enjoying American Country music and drinking. Typical night. Apparently, the real joy is seeing them sing karaoke. Unfortunately, I didn't get to witness that.

There was a steady line of patrons coming to the store. I found it particularly interesting that when one purchased a soda, Cob would fill a little clear bag with ice and pour the soda into the bag. He then topped it off with a straw. People were just carrying bags of soda with them. I didn't understand this, but it looked cool. Later, Tom informed me this was in order to recycle the glass. If you return the glass bottles you get a discount. If they know the people buying the soda, they just give them the glass because they know they will bring it back. If they don't know the people then they get the bag.

After Cob closed up the store, we decided to go to the Temple on the hill. Cob locked his mother in for the night - literally. Her door is a metal garage door. You leave a portion cracked at the bottom, and lock it. Obviously, fire safety is not a concern.

The temple has a beautiful view of the city. We stopped at a convenient store on the way and bought cat food. Apparently, alot of stray animals congregate at the temples because the Monks try to take care of them. This offers little comfort as you see tons of dogs and cats roaming the streets half starved and diseased. PETA would have a field day in Thailand.

View of Downtown Pattaya from Temple

Tom taught us the proper way Thai's do temple. I found this very interesting having studied religion in school. You grab a pre-made cluster of incense with a yellow candle in it. You take the candle out and light it using an already lit candle close to where you are kneeling. You light each incense... I think it was about 5 sticks. You hold it in your hands and say your prayer, and then stick them in the bowls of sand. Be careful not to burn yourself on preexisting lit incense! Brian took a burn to the forearm. Then you get up and walk around the 5 statues that happen to be in this temple. In the cluster there are also sheets of white paper. In the paper is a piece of gold leaf. You walk around the statues and put the gold leaf on each statue. This is a very hard process as most of the gold leaf sticks to your fingers. I am sure there is a proper way to do this.

The temples resident monkey. We tried to wake him but he was soo sleepy! Too cute!!!

The temple wasn't very busy at night. However, during the day you can actually see the big Buddah statue. We also did this thing to find the lucky lotto numbers. Apparently, gambling is not condemend by Buddahists. Inside a cup is about 30 or so sticks. Each has writing and numbers on it. The idea is to shake the cup until just one stick falls out. That stick tells your fortune and gives you the lucky numbers for the lottery. I had 24. Cob said it meant good health. I will take it!!! I have no immune system, and living in a 3rd world country is sure to be waring on my body.

We feed the cats. Not too many this time by Tom's estimates. Cob scared the dogs away so the cats could eat in peace. Tom really wants a cat so he was sizing up each animal. He says if you ever want an animal just get one from the temple. Kittens are born every other week or so. I turned to see Brian's reaction. He was not amused. If I got a kitten, It would have to go back to the states with us. I would get attached.... Plus I doubt my parents want another animal :) So, no cat for me while in Thailand ;)

A couple temple cats snacking.

Tom wanted to take us to Walking Street but it was already 1AM. Brian and I were getting tired!!! Plus we had an appointment in the morning to look at apartments. We skipped Walking Street.

Instead we got a midnight snack of chicken kabobs. We decided to eat them on Jomtien Beach. We are always down to eat. We didn't oppose.

However, we got separated. Apparently, Cob took off and left the others in our dust. We also had to pull over to get a soda full of gas (Explanation later). We thought that they passed us when we pulled over, but they where no where to be found. As luck would have it, both our phones had died. We had no way of calling Brian and Tom. Cob and I went up and down the beach at least 3 times. We finally went back to our apartment, and they were there. They had lost us and decided to go eat on the pier. Hmmm...

Good first tour!

Seaching for an apartment.

One word: Hassle.

I wouldn't recommend doing business in Thailand. They are a bit peculiar about their customs and how they treat people, especially if you don't do what they want. Very different from America. Kind of a "Duh" remark, I know, but it had to be said.

I could write about this for days. Unfortunately, it is permanently ingrained in my brain... So I will write more on the subject later.

First Day in Thailand

In under two weeks of getting a teaching position in Thailand, I am finally here! All the stress of packing, applying for Visa's, and saying goodbyes is over with.

I recommend China Airlines. Having only flown Air China prior on vacation to China, I can say China Airlines is superior and offers great vegetarian options. The flight from San Francisco to Bangkok was around 17 hours with one minor stop in Taiwan.  There was suppose to be another stop in Hong Kong, but that didn't happen. Communication of this fact was lost - something I would have to get used to living in Asia. The flight went by really fast. I planned on working on lessons and brushing up on my Thai, but that didn't happen. You think 17 hours is plenty of time to do work... your just sitting in a seat! But all the errands and running around prior to leaving the United States caught up with me. I just slept.

When we landed in Bangkok it was 12:30 p.m. We were an hour early. The school was sending a driver to pick us up and take us to Pattaya. It is about an hour and a half drive from the airport.

Stepping off the plane, you are consumed with hot air. It is incomparable to anything I have ever experienced before. It takes your breath away. It took a while for my lungs to process that it was air I was breathing in!

The airport was a bit empty. I contribute this to the protests currently happening in Thailand. The red shirts revolt! On the plane, there was school group from Colorado who was suppose to have a volunteer trip to Thailand, but had to divert to Cambodia because of the political unrest. Easily put, they were disappointed. I wouldn't want to go to Cambodia either :) You might fall in a mass grave!

I had to take a moment to fill out paper work before we proceeded through immigration. I acquired an Immigrant - B Visa. I am allowed to stay 3 months in Thailand. Once working in Thailand, I can apply for a Work Permit. Without the permit, I would not be able to work legally in the country or I would have to do Visa runs to other countries every 3 months. Not Fun!! No problems getting through Immigration. They do take your picture when you enter Thailand.

I know they are common in Thailand and other countries, but something about the term "Visa Run" sounds shady to me. It sounds like a criminal offense... Though I know it is not. In fact, two of my fellow teachers at the school just got back from a Visa run. I also live down the street from a company that specializes in Visa runs.

Ad in Baht Bus

Seeing our luggage come around the carousel was a relief. I think everyone who has experienced lost luggage knows the excitement of seeing your bags arrive at your destination! It's nice that international flights do not charge fees for bags. Like the good ole' days in America, you are allowed two bags. Since I plan of doing some backpacking, I wanted to pack light. I had my backpack stuffed with clothes and shoes, and another "throwaway" bag packed with things I do not intend to bring back to the States with me. It also had all kinds of knick knacks for the children. I was quiet proud of myself... the bag was from goodwill and only cost 10 dollars!!!!

I was told to meet our driver at door 3. He would be holding a sign with my name and  picture. I was excited by this idea. In America, if someone is holding a sign with your name it means you are someone special.

I have never seen so many signs in my life! There was tons of people holding signs. I didn't feel special anymore :(

Unfortunately, the flight was early. I found a cozy spot on the floor next to door 3 so I could see incoming sign holders. Brian and I took turns walking around looking for our sign. We also took this opportunity to spend our first Baht. Brian bought a delicious Green Tea drink and what we call in Hawaii, Manapua. No idea what the proper Thai name is. I set off and bought some spring rolls.

After some time had passed and Brian was doing his rounds looking for our sign, He came back with the cutest little Thai man. Indeed, he was caring a sign that said my name. However, he only had a picture of me. So when Brian approached him, he could only be convinced that it was the correct party if he saw me. This little fact makes me laugh, as Brian was not amused that again I held the cards in my hand :)

It took a while on an elevator to find the correct floor. We went up and down and up again. Eventually, we made it to the taxi. We loaded the bags and got in. Thank goodness the AC still lingered in the car!

As we left the airport, gold adorned statues lead the way out. In Thailand, they do drive on the opposite side of the road compared to America. Our driver did not talk much. His English was minimal, but at least he keep the AC cranked up!

There isn't much to see between the Airport and Pattaya. Just the random shacks that adorne the sides of the roads that offer fruit.

At one point we got pulled over by the police. Needless to say our driver was speeding, but there really isn't any signs posted with a speed limit. The police in Thailand walk carelessly into the middle of traffic and signal you with their hand to pull over. This is the normal way to be pulled over. The policeman did this to several vehicles. As we waited our turn to speak to the second officer, Brian and I watched as the other officer kept walking nonchalantly into the middle of the freeway to pull people over.

The driver exchanged a few words with the officer and had a couple laughs. Then we were on our way.

We arrived at our school. It is safely tucked away behind a couple buildings on Sukhumvit Rd - The main road between Bangkok and Pattaya. We were greeted by Ooie. She works in the office at the school. Her and the principal both have apartments at the school. We put our bags in her house and paid the driver. It cost 1,000 baht or roughly $30.00 for the hour and a half ride.

We then were taken to the main office. We waited outside on one of the many picnic tables for the Principal, May. There was tons of construction happening. There must have been around 50 workers. Half were working on installing the pool, and the others were pouring concrete. This was 2 days before school would start.

May personifies Thailand's motto of the, "Land of Smiles." She is Thai, but is originally from Chiang Mai so her features look a bit more Chinese. She can speak 5 languages, and her English is very good. Her and her husband, Eric, started the school a couple years ago. They went from having 2 students to having around 400 hundred students. Eric learned English 3 years ago and he is quiet good as well.

We were given a tour of the school. Needless to say, the idea of "showing face," in Thailand was achieved! The school was much better than I expected. The classrooms are well stocked and have good layouts. There is a dance studio and ballet studio upstairs of the main building. This is the builiding where Brian's class will be. Across the newly paved playground area is another building. This is where preschool and most of the Kindergarten classes are held. My class is upstairs in this building. Connected to this building is the cafeteria and school store.

My class is upstairs in this building. From the stairs on the left, my class is through one of those windows!

The clearing is where the children do their morning activities while the Farang stand outside in the Heat!

Upstairs play area.

May insisted we retire to our temporary apartment. She wanted us to rest. We didn't argue. We were tired!

It was right around the corner from the school at a place called the Cold Rock. Nice enough place... had a western style bathroom, bed, TV, and AC!

Why we teach!

We were too excited to stay indoors. We walked down the street to the beach. It was about a 15 minute walk. It felt longer because of the heat. Seeing the ocean made it worthwhile.

There were tons of umbrellas and chairs that lined the beach. There isn't really alot of sand in Jomtien. More like a patch of sand then the water. We walked down a little ways and decided to eat. I had Pad Thai. It was very good. The presentation in Thailand of this dish is to blanket the noodles in an egg canopy.

After a long journey, our first Thai sunset.

We walked back to our apartment and stopped by a 7-11 for the essentials, water and local candy.