This is a brief overview of my experiences while volunteering. During my time here I have been lucky enough to form a new friendship group of truly unique and wonderful people, who have challenged, irritated and overwhelmed me.
Over the month of October (school holidays) we taught as a group, in hotels, health centers and even a group of Buddhist monks. Teaching and lesson planning as a group was difficult as I felt overly self-contuse about making small and (looking back on it) irrelevant mistakes. Lesson planning was hard going, but really necessary. However, laughing with a class of monks, who had the energy and humor very similar to that found in any group of boys, hearing the quietest member of staff at a hotel greeting me confidently in English, more than made up for lesson planning blues.

The students where ever we were teaching were a little shy at first but it was clear that they were eager to learn.
In November we moved back to Net and Anders home town of Thai Mueang, this took a bit of getting used to their were five of us living in one small house and the usual issues with who was going to do the washing up and who purchased toilet roll last, but all in all it was really good fun. Lots of nights in playing cards, star gazing and putting the world to rights. The food also got a lot better and a lot cheaper thanks to Sue-jin at Bam Bam’s restaurant, Georges Pizza at the beach and Towy’s cooking at Lucky restaurant!

With the start of a new term all the volunteers got a school each to go and teach English in grades 1-6. I have been teaching at Wat Patchatikaram School, I don’t think I can accurately describe my school, its pupils, teachers and charmingly eccentric headmaster. You just have to meet them to and you would understand what I mean.

However here are some tips for volunteers!

• Make the most of your free time, you will only teach on average 3/4 hours a day, go cycling exploring the national park etc!
• Plan a few weekend trips away, Anders and Net can always give lots of advice but its best to do a little reading before you leave.
• Bring smart (cotton) clothes and for teaching at a yellow, green, pink, purple and blue polo top or shirt, I wish I’d known this but Thai teachers wear a different colour for each school day, it’s such a small gesture but would be much appreciated.
• There will be children with learning and behavioral difficulties in your classes partially in the younger years, I know it sounds like something that shouldn’t need saying, but don’t just write them off or ignore them. A little love and interaction goes along way for these children in particular.
• At Patchatikaram have lunch with the Headmaster, he doesn’t speak a lot of English but he will give you very entertaining Thai lessons, he will make you laugh a lot! (I avoid the school canteen it made me sick the first day). Then go and get some dancing or tackro lessons of your Grade 5-6 who are keen to practice their English and teach you Thai!
• No lesson plan is full proof! Always have a work search or a crossword to whip out if case of emergency (did I mention the canteen food!).

This sort of volunteering is a big commitment; it has been frustrating and tiring at times. The teaching has been challenging work, but for me the real challenge was to slow down, and coming to terms with how much time you have time to think here. Not working 12 hour days and not really being very useful, or independent as Net and Anders are so good at organising and sorting things, it really unnerved me. This little bit of Thailand will find even your most deeply hidden faults and floors, but love you anyway.

I have just finished my first year at Uni, and I wanted to push my limits and figured volunteering would be a good bet. Thailand is one of the best places to do volunteering. The people, the culture, the atmosphere and so much more make this experience like nothing you will get at home. I remember first arriving here and meeting Anders, Net and the other volunteers. Instant friendship. Without each and everyone of them I am sure Thailand wouldn’t have been the same.

I had no idea how teaching was going to go. I mean it all sounded pretty straight forward, all you need to do is follow procedure. Screw procedure, I thought, I can do things my way, I don’t need to lesson plan. I will improvise. If I was ever wrong, well, that was the moment. Lesson planning is like the Holy Grail of teaching English as a second language. Make sure to go into the lessons over prepared. Better to be safe than sorry. But once you are in the lessons, you just feed off the kids energy, it’s like your adrenaline is pumping 3 hours straight, every day. There would always be laughter, and the concentration some of them had was just remarkable. Also make sure to cover your ears when you say the word ‘Game’. The kids just go nuts. Best way to end a lesson.

As a volunteer I not only taught English at a public school, but I also experienced Thailand from a non-tourist perspective. Which in my books equals towards: Priceless. Net, the other volunteers and I went to Khao Lak (semi-touristy, but not anywhere close to Patong), to a Waterfall, to shopping malls and almost everyday we went to the beach. Bliss. There is a 13km beach here, just for our pleasure. Not another soul is on the beach. Sweet as. The weekends were filled with fun stuff, and meeting just cool people. The friends that I have made here, will go down in history with me.

The memories are also priceless. I mean how many people can say that they have eaten chicken feet and crocodile, been stung by a scorpion, driving a motorbike everyday and been given fresh coconuts almost every day.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end. And my one month (Not nearly enough, next time I am going for 3 months, for sure) volunteering came to a quick end. Saying goodbye to the kids went alright up until the point where the wanted to hug me and kiss me on the cheek. Crying my eyes out is an understatement, I literally balled my eyes out. And what happens when 25 kids see a ‘farang” (foreigner) cry, well, they all cry, which made it even worse. Cheers. Off I go back to the ‘land of the long white cloud’ aka New Zealand. But as Arnold Schwarzenegger says “I’ll be back!”

Thank you Net, Anders, Rose, Lisa, Tom, Chris, Matt, the lovely people at Bam-Bam’s Restaurant (where we had Dinner almost every night) and the crazy cool people in Khao Lak. This ride has been AWESOME! Cant wait to catch you again soon.
Also future volunteers, a tip: You will have an amazing time here in Thai Mueang. No matter where you come from, how old you are or what your profession is you will love it! I promise!

Smile!

Photography Lesson with Michele and the students

Phratom 3 and Michele volunteer English teacherVolunteers in Thailand swimming in the waterfallMichele having fun with RoseAt Tonprai Waterfall in Phang Nga Province

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!

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…

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Tia will be here in the morning to take me away. Can’t believe my month here is up already; feels like I was just starting to almost get the hang of things: I figured out how to navigate the market and buy food (and even got what I wanted); I had some successful days in class; plus I finally managed to get my bearings around town– which is quite a feat for me, as I’m one of those people who couldn’t find her way out of a paper bag on occasion. And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye.

Some of my favorite memories of my time here will be the simplest ones: Walking along a deserted beach and finding an enormous seashell. The neighbor’s puppy sticking her head in the doorway and shrieking for attention every morning. Shopping with Net, and laughing over dinner with her and Anders. Riding around on the back of scooters with strangers. The teachers who welcomed me into their classes and were always friendly.

Of course, the ones that left the greatest impression are the kids, the kids, the kids. There was the boy who leapt up and danced in his seat whenever I looked his way. The one who brought me his toy gecko as a gift. The ones who kept poking my bright pink sunburnt skin to see if it was real. There were moments when their faces would light up with recognition when they “got” it, and confused smiles when they didn’t. Getting mobbed every day with hugs and shouts of, “Teacher, I love you!” Some of them live in pretty dire circumstances, but they still laugh and love as easily as their classmates.

It seems over the top to say that such a short time has radically changed my life, but perhaps it is my perception of my life that has changed most. My small house in the States seems extravagant compared to what I’ve seen here. The pressure to consume more and more has been gone these last few weeks, and I hadn’t even been aware of what a burden that can be until I was away from it. Who cares what the Joneses have? I’m happy that my needs are met… but, I am Soooooo looking forward to a very long soak in a bathtub with no creepy crawlies for company.

I am thankful to have had the opportunity to live in this community instead of just wandering around taking pictures. It has made a world of difference to me to be able to participate, not just observe. I’m already making plans to come back.

Jenn

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