Sa wat dee kha! Sa bye de mai kha? (hello, how are you?)

Hello! I just got back from morning assembly which consists of the students singing the national anthem, singing the school song and repeating some other stuff (not sure what they were saying). At the end of the assembly the person over the loud speaker said something that made all of the students laugh…too bad I don't speak Thai…it seemed pretty funny.

Some updates:

Do you miss American food?
     When I first got to Thailand, we were staying at a hotel in Bangkok for orientation. The food that we were served was mass produced Thai food, and I must say…it wasn't very good. I was getting adjusted to the climate, to the people, to the language among other things, it was difficult for me to also get used to eating fried rice and curry for breakfast!
     At first, it was a comfort thing. You would be surprised how much you can miss something when the option of having it is not there at all. Knowing that Thai food was my only option at that point made me miss the comfort of American food, something I know and something I could predict how my stomach would react to it. As time has gone on, I have adjusted well. Now, my new normal is to expect something with coconut milk/water based for lunch, noodles and rice for breakfast and dinner, and I know a couple places in town where I can go to get some Thai-ized American food (like Americanized Thai food).

What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced so far?
     I have definitely experienced a lot of differences, but there is one that stands out the most in my everyday life here in Thailand. The attitude of the staff here (and everywhere in Thailand) is not to worry, but to relax and go with the flow. When I got here for my first day of school I didn't have a schedule, I didn't know what or who I was teaching and I didn't have any supplies. My schedule changed many times, often leaving me unprepared and frantic. In America I would consider the administration's lack of preparedness a personal attack, that they did not care about my success. But, that is far from the truth here. Thai people genuinely want you to be happy, if they sense that you are upset or nervous they will tell you not to worry, to relax. Although it has been very difficult for me, someone who likes to be over prepared and I will admit that I am a little uptight, it has forced me to slow down, relax and just go with the flow. This is a very good difference that I have experienced.

How is the language barrier?
     The language barrier is very difficult, but I am learning to get used to it. There are many minutes in the day when I have no idea what is going on, I have no idea what anyone is saying. I will be sitting here at my desk with a conversation going on around me and their tone will sound like they are having a very serious discussion and then all the sudden they will break out in laughter. Other times I will hear two teachers talking to each other thinking to myself, what in the WORLD does that mean in Thai? That could not have been a word!
     The language barrier has been difficult, but sometimes funny between me and other teachers. Two examples: one day my co-teacher turned around in his chair and asked if I was trying in class. Mortified, I froze and just said "yes." I couldn't believe they didn't think I was trying…it was the third day and all I had done up to that point was introduce myself and describe to the students what they would be learning in my class this semester. Luckily, they were trying to ask if I was "tired" in class. Whew! The second mix up was when I asked if the students would get my class in English, and also in Thai. At first the teachers said no, no you are the teacher. But, after my first class went terribly and I frantically went to the teacher asking her how the students would be able to learn with such advanced English words, she told me that they also get the class in Thai. Whew!

How is being a teacher?
     Being a teacher is hard, but it is very fun too. It is difficult to come up with lesson plans when you have only ever been a student, not a teacher. Without any background or knowledge about teaching strategies, diagnostics or classroom management, it has been up to me to figure everything out. Although this has been challenging and I have learned a lot, it has taken a lot of time and energy. Luckily, my students are very sweet and forgiving. When I forget where I am in the lesson or I accidentally forget to plug in the speakers for a video, they run up and help me out. The students (for the most part) really want to learn and have a great respect for their teachers.

How are your living accommodations?
     They are great! I would say that I am "roughing it" a little bit, but that's what I wanted. I am still getting used to seeing a gecko running up my wall while I am lying in bed about to fall asleep, but after realizing that they eat other animals, insects and creatures in my house, they can roam as much as they want!
     Our "kitchen" comprises of a mini fridge, a microwave and a wok (which we haven't used yet). We use the sinks in the bathroom to was our dishes. Although the kitchen is lacking a bit, it doesn't bother us because we have GOT to have some of the best school meals in the country. Each day we have traditional Thai food that is so delicious! I am doing my best to give everything a try once, sometimes the textures or the sweet/interesting taste is too much for me but for the most part I have loved the food here. One of our fellow teachers is still building up her tolerance for spicy food. Each day when we go to the canteen a student will let her know whether the food is ok for her to eat, or if she should stick to rice. It's absolutely adorable and precious how much the students have taken us under their wings.
     Something I did not expect…We are entering November which is "winter" here in Thailand. When the teachers told us it would get cold, of course we giggled a little and told them that we like this weather, it's not cold for us. But, the past few mornings I have woken up freezing! It actually does get cold here! By cold I mean that I got one extra blanket from the Big C (similar to Walmart) and I was good to go.

I have to get to work on my digestive system lesson, more updates later!

Love,

Meg