Rice, Rice and more Rice...

So anyone that knows me, knows I love food. Properly enjoy it. Eating is probably my favourite hobby. My best talent.

Thai food is amazing. So different from food you get in England, even the 'Thai' food you get in England! I'm generally pretty adventurous with food, but I'm definitely the least adventurous in my family. They will be pleased to know that I've tried absolutely everything I've been given. It's the only way to do it! Just try it, and then you'll know to decline it next time.

I'd say about 75% of the food I have at school, I don't what I'm eating. The language barrier is an effort to get over, and I'm not allergic to anything (that I know of), so I just try it. And 90% of the time, it's been amazing! I think I prefer not knowing what I'm eating...

The other 10%, I hit something incredibly spicy, with no warning. And spicy here is beyond English standard. Proper tongue on fire stuff! I swear Thai people don't enjoy their food unless they're physically sweating from the spice...
But one thing is a constant with almost every meal, and that is... rice. Rice for breakfast, rice for lunch, rice for dinner. I am very lucky I like rice, otherwise I would be in serious trouble.

Some things different about food in Thailand compared to England:

- Breakfast. As previously mentioned, it's rice. I always get given rice and chicken in a really nice sweet sauce. It is such a nice meal, but definitely took time to get used to having at 7.30am! Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, so I am looking forward to a good old bowl of weetabix back home.

Breakfast anyone?

- Eating times. Lunch is at 11.30am. Might be just me, but I find this very strange. Lunch is always after midday for me at home, feels wrong otherwise. When I told Purn I have lunch at 1.30pm at home, she didn't believe me!

- Fruit. The fruit here is incredible. So much nicer than back home, you can taste how fresh it is. I have so many new favourites, all shapes and sizes, but cannot remember their names for the life of me. I will ask Purn tomorrow.

- Portion sizes. Now you wonder why they are so skinny here when all they eat is fried stuff - everything is tiny - it matches them. Little portion sizes of everything - although they're pretty passionate about overfeeding me! The bananas are the size of my finger and the bite size snickers in England are the actual size snickers in Thailand... that's their secret!

Mini Banana!

- Prices. My god, a meal is cheap here. We go to a local place for dinner (I say local, it's a 20 minute drive away. My school is in the middle of nowhere.), and the most expensive meal there is 40 baht, which is less than a pound. When I told some of the teachers a meal out at home may be around 500 baht (a tenner), they nearly fainted! I don't know how anyone could ever move from here to England and eat out.

- Cutlery. They use forks and spoons here, and occasionally chopsticks. But they use the fork to push the food onto their spoon and eat off of that. I get some very strange looks when I momentarily forget and stick the fork in my mouth!

I also had my first disastrous chopsticks experience in Chumphon last weekend, with Ross and Aimee. Ross took us to this restaurant he knew, where there is a buffet of raw meat and you get a mini stove on your table and cook it yourself. It was a very nice restaurant, the food was amazing - but it was a very Thai restaurant. It was obviously a local, and we were stared at from the moment we walked in. So it didn't help when I asked for a fork instead of chopsticks, and they said they didn't have any. For the first time ever I was forced to use chopsticks, and provided great evening entertainment for many Chumphon locals. I won't lie, I did resort to one chopstick in my left hand, the other in my right, and stabbing it. May have embarrassed the other two just a tad... But it was hilarious!

Pretending to know what I'm doing holding those chopsticks...

I have enjoyed English indulgences at the weekends (a full English and cup of tea went down an absolute treat in Koh Tao), but I am absolutely loving the food here. Getting more used to spice, and will probably find English food very boring when I come back! That, or I will be dying for a bowl of Cornflakes. We'll see. 

Good Morning Teacher Rooooo!

Friday 26th July, I finally started teaching. YES!

Purn gave me timetable and told me I'd be working with Grade 4, 5 and 6. Age range, that's about 8 years old to 13 years old. I'll be teaching 12 hours a week, no more than 3 hours a day. Very happy with all of the above!

My Grade 5's I teach with Purn, and my Grade 4 and 6's I have with another teacher - Lamduwan. (that is how you pronounce her name, not a clue how you spell it).

Good news. Lamduwan - as lovely as she is - really cannot speak English, let alone teach it! Turns out the teacher that left on the day I arrived was the other English teacher, and Lamduwan is just temporarily covering. So basically, those lessons are down to me. Eeeeeek!

Grade 4's hard at work.

My first lesson was with Purn, and I learnt a lot about the teaching methods in this school from that lesson. It is very different from England. Not better, not worse, just different. They are very keen on sticking to text book work, and do a lot of written work and some 'I read out, you repeat'. This is great on the one hand - many of the kids would be able to write essays in English. However, if you asked them out loud 'what is your name', they often get a bit stumped. I think 80% of the time they don't have a clue what they're writing.

 

I must admit I was glad to see they had a text book for me to work from - it gives me something to go by to make sure I'm not teaching them stuff they already know. But I think the reason I'm here is to get them speaking, not writing. I think it's impossible to successfully learn a language that is going to be of use to you in the real world, unless you practice actually speaking it. So, decision made - rather than powering through the text book, I am taking one page at a time and making sure not only they understand the words fully, but can pronounce the words properly too.

Didn't really know where to start teaching this page...

Whilst I'm on the topic, I think pronunciation is actually the most valuable lesson I can teach them. Yesterday, I was working from the text book and teaching my Grade 6's about places you can come in a race (e.g. first, third, ninth etc.). As you English readers of this blog will be aware, this involves a lot of 'th'. Now since being here, I have noticed just how different the Thai and English language are. Obviously every language is different, but to learn Thai I'd have to learn to write in a completely new way, learn an entirely new alphabet, and make sounds my mouth have never been trained to make before. The amount of times in the last few weeks students have told me there names and I can't physically make the noises they make is crazy!

Well, 'th' is one of those noises for them. They have never made the sound 'th' before. 

I decided that rather than moving on to a new topic, it would be more valuable to try and teach them the difference between 'th', 'ch' and 'f' - as it certainly is not a lesson that a Thai teacher would be able to give.

It was absolutely hilarious. Myself and the students were in fits of laughter during half an hour of poked out tongues and saliva everywhere! But they seem to have finally mastered it, and are now the only kids in the school that can pronounce my name correctly! HAZARRR!

Making the 'th' noise with Grade 6!

My worst nightmare teaching is the thought of them being bored and switching off. School really doesn't seem that long ago for me, and I remember very clearly on many occasions teachers talking at me for an hour, losing interest, and realising I haven't actually heard a word they've said for the past half an hour. In fact, it still happens now in lectures. In my mere four days of teaching, I have found that the best way to keep them interested is definitely by making everything into a competition. Grade 4 are doing body parts at the moment, so instead of reading them the passage about 'My Body', I did the obvious British thing to do - Simon Says and Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. All three lessons I've had with them so far I've started with a quick game of Simon Says, and have slowly eased out doing the actions with them... result, they still no which body part to touch!

Body Parts with Grade 4, amazing Art right? (Also note 'Teacher Roo' - Grade 4 have not mastered Ruth yet!)

I tested them on body parts by getting them to all draw aliens depending on what I say (e.g. '6 arms'). After each instruction they passed their alien to the next person, and then draw the next instruction (e.g. 'green hair') on the new picture in front of them. The aim was for every picture to be the same by the end of the instructions I gave, which they were! Yay!

With my lovely Grade 4's.

It is the most rewarding feeling, knowing they are actually learning and you are actually making a difference, and all the while they are enjoying themselves. They were bent over backwards laughing at the aliens by the end of the lesson (I'm loving how easily amused they are - so am I). After all this anticipation and excitement over the 'New White English Teacher' coming to Bannoenthong School, it would be such a shame if they didn't enjoy having me and didn't look forward to my lessons. Would be a waste of mine and their time. I'm loving making the classes more interesting - it's great for their learning and my sanity!

Hands up!

I've discovered the beauty of the photocopier, so am planning on maybe making some crosswords, word searches etc. I also want to start putting  what I teach them into context; so getting them to have conversations about their body parts for example. AIM: for them all to chat to me in English when they see me around school, instead of shying away worried they'll say something wrong.

For now, I am throwing myself into it. It's difficult, especially with the language barrier, but I'm really, really enjoying it :)

 

Happy Birthday to me...?

So right now, I am half way through week 3. However, My first teaching day was last Friday, so I have only actually taught for four days! But I am already feeling myself getting into a routine, and discovering which methods work best with which age group... I'm loving it.

Up until last Friday I had been spending my days trying to meet as many teachers and students as possible, but during lesson time everyone was obviously busy.Without a timetable or lessons, I always resorted to the computer room. I was grateful for this for the first day or two as it allowed me a chance to ease into the school before teaching. But it definitely started to get tedious...

Thursday 25th July was my birthday, so I hoped maybe this would be the day it'd change and I'd actually do something. No luck. In fact, my birthday generally wasn't really acknowledged which is a shame. I'd only told my mentor about it, and I didn't expect anything because I'd only just got there really, but I can't deny that spending my 20th in a computer room at school and then back in my accommodation reading, to then go to bed at 8pm was a wee bit lonely to say the least! And not how I'd expected to spend my birthday in Thailand... but hey ho. It just means late celebrations in Bangkok this weekend with other ETA's!

However, one thing seriously cheered me up. On my first day here, a week earlier, 3 of the older students (13 years old) approached me and were desperate to practice their English on me. So there they were, heads in their English dictionaries, firing questions at me for at least half an hour.

'What is your name?'
'Where do you come from?'
'How old are you?'

One of these questions was 'When is your birthday?'.
I had totally forgotten this, but they had remembered. On my birthday, they came up to me with happy birthday notes and a beautiful broach. After a pretty rubbish day, I definitely welled up a bit. They may have spelt my name wrong but it absolutely made my 20th, and is what I will remember when looking back in years! I'm not supposed to have favourites, but if I could...

It basically sums up the Thai children in general; the sweetest kids I have ever met in my life. Seriously, I can't even explain it. I don't mean to keep being so critical of the way kids behave in the UK, but it does make you think. I just can't imagine a child doing that in England - definitely not above the age of 10 anyway. I swear 'stroppy teenager' just doesn't exist here. Whilst England are very 'the kids are the future', Thailand is so hot on 'respect your elders'. I think a combination of the two would be perfect! I love that the kids here are so respectful - bowing whenever they see you, cleaning up after you, thanking you at every given opportunity for teaching them... But it can be a bit extreme.
For example, today at lunch, the water was on the other side of the table and just out of reach. Instead of standing up to reach it, my mentor called one of the students from the other side of the lunch room to come over and pour the water for us. I couldn't believe my eyes! Please don't misunderstand in thinking Purn - my mentor - is a nasty woman; she is absolutely lovely and has been my rock since being here. I guess it's just the done thing here.
The only times I have felt a bit homesick and lonely here have been in the evenings, because they make it absolutely impossible to feel that way whilst I'm at school. I am completely out of my depth, the first ever Western person in this town, I have been thrown into a culture that couldn't be more opposite to what I am used to - but I have never felt so welcomed in my life.

A weekend in Koh Tao

From the 19th-23rd July, I ended up on the beautiful island of Koh Tao for my first weekend away from school. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed English company until seeing the others!

Friday night after my first 3 days of school (and no teaching as of yet), my mentor took me to Chumphon city where I met Aimee, Vikki, Becky and Ross. The Buddhist holiday meant that we had Monday and Tuesday off to, so we all prepared for a long weekend of relaxing, talking - a lot - and enjoying the beaches in the (fingers crossed) sun.

Although Koh Tao is only 3 hours away from Chumphon, we took the overnight ferry, meaning a 6 hour journey. I was happy with this, one less night of accommodation to pay for and we had beds on the ferry, result!

Becky, Vikki, Ross and me. Ferry with bunk beds, yes.

After a bit of a panic finding accommodation (everywhere was full for the holiday) we found 'Sunlord Bungalows'. About a 20 minute walk from the main strip and beach, and it was pretty basic.. but we were just grateful for a toilet and shower! Especially Becky and Aimee who don't have showers or western toilets at their school accommodation - a luxury for them! It was 360 baht each a night, so roughly 7 pounds, and had the most incredible view. We checked in at 7am ish Friday, we napped, and then we hit the beach. Had to make the most of the sunshine - we seem to only get one day a week without rain!

The view from our balcony. And an ickle tiny Ross.

The beach was absolutely beautiful, as was the weather. I, of course, got ridiculously burnt after just 20 minutes without sun cream on. I blame mum! (Irish blood). We met up with some of the other ETA's on the beach, was so great to see more familiar faces and catch up about our first school experiences. 

On the beach with Vikki. Pre-burn.

The first night led to an amazing night out, starting at Lotus Bar - my favourite bar, on the beach, full of travelers. Was so great chatting to people from all over the world about where they've been and where they're going - made me a little jealous! I'm loving school, but if only every weekend were a four day weekend...

From Lotus bar we went to a club we were told was the place to be that night, via the most hilarious taxi journey of my life! All 10+ of us climbed into the back of this pick-up truck which was a struggle enough. Then 30 seconds into the journey it started very very heavily raining. It sounded like some kind of mass murder - everyone screaming, soaking wet, falling all over each other (because they drive like maniacs here)... I think this picture sums it up. It's not posed.

Caity, Ryan and a bit of Aimee. Looking so beautiful in the taxi journey from hell. 

Overall, Kho Tao was incredible. Consisted of...

- a lot of beach-ing. I don't tan, but I love to pretend that I do.

- English food. Had a fry up on the first day; best fry up I've ever had. And TEA!

- My first Ladyboy show. It was unreal. It was like a tribute show, the miming was awful, but there dancing, ohhhhh my god. Incredible! This one girl/boy impersonated Beyonce 'Single Ladies', dance and all, and blew me away. Even if they weren't ladyboys, I would have loved it. They all looked unreal as well, so jealous of some of their figures! (yes it's all fake, but still).

- My first ever nights sleep in a hammock. I was sharing a bungalow with Ross and Don (eww, boys) so shot-gunned the hammock to sleep on as there was only a double bed between three of us. 'Twas the most comfortable sleep of my life. 

- First phone call home. It was emosh. I was over tired, a bit upset because my camera had broken... so called mummy. Bless her, she probably thought I'm having an awful time because I was a bit teary, but it was just unfortunately a bit of a low moment (I'm having the best time ever Mum, I swear!). She, as always, made me think rationally, and thank God I had the lovely Avita, Meg, Zoe and Shivi with me for the afternoon that day - they seriously picked me up and we had another amazing afternoon on the beach in the sun. 

To conclude, a seriously amazing first weekend with some great people. Just what I needed. 

I can't be bothered to write anymore, so have some pictures. 

Me, Vikki, Becky and Aimee. Our Bungalows were on these rocks.

Ross looking good on my hammock.

Our bungalow for 360 baht, roughly 7/8 pounds each a night. Can't complain!

Don, Joe, Me, Vikki and Becky. Night one at Lotus Bar.

Joe and Caity, that taxi journey.

Journey back from the club wasn't much better.

Our spot on the beach for 3 days, and Lotus Bar.

Shivi, Zoe, me and Aimee (and sun burn), ready to watch some lady boys dance!

Joe, Ross and Don - with an absolute beauty after the show.

Lots of ETA's merry at the beach!

Ross and Don on their beloved Moped.

OH.

Also.

I killed my first spider here, when I got back to my room after the weekend. It was literally the size of my fist and above my bed. I squished it with a towel, then jumped up and down on the towel for 5 minutes. Then washed the towel 3 times. HERO!

Over and out. 

Welcome to Chumphon, and Bannoenthong School!

My few days here at Bannoenthong have been interesting to say the least. My emotions have been absolutely all over the place! At 10am on my first day, Purn woke me up to take me into school. Both Wednesday and Thursday were school sports days, so no teaching involved which was great, as it gave me a way to ease into the school rather than being thrown in at the deep end. We arrived at the school to find all the children out on the field - playing football, chanting, cheer-leading - but each of them stopped and stared as I walked past. I mean seriously, I have NEVER felt so in the spotlight before, it is literally like being a celebrity! Most of these children haven't seen a white person before, and so for them I am just a creature they see on the TV. It is the most bizarre feeling.

Sports Day at Bannoenthong

These girls were doing some serious Shakira dancing whilst one of the boys played on the bongos

Their reactions have all been incredibly varied - some are desperate to practice their English on me, some giggle and run away, some have asked for autographs, some for pictures, one girl pointed and screamed at me when she saw me. But what really made me smile is that every reaction was positive curiosity. I have a feeling that if people in England saw something they had never seen before - like a green man walking down the street - they would cross the road and stay well away. But these children just want to know me, be my friend, and be able to tell their friends that they have spoken to 'the blonde white girl'. It is the most welcoming thing, and has really brought a smile to my face during some quite bad homesickness.

These cuties wouldn't stop following me around taking photos, so I decided to take one right back!

In the evening we had a mini dinner party at the school - to welcome me and to say goodbye to one of the other teachers who was leaving after three years here at Bannoenthong. She was such a character, so funny, and I'm sad I didn't get the chance to get to know her better. I had my first awkward introductory encounter on this evening - one of the male teachers offered his hand out to shake which I automatically accepted, which got a response of every teacher screaming and screeching with laughter as if we'd just kissed. Of course, I forgot here that shaking hands is like kissing, and that he was joking when he offered to shake my hand. I was so embarrassed, but couldn't stop laughing! The other teachers told me not to worry as I probably just made his year. I am now very conscious of my hands, and clamp my hands together to 'Wai' (bow your head) as soon as I meet someone new!

The teaching staff at Bannoenthong. OR, the easiest game of Where's Wally ever.

The first day was a day of emotional extremes.I missed home comforts and my family and friends a huge amount one minute, and then wanted to cry because I was so touched by how welcomed I was by the children the next. Indescribable feeling!
I do have to speak about the negatives though, I think it's important that I write these down so that when I overcome them and look over these posts, I can be proud.
It is very difficult being placed alone. I haven't properly spoken English to anyone since leaving Ryan at the bus station 3 days ago, and it is difficult to not have someone to help you through the inevitable culture shock. Lack of internet at my accommodation has made it near impossible to have a Skype session with my family, and although it is great that I can Facebook and email them whilst using the internet at school, I miss actually speaking to them! But a few things have cheered me up, and made me appreciate the things I have here much more...
Firstly, the Thailand ETA Facebook group. The amount of posts on that page in the last few days must break a record. Reading about other ETA's feeling lonely too makes you feel less selfish for not enjoying every second of the experience. Also, hearing about some of the state of other peoples accommodation has made me appreciate what I have! A few people have actually got a flight home (including Rachel one of the Winchy girls who we are all sad to see go!). People have showed up to their accommodation to find an empty room, no bed, no air con, a hole in the floor for a toilet and a bucket of water as a shower. I have a bed, air con, a working toilet and shower (cold shower, but even so). Therefore, no more complaining from me!

Home for 8 weeks - can't complain!

Secondly, one of the Chinese assistant teachers also here for two months who is half way through her placement. Today she joined me in the computer room as I made contact with home, and apologized for not speaking to me more previously as she was worried her English wouldn't be good enough. Thing is, her English is incredible. Probably better than mine! I had a good hour long chat with her about her life in China, her boyfriend back home, her studies at university. She also mentioned how she was jealous of the people in England who seem to have great parties on TV, because in China people cannot do this as her parents would disapprove. She asked me 'are you parents still proud of you when you drink?' I answered yes. Mum, Dad, you can confirm?!
She also told me she admired me for being here alone, as she isn't sure she'd be brave enough, and that if I'm ever lonely I should go to her and the other Chinese assistant teacher for a chat and some company. It was so nice to be welcomed by someone who is, although also from a different culture, in the same boat as me and has been thrown into a completely new way of life. I didn't realise just how different China was from Thailand! Seeing how much she has settled in after 4 weeks has made me feel so positive about where I could be in a few weeks if I just embrace the experience and soak up every minute of it.

Me, two of the teachers, and one of the Chinese student teaching assistants

Tomorrow is Friday, and the plan is to have school in the morning, and then go to a temple in the afternoon to celebrate the Buddhist holiday this weekend. I have been told I have to wear white. I hope to get to know some of the children a little better tomorrow, fingers crossed! As it is a Buddhist holiday weekend, we have four days off and so a lot of us are heading to the island Koh Tao for the weekend. I am so excited to see everyone again and have an English conversation at full speed! Let's see where the next few days take us.

Is this real life?

WARNING. I can tell you in advance this post is going to be a hell of a lot of rambling, but this first week has been so incredible I do not want to forget a thing! I must admit this blog is more of a keep safe for myself then anything else, so apologies for the rant.

ANWAY

So it's been over a week now since I've left England, and this is actually the first time I've stopped for long enough to write a post since I got here! But what an epic week. Seriously, the best.

11th-12th JULY
So, I met the lovely ladies that are Caroline and Helen at the airport at around 6.30am, and immediately relaxed being in the company of people in the same boat as me. Helen made us very excited with stories from her gap year in Thailand! We flew at 9.30am; the flight was looooong and I only slept for about half an hour out of 15 hours, but I love flying so was happy enough! After changing at Mumbai we arrived in Bangkok at around 7am on the 12th July. We quickly grabbed our bags, hopped in a taxi and got to the crazy world of Khoasan Road about 9am. We couldn't check in til 2pm which was killing us as tiredness had seriously kicked in, so decided to pass the time with a Thai massage! It was an experience.. painful, but in a good way! I can still feel the bruises in my back!

 

Helen, the celeb sleeper on the plane

When we finally checked in at 2pm, we all passed out until about 7pm in preperation for our first night on the wonderful Khoasan Road. One of our winchy girls Jade joined us, and then we went out and met some of the other ETA's she'd got to know in the few days she'd been there - they were all lovely. Made me even more excited about the experience to be surrounded by such friendly people! The first night was definitely one to remember, Khoasan Road absolutely transforms at night and I fell in love with it.

Me, Caroline and Helen - first night on Khoasan Road

13th JULY
Despite the hangover and taste of late night Pad Thai still in my mouth (beats Kebab) we set our alarms early, and me, Caroline and Helen headed off to do some site seeing. Without needing a map and without having to ask for help (thank god for the ready made tour guide Helen!). We first went to Grand Palace which was absolutely beautiful. You couldn't look anywhere without seeing something glittery! My inner girly girl was loving life!

Grand Palace

After Grand Palace we went for a long tail boat ride along the river. Despite it being more expensive than we anticipated (500 baht) it was SO worth it. An hour on a boat which showed us not only the beautiful tourist sites of Bangkok, but also some less developed areas and wildlife. After the boat ride we got a taxi back to the D&D, and this was the first time we heard Helen speaking Thai in full swing! The taxi driver was loving it, and me and Caroline were beyond impressed after being told she had forgotten most of it! Back at the D&D we got dressed up formal for Tom's birthday. We headed for Sky Bar; a bar on the 67th floor of a hotel with the most beautiful view of Bangkok. My pictures don't even capture it a little bit. I have vowed to own the place when I'm rich and famous!

The Sky Bar View

We powered through for our second night on Khoasan Road, and it was even more epic than the night before! I will never again be able to drink a Mai Tai without thinking of Kim's Cocktails - the guy working there has remembered it's my drink every time I've been back. Me and Tom also ate scorpions, that's how to celebrate your birthday in Thailand right? It actually didn't taste too bad, just like a burnt BBQ hula-hoop. We stayed up til 6am this night on the roof of the D&D Inn and I met some more lovely fellow ETA's. Cracking night.

Me and birthday boy Tom eating a scorpion

My adopted son Will, Tom, me and Ross, Khoasan Road

14th JULY
Orientation day, and I was woken up to a phone call from reception to say it was 11.30 and I had 30 minutes until check out. I have never packed so quickly before in my life! We jumped in a taxi to the Ambassador hotel - home for the next 2 nights. It was like a palace, suitcases taken up to the room for you, pool, spa, gym (not that I used any of these), so nice. We checked in, had some hangover recovery time, had a delishhh buffet dinner and then a load of us met in the lobby at 9pm to head down the road to an Irish bar (hope your happy reading that mum) for some drinks and to meet even more ETA's - the ones that had only recently arrived. This was definitely more of a chilled night of socializing, ready for orientation the next day.

The Ambassador Hotel

Me, Helen, Caroline, Vanessa and Zoe

15th JULY

Alarm set for 7.30 to go to breakfast for 8.30 and training at 9. We all made our way to the huge convention room where we were all sat in accordance to where are schools were and next to our mentors - my mentor Purn was lovely, she spoke excellent English but did seem a little reserved. After talks from various members of the British Council and a performance of traditional dancing from a school, we were split into smaller groups depending on our location. It was great to get to know people who were placed closer to me, straight away we were making weekend plans to meet up over the next 8 weeks. I must admit this part of the training was a little disappointing; it seemed to be based purely on working with very young children and was not enough about how to overcome the language barrier - my main concern. After training, me and Caroline headed for MBK shopping centre by sky train - an experience in itself. The night took us back to Khoasan one last time, but it was definitely more of a chilled night then the first two there. Still, a pretty great night though :)

Orientation, welcome talk

16th JULY
Bye bye Bangkok! We had a bit of last minute training in the morning before having lunch and jetting straight off to our schools. It did feel very rushed, and I'm sorry for the amount of people I didn't get to say goodbye and good luck to. Me and my mentor Purn joined Mr Ryan Bishop and his mentor on our journey to the bus station as we were both heading south. What we weren't told is that his bus wasn't until 7 and mine wasn't until 9 - we had arrived at 3. Time to kill some hours by internet cafe-ing and brousing in the three 7-elevens there were at the station! We also had our first Thai national anthem experience; so surreal. We were coming up the escalator, hadn't even noticed the music start playing and everyone just stopped in there tracks. It was like some kind of horror robot movie, took us about 30 seconds to work out what was going on! We couldn't stop though, we were on an escalator. Debated maybe walking backwards on the escalator, then we were technically staying in the same spot. Little awkward, very funny. Ryan left me at 7, I went back to the internet cafe and saw the one and only Ross (a previous ETA who is back at the same school this year, not far from mine). We finally got on the bus at 9.30, ready for the 6 hour journey to Chumphon. I didn't actually reach my accommodation until around 5.30am, and was absolutely shattered. But set my alarm for 9.30am the next day, ready to experience my first day at Chumphon and Bannoenthong School... But that's for another post!
La Gawn for now!

Me and Ryan with our mentors - at the start of the 6 hour wait for the bus!

3 Days to go...

Flights booked - Check.
Visa sorted - Check.
CRB application completed - Check.
Bangkok accomodation sorted - Check.
Vaccinations all done - Check.
Last heavy night in England - Check.

So, technically I'm prepared. Everything I need to have done, I've done. Bought everything I need, started packing. Great news!

Unfortunately, I completely forgot about preparing myself.

And now it's (less than) 3 days to go and I do not understand where the last 6 weeks of my life have gone.

Yesterday after much anticipation all the ETA's (English Teaching Assistants) were finally given their locations. I am blessed to have been placed Chumphon - a provence in Southern Thailand which is - wait for it - ON THE COAST! #winning! (yes I just hashtagged). This is the the first photo that came up when I googled it. I squeeled.


However, we also found out that every ETA has been placed in a school alone. This was always a possibility, but I always just had my fingers crossed to be one of the lucky ones placed in a pair or a group of three. And this is where the nerves kind of kicked in.

This is when I realised it's not the travelling I'm nervous about, or the different culture, or being away from home, but the teaching itself. I am planning on welcoming Thai Culture with open arms - travelling as much as possible and eating everything offered to me. But being a role model and an example of a British citizen for these kids is the most incredible but terrifying thought.

I am still beyond excited for this experience, but now just feeling slightly nervous about my lack of teaching experience without the comfort of someone else to lean on!

But everything happens for a reason. And I can guarantee I'll probably look back at this post in September and laugh at myself, after a life-changing 8 weeks.

For now, I am absolutely buzzing for the first few days in Bangkok with the other 200+ ETA's! Orientation, sight-seeing and socialising during the day, and God knows what at night! I have a feeling it's gonna be a messy few days...

BRING IT ON!

Welcome Readers!

Hello, and welcome to my Blog!

My name is Ruth Sanders, I am a 19 years old student at Winchester University, and I have been given the incredible opportunity to assist in teaching conversational English in Thailand for 8 weeks of the summer of 2013.

Firstly, I would like to say a huge thank you to the University of Winchester, the British Council, the Thai Ministry of Education, Property Care Services PCS and DLA for this incredible opportunity.

I am totally new to blogging, but saw this as a great way to keep my wonderful friends and family up to date on my antics whilst on the other side of the planet, as well as a personal diary to make sure this is an experience I never forget!
I hope you enjoy.

But I hope I enjoy more.

I'll be able to let you know if I did in 2 months time.

Wish me luck!