Thursday, 23 April 2015
Saturday, 18 April 2015
Monday, 9 February 2015
A village school in Thailand (Part 7)
18th August
My Thai ex-army friend turned up at my house yesterday evening to take me to the café. We had one beer there and then went to his brother's place outside the village. His house was a veritable museum crammed with very valuable collectables; Pepsi and Cola advertising signs form the 1940s and '50s, original Cola bottles, antique clocks, a very old BSA motorbike and the list goes on.
The brother's son was lying immobile in a hospital bed under a huge blue mosquito net. He's 31 years old and paralysed from the waist down. Mr P. (my Thai friend) said that he'd just come home after three months in hospital. Mr P. also said that he'd had an operation on his stomach - I don't see any connection between that and paralysis!
I'm supposed to go and visit Mr P. this evening. I'm calling my friend Mr P. because I can't remember his name - it's something like Pipiwatchi. Anyway, it's Friday and the end of week four.
The upstairs classrooms are out of use today because the floors are being retiled. So, there was nowhere for my 10.10am class - tried to do the less outside, but it was impossible so I left them after about fifteen minutes. I've got one more lesson today (12.40 - 13.30) and then I'm free for the weekend. I haven't got any plans at the moment - might stay in the village and do nothing; except my laundry of course!
This afternoon's lessons were cancelled - another evaluation!!!
I'm sitting in my garden; it's 1.45pm and I've just seen a very strange creature in the grass - half lizard and half snake. It was long, thin and brown; had two front legs, but no back ones - odd - was moving very fast.
19th August
Had a nice evening yesterday with Mr P. and his wife; we sat in his garden for dinner and beer. I got the truth about his nephew's 'illness' and it's nothing to do with a stomach problem. He was very drunk one evening, tried to drive home on his motorbike and had a crash. I assume he had/has spinal injuries hence the paralysis. Maybe his parents were embarrassed to tell me the real cause of his being bedridden and so gave the stomach ailment tale.
I've decided to go to the town today and try to open a bank account.. The Siam Bank branch in Richards Shopping Centre is open and they have always been friendly when I've been in the change money.
When I got to the bank, there was a power cut so the computers were down. Spent a couple of hours wandering in the shopping centre; splashed out on a tin of baked beans and some processed cheese - not very cheap, but what the hell.
When the power was restored, I returned to the bank and a very polite, young lady opened me a savings account. Had to pay 500 Baht, 300 of which was for an ATM card. Probably don't really need the card, but you never know.
When I left the shopping centre, I somehow got lost and ended up at the train station, which is the opposite of town to where I should have been! Got a motorbike taxi to the bus stop where a bus was just leaving so I didn't have to wait around.
Slight concern as I'm down to just over a thousand Baht and two weeks until I get paid. Will email my bank account details to the agency tomorrow. In theory they should pay me now for the last week of July, but I don't suppose they will; they'll probably include it with August's salary. If it comes to the worst, I can borrow some cash from Mr P.
When I got home from town, I found the cheese had virtually melted - tasted lovely though with the baked beans.
20th August
Four weeks since I arrived in the village. Need to wash clothes today as I've got nothing clean to wear. No other plans.
It's 10am and I've just finished the laundry - washed just about all the clothes that I own .... so that didn't take too long! I've got six t-shirts, 4 pairs of trousers, half a dozen pairs of socks and some underwear; enough for my needs.
Earlier two Thai men (farmers?) came and cut all the grass and weeds near my house and took it all away in a cart attached to the rear of their motorbike. I assume they use the greenery to feed their animals.
I think there is something happening at school either today or tomorrow. Quite a few people are coming and going - some male teachers were here earlier and transporting large, potted plants from the pond near my house towards the school. Hope this 'event' isn't today because it's only quarter past ten; I've already had two bottles of beer and am now on my third - can't do hand washing completely sober!
It was beautifully sunny, blue sky and clear when I started the laundry, but now it's totally overcast. Need to go to the shop to buy cigarettes, but what / who will I pass as I go through the school grounds? I can hear activity - it's Sunday and I don't want to get dragged into some extracurricular activity.
It's 1pm and I've cycled quite a long way to another village. I'm sitting in a place that I thought was a café, but now I'm wondering if it's a family's home! There are a few tables under a wood and straw roof. When I came in, I sat down and asked for a beer - the people looked surprised, but I assumed that was because I am a foreigner - maybe because I've walked into a private family garden!!!
Well, a young man has brought me a glass and a bottle of beer - what will happen when I ask for the bill? There's a very elderly man sitting cross-legged in a brick shack; I can see him through the open door. He's wearing only a towel round his waist and he's talking to himself.
Sitting at the table next to me are four people; three men and a woman. They are mid thirties and the men look military - short cropped hair and with an authoritarian bearing. One of them is wearing camouflage trousers. The lady looks very uninterested in the whole conversation and is not saying anything. There are no gates or flags to indicate that this is a military place; surely if it were private, they would have indicated as such. I'd better keep a clear head - one in case I'm somewhere I shouldn't be and two because I've got to cycle back to the village!
I'm safe - it is a café. Some more people have just come in and are obviously customers - note the sigh of relief. The old man has now moved outside the shack and he is laboriously sawing through a log of wood; at the rate he's going, he might finish by Christmas!
Another farmer came over and spoke to me briefly - claimed to be a local political leader, a teak farmer and learned his English in India. Who am I to disbelieve him?
My Thai ex-army friend turned up at my house yesterday evening to take me to the café. We had one beer there and then went to his brother's place outside the village. His house was a veritable museum crammed with very valuable collectables; Pepsi and Cola advertising signs form the 1940s and '50s, original Cola bottles, antique clocks, a very old BSA motorbike and the list goes on.
The brother's son was lying immobile in a hospital bed under a huge blue mosquito net. He's 31 years old and paralysed from the waist down. Mr P. (my Thai friend) said that he'd just come home after three months in hospital. Mr P. also said that he'd had an operation on his stomach - I don't see any connection between that and paralysis!
I'm supposed to go and visit Mr P. this evening. I'm calling my friend Mr P. because I can't remember his name - it's something like Pipiwatchi. Anyway, it's Friday and the end of week four.
The upstairs classrooms are out of use today because the floors are being retiled. So, there was nowhere for my 10.10am class - tried to do the less outside, but it was impossible so I left them after about fifteen minutes. I've got one more lesson today (12.40 - 13.30) and then I'm free for the weekend. I haven't got any plans at the moment - might stay in the village and do nothing; except my laundry of course!
This afternoon's lessons were cancelled - another evaluation!!!
I'm sitting in my garden; it's 1.45pm and I've just seen a very strange creature in the grass - half lizard and half snake. It was long, thin and brown; had two front legs, but no back ones - odd - was moving very fast.
19th August
Had a nice evening yesterday with Mr P. and his wife; we sat in his garden for dinner and beer. I got the truth about his nephew's 'illness' and it's nothing to do with a stomach problem. He was very drunk one evening, tried to drive home on his motorbike and had a crash. I assume he had/has spinal injuries hence the paralysis. Maybe his parents were embarrassed to tell me the real cause of his being bedridden and so gave the stomach ailment tale.
I've decided to go to the town today and try to open a bank account.. The Siam Bank branch in Richards Shopping Centre is open and they have always been friendly when I've been in the change money.
When I got to the bank, there was a power cut so the computers were down. Spent a couple of hours wandering in the shopping centre; splashed out on a tin of baked beans and some processed cheese - not very cheap, but what the hell.
When the power was restored, I returned to the bank and a very polite, young lady opened me a savings account. Had to pay 500 Baht, 300 of which was for an ATM card. Probably don't really need the card, but you never know.
When I left the shopping centre, I somehow got lost and ended up at the train station, which is the opposite of town to where I should have been! Got a motorbike taxi to the bus stop where a bus was just leaving so I didn't have to wait around.
Slight concern as I'm down to just over a thousand Baht and two weeks until I get paid. Will email my bank account details to the agency tomorrow. In theory they should pay me now for the last week of July, but I don't suppose they will; they'll probably include it with August's salary. If it comes to the worst, I can borrow some cash from Mr P.
When I got home from town, I found the cheese had virtually melted - tasted lovely though with the baked beans.
20th August
Four weeks since I arrived in the village. Need to wash clothes today as I've got nothing clean to wear. No other plans.
It's 10am and I've just finished the laundry - washed just about all the clothes that I own .... so that didn't take too long! I've got six t-shirts, 4 pairs of trousers, half a dozen pairs of socks and some underwear; enough for my needs.
Earlier two Thai men (farmers?) came and cut all the grass and weeds near my house and took it all away in a cart attached to the rear of their motorbike. I assume they use the greenery to feed their animals.
I think there is something happening at school either today or tomorrow. Quite a few people are coming and going - some male teachers were here earlier and transporting large, potted plants from the pond near my house towards the school. Hope this 'event' isn't today because it's only quarter past ten; I've already had two bottles of beer and am now on my third - can't do hand washing completely sober!
It was beautifully sunny, blue sky and clear when I started the laundry, but now it's totally overcast. Need to go to the shop to buy cigarettes, but what / who will I pass as I go through the school grounds? I can hear activity - it's Sunday and I don't want to get dragged into some extracurricular activity.
It's 1pm and I've cycled quite a long way to another village. I'm sitting in a place that I thought was a café, but now I'm wondering if it's a family's home! There are a few tables under a wood and straw roof. When I came in, I sat down and asked for a beer - the people looked surprised, but I assumed that was because I am a foreigner - maybe because I've walked into a private family garden!!!
Well, a young man has brought me a glass and a bottle of beer - what will happen when I ask for the bill? There's a very elderly man sitting cross-legged in a brick shack; I can see him through the open door. He's wearing only a towel round his waist and he's talking to himself.
Sitting at the table next to me are four people; three men and a woman. They are mid thirties and the men look military - short cropped hair and with an authoritarian bearing. One of them is wearing camouflage trousers. The lady looks very uninterested in the whole conversation and is not saying anything. There are no gates or flags to indicate that this is a military place; surely if it were private, they would have indicated as such. I'd better keep a clear head - one in case I'm somewhere I shouldn't be and two because I've got to cycle back to the village!
I'm safe - it is a café. Some more people have just come in and are obviously customers - note the sigh of relief. The old man has now moved outside the shack and he is laboriously sawing through a log of wood; at the rate he's going, he might finish by Christmas!
Another farmer came over and spoke to me briefly - claimed to be a local political leader, a teak farmer and learned his English in India. Who am I to disbelieve him?
Sunday, 8 February 2015
A village school in Thailand (Part 6)
13th August
It's 5.40am and I'm on the coach waiting to leave - very nice coach; better than any I've been on before. The seats recline almost to a horizontal position, leg supports, big television, toilet etc.
We arrived at the border at 10am, crossed into Cambodia, stayed an hour and then back into Thailand at departed at 11am! On the Cambodian side there was a big casino and restaurant where we were served lunch that was included in the price. I only had rice and salad along with a beer. A lot of people (Cambodians?) were playing roulette, poker, slot machines etc.
As soon as we crossed into Cambodia, one of the staff on the coach collected all our passports and handed them back as got onto the coach to leave. All the procedures had been completed and I now had a new tourist visa.
The trip back to Bangkok was uneventful - travelled through a lot of open farmland a few small villages. Not a spectacular journey so I spent a lot of the time dozing. The coach got back into the centre of Bangkok at three o'clock that afternoon, but I didn't get back to the hotel until a quarter past five! I was determined to use a normal passenger bus rather than a tuk tuk. I knew I needed a number 15 because the guide on the coach had told me so and I knew roughly where the bus stop was. I had to wander for quite a while though before I found the right place. The other obstacle was the traffic which never stops in Bangkok. This morning a tuk tuk had cost me 200 Baht - the bus fare was just thirteen Baht.
Will be a relief to get back to the village. Apart from the noise and traffic, it's so expensive here compared to my place. I'm aiming to get the first train out which leave at eight in the morning. That means I should be home by 1pm at the latest.
14th August
Got a bus to the station only to find out that the 8am train has been cancelled. So now I'm waiting for the 9.20 service. Could have had another hour in bed. It was pouring with rain while I was on my way here to the station, but I didn't get too wet.
Railway stations the world over always seem to be in areas of the city where these is nothing to see or do - is it a means of getting passengers into the station's cafes and shops?
The train departed fifteen minutes ago - I'm going home!
The train was slow and we didn't get to Ratchaburi until midday. Fortunately a bus was waiting at the bus stop and I got back to the village at 1pm. It was a good trip, but very tiring. Pity that we saw so little of Cambodia - just the border and a casino. Before I forget, shopping in Cambodia was amazingly cheap. I bought a carton of imported Malboro cigarettes (i.e. ten packets of 20 cigarettes) for only 180 Baht = 18 Baht a packet. Here one packet of Thai cigarettes is 48 Baht!
Next visa run I'll give myself more time and take more money - I'll also check out the price of alcohol.
16th August
It's 9am and it seems there are no lessons today, but I can't find out why. One teacher said 'Evaluation' and another's comment was 'Don't know'. I'm getting fed up with this lack of communication; maybe it's normal here, but to me it indicates a lack of respect. Is it a case of 'the foreigner' doesn't need to know?
It's now 11.45 and nothing has happened - no classes and no visitors as far as I've seen. I'm seriously wondering if I should pack up here and go to Bangkok or even Chiang Mai. I've got a strong feeling that things aren't going to work out in this school, which is a pity as I'm getting used to the teaching and the way of life. The poser is; do I wait until the end of the month and (hopefully) get paid or should I cut my losses and go now?
People whom I met on the visa run said that schools in Bangkok are desperate for teachers so I could find a job and start immediately.
I've had an email from Nora at the employment agency; she says that due to my experience and teaching here, they are waiving the normal three-month probation period and have already applied for my work permit - that changes things. If the work permit comes through in the next 3 weeks or so, I won't have to do another visa run - good or bad? It will save me money, but I won't be able to get any Duty Free. Also, I will be committed to complete my contract here in the village.
17th August
Last night I spent the evening with a elderly (62) Thai man I met in the café. He's a retired army engineer and speaks fairly understandable English. H e lives with his wife in a large house just outside the village. His son is an engineering student in Bangkok while his daughter is a flight attendant with Eva Air (a Japanese airline I think).
The Thai man certainly likes his beer and can drink me under the table! We're going to meet again at the weekend.
Nothing worth noting happened at school today.
It's 5.40am and I'm on the coach waiting to leave - very nice coach; better than any I've been on before. The seats recline almost to a horizontal position, leg supports, big television, toilet etc.
We arrived at the border at 10am, crossed into Cambodia, stayed an hour and then back into Thailand at departed at 11am! On the Cambodian side there was a big casino and restaurant where we were served lunch that was included in the price. I only had rice and salad along with a beer. A lot of people (Cambodians?) were playing roulette, poker, slot machines etc.
As soon as we crossed into Cambodia, one of the staff on the coach collected all our passports and handed them back as got onto the coach to leave. All the procedures had been completed and I now had a new tourist visa.
The trip back to Bangkok was uneventful - travelled through a lot of open farmland a few small villages. Not a spectacular journey so I spent a lot of the time dozing. The coach got back into the centre of Bangkok at three o'clock that afternoon, but I didn't get back to the hotel until a quarter past five! I was determined to use a normal passenger bus rather than a tuk tuk. I knew I needed a number 15 because the guide on the coach had told me so and I knew roughly where the bus stop was. I had to wander for quite a while though before I found the right place. The other obstacle was the traffic which never stops in Bangkok. This morning a tuk tuk had cost me 200 Baht - the bus fare was just thirteen Baht.
Will be a relief to get back to the village. Apart from the noise and traffic, it's so expensive here compared to my place. I'm aiming to get the first train out which leave at eight in the morning. That means I should be home by 1pm at the latest.
14th August
Got a bus to the station only to find out that the 8am train has been cancelled. So now I'm waiting for the 9.20 service. Could have had another hour in bed. It was pouring with rain while I was on my way here to the station, but I didn't get too wet.
Railway stations the world over always seem to be in areas of the city where these is nothing to see or do - is it a means of getting passengers into the station's cafes and shops?
The train departed fifteen minutes ago - I'm going home!
The train was slow and we didn't get to Ratchaburi until midday. Fortunately a bus was waiting at the bus stop and I got back to the village at 1pm. It was a good trip, but very tiring. Pity that we saw so little of Cambodia - just the border and a casino. Before I forget, shopping in Cambodia was amazingly cheap. I bought a carton of imported Malboro cigarettes (i.e. ten packets of 20 cigarettes) for only 180 Baht = 18 Baht a packet. Here one packet of Thai cigarettes is 48 Baht!
Next visa run I'll give myself more time and take more money - I'll also check out the price of alcohol.
16th August
It's 9am and it seems there are no lessons today, but I can't find out why. One teacher said 'Evaluation' and another's comment was 'Don't know'. I'm getting fed up with this lack of communication; maybe it's normal here, but to me it indicates a lack of respect. Is it a case of 'the foreigner' doesn't need to know?
It's now 11.45 and nothing has happened - no classes and no visitors as far as I've seen. I'm seriously wondering if I should pack up here and go to Bangkok or even Chiang Mai. I've got a strong feeling that things aren't going to work out in this school, which is a pity as I'm getting used to the teaching and the way of life. The poser is; do I wait until the end of the month and (hopefully) get paid or should I cut my losses and go now?
People whom I met on the visa run said that schools in Bangkok are desperate for teachers so I could find a job and start immediately.
I've had an email from Nora at the employment agency; she says that due to my experience and teaching here, they are waiving the normal three-month probation period and have already applied for my work permit - that changes things. If the work permit comes through in the next 3 weeks or so, I won't have to do another visa run - good or bad? It will save me money, but I won't be able to get any Duty Free. Also, I will be committed to complete my contract here in the village.
17th August
Last night I spent the evening with a elderly (62) Thai man I met in the café. He's a retired army engineer and speaks fairly understandable English. H e lives with his wife in a large house just outside the village. His son is an engineering student in Bangkok while his daughter is a flight attendant with Eva Air (a Japanese airline I think).
The Thai man certainly likes his beer and can drink me under the table! We're going to meet again at the weekend.
Nothing worth noting happened at school today.
Saturday, 7 February 2015
A village school in Thailand (Part 5)
10th August
There was heavy rain during the night - so heavy and loud that it woke me up at about 3am. Spoke to Harry yesterday evening re: the visa run and opening a bank account. He said the school here are very happy with my work and have no complaints so I can breath easier.
Today is Thursday so I start at 9.20am.
Quarter past five. My normal café is still closed; they must be having a holiday for the Chinese half year. Very inconvenient for me; I've found another café further from the school, but I don't like it very much and it doesn't serve egg fried rice. I wonder if that's because they are pure Thai rather that Chinese Thai. Anyway, having my first beer since Saturday.
Tomorrow morning the school is laying on a special breakfast for a group of Buddhist monks. I can't find out why or where they're coming from, but apparently it's ritual they do every year. I'm not certain whether or not there will be classes in the morning; I asked some of the teachers, but no one seemed to know. Oh well, I'll find out soon enough.
Had all good classes today. It seems to be getting easier every day. I'm not sure if I'm just learning how to teach children, if I'm starting to relax in a Thai classroom, a combination of both or something else all together. Whatever, I can truly say that I really enjoyed myself today and the lessons seemed to finish almost before they'd begun.
We had very heavy rain this afternoon and I think more is imminent as the sky is heavy with low, black clouds - not a blue patch to be seen. It's not very humid, but feels rainy and there's a cooling breeze from time to time.
11th August
The end of three weeks teaching here.
Well, the monks' thing wasn't actually a feast - all the kids and teachers had brought dried and packet food and drinks which were laid out on tables in the school garden The monks then went round and took what they wanted. One elderly monk then said a prayer and they all left. Afterwards we (the teachers and students) went into the sports hall. A shrine had been set up and there was a large photo of the Queen on one wall. I tried to stay discreetly at the back of the assembly, but the school Director, speaking over a sound system, asked me to join him and the other teachers in the front row!
First everyone (except me) sang the Thai national anthem and then pledged allegiance to Queen and country (I think). It all took about five minutes; finally we had to write a message and sign a book of 'Greetings' to the Queen. As 'honoured' guest, I was given third place after the Director and his deputy. My words, as far as I remember, were: Her Majesty a long and happy life on this her birthday.' With five hundred children, 30 teachers and a video camera staring at me, it was very off-putting and I may have had a rather shaky hand!
When lessons finished at half past two today, the Head teacher happened to mention that Monday is a National Holiday to mark the Queen's birthday - could have told me sooner! So I've got three days off and nothing planned.
The weather forecast is for heavy rain all weekend and next week so there's not much point in going down to the coast. Wondering if I ought to go to Bangkok for a day or two; could get the train from town and find a cheap place to stay.
It's just occurred to me that I could do the visa run this weekend instead of next Saturday. Maybe that's a good plan - with three days it wouldn't be such a rush to get there and back to the village.
The best thing today - my normal café has reopened! From what I can make out, they went off somewhere on a shopping trip so I assume it was nothing to do with the Chinese festival. Very glad they are back though.
12th August
Made a decision and I'm going to Bangkok today. Will get the bus to the town and then a train to the city. Hopefully I can do the visa run tomorrow.
It's twenty past eight in the morning and I'm on a train heading for Bangkok - the fare was 40 Baht, which is just over one Dollar, for the two and a half hour trip. It's certainly not First Class and not even Business Class, but it's comfortable enough for a short journey. The train is quite full with Thais, but no other foreigners that I've seen.
The train arrived in Bangkok at 11am. I took the underground - very new and shiny, but expensive. Ratchaburi to Bangkok (2 1/2 hours) was 40 Baht; two stops on the metro (four minutes) was 17 Baht!
Went to a travel company and reserved the trip for tomorrow. The coach leaves Silom in central Bangkok at 6am and the scheduled arrival time back in Bangkok is 3pm. (By the way I'm crossing into Cambodia as it's much nearer than Burma.) So, it really is a visa 'run' - four hours there, new visa and four hours back. In a way I'd like to go back to the village as soon as I'm back in the city, but it's not possible. I could get to the town, but the last bus from there is 4pm.
I've got a hotel in the Khao San Road (backpackers' central!) - the hotel is called 'Siam Oriental Inn'; sounds exotic, but it isn't - it's very basic and the bed is little more than a plank of wood. However, for about seven Dollars, what can you expect.
It's strange being amongst so many people and so much traffic. There are hordes of tourists and I can hear English being spoken all around me. It's a nice change after being in the village, but I wouldn't really want to live here.
It's 2.30pm and I'm sitting at a café having a beer. At about four o'clock I'm going to phone England. I've just changed my last $100 note so I'll have to be careful until I eventually get some money. After paying 1,900 Baht for the trip tomorrow, I'll have about 3,500 which should be more than enough if I stick to Pepsi during the week, which I must!
It's not quite 4pm (I've just phoned England) and I'm ready to leave this city! I hate all the people, traffic and noise; I'd much rather be at my café in the village. The male English tourists here are an embarrassment - half of them are walking around bare-chested and trying to be macho. The others are desperately trying to look like 1960s dropouts wearing baggy, loose-fitting clothes - very obviously very new 'hippy' outfits. Most of them also have the traditional monks' bags over their shoulders. Bet it will all change when they go home!
I'm in a café that possibly doesn't have a licence to serve alcohol; they are serving beer in plastic cups with the bottles hidden out of sight. The girl who served me said, "Please not put bottle on table - police see."
There was heavy rain during the night - so heavy and loud that it woke me up at about 3am. Spoke to Harry yesterday evening re: the visa run and opening a bank account. He said the school here are very happy with my work and have no complaints so I can breath easier.
Today is Thursday so I start at 9.20am.
Quarter past five. My normal café is still closed; they must be having a holiday for the Chinese half year. Very inconvenient for me; I've found another café further from the school, but I don't like it very much and it doesn't serve egg fried rice. I wonder if that's because they are pure Thai rather that Chinese Thai. Anyway, having my first beer since Saturday.
Tomorrow morning the school is laying on a special breakfast for a group of Buddhist monks. I can't find out why or where they're coming from, but apparently it's ritual they do every year. I'm not certain whether or not there will be classes in the morning; I asked some of the teachers, but no one seemed to know. Oh well, I'll find out soon enough.
Had all good classes today. It seems to be getting easier every day. I'm not sure if I'm just learning how to teach children, if I'm starting to relax in a Thai classroom, a combination of both or something else all together. Whatever, I can truly say that I really enjoyed myself today and the lessons seemed to finish almost before they'd begun.
We had very heavy rain this afternoon and I think more is imminent as the sky is heavy with low, black clouds - not a blue patch to be seen. It's not very humid, but feels rainy and there's a cooling breeze from time to time.
11th August
The end of three weeks teaching here.
Well, the monks' thing wasn't actually a feast - all the kids and teachers had brought dried and packet food and drinks which were laid out on tables in the school garden The monks then went round and took what they wanted. One elderly monk then said a prayer and they all left. Afterwards we (the teachers and students) went into the sports hall. A shrine had been set up and there was a large photo of the Queen on one wall. I tried to stay discreetly at the back of the assembly, but the school Director, speaking over a sound system, asked me to join him and the other teachers in the front row!
First everyone (except me) sang the Thai national anthem and then pledged allegiance to Queen and country (I think). It all took about five minutes; finally we had to write a message and sign a book of 'Greetings' to the Queen. As 'honoured' guest, I was given third place after the Director and his deputy. My words, as far as I remember, were: Her Majesty a long and happy life on this her birthday.' With five hundred children, 30 teachers and a video camera staring at me, it was very off-putting and I may have had a rather shaky hand!
When lessons finished at half past two today, the Head teacher happened to mention that Monday is a National Holiday to mark the Queen's birthday - could have told me sooner! So I've got three days off and nothing planned.
The weather forecast is for heavy rain all weekend and next week so there's not much point in going down to the coast. Wondering if I ought to go to Bangkok for a day or two; could get the train from town and find a cheap place to stay.
It's just occurred to me that I could do the visa run this weekend instead of next Saturday. Maybe that's a good plan - with three days it wouldn't be such a rush to get there and back to the village.
The best thing today - my normal café has reopened! From what I can make out, they went off somewhere on a shopping trip so I assume it was nothing to do with the Chinese festival. Very glad they are back though.
12th August
Made a decision and I'm going to Bangkok today. Will get the bus to the town and then a train to the city. Hopefully I can do the visa run tomorrow.
It's twenty past eight in the morning and I'm on a train heading for Bangkok - the fare was 40 Baht, which is just over one Dollar, for the two and a half hour trip. It's certainly not First Class and not even Business Class, but it's comfortable enough for a short journey. The train is quite full with Thais, but no other foreigners that I've seen.
The train arrived in Bangkok at 11am. I took the underground - very new and shiny, but expensive. Ratchaburi to Bangkok (2 1/2 hours) was 40 Baht; two stops on the metro (four minutes) was 17 Baht!
Went to a travel company and reserved the trip for tomorrow. The coach leaves Silom in central Bangkok at 6am and the scheduled arrival time back in Bangkok is 3pm. (By the way I'm crossing into Cambodia as it's much nearer than Burma.) So, it really is a visa 'run' - four hours there, new visa and four hours back. In a way I'd like to go back to the village as soon as I'm back in the city, but it's not possible. I could get to the town, but the last bus from there is 4pm.
I've got a hotel in the Khao San Road (backpackers' central!) - the hotel is called 'Siam Oriental Inn'; sounds exotic, but it isn't - it's very basic and the bed is little more than a plank of wood. However, for about seven Dollars, what can you expect.
It's strange being amongst so many people and so much traffic. There are hordes of tourists and I can hear English being spoken all around me. It's a nice change after being in the village, but I wouldn't really want to live here.
It's 2.30pm and I'm sitting at a café having a beer. At about four o'clock I'm going to phone England. I've just changed my last $100 note so I'll have to be careful until I eventually get some money. After paying 1,900 Baht for the trip tomorrow, I'll have about 3,500 which should be more than enough if I stick to Pepsi during the week, which I must!
It's not quite 4pm (I've just phoned England) and I'm ready to leave this city! I hate all the people, traffic and noise; I'd much rather be at my café in the village. The male English tourists here are an embarrassment - half of them are walking around bare-chested and trying to be macho. The others are desperately trying to look like 1960s dropouts wearing baggy, loose-fitting clothes - very obviously very new 'hippy' outfits. Most of them also have the traditional monks' bags over their shoulders. Bet it will all change when they go home!
I'm in a café that possibly doesn't have a licence to serve alcohol; they are serving beer in plastic cups with the bottles hidden out of sight. The girl who served me said, "Please not put bottle on table - police see."
A village school in Thailand (Part 4)
2nd August
Not much to write today. Lessons were good and all nice students. Got an email from a friend who's arriving in Thailand on September 5th. She's going up to Chiang Mai (in the north) to do voluntary work for three months. If she arrives on a Saturday, I might manage to get to Bangkok and meet up with her.
I really must phone Harry today. He's a senior teacher in a school in Petchaburi - I've been told he can tell me about the visa run. I'm here on a tourist visa so will need to get it renewed. My current visa runs out in eighteen days. Hope the trip doesn't cost too much; I've got two thousand Baht and $250 (US). Thai people would say that's enough for three months living, but I don't see how. I think I spend about 200 Baht a day: one packet of cigarettes, dinner and a couple of beers. It's not extravagant living in my eyes, but to a Thai???
Folk here really are generous. I happened to mention to the café man that I wanted to acquire a moped or bicycle - sign language of course. He went into a frantic consultation with his wife and then led me to a storeroom, where there was a bicycle. They want to give it to me for as long as I'm here! The tyres are flat, but apart from that it's perfect. I just need to locate a pump and I'll be mobile so I'll be able to explore a bit more now - what lovely people!
3rd August
My 12th day in the village. Woke up to see a huge, brown moth by the window; not so long ago I'd have been paralysed with phobia - not now though. This is a good place to lose any fear of insects!
Have just spoken to Harry. It seems the easiest way to get a new tourist visa is by going to Burma; he's going to send me written details.
I'm at the café and there are loads of monkeys around today.
4th August
Two weeks since my arrival and the end of my second week teaching here. I'm thinking about whether or not to go to the town tomorrow. I don't need to go, but it would be a change from the village.
I'm going through a bad time. Only six students came to my 11am class and they said "Go home."
- me or them? and then they all walked out! Mr Wannachai (my boss here) phoned the volunteer agency and complained that I smelt of alcohol one morning. Now it's been raining heavily for two hours.
A weekend with no entertainment - do I really want to stay in this village for another 50 weeks? Maybe I should pack my bags, go to Bangkok and look for a job there. What to do?
I tried to send an email earlier, but the computers were 'down' - due to the rain perhaps.
Depression and despair and nobody to get encouragement from.
7th August
Monday morning and the start of week three. I got through the depression and the weekend. Went to Ratchaburi (the town) on Saturday morning just for a change of scene. Got the bicycle from the café on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday went for a very short, experimental cycle - was very wobbly! The rest of the day I stayed in the house reading - not a beer all day!
Let's see what this week brings.
Things are a bit subdued here today because one of the girl students (aged 13) was killed at the weekend. From what I can make out, she crashed her moped into a canal and drowned. What a waste of life. I'm sure it's not a rare tragedy here because just about all of the kids ride mopeds and motorbikes and very few wear any protective gear. Some of the kids are so small - I'm surprised they are strong enough to handle a moped!
8th August
Today is the midpoint of the Chinese year and it's a festival, but there are classes as normal. However, quite a few of the children were absent. I can hear firecrackers being let off at the temple - I'll go there later and see what's happening.
It's 7pm - nothing was happening at the temple; just the small market and the usual groups of people wanting to see the bats coming out of the cave.
The café was closed so the people there must be Chinese. Dinner was a packet of potato crisps (very spicy), coconut biscuits and a bottle of water.
9th August
On this day three weeks ago, I did my last day's work at home. How much longer it seems and I don't miss anything one iota
Not much to write today. Lessons were good and all nice students. Got an email from a friend who's arriving in Thailand on September 5th. She's going up to Chiang Mai (in the north) to do voluntary work for three months. If she arrives on a Saturday, I might manage to get to Bangkok and meet up with her.
I really must phone Harry today. He's a senior teacher in a school in Petchaburi - I've been told he can tell me about the visa run. I'm here on a tourist visa so will need to get it renewed. My current visa runs out in eighteen days. Hope the trip doesn't cost too much; I've got two thousand Baht and $250 (US). Thai people would say that's enough for three months living, but I don't see how. I think I spend about 200 Baht a day: one packet of cigarettes, dinner and a couple of beers. It's not extravagant living in my eyes, but to a Thai???
Folk here really are generous. I happened to mention to the café man that I wanted to acquire a moped or bicycle - sign language of course. He went into a frantic consultation with his wife and then led me to a storeroom, where there was a bicycle. They want to give it to me for as long as I'm here! The tyres are flat, but apart from that it's perfect. I just need to locate a pump and I'll be mobile so I'll be able to explore a bit more now - what lovely people!
3rd August
My 12th day in the village. Woke up to see a huge, brown moth by the window; not so long ago I'd have been paralysed with phobia - not now though. This is a good place to lose any fear of insects!
Have just spoken to Harry. It seems the easiest way to get a new tourist visa is by going to Burma; he's going to send me written details.
I'm at the café and there are loads of monkeys around today.
4th August
Two weeks since my arrival and the end of my second week teaching here. I'm thinking about whether or not to go to the town tomorrow. I don't need to go, but it would be a change from the village.
I'm going through a bad time. Only six students came to my 11am class and they said "Go home."
- me or them? and then they all walked out! Mr Wannachai (my boss here) phoned the volunteer agency and complained that I smelt of alcohol one morning. Now it's been raining heavily for two hours.
A weekend with no entertainment - do I really want to stay in this village for another 50 weeks? Maybe I should pack my bags, go to Bangkok and look for a job there. What to do?
I tried to send an email earlier, but the computers were 'down' - due to the rain perhaps.
Depression and despair and nobody to get encouragement from.
7th August
Monday morning and the start of week three. I got through the depression and the weekend. Went to Ratchaburi (the town) on Saturday morning just for a change of scene. Got the bicycle from the café on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday went for a very short, experimental cycle - was very wobbly! The rest of the day I stayed in the house reading - not a beer all day!
Let's see what this week brings.
Things are a bit subdued here today because one of the girl students (aged 13) was killed at the weekend. From what I can make out, she crashed her moped into a canal and drowned. What a waste of life. I'm sure it's not a rare tragedy here because just about all of the kids ride mopeds and motorbikes and very few wear any protective gear. Some of the kids are so small - I'm surprised they are strong enough to handle a moped!
8th August
Today is the midpoint of the Chinese year and it's a festival, but there are classes as normal. However, quite a few of the children were absent. I can hear firecrackers being let off at the temple - I'll go there later and see what's happening.
It's 7pm - nothing was happening at the temple; just the small market and the usual groups of people wanting to see the bats coming out of the cave.
The café was closed so the people there must be Chinese. Dinner was a packet of potato crisps (very spicy), coconut biscuits and a bottle of water.
9th August
On this day three weeks ago, I did my last day's work at home. How much longer it seems and I don't miss anything one iota
Friday, 6 February 2015
A village school in Thailand (Part 3)
30th July
Sunday and one week since my arrival in the village. It's 9.20am and I've done my laundry - first time I've hand-washed clothes for years. Hard work, but quite satisfying in a way - did it outside in the 'garden'. By the time I'd finished, I was drenched in sweat so enjoyed a long, cold shower. What I'd love to do now is plunge into a swimming pool or the sea. No chance of that here. No plans for today.
2.30pm and it's disgustingly hot and humid today. I wish it would rain. Went to the email café earlier; half way there a guy on a moped stopped and offered me a lift. I don't know who he was, but he knew my name - father of a student perhaps?
Had an interesting email from a school in Sarajevo about a job I applied a few weeks ago. I replied, explained that I'm now in Thailand and asked for more info. It's purely out of interest - I couldn't afford to get to Bosnia now even if I wanted to. Anyway, it's far too cold and snowy in winter. Better to bake in Thailand than freeze in Bosnia.
This evening it's the bazaar at the temple so that will be something to do later. I need to buy a small mirror and, if I can get a good price, a cassette player or a small radio - need something for company in the evenings.
It's one week almost to the hour since I arrived in the village - feels a lot longer! How long since I last spoke to a native speaker? Ten days!
A Thai customer has just come into the café; he's young - about 20 years old. Most of the guys here are incredibly thin; almost to the point of looking anorexic. They all have the same pop star-esque hair style and wear their jeans low on the hips. Seems to be a fashion to display their underpants! The Thai language is interesting too. All the words seem to be very long-drawn out: haaaah, wohaaah, lots of aaah sounds.
How can the sun be so ruthless when you can't see it for clouds? I feel like I'm being burnt to a chip even though I'm under cover.
That young Thai guy took away four pots of food and now two ladies have arrived to buy meals. Seems people here prefer to buy take-aways rather than cook.
The matriarch of the café is sweeping out the frontage. She's a real witch of a woman - never smiles or welcomes customers. If she smiled, her face would crack like crystal!
31st July
Monday and the start of week two. Woke up to see a huge lizard on the bedroom wall. Must have been nearly a foot long, but it soon disappeared out of the window.
We had a tropical rainstorm this afternoon; unbelievably heavy rain that lasted half an hour. It was deliciously cool while the rain was falling and there was zero humidity for a while - what bliss!
The school presented me with an iron today so I don't have to wear crumpled clothes any more.
It's just occurred to me that I haven't seen a single cat since I've been here; plenty of dogs, but no feline creatures. I must remember to ask someone about it. I wonder if they all go into the cooking pot!
1st August
Nothing to write today. Lessons - some good and some chaotic. The temperature is decidedly lower today and far less humid than it has been. Right now a light rain is falling; maybe we're approaching a change of seasons? I'm certainly not complaining as this weather is much better to work and live in.
I learnt from a student that we are very near to a famous floating market; pity I didn't learn how to get there. I also found out that there's a public swimming pool about twenty km away - was also told that there's no bus to get there and no suggestion or offer of transport was made by the student.
Sunday and one week since my arrival in the village. It's 9.20am and I've done my laundry - first time I've hand-washed clothes for years. Hard work, but quite satisfying in a way - did it outside in the 'garden'. By the time I'd finished, I was drenched in sweat so enjoyed a long, cold shower. What I'd love to do now is plunge into a swimming pool or the sea. No chance of that here. No plans for today.
2.30pm and it's disgustingly hot and humid today. I wish it would rain. Went to the email café earlier; half way there a guy on a moped stopped and offered me a lift. I don't know who he was, but he knew my name - father of a student perhaps?
Had an interesting email from a school in Sarajevo about a job I applied a few weeks ago. I replied, explained that I'm now in Thailand and asked for more info. It's purely out of interest - I couldn't afford to get to Bosnia now even if I wanted to. Anyway, it's far too cold and snowy in winter. Better to bake in Thailand than freeze in Bosnia.
This evening it's the bazaar at the temple so that will be something to do later. I need to buy a small mirror and, if I can get a good price, a cassette player or a small radio - need something for company in the evenings.
It's one week almost to the hour since I arrived in the village - feels a lot longer! How long since I last spoke to a native speaker? Ten days!
A Thai customer has just come into the café; he's young - about 20 years old. Most of the guys here are incredibly thin; almost to the point of looking anorexic. They all have the same pop star-esque hair style and wear their jeans low on the hips. Seems to be a fashion to display their underpants! The Thai language is interesting too. All the words seem to be very long-drawn out: haaaah, wohaaah, lots of aaah sounds.
How can the sun be so ruthless when you can't see it for clouds? I feel like I'm being burnt to a chip even though I'm under cover.
That young Thai guy took away four pots of food and now two ladies have arrived to buy meals. Seems people here prefer to buy take-aways rather than cook.
The matriarch of the café is sweeping out the frontage. She's a real witch of a woman - never smiles or welcomes customers. If she smiled, her face would crack like crystal!
31st July
Monday and the start of week two. Woke up to see a huge lizard on the bedroom wall. Must have been nearly a foot long, but it soon disappeared out of the window.
We had a tropical rainstorm this afternoon; unbelievably heavy rain that lasted half an hour. It was deliciously cool while the rain was falling and there was zero humidity for a while - what bliss!
The school presented me with an iron today so I don't have to wear crumpled clothes any more.
It's just occurred to me that I haven't seen a single cat since I've been here; plenty of dogs, but no feline creatures. I must remember to ask someone about it. I wonder if they all go into the cooking pot!
1st August
Nothing to write today. Lessons - some good and some chaotic. The temperature is decidedly lower today and far less humid than it has been. Right now a light rain is falling; maybe we're approaching a change of seasons? I'm certainly not complaining as this weather is much better to work and live in.
I learnt from a student that we are very near to a famous floating market; pity I didn't learn how to get there. I also found out that there's a public swimming pool about twenty km away - was also told that there's no bus to get there and no suggestion or offer of transport was made by the student.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)