Volunteer English Teacher – Laney Parker – Thai Mueang – Thailand

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…