"Teacha Teacha"

I was reminded how I can practice my 'travel writing'......by actually writing. Genius. (Thanks Phil)

It's about time I write a little bit about what takes up many hours of my days here in Phuket- kids. I have 25 of them.

A few years ago, as a Christmas present to myself, I purchased a course to be certified to teach English. I knew I wanted to travel for longer amounts of time, and the bills would not take into account the fact that I am off enjoying myself in foreign lands. Alas, teaching seemed to be a way to maintain my adult responsibilities, while meandering around new places and spaces. Fast forward a few years, and here I am...teaching.

Me and Jenna interviewed via skype, and were on a plane about two weeks later. The age of my kids is 6 and 7. They are in school for about 10 hours a day, and are little Energizer bunnies- they keep going and going. Sometimes when I'm in the front of the room, I'll just look around, and see their eyes drift across the room, while their legs can't stop wiggling. Any frown from frustrations I have from lack of attention turn into a smirk because I am reminded they're kids. I try my best, and they try their best. We're starting to get into a groove, and have good days and bad.

I've learned "Ben 10" is a BIG deal. He is on backpacks, hats, and pencil boxes.
My class is obsessed with having the sharpest pencil possible at all times. The bigger the sharpener, the more popular you are in class.
Kids can be best friends, then make each other cry, and then be back to being best friends after a 10 minute break.
This is just a small sample of what I am learning from these little ones.

Here are some of the faces I am greeted with as 'Teacher Amber in P1 Yellow':

Meet Us- he's goofy, clumsy, smiley, and I squeeze those cheeks every morning.


Here you have Matthew- he is quiet, understands more than you would initially think, and draws intricate pirate ships.


Annnnd Becca. She is has such a little person. We talk about South Park, Family Guy, and Micheal Jackson. Oh yeah, she also takes hip hop classes, and shows me her moves.


That's all for now. Teacher is tired, and needs some rest.

Over the hump.

We're on week three here, and I'm feeling more settled. Important things we've learned so far consist mainly of motorbike related lessons:
1. Do no put your helmet upside down on the seat. Otherwise, you'll get a drenched head.
2. Only use the ponchos from 7-11 in cases of emergency. They're only 30 baht for a reason. Pink ponchos (with zippers) have now been purchased.
3. Make sure your helmet has a visor or face being pelted by torrential rains.

Jenna has been the designated driver, and I just hang on. She prefers to scoot around, and I prefer to kick back and enjoy the scenery- this is why we work so well together. Here's a snap of her when we were unknowingly getting caught up in the Vegetarian Festival procession (more on this to come as well):


This week has been one of early mornings. The Vegetarian Festival just ended last night. It is considered more of a Chinese Buddhist holiday, and is a big deal in Phuket. Vegetarian food isn't the norm here, but for ten days, many people will stick to a no-meat diet. Here is a link with more background on the meaning of the festival from the ever-so-trusty wiki site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Emperor_Gods_Festival

We were on holiday last year at this same time, but missed a large part of the festival- the street processions (too many late nights were not condusive to getting up early).
These walks are no ordinary parade. Men (and some women) can be seen walking in a trance with piercings through their faces. What makes it even more interesting is the objects in their face. Let me see....this year we saw remote control helicopters, a faucet, an assault rifle, and swords. These are just a few of the adornments featured. I wasn't sure what to expect, and found my heart skipping beats while waiting to see this. There were firecrackers going off everywhere, offerings placed neatly in front of shops and temples, and music mixed in with the 'warriors.' I couldn't help but notice how the kids were not fazed by any of their surroundings. A man wielding an ax while tranced out...no big deal. This may seem strange to a foreigner, but was a special time for many Thais. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a glimpse into a truly unique event.
After the first thirty minutes or so, I settled a bit, and was able to snap some photos. I must say, last weekend was the best photo weekend I've ever had. Me and Jenna are in the middle of choosing some of the best for the hello photography blog. Check it out!

Here is a sample from some of the sights during the festival. Beware...I did include one piercing photo. ouch.











Many more stories to come. Coffee is now calling, so they'll have to wait.