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.