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Thurs 24th Dec
You’ll notice that I’m missing a few days – wont go in to detail but suffice to say I haven’t been very well – nothing serious – and everyone has been very helpful and the staff at Thai Mueang hospital were great.

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!

Sat 12th Dec
Anders and I went out on the bikes again. Different direction this time but followed the coastline and what a coastline. The most amazing thing is that the beaches just go on and on and except for the occasional Thai fisherman, they’re empty. We stopped for lunch at an out of this world restaurant called Waterjade. www.water-jade.com. It’s on the side of a lake, there are five bungalows each with its own sundeck, double room and bathroom and TV. Fantastic food. Thai massage if required. Just an amazingly beautiful place (especially if you’re a couple!) A lovely day out and about. Went to meet Net for dinner as she works on Saturdays.

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!

Thurs 05.11.09

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…