These are my last few days in Thai Muang. I have no teaching as I wanted a week off to sit back, chill and relax before heading back to freezing UK! There were a few things that I wanted to do. I went to the Thai Muang Turtle Sanctuary and they had turtles of all different sizes, amazing coral and giant sea clams, wonderful stuff. I went to Phuket to say goodbye to Andoo and buy a few last minute presents. I asked Tin is he could arrange some snorkelling for me and yes it’s all set for Friday morning.

Thursday night went out with Anders and Net to George and Veronicas as a going away supper. Very enjoyable and they bought me a lovely present, thank you both xx

Tin and I went snorkelling with Mud, the fisherman, although not terribly successful as apparently the water was too high but we did sail around the coastline and swim. It is the most beautiful unspoilt beach that I’ve ever seen and I would hate to see it turned in to another Patong beach. Where all you’ll see is sunbed after sunbed after sunbed!

I am just getting ready to go out for the last night. I’m off to school tomorrow morning to say goodbye to everyone and then Tin has kindly offered to take me to the airport.
I am not looking forward to getting back to the very cold weather in the UK but I’m sure I’ll get acclimatised quickly!
This is Laney signing off – good luck and enjoy those who come to help out in Thai Muang. You wont regret it! 30.01.10

Fri 8th Jan
Good news, Fon and I are going to Ubonratchatani! The director has approved our going and Kwang is very pleased. They are now looking at the best way to travel there. In the mini-bus which has a possibility of breaking down because it’s renowned for not being very reliable or take the coach to Bangkok and then another to Ubonratchatani. I would love to fly but it’s not a direct route and not particularly cheap and as I’d want Fon and Kwang to be with me have decided to go with whatever transport the school provides. More practising with Kwang. Anders and Net are away so I went to George and Veronicas for supper, pizza, chips and garlic bread!!

Sat 9th Jan
I decided to take the bus to Khao Lak and had sent Christin a text to say I’d meet her there if she fancied some company. I waited for a bus from 09.30 until 11.00am and not a bus to be seen!! Christin was also waiting but about 30 kms away. So the only thing to do was to jump on my bike, grab the helmet from home and go ad pick her up. We then went to Bang Niang Beach (just past Khao Lak) and had lunch. WE then went further up the coast to White Sands – called because the sand is white!! Clever. Also they have little crabs that crawl about in their shells. Hard to find but we managed to find one or two, I’d never seen this before and it’s amazing how they can squeeze themselves into their own shells! They’d never be homeless! Took Christin back to Baluga school and then I came home I was very tired, I hadn’t realised what a difference it made when you had another person on the bike and also I felt a huge sense of responsibility for her too. Picked up some spring rolls and pancakes from town and headed home for a reasonably early night!

Sun 10th Jan
I was aching on my shoulders but it soon wore off. Lovely day and so I rushed through the household chores and went off to the beach. Stopped off at Georges first for pizza and chips, again, not at all healthy but tasty all the same. Then went to the beach and watched some children rushing around trying to catch the sand crabs, occasionally they were successful and it was great fun watching them. The children are so friendly, they came over and they told me their names, Chi and Bing and I took some photos of them. I decided to go in to the sea and they joined me and we messed around in the waves for a while, great fun. I packed up and went home and then met Anders for supper. We went to Rimhad’s on the beach and had typical Thai food, papaya salad, green chicken curry and rice. The rain started again but wasn’t too heavy when I went home but certainly turned in to a storm and carried on for about a couple of hours.

Mon 11th Jan
No school today as the teacher’s were on a conference but I’d arranged to meet Kwang at school so we could do some more practising. I did the usual chores, read my book and then took some washing to the lady in town and met Kwang. We went through the speech and she remembers just over half of it at the moment. Tomorrow she’ll read the speech in front of the whole school and before we leave on Friday for Ubonratchatani she’ll say it to the school from memory. She remembers most of the gestures and facial expressions that I’ve taught her. This is a very important part of the speech and I think about 25% of the marks can be given for this. Meeting Anders and Net soon so will close for now.

Sat 2nd Jan
I planned to go to Khao Lak but changed my mind when I saw the sky. Still overcast and it looks distinctly likely to rain. I chanced it for a while by going to the beach and having pizza and chips at George and Veronicas. Can’t say it’s doing the waistline any good! Back home to the regular chores and just in time before the heavens opened! I was very thankful to be inside. Managed to go out in-between downpours and met Anders and Net for dinner as usual. Movie night again.

Sun 3rd Jan
Had an acute attack of utter laziness and so stayed in all day. Read, watched TV updated my CV and thought long and hard about what to do next….. no answer as yet, but will let you know as soon as I know!

Mon 4th Jan
Back to school. Fon’s classes today. First were the mechanics and I’d prepared a list of questions concerning time-keeping (which we had done in the last lesson) and asked them to write the answers in their books. They then read them aloud which the students love to do even if you ask them to stand and 9 times out of 10 they giggle – even the boys – it’s lovely to see. Second class were the computer students. I went through body part names with them and then onto how to tell a doctor that you have a pain and where. Yes, I did tell them the naughty word for ‘bottom’! I now, what a bad girl I am. Fon wasn’t in school today and when I managed to get through to her on her phone she’s had to go to hospital. She’s been experiencing some weird headaches and they were taking tests! She’ll be back tomorrow so nothing too serious. Absolutely pouring again and I have no intention of going out in that! So I stayed home, had strawberry jam on toast, good old English cup of tea and all was well. Thankfully, the electricity didn’t go off!

Tues 5th Jan
Went through again with Sunisa yet another speech she had written for the English speaking finals. I’d already sat down with her last week and we’d agreed that I’d re-write her original, so I spent a good amount of time doing just that and had it ready for last Thursday (Kwang was meant to be visiting Sunisa – which didn’t happen!) only to have Sunisa hand me another. Unfortunately again there were mistakes and this is hardly surprising when you have a Thai writing in English. I re-wrote the bits that needed it and when it was typed up, sat down with Jiranan (Kwang) to go through it with her. It’s about the advantages of Vocational Education training! Yeah well as you can imagine it’s a tricky piece. I went to see the Asst Director as this time I really feel, that for Kwang’s sake it would be a great help if Fon and I went with her to the finals. She needs T.L.C. and she’ll get it from us. Not so sure of what he made of it but nothing ventured nothing gained! Did I mention that this was the finals for the whole of Thailand – so can you imagine if Kwang gets placed? What it will do for the college? I can and so want Kwang to get as much help support etc as she possibly can. Especially as there isn’t much time, the competition is either on 18th or 19th January 2010! And the piece has only just been written! I’m not saying another word! Time will tell! It started raining again but I managed to get to Anders in-between the rain and went with Net for dinner, however, we both got soaked coming back! Home to carry on reading my book and early to bed.

Wed 6th Jan
Sat from 08.30 – 12.00 with Kwang going over the speech. She really does have an aptitude for learning and she’s picking up the new words reasonably quickly. Poor girl, the pressure is on her. Every day we’ll practice and hopefully we’ll sort something out for the finals even if I have to buy plane tickets! The finals are being held in a place called Ubonratchitani and it’s somewhere between 15 – 20 hours in a mini bus! Now you know why I’d consider the plane. Went with Fon and two other teachers to Khao Lak to a couple of hotels where the college has work experience students. There have been some problems, ie some of the students haven’t turned up! They needed to resolve them. I wondered around the hotels, had a good nose and made the mistake of sitting at the pool bar and ordering an iced coffee. I normally pay 30 Baht. This time, I paid 141 Baht and the coffee was revolting! There I learnt my lesson didn’t I? Looks like rain again so I guess I’m in for another soaking. Will close for now……….

Fri 25th Dec
Happy Christmas! Back to school as feeling much better – how else would I want to spend Christmas Day but teaching! Had a lovely lunch, pork noodle soup, my favourite and something that I have every day. I must have been wished a Merry Christmas at least 100 times and the students knew a little bit of Jingle Bells and so we had a sing song.
I went to the beach just so I could say “I went to the beach on Christmas Day”! It was lovely and peaceful with hazy sunshine – but I can’t complain as there is snow in England and Germany. Just Anders and I having dinner as Net was busy at school, quiet meal, then I went home and Net was there with a young German volunteer, Christin from Baluga school. She stayed the night as we are all going to Phuket tomorrow.

Sat 26th Dec
Net picked us up at 08.00 and off we went to Phuket, her cousin and a friend were with us and once we arrived, we split up as we had different things to do. Christin and I went shopping, eating, booked in to the Crystal hotel. We did more shopping and then met up with Fon – my English teacher from school – with her husband Nae and son, Noney. We went to look at the sunset from a very popular place, Phrom Thep Cape. It was lovely but unfortunately cloudy and so not the greatest sunset but a lovely idea all the same. We all went to dinner and arranged to meet the next day.

Sun 27th Dec
Following an unusual American breakfast – we went to meet Andoo at the market, did some more shopping and waited for Fon. We went to Kata Karon beach and then to Patong beach for lunch. It was wonderful sitting there people watching and what amazing people. All foreigners – the only Thais on the beach were those working. I was fascinated by the ‘Lady-boys’. It’s quite difficult to tell with some of them, some of course are very obvious but others not so. Fantastic legs – no cellulite there! Apparently I have to be in Patong at night-time to really see them at their best, can’t wait. Christin and I caught the bus back to Thai Mueang and met Anders, Net and some of their friends at a restaurant on the beach, we had dinner then back to the house. Christin and I sat and chatted and talked girlie stuff, it was great.

Mon 28th Dec
I took two classes for Fon this morning as she was in a meeting. Went well and I back-tracked a little and was pleasantly surprised when the students remembered a fair amount of the work. We had a good time and I think they enjoyed themselves. Strange to think of students enjoying themselves in class but you have to understand that the Thai way is totally different to ours. Some students turn up 20 – 30 minutes late for class – but that’s okay, they were having breakfast! Some would ask to be excused – to nip to the toilets for a quick ciggie! Right – can you imagine this in the UK!
I went to the beach again but only for a little while and then back home to catch up on my blog. Met Anders and Net for dinner – had pork noodle soup! I’m going to look like a noodle soon! Back home to watch a film then bed. It’s absolutely pouring tonight but I guess I shouldn’t complain as it’s still about 28 degrees and its 20.30!

Sun 13th Dec
My niece Tara’s birthday today so I thought I’d go and celebrate with her so I went to Kho Lak, approximately 50 km round trip. Word of warning when going anywhere on the bike – keep your mouth shut! Plenty of bugs around and it can come as quite a surprise when you realise you’ve just swallowed one! Very pleasant ride over there and found a lovely place for lunch. Right on the sea front serving traditional Thai and European food, so to make a change, I had a toasted cheese and ham sandwich and chips! Just next door are several beds where you can get different sorts of massages. I sat watching for a while and was quite envious and will definitely have one next time I visit. It was all open plan so what better way to relax than to have some-one massage away your aches, pains and stresses, with the sea playing it’s magical music and the breeze stirring the heat away, can’t think of much better! There are many very smart hotels on the beach. All have been rebuilt since the Tsunami. The only good thing I can say about these places is that it gives the locals work. I’m sure the guests have a lovely stay but it just doesn’t seem real, somehow. It’s a strange feeling seeing so many foreigners around. The only way I can explain that is that as I’m here living and teaching in the area, it’s not the same as going somewhere for a two week holiday where you expect to see foreigners. I went in to a large supermarket and not only could I find things from Tesco and Waitrose stores but there wasn’t one Thai person shopping there. I only went in for cereal and tea bags!

Mon 14th Dec
I have decided not to go to Trang for the competition, not because I didn’t want to see Jiranan say her speech but due to school politics. I wont go in to it but suffice to say I stayed behind with Fon. We were thinking of her all the time though.

Thurs 17th Dec
Happy Birthday Adam.
Today is the day of the competition and I have no classes and so I decided to stake myself out at the beach. Wow, not a person in sight and fantastically hot but I took my umbrella for shade! Clever or what. Took a lunch break at George and Veronica’s and then back out to the beach. I went into the sea a few times, not for a swim, because I’m a coward, but for a refreshing dip. Jiranan rang me at 4.30pm to tell me that she came 2nd. I am so pleased for her and now she has to go to the finals, early January 2010. What a star she is. She won’t be back until Monday so I will have to wait until then to give her a big hug. On my way home from the beach, the heavens opened and we had a terrific storm and the rain just poured down. Saw two youngsters come off their bike as they took a corner too fast. They bounced back up though, their pride more hurt than anything! Went to meet Fon for dinner by the beach, once the rain had stopped, which was very pleasant, her son was with his Grandmother and so it was just the two of us. Home to soothe my sunburn!

Fri 4th Dec
Fon’s students today, learning about tourism. I am still amazed by how little these students understand English and trying to have a conversation about where you would like to travel proved very difficult this morning.
The second class were also learning the hotel trade and so I have started talking about a hotel, what you would find in it. That also became very difficult because as soon as I got to ‘Reception’ I met a stumbling block. Very very slowly we managed to get as far as booking in! I just don’t have enough time.
Had a third class today, computer students and we talked about our daily routine and telling the time. All very basic stuff but it takes a long time to help them understand. Oh well, onward and upward!

Sat 5th Dec
The King’s birthday today, don’t think he’ll be up for much celebrating as apparently he’s in hospital. He’s just over 80 years old I think. There were celebrations in the evening at the Municipal building in town and Net and I went along. Lots of school children were singing and dancing. Tiny little girls and boys all made up with eye make-up and elaborate hair styles – weird in a way, they were pretty but they weren’t, if you can understand that!

Sun 6th Dec
Mr Sakunsa, the Asst Director had asked me to go to a local Temple as it was the first anniversary of his Mother’s death. I went with Sunisa and Tammy, another teacher and we visited the monks and had a long look inside the Temple. It was amazing, different pictures, each telling a story painted around the whole inside. We had lunch and then we went to Lampii Waterfall, about 15 km outside of Thai Mueang. It was very busy with both Thais and foreigners. Lots of children swimming but the water was very cold. Not a large waterfall. A nice place to visit for a short time.

Mon 7th Dec
Bank Holiday as it was the King’s birthday on Saturday! Anders and I went to Phang Nga on our bikes, across the mountains. Absolutely amazing and some beautiful views. A little bit hairy here and there but you get used to it. We visited a very large Temple the animal kingdom had a wall which had masses of monkeys climbing over it and one particular fella decided to take my coffee, which I had inadvertently left on a table, he rushed up the tree and proceeded to drink it, using the straw! He got fed up with that, threw the straw away and drank from the cup. I took some pictures but not too sure how they turned out. We then went down into a huge cave, a monk sitting by the entrance, so if you wanted to pray, he was there. The cave just went back and back into the mountain, I am sure it’s inhabited by millions of bats but fortunately didn’t see any. Typically my camera wouldn’t take the photos well enough as it was so dark but just believe me when I say it was amazing, with water at the bottom, no idea if it was a river but it must have come from somewhere. Then we went into ‘Hell’. All I can say is that the Thais have some amazing imaginations, it was awful. Statues of people being tortured and killed in the most horrific manner. Honestly it was like a Stephen King story. I’m not even going to tell you what was going on there, if you want to know ask Anders! I took Anders to the same place that I had lunch with Sunisa for Papaya salad. Then back home, same way. A great day out – 110 km! Wow and yes my bum knew it!

Tues 8th and Wed 9th Dec
School is the same but am working hard with Jiranan for the English speaking competition. She is working very hard and on Wednesday spoke in front of the whole school. Unfortunately she was very nervous and so it wasn’t as good as perhaps it could have been. Met up with her after school, at Georges and we practiced some more. Fon joined us and she’ll speak in front of school again on Friday.

Thurs 10th Dec
Another public holiday, lucky me, something political this time I think. Anders, Net and I went to Khao Lak, about 35 km from Thai Mueang, for lunch. There are so many resorts on the beach for the holiday makers that when you walk around, you see more white people than you do Thais! Had a very tasty lunch, little wander and then back home to catch up on chores!

Mon 23rd Nov
First shot with the mechanics and electricians. The photos went down well so we’ll see what they can remember next week! Four hours of teaching is fairly heavy going so am always glad when it’s lunch time. I go to the school canteen with Fon and usually have the pork noodle soup. I’m getting better because I add my own chilli now, must be getting more used to the taste of Thai food.

Tues 24 Nov
Today, Sunisa dropped the bombshell that she had the subject matter for the English speaking competition, in two days time. Could I please write a piece on how the students are against violence, a five minute talk. I would meet the student the following day to practice. Nothing like leaving things to the last minute. Had Accounting and Electricians for class. Not bad classes, although I had to tell the boys that being late for class was not really acceptable! Not sure that the Thais have the same idea about punctuality as we British do! I worked on the piece for the English speech and just hoped it was what they were looking for.

Wed 25 Nov
Spent the first two hours with Jiranan – nickname Kwang (meaning deer), the student who will read the speech. This is the young girl that can also speak a little German, she’s 15 years old but really seems quite mature for her age. I had to explain nearly everything in the piece as she didn’t know what violence was – so you can imagine it took a while but for her to give feeling to the piece, she really did need to understand it first! I had a lesson with accounting students and we talked about what you can buy in certain shops. It’s so hard when they have such a limited understanding of English – just as well I can act and mime!! Met with Jiranan at Georges so we could go through the speech. Told her to practice in front of her family and that I’d see her bright and early in the morning at school.

Thurs 26 Nov
Arrived at school at 08.00 to meet with Sunisa and the students so we could drive to Phang Nga, where the contest was being held. Jiranan was feeling fine and we had several chances to practice. Once we arrived at the college in Phang Nga, she was able to stand with the microphone and practice a little more. As the starting time approached, she was understandably a little nervous. Success, she has got through to the next round to be held in Trang province (about 300 km from Thai Muang) against, I believe, 27 other students. I have to lengthen the speech and do more practice with Kwang. There was also a competition of students demonstrating something. One girl was showing us how to make New Year’s cards. She very kindly made one for me. Her name is Nutcharee. The Director of the college also asked me to stand and talk to the students about the competition and what I thought of the contestants. I’ve never been very good with a microphone but they were still smiling at the end, so I guess I did okay. Sunisa took me to a lovely restaurant where we had papaya salad, sticky rice and some vegetables. Wow, was it spicy but very tasty all the same. The views around Phang Nga are amazing so I intend going back to get a better look around.

Fri 27 Nov
Quiet day at home as there was no school as the Director was leaving to go to Trang and all the teachers go with him to the new school. I went to George and Veronica’s for pizza, lovely. They are a really friendly couple and make it all so much easier as they both speak such good English. I am off to Phuket tomorrow, to visit Andoo and Beakie so home for an early night.

Sat 28 Nov
Caught the 09.10 bus and arrived in Phuket just after half ten. Met a very friendly Buddist monk, who was off to Phuket to buy a laptop! That surprised me. Met up with Andoo and Beakie and we wandered around Phuket for a while then caught the bus to Patong Beach. Another huge shopping center and again full of foreigners. Went to the beach and boy was it crowded. It was fairly late in the day so didn’t bother hiring a sunbed and just watched the world go by, which included, of course, the much older men and their much younger Thai female friends! Back to Phuket in the evening and found a very pleasant hotel called The Chrystal. 850 Baht , just over £15.00 for the night, air con, safe, mini bar in the fridge and own bathroom. Very comfortable bed too. Had a lovely dinner close to the market, spicy papaya salad, deep fried chilli pork and a bamboo dish (not to my taste!) Watched a film on the TV and slept like a baby.

Sun 29 Nov
I went to the market to see how Andoo was doing, not a bad day for her considering it’s a Sunday. She sells jewellery, hair slides and other bits and pieces. I had a wander and went into Robinson’s food hall. Can you imagine my excitement when I spotted the sign ‘cereal’! I rushed over and there they were: Cornflakes, Frosties, Branflakes, All Bran and a few others. Picked up a couple of boxes and bought them along with a few other essentials. In my excitement I’d forgotten to check how much the cereal cost so you can imagine what I thought when I realised I had just paid £9.00 for just two boxes! Ouch! This cereal is going to last a long long time, however I’m sure it’ll be worth it! I met up with Andoo once she’d finished. We had lunch and then went to the bus station. I caught the 1 o’clock bus and got to Thai Muang at 2.30. It was very cloudy and rain was definitely in the air. Popped in to say hi to Anders and Net then got home just in time before the rain started. Another amazing storm which carried on for some time. I had the usual stuff to do at home and to get ready for school tomorrow. Had a power cut but only for about half an hour so no worries.

Mon 30 Nov
Mechanics first and I was reasonably impressed as they remembered quite a bit of last week’s lesson, the names of parts of the car. We went through ‘free time’ again and what they did and all in all it was a good lesson. The electricians were late and there were only 9 whereas last week there had been 17. Their memory was very good on the photos and we progressed a little on to nouns and their plurals. It’s another very hot day but with a pleasant breeze. Off to meet Anders and Net for dinner.

…to be continued.

Sat 14th Nov
Up at 6.00 to get an early bus to Phuket with Andoo. The bus took an hour and a half and cost 60 Baht – just over £1.00! Wow was Phuket busy and hot? We wandered round and Andoo was looking for a flat to rent, she found one, amazing she just walked up to sales people in shops and asked around. It may well not be what she wants for the duration but certainly will suffice for the present. We went shopping, had lunch and went to Central shopping plaza. There were so many white people! I then went to Tescos. A little disappointed, couldn’t find any cereal although I’ve been told its there! Better luck next time. Back to Thai Muang on a very smart bus and then early night.

Sun 15th Nov
Up at 7.00 as Andoo was leaving for Phuket at 8.00, Anders had arranged a lift for her. I was sorry to say goodbye to Andoo and Beakie! It was nice to have some company. Lazy day, a little cleaning, washing and reading. Went to a funeral in the evening with Net. Anyone that knows the deceased goes along to, I guess what we’d call a wake, makes a donation for the food and listens to 8 Buddist monks chanting. Not a bad experience, just a word of advice, do not sit in front of the speakers!

Mon 16th Nov
Am with Fon’s students this week, mechanics and computer students first up. Not too bad. Had lunch with Fon in the canteen, tasty but I was concerned by what Fon was eating but didn’t say anything, however I was to find out what it was the next day!! We arranged to have a meeting with Sunisa and Anders later to discuss how we are going to do these English lessons. They are not getting the best from me and I’m incredibly frustrated with the student’s lack of English. They can read and repeat, parrot fashion but the minute you ask them the same question but in a different order, they’re lost, completely. They write beautifully, probably because they’ve been doing it for 6 years, copying down what has been written on the board. They have little to no understanding of what they have written. It’s so sad.
Did I forget to mention the rain? Seriously when I say rain I mean the heaviest and wettest rain that you could imagine. One minute blazing sunshine, then the wind starts and low and behold the heavens open! The thunder is to say the least thunderous! And the lightening, a sight to be seen. Having said that, it doesn’t stop anyone from getting out and about and when in Rome etc….. and so there I was in flip flops, ¾ length trousers, shirt, very thin jacket all covered by a very fetching purple plastic rain mac with the hood held in to place by my baseball cap! Anders had threatened to take a photo and so you guys may get the last laugh yet! However, travelling in the wind and rain on a motor cycle has two drawbacks – firstly the mac wouldn’t stay over my knees and so was soaked and secondly, my glasses steamed up! Great fun but once inside I was dry within ¼ of an hour! The track outside the house is a challenge though as the puddles just grow and grow until its totally covered in water and you just hope for the best that you don’t hit a pot hole on your way through!

Tues 17th Nov.
Great class with Fon, computer and accounting students, we managed to get beyond the introductions, my name is and where I live to what they do during the day and at what time! Satisfaction. Short lived as I then had 6 mechanics and it was back to square one with my asking the question “What is your name”? answer “I live in…….”! Trying to get them to understand ‘to have’ was almost an impossibility but I think in the end we made it with the help of lots of Thai translation! I went to the canteen again with Fon and this time she ordered me a special treat – yes, you’ve guessed -what she had been eating the previous day. When I looked at it, I thought “they look just like chicken’s feet”! Guess what they were! I had to say something to Fon and explained that we English didn’t really go in for chicken’s feet but thanks all the same. Fortunately she saw the funny side and took them back to the kitchen! The whole school could have heard my sigh of relief!! Meal with Anders and Doon in the evening as Net had gone to another funeral. Again, I witnessed another culinary delight (apparently) this time Ander’s ate it……. a duck’s beak! Have you ever heard the like? Good lord whatever next…….(Actually, I don’t even want to think about it, I find not thinking too much about things is by far the very best way!!) Rode my bike in the pouring rain, covered head to toe in plastic and carrying my laundry basket – what an experience!

Tues 17th Nov
Accounting and computer students were first for today. Very good class, their English was more advanced than any other group that I’ve been with. I was able to go a little further with them, their names, where they live, where they go to college and the times of the day and what they did at those times. It felt really good to actually get somewhere! Wham, into the next class, mechanics and it took me right back to day one. When I asked “where do you live”? the answer I got was “My name is……” It took me ages to help them understand the word where and its meaning. I then moved on to the alphabet and its sounds. Went back to ‘where is something’ and they had no reply! It’s totally demoralising. The basics need to be taught to these students but there isn’t any time. Can you imagine, they have big exams in February, which includes English, and what their chances might be of getting good results!

Wed 18th Nov
Only one lesson today and so I had a late start, actually I had an even later start as my bike wouldn’t start. Rang Anders who came and collected me and took me to school, wasn’t too late. Good lesson with accounting and marketing students, it makes such a difference when it goes well. Got a lift from the Asst Director in his brand new very smart 4 wheel drive thingy and he dropped me at George’s Pizza. I have become addicted to Veronica’s cold coffee, absolutely delicious! Anders picked me up and I went back to the house to wait for Tin (owner of bike) and his mechanic. Apparently, I had a flat battery – (the bike has….) easily remedied and I’m out and about again. Dinner in town with Anders and Net, it’s so nice to know that I have company every evening and I’m always home by 8.30pm!

Thurs 19th Nov
Two classes today, first Mechanics. They were really quite good and we managed to talk about the family and who lives where so all in all a good lesson and they seemed to enjoy it especially when we did the alphabet and I asked for a word for each letter, amazing how many makes of car and bike they know! Then I had a tourism class, these students were excellent (in comparison to some of the others!) and they really got involved in the lesson. It feels so great when you know they have learnt something new, mind you, am not sure how long they will remember it for. My weeks are split between two teachers and their students and so I don’t see this week’s students until the week after next and that’s way too long. Did I mention that each lesson is two hours long but the time doesn’t seem to drag!
Just figured that I haven’t really described the house. It’s out of town going towards Ban Kownoi and you get to it via dirt track. It has its own front garden with a huge pair of sliding gates (left open though) and a covered front porch. You enter straight into the living area, lounge, open plan area (call it what you will) its L shaped. Off this are two bedrooms. At the end are the kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen is large with a tiled work top, sink and fridge. There are no cupboards and now I understand why (well for food really) because you must keep nearly everything in the fridge. The heat destroys things at an amazing speed. Speaking of the heat you must regularly air your clothes otherwise they start to smell! Odd but true. There is a covered back porch and back garden, have to add, not a single flower in sight! Every window has a built in metal window guard so windows can be left open but no-one can get in. Both front and back doors have the same metal gate. Each morning I leave both doors open and several windows, happy in the knowledge that it’s safe. Must confess it took me at least a week to feel comfortable about doing it! The house is relatively cool because of the air and it may mean that someone can’t get in but it doesn’t mean that something can’t get in! Every time I come home I call “Anyone home”? Just in the hope that if I have an unwanted visitor, mouse, very large spider, rat or snake, they hear me and think “That’s it I’m off she’s back”! I can forever live in hope. Actually it’s not been too bad but I still jump 6ft if something moves and I haven’t seen it beforehand! I may well still be doing that at the end of my time here. There are three electric fans in the house, an absolute necessity. Your fresh water comes in 20 litre containers which Anders kindly brings up. No way could I handle that and the motor cycle. There is water from the well (in the kitchen) apparently there is an abundance of water and every house (and new ones being built) have their own wells, a machine just comes along and drills into the natural water supply. Good water pressure too. There is a small house immediately next door but it’s empty at the moment. On the other side is a larger house, with flowers in their garden, and loads of dogs. Can’t figure whether all the dogs belong to people around here or whether they are mostly strays, I think after having talked to Anders, it’s the latter. Noisy lot is all I can say but you do get used to them. Just don’t plan on having a lay-in! No chance. I have now been here two weeks and have settled really well despite the total difference to our way of life. That was partly what this was all about, seeing a different culture, experiencing, learning and living it.

…to be continued.

I arrived at Phuket airport following an eleven hour flight from Heathrow to Hong Kong, half an hour there and then a three hour flight to Phuket. All in all a good trip. Anders was at the airport to meet me which was wonderful and we drove to Thai Muang. We stopped on the way to buy a coke and never before have I drunk a coke from a small plastic bag, filled with ice and served with a straw!! Very interesting concept and understandable as there is money back on the bottles of drink.

Settled into the house for a couple of hours before Anders collected me, on the back of his motorbike, to make a tour of Thai Muang. He decided it would be a good idea for us to call into the Vocational College where I’ll be starting to teach on Monday, I was looking like a wreck but that didn’t stop him!! Took my first paddle in the Andaman Sea and chased a crab. Wow what an amazing view, 13 km of pure sandy beach. However there’s a very strong current and so swimming not advised but I’m sure I’ll get away with the occasional paddle.

First night in the house alone. Was very tired, having been up for 33 hours so was hoping for a good night’s sleep. Not as bad as I thought but must confess it’s taking a bit of getting used to having lizards skittering around the walls at a rapid rate and clucking to each other. There’s dogs running around the rubber plantation and once one starts barking they all have a go, very harmonious!! NOT. Will get used to it though. Had to get up several times during the night but have my trusty torch just to double check. Will take some time before I’m comfortable with seeing so many spiders, slugs, very large ants and insects but it’s all part and parcel of being in Thailand.

Fri 06.11.09

Up and about at 08.30, sorted a few things and then went for another tour with Anders. I had no idea that the food was so spicy, took a couple of hours for me to get my feeling back in my lips after one particular meal. Anders says that the spicier the food the less I’ll feel the heat!! Do I believe him, not yet. It’s around 32 degrees heat and 90 degrees humidity, wow and do I feel it. Have never enjoyed a cold shower so much! The traffic in Thai Muang is far greater than I imagined and precarious. No rules as such, just who-ever is the largest wins! Went to watch Anders teach at his school, very informative! My first experience of a Thai toilet, seat covering a hole at a very low level and a container of water to use to flush, fun!! But when in Rome etc etc!!
Evening meal with Anders and Net, very good company. Shopping, of course. Loads of shops but not as I’m used to but basically sell almost everything. Have found milk, bread, butter and jam. Small packets of cereal and so I can still have a taste of England! Apparently there is a Tescos in Phuket so will look forward to a visit there.

Sat 07.11.09

Up at 07.30 ready for the day ahead. Went and collected my moped – it’s been a long time but managed well. Have to say the traffic is a little daunting at first but I just close my eyes and hope for the best, kidding!! Am trying to get used to everyone staring at the ‘furung’ (foreigner), most smile but not all! I do stand out like a sore thumb although there are a few other white people around, but not many. Just Net and I had dinner tonight, Anders busy working…..the Thai customs are so very different to our own and its very interesting listening to their culture. Have to bite my tongue on the odd occasion as some things just sound like the dark ages, arranged marriages, strict time keeping if the parents say so and we’re not talking about teenages either! However, it’s their life and their way of doing things and as I said to Net, I don’t wholly agree with the Westener’s ways of doing things either.
Always get back to the house around 8.30 – 9.00 pm so have time to potter but have to confess to feeling very tired, I think the heat is draining me or it could be my age of course!!

Sun 08.11.09

Had a typical Sunday, cleaning, washing, reading and generally lazing around. This is the first time I’ve been in a hot climate and not rushed out to sunbathe! Reason : it’s so very very hot. Mind you I will but I’m taking things slowly. Thank god for my music as there is no TV, which, I must confess, was a huge part of my life before!! There was a funeral in town, which I opted to miss so just popped in to see Anders, use the internet and so some more shopping, then back home. Feeling a little nervous about my first day at college tomorrow but fingers crossed all will go well.

Mon 09.11.09

Arrived at Anders at 07.15 and followed him to college. Met with Fon and Sunisa, who I’ll be working with and went to hear the morning speech by the Director and some teachers. Little did I know that I was going to be called forward to address the whole school!! Anders had said that it wouldn’t happen but he was telling a fib!! It wasn’t as bad as I thought except they gave me a microphone which of course I didn’t really need but they didn’t know that. Went with Fon to meet the Director and Asst Director, had coffee and then to my first class with Sunisa! Had to be on the fourth floor!! Phew, that takes it out of you I can tell you. The building is nothing like I’ve ever seen before, it reminded me of a 5 story airport hanger. However, there’s whiteboards in the classrooms and chairs with a ledge for the students to lean on as way of a desk. They very kindly brought a large fan over as I think they soon realized I was struggling with the heat!!
The students are wonderful and I love to see them giggle, especially the boys. They are fairly shy but pretty soon overcome that. The girls smile more than the boys but the boys, when they think you’re not looking, call out and say hello and laugh behind their hands. Their level of English is fairly basic considering they are 15 years and upwards, however their written English is pretty good and they have beautiful handwriting.
I went to lunch with the Director, Asst Director, Fon, Sunisa and a couple of other teachers. Very tasty food, at a restaurant opposite the beach. I think it all went well. Sunisa and I went back to class to teach another lesson. Basically it’s all been about introductions and very basic conversations covering, my name is, where I live, about the family and pets. All good.
Got home and collapsed in a heap, as I said it must be the heat!! My excuse anyway. Chilled out and then off to meet Anders and Net. Anders has put some movies on a memory stick which is great. At least I can still get a taste of watching films.

Tues 10.11.09

A reasonable good night and off to college on my own, managed to take the wrong road but got there in the end. Different students today and similar to yesterday. Some students are better than others but all seem willing. Finished at lunch time so drove around for a little and then back home pottering around. There was the most amazing thunderstorm and lightening with masses of rain, didn’t last long but cooled the air a little. Drove to Anders and my glasses kept steaming up and was wearing a very colourful rain mac complete with hood! Very fetching. My legs were soaking but within 10 minutes inside dry as a bone. Went for a meal with Anders and Net, different place and equally as tasty. I’m getting more used to the spicy food too. Met another English teacher who has been here for four months, she’s with a friend and so we’ll meet up sometime and exchange notes.
Back home, finished watching a movie and then bed.

Wed 11.11.09

Up and off to college again only to find that I have one lesson only. Am finding it a little frustrating how the Thais teach English, basically so long as the students can repeat the words and write them down, that’s enough. When I asked the students what they were saying, they had absolutely no idea. I’d love to start at the basics and work from there but the Ministry of Education has set down for the schools and colleges what has to be done and how so I guess their hands are fairly tied. I feel guilty not being there more and want the college to utilize me as much as possible so keep trying to drop subtle hints, however, subtlety has never been my strong point!!
Met Anders for lunch and had pizza and chips, absolutely fantastic. Mind you can’t eat there too often, far too many calories!!
Home to do my chores. Have got to mention just how great a wet shower room is, so easy and its great if you’re rinsing stuff out just stand in there and use the high powered water hose and rinse away. I love it. Was going to pop back to the beach but got waylaid with stuff at home so will go another day.

to be continued…

First Impression
Turning up the first day at Ban Huaisai Primary School to be introduced to teachers, parents, all the students are lined up, standing in the sun. The principal is talking to the students through a microphone, connected to a loudspeaker system; with speakers strategically placed all over the school to make sure that everyone at school and the surrounding neighborhood can hear what the principal has to say to the kids. Parents have arrived to take a look at the “volunteer English teacher” “Nong told me that she is a farang from England…” “dunno where she’s from, I just came to see her complexion…” All 62 students, acting routinely to what the principal is saying, are all staring at you… with a kind smile the principal turns to you… and hands you the microphone, time for you to say something to everyone.

Yes, the first couple of minutes as a volunteer English teacher can to some be an overwhelming new experience, thinking of the thought process here; from the first time you saw our website, to now actually be standing here in a small village in Southeast Asia! Some volunteers: “What am I gonna say!?” and other volunteers, if not all: “Wow, it is hot here!” It’s time to realize that all the “order” and systems that we are used to in the western hemisphere… well, this is the eastern hemisphere, and what might seem logical at home has a totally different meaning here. Thailand and the Thai people are so very inviting for everyone to have a great experience and for that to happen one just need to try to understand just a bit of the unique Thai culture and how things are done in a polite Thai manner. Being kind hearted and open minded are also two qualities a volunteer English teacher should have. Shortly after arrival we have a talk about do’s and don’ts, teaching at a Thai school, Thai manners, lesson planning, and getting on with it.

Ideas
Creative ideas must come from the volunteer, your imagination is your limit, let it be your frontier to explore and come up with ways to convey the English language to the children. Many years of textbook teaching has produced very limited results in the student’s reading and writing skills, and even less in their conversational abilities. Aim for lessons getting the students out of their chairs and using the English language, literally. If the first week goes by with always having a positive attitude where students seemingly hardly make any mistakes and you are not the “correcting” teacher, you can go into the second week of teaching knowing some of the strengths and weaknesses of the classes and some students, prepared with lessons made by you, knowing it’s going to be fun. You will quickly find out who the eager students are and use them to your advantage in your teaching as they are not shy to speak. By advantage I mean that you could ask these students questions and even if they gave you a wrong answer you could feed them the correct and they will show their peers that speaking English is “eeeasy”.

Getting close to the students and try to understand their level of understanding is essential for an English teacher in Thailand. Some students will come to you even before you have taught your first lesson, they might just want to touch your skin and they won’t say a word, others after a couple of days, and few will never be anywhere near you throughout your entire volunteer teaching period. Use your skills and talents, you know which ones you have, and I know that you have various.

Ban Huaisai Primary School
About 250 people live in Ban Huaisai Village and that has been sufficient for the government to open a primary school. The people are mainly rubber-tree and palm-oil farmers, just are most other villages in District of Thai Mueang. With 62 students the school is entitled to 3 teachers and a principal, provided by the Thai Ministry of Education. The Thai teachers must be able to teach at least three subjects and are often teaching grades 1-3 in one classroom and grades 4-6 in another. “Teeacha… Teeacha!” adapt, learn and have a wonderful time.

Smiles
Anders