Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Spoiled rotten

Last weekend two of my friends from home (Jon and Jenny Ishmael) were in Bangkok finishing up their 2 week vacation in Thailand. They planned it perfectly that their last few days here happened to fall on a weekend so I could spend as much time as possible with them...I don't think they realized just how much time that would end up being - poor things ;)

Leaving straight from work Friday afternoon I hopped on a motorbike taxi to the end of the road where I then grabbed a "regular" hot pink taxi to head down to the MRT station (this is the underground subway system). After riding the MRT for the first time by myself I successfully transferred to the BTS (this is the skytrain system in Bangkok). I had to make two transfers on the BTS, but I am happy to report that after taking 5 modes of transportation I finally made it to their swanky hotel downtown.

Upon reaching their hotel tears of joy, excitement and homesickness hit hard - I hadn't even seen them yet and I was already crying. Oh man, what a wreck. Once I saw them and got pass the tears, it was as if no time had passed. It was so good to see someone from home, just as it was when I saw Chad a few weeks go.

Jon and Jenny went above and beyond their call of duty as a friend to me and spoiled me rotten. They let me crash on their couch, bought me food, let me tag along on all excursions (I think I saw more of Bangkok this past weekend then I have in the 6 months I have lived here), treated me to an incredible roof top dinner, took me for a massage, let me borrow their (okay Jenny's only) clothes since I had not planned on staying the entire weekend and much, much more.

You guys are truly a blessing in my life and I am so thankful to have you as friends.
Thanks again for EVERYTHING!!!

PS Jenny, put pictures up on facebook already so I can steal them ;) Thanks!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

School Events

Last week marks to busiest week I have had in my trip overseas so far.

Due to random closures of school (hand/foot/mouth disease, swine flu and political protests), many of Ascot's whole school events have been moved around thus causing a bit of a headache when it came to planning and trying to squeeze everything in before the end of term 2.

This past week was literally insane...we had the all day Kindergarten excursion to Safari World (see blog below), book week and International Day. Not to mention Sports Day falling the week prior. Just thinking about it makes me exhausted all over again.

First came Sports Day. Why the school decided to plan an all day sporting event outside at the beginning of the hot season is beyond me, but all in all it went well. With temperatures topping off at 104 these days (plus an insane amount of humidity) we were all a sweaty mess!

Our school has 4 team "houses" which the kids are divided amongst for all school activities: Armstrong, Beethoven, Pasteur and Tolkien. For Sports Day each teacher had to plan an activity for the houses to participate in. You can probably guess what I chose...yup, soccer. I had kids doing soccer drills all day long. Despite the heat it ended up being a lot of fun and made me really miss my Sunday team back home. Following our individual events there were also running races and tug of war. Not to mention a chocolate candy medal award ceremony to sum it up.

Here are a few pictures from Sports Day (make sure to take note of the jersey my little Thai kid is wearing - SO AWESOME!):


Our next big school event was International Day. Each class had to choose a country to learn about. Since I am one of the only Americans who work at Ascot I was going to do USA, but thought it was too boring ;) Instead I chose Kenya where I could use real life stories, pictures and experiences from my trip there in 2005 to teach the kids about Kenyan culture. We made paper drums, beaded necklaces, lion masks and even tried some African food. At the end of the day I think the kids really grasped a bit about Kenyan society and culture, plus had a lot of fun while doing it. Another part of International Day was to perform a concert in front of the parents. Both Kindergarten classes got together to sing and dance to a popular Korean song called "Nobody" by the Wondergirls. Other classes performed yoga, played games and sang various songs. Not going to lie, Kindergarten rocked it! Hands down our performance was by far the best and I'm not just being biased. Hopefully someone video taped it!

Here are some pictures from International Day:

Who says girls can't go to bachelor parties?!?!

This past weekend a friend of mine from home was in town for a bachelor party. If you've been to Thailand, especially Bangkok, you're probably thinking to yourself "why in the world would any bride-to-be agree to let her future husband and 5 of his friends spend his remaining days as a single man in Bangkok of all places". Now, I don't know the answer to this; however I will say I am SO glad she agreed upon it! I cannot tell you how good it was to see a familiar face! It has been 6 months since I have seen anyone from home and if you ask me, that's about 6 months too long.

On Saturday night I met up with Chad and the rest of the bachelor party on Khao San Road (aka backpackers alley/the least classy place in all of BKK). Here we had some drinks, reminisced about when we first met 11+ years ago, people watched and proceeded to make complete fools of ourselves. I kid you not, this may go down as one of the top 3 nights I've had in Thailand thus far.

It was so fun to have Chad and his friends at my place - I loved being able to show someone from home where and how I live out here. Here is what Chad had to say - and I quote. "I'm a little jealous of your life over here... definitely an amazing experience you are having". Couldn't have said it any better Chad - my life is pretty freaking great!

Sharing that connection to home and talking about random places in Seattle and where life has taken us over the years made me so happy, yet sad at the same time. As much as I love Thailand, there are many things I miss from home. However, for now I wouldn't trade what I am doing for anything...not just yet anyway.


The next 2 months I have a handful of visitors coming and I cannot wait! First there's Jon and Jenny, then Abby and last, but not least Natanya and Julie. Ohhh, this is going to be good!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

KG Excursion to Safari World

This year in Kindergarten we have been learning about various types of animals around the world. What better place to go then the zoo to go along with this unit.



Today Ms. Andy and I loaded up a V.I.P. bus with 23 three and four year old students and headed out to Safari World located just outside of Bangkok. Both the kids and myself have never been on an "excursion" before and I couldn't tell you who was more excited, them or me. We all ended up having a total blast!



After singing countless rounds of "The Wheels on the Bus" we finally reached our destination. Our first hour consisted of driving around in our fancy bus through the open safari park. Here I felt like I was back in Kenya in the Masai Mara National Park. We saw zebras, rhinos, lions, giraffes, wildebeasts, gazelles and more.



We then unloaded everyone, got into buddy systems and set off to see some shows. We first went to an orangutan show where the animals put on skits and even a boxing match. The kids LOVED this! I must admit it was pretty entertaining.



After watching the orangutans duke it out we went over to the sea lions and watched them perform numerous tricks. I am amazed at how smart both these animals are. I think I've decided I need to work somewhere like Sea World when I return home ;)



By now the kids (and adults) are hot, sweaty, hungry and thirsty. We set off for lunch and let me tell you, 23 students in a buffet line = complete chaos! What ever happened to simple paper bag lunches? I mean seriously?!?!? In the end we survived, but barely.

Once we were cooled off (did I mention it was 97 degrees today?) and re-hydrated, it was time to feed the giraffes. Some kids loved this, others hated it. Myself...well, I thought it was cool until a giraffe decided to rub its nasty slimy face and tongue across my entire neck - I screamed.



After 5+ hours on our feet in insanely hot temperatures running around like madmen, we were all exhausted beyond belief - below is a picture of how some cooped with their exhaustion. I on the other hand am sitting on my couch, have the a/c cranked, music on and a cold local brew sitting beside me.


I'd say my first field trip as a teacher was a success: no kids were hurt, lost or stolen...plus they had a great time!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

First Friday, now Monday - will there be more?

Just got word schools are closed yet another day due to the riots in Bangkok. I know I shouldn't be cheering, but seriously, how great is this?!? I am getting paid to stay home and lay by the pool in 96 degree weather! I love my life!

To my worried readers out there, no need to fret. The village I live in is far from the areas these riots are breaking out. The US Embassy has advised those traveling or living abroad to stay home and away from downtown until this passes - done and done.

For those interested in keeping up to date with the current political situation check out Bangkok's local paper online: http://www.bangkokpost.com/

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Cut it or grow it?

HELP!
I need beauty advice.
This has been the longest (over 5 months now) I have ever gone without getting anything done to my hair - no cuts, color or highlights and I cannot decide what to do.
Should I grow it out or cut it?
Basically my hair + Thailand's heat/humidity = not friends.
The picture below is the first time I have straightened my hair in who knows how long. Kids at school see pictures of me with straight hair and don't even recognize me. One kid pointed to a picture of me from home and said "Beautiful Ms. Sarah"; however when I asked if I looked beautiful now he said "no"...kids, they can make you feel so good OR so bad about yourself - gotta love 'em though!
I miss looking "normal".
All I know is 4 months from now I am going to be blonde, blonde, blonde again and I cannot wait.
Until then, any advice on what to do?

Beer...more than a beverage

It's true.
Beer is more than just a beverage.
Did you know Singha Light work great as weights?
Well they do and that is exactly what I used them for.
Recently I decided I need to get my butt in gear, so I have started a workout regime. At first I did not have any weights, so I scanned my condo and the only thing I had two of the same were Singha Lights.
Yes, their weight was quite low, but it's better than nothing right?
Don't worry, I let them settle before drinking them AND I have since bought two sets of actual weights to use instead.
I'll cheers to that.

Mark your calendars

I'm coming home!!!!

I just clicked "purchase" on a one way ticket back to the States, but to be 100% honest I'm not quite sure how I feel about it just yet.

This may come as a complete shock to some of you, but recently I've been considering staying another year. A lot of things have changed the past few months with work and life in general and I have gone back and forth nearly everyday weighing in on the pros and cons. Just as I was leaning toward staying, a decision was made for me (probably a good thing since we all know how awful I can be at making decisions on my own).

Unfortunately after lots of debating and meetings, Ascot decided it would be too much of a risk to keep me on next year. All the parents, teachers and board members wanted me to stay and were fighting for me to stay; however the school is trying to get some accreditation through an international system and are afraid if they get monitored too closely (ie the head honcho finds out I do not have my teaching cert) they might not get what they are trying to receive.

Everyone keeps saying I could always try to find another job, however it would most likely be in a Thai school and I don't know if I could make that switch after working in an International School.

Therefore I will be heading home July 19th after an 8 day vacation to the Southern beaches of Thailand where I will most likely relax on the beach and dive as much as possible before returning home to the cold waters of the Puget Sound.

Now that a decision has been made I am excited and looking forward to spending the majority of the summer at home. The weather will just be getting nice and I cannot wait to go hiking, play tennis, go camping, hang out at the Casa del Rio, play soccer, ride my road bike around town and spend quality time with friends and family I will have not seen for over 10 months!

Can't wait to see you all, it's been far too long!

Love to each and everyone of you!

Friday, March 12, 2010

I have a new love...

and it is scuba diving!!

For those of you who do not know, I got my open water certification over Christmas break in Koh Tao, Thailand. At first I was a bit skeptic, but after passing the written exam and technique test, I was able to get into the water and begin to see what this whole thing is about.

Some might argue I am a bit of a nature freak (note: not a freak of nature) and scuba diving has opened my eyes to a whole new world!

This past weekend I jumped on board with some friends finishing up their open water course and was again reminded how much I love this new hobby of mine.

I have seen a whole slew of new creatures: banner fish, saddle back fish, clown fish, blue ringed angel fish, titan trigger fish, blue spotted stingray, barracuda, gropers, moran eels, reef sharks, bull sharks and much more I don't know the names of. Not to mention amazing coral, both soft and hard.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!

I cannot wait to go home and see what lurks below in the Puget Sound, but for now I will continue to stick to the warm waters of Thailand :) Currently I am in the works of planning my next dive trip - life is good!


Emily, Stacey and I after our first dive of the day - hot hair and mask imprints huh?



Stacey and Emily cheersing with Leos after a great day of diving - no complaints from these girls!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

This is the way I live...

Vacation has come and gone once again, but have no fear, another one awaits me in 4 weeks!
This past vacation could not have come at a better nor worse time for me. After having one of the hardest weeks I've experienced thus far in my move overseas, I had 10 days to relax, think and be on my own. I decided the latter of these might not be the best decision on my part, so I called up some friends and planned a few trips for my 10 days off.

First I went to Koh Samet (yes again - 3rd time now) with two teachers from school - Kate and Michelle. We had a very relaxing and enjoyable time simply hanging out on the beach and being away from snotty little kids and smoggy Bangkok. Here we stumbled upon a few more teachers from Ascot: Dylan, Ruairi, Mark, Tom and James - Samet didn't know what hit them the night we all got together. Crazy dog photo shoots and the world's tastiest burgers.

After returning home from yet another great beach trip, I still had 4 days of vacation left. Since I have a limited time left in Thailand I decided I needed to go somewhere new. A few friends of mine from RIS and I headed north to Kanchanaburi. After the world's most stressful taxi ride, we reached our destination and instantly felt at ease. It was so calm and peaceful there. We stayed in a decent budget hotel and spent the next 3 days exploring waterfalls, pampering ourselves at spas and educating ourselves with all the history that took place there not so long ago. It was truly an amazing experience and I am so glad I went!

Here are some pictures from both trips:

It's a hard life out here, really it is.


Sunsets + white sandy beaches + drinks = paradise


Thank you and curse you Dylan for introducing me to best burger EVER! From now on I will never be able to go to Samet w/o having atleast one a day.


Chilling with the mermaids.


Don't worry mom, this is not my leg getting a tattoo - it's Michelle's. Although, ever since moving here I've become OBSESSED with the idea of one. Hmm...


Peaceful Kanchanaburi, Thailand


Erawan Waterfalls - 7 tiers in all.
#4 was the best in my opinion b/c you could go down a natural "slide" into the pool below. At first I was too chicken to go, but I finally convinced myself I only live once, so why the heck not? Sadly no one snapped a picture b/c the moss on the rocks and I had other intentions of start times. I went down screaming "I'm not ready to go yet, I'm not ready to go yet"...needless to say I was the entertainment for the day for about 25 onlookers.


Photo opp at tier #3


The famous Bridge over the River Kwai.


Part of the Death Railway - tears were brought to my eyes while riding this train. Google it.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

How many bad mornings can one have?

If I don't have a good morning tomorrow I think I might cry.
End of story.
Okay not really, but seriously, this is getting a bit ridiculous!

I cannot even count the number of bad mornings I've had in the past week.

First was the one when I got out of bed not realizing my entire right leg was asleep. Not a problem until one tries to walk. I quickly collapsed to the ground hitting my head on a fan on the way down only to break the dang thing in half and get my hair caught in the blades in the process. Awesome.

Then there was the morning I was up at an ungodly hour for vacation and decided to make use of my insomnia and do quick clean up of my condo. Everything went well (always does when I am cleaning - I absolutely love it, weird I know) until I went to take the trash out, which by the way is located just outside my hallway door. Simple task right? Not so much. Apparently the main door had other ideas. It slammed shut and I was locked out in my little (emphasis on little) nightgown. What to do? I didn't even know...all my friends that live in the condos had already left for school. So there I stood, halfway naked trying to explain to the security guard who speaks no English that I needed him to let me back in. Lesson learned...don't go outside in your nightgown, no matter how hot it is nor how quick you think the task will take you.

Next was the first day back to school after 10 days off. After a restless night of sleep (getting used to these unfortunately) I was actually feeling rather excited to go back and get into a routine. That excitement quickly vanished when within 10 minutes of being with my kids one puked on my leg. Yummy.

I thought the puke was enough for one week, but a sad little frog this morning thought differently. On my bike ride to school this poor little guy decided to commit suicide by jumping in front of my bike tire. You can guess where this is going...yup, frog guts splattered up both legs and even a bit on my arm. Gross.

Here's hoping for a new start tomorrow :)