Finally, post number 2

Well, I have been in Thailand a month. Gradually getting used to things, but as soon as I think I have figured something out, like a simple bus route, it seems to get changed on me. I think I have figured out how to tell the taxi driver where I live in Thai, but my taxi driver yesterday got lost, and I was of no help. Always an adventure. I just keep telling myself that. I haven't had to use the philosophy that if all else fails, just cry. I hope to not have to use it anytime soon.

I started teaching last week. I wasn't supposed to start until today, but they were really stuck so I agreed to come in. It made for an incredibly tiring and overwhelming three days. Who knew that small children could be so tiring? Well, I'm sure a lot of people reading this could have told me that, but that is besides the point. The course I am teaching is English as an Additional Language. Most of my students are Thai, but there are also a couple of Koreans. I teach all of the students in our school who are struggling with the English language. Some have absolutley no English, and others are a little more advanced. I am hoping to start some music and a choir in the next couple of weeks, but the school's priority is English. To all of you teachers out there: thank you. I never knew what a job this could be. I love it and I hate it all at the same time. I'm just hoping to keep my head above water. Trying not to stress out too much and leaving some time for relaxation.

I've met quite a few people since starting teaching. Our school is one of four of the same name in the city, so there is quite a large group of teachers around. Most are from Britain, but there are also a number from Australia. There is one other Canadian, but she is at another school. I'm finding myself using British words and trying hard not to copy the accents I hear. Even a lot of the students tend to add a bit of a British or Australian accent when they speak.

I am planning a beach vacation in three weeks time with a group of the teachers. It is our half term break and we get a week off! I'm quite excited for that as it will be nice to get away from the crazy city that is Bangkok.

I really need to get out and see some sights of the city, but my first month flew by and now I am busy with other things. It will force me to have exciting adventures every weekend.

This past weekend I did a Reiki course. I also spent a lot of time hearing stories about all of the haunted places in Thailand. Apparently one of our schools is also haunted. Spooky stuff - not exactly sure what I want to believe at this point.

Anyway, that was an un-exciting post. I will try to do better in the future. My apologies. I hope everyone will keep reading...