So many experiences are part of my most recent memories, yet I fear that if they don’t spill onto the page now, they will be swallowed up by other unique experiences soon to be had in the next few months of my stay in Thailand. Where to begin? I’m not sure.
First of all, Obama! I watched the election intently on the television in the English department. I could only understand the words “McCain”, “Obama”, and the occasional mention of a U.S. state –with my slight nervousness and anticipation for the results, I found myself wishing I understood more Thai. I waited by the phone for updates from my family. I taught three classes that day, and in each one I mentioned the election, of which my Thai students were already a bit familiar. Not unlike some Americans however, the Thai students seemed to find the issues completely irrelevant. When I asked them to describe what they knew about the candidates I got the following, only the following: McCain = "fat" "old" "ugly"; Obama = "tall" "dark" "handsome." Around 10:30am in Thailand, the confirmation came through. Obama, a characteristically different man as compared to the U.S. presidents who came before him, even if only in physical appearance (although, I believe there are more differences), is to be the next president of the country I love. Basically, I am trying to say: Middle-aged white guy 0, Progression 1. The scale has been forever tipped.
The Fulbright committee in Thailand (TUSEF) had their annual board meeting a few weeks ago in Chiang Rai. To my excitement, I was invited for dinner. I arrived at the hotel, which was brand new and absolutely gorgeous, a bit early with my host teacher/director P’Tor. I was so happy to see P’Tip, the direc
tor of TUSEF. In fact, it was then that I realized how long it had been since I had been hugged. If I haven’t already described P’Tip as one of the most genuinely exceptional Thai women I have had the pleasure of knowing, it should be said again. I was delighted to see the rest of the board, P’Kee and P’Oy, and meet those of whom I did not know. At dinner, P’Tip sat me at a table with the President of Mah Fa Lueng University (located at the foothills of the mountains about twenty-five minutes from my school), the director of Mae Lao school (where Brad is teaching), and a Thai ambassador. Dinner was beyond delicious. Buffet style. Thai food, Asian food, European food, Italian food, SUSHI! Enough said. After dinner, I left with a block of cheese, some water crackers, and some pickles that the woman at Fulbright had brought for me from Bangkok. Wow!
First of all, Obama! I watched the election intently on the television in the English department. I could only understand the words “McCain”, “Obama”, and the occasional mention of a U.S. state –with my slight nervousness and anticipation for the results, I found myself wishing I understood more Thai. I waited by the phone for updates from my family. I taught three classes that day, and in each one I mentioned the election, of which my Thai students were already a bit familiar. Not unlike some Americans however, the Thai students seemed to find the issues completely irrelevant. When I asked them to describe what they knew about the candidates I got the following, only the following: McCain = "fat" "old" "ugly"; Obama = "tall" "dark" "handsome." Around 10:30am in Thailand, the confirmation came through. Obama, a characteristically different man as compared to the U.S. presidents who came before him, even if only in physical appearance (although, I believe there are more differences), is to be the next president of the country I love. Basically, I am trying to say: Middle-aged white guy 0, Progression 1. The scale has been forever tipped.
The Fulbright committee in Thailand (TUSEF) had their annual board meeting a few weeks ago in Chiang Rai. To my excitement, I was invited for dinner. I arrived at the hotel, which was brand new and absolutely gorgeous, a bit early with my host teacher/director P’Tor. I was so happy to see P’Tip, the direc
tor of TUSEF. In fact, it was then that I realized how long it had been since I had been hugged. If I haven’t already described P’Tip as one of the most genuinely exceptional Thai women I have had the pleasure of knowing, it should be said again. I was delighted to see the rest of the board, P’Kee and P’Oy, and meet those of whom I did not know. At dinner, P’Tip sat me at a table with the President of Mah Fa Lueng University (located at the foothills of the mountains about twenty-five minutes from my school), the director of Mae Lao school (where Brad is teaching), and a Thai ambassador. Dinner was beyond delicious. Buffet style. Thai food, Asian food, European food, Italian food, SUSHI! Enough said. After dinner, I left with a block of cheese, some water crackers, and some pickles that the woman at Fulbright had brought for me from Bangkok. Wow![photo above: P'Tip, T'Tor, Me (do I stand out?)]
The Music and Lyrics group is going pretty well. Despite all of the technology glitches in the sound lab, I have managed to keep the interest of about a dozen students. The first song we have learned and continue to sing is Ironic by Alanis Morissette. Take a look at the lyrics, and you realize how many concepts in English that can be taught from just one song. All-in-all, it is a lot of fun working with these students on a more casual basis --not to mention the humor in my terrible artistic abilities. Teaching the lyrics to Ironic felt like a game of Pictionary almost…however, I’m glad no score was kept, for I am a joke of an artist.
Last weekend was low-key and enjoyable. P’Tuang and P’Dtone took me to Mae Sai for shopping near the Myanmar border. They went across to Myanmar and bought cheap DVD movies imported from China. I stayed in Mae Sai because I didn’t have my passport. I climbed the hill to the temple, took my shoes off, and paid respect to the Buddha. I went shopping. Well, mainly I walked around and listened to my Ipod. We came back to school around dinner time. Good times.
Last weekend was low-key and enjoyable. P’Tuang and P’Dtone took me to Mae Sai for shopping near the Myanmar border. They went across to Myanmar and bought cheap DVD movies imported from China. I stayed in Mae Sai because I didn’t have my passport. I climbed the hill to the temple, took my shoes off, and paid respect to the Buddha. I went shopping. Well, mainly I walked around and listened to my Ipod. We came back to school around dinner time. Good times.
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