Our finish line picture with our guide, "tee". . . so happy to get out of the boat!!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Just another day. . .
Today was another fabulous day of teaching. We find that each day tends to present it's own challenges, gifts and 'ah ha' moments. At school today, there was a Review Board committee from the School District; they were observing classes, meeting with the teachers and reviewing documents, so things weren't business as usual. For example, we walked into our 4th grade class (normally our most challenging and chaotic class) and they were silent and seated. . . we were in awe. I was in the middle of teaching a lesson about numbers (still trying to get the counting down) when the Director walked in, I politely 'wai' (the proper greeting where you put your hands in prayer form) and said "sawadee ka". He then proceeded to walk right past me and over to Ryan and says "Teacher, I want you to join me and the Committee for lunch in the Directors room". . . as if I wasn't a teacher as well!! Of course, Ryan graciously accepted (for both of us, I think!)and the Director promptly walked out. Ryan looked at me and said, "babe, I think you are invited too." [insert Ryan's comment: to be honest, I wasn't quite sure!]. It has now become our running joke and daily laugh how much attention the Director pays to Ryan.
As many of you know Ryan, there are few moments, if ever that you see him frustrated or upset. . . today I was witness to a classic moment of discipline. One of the students who is consistently talking, out of his seat, or just not paying attention was at it again when Ryan called him up to the front of the class. I wondered what he was going to do, a new lesson, perhaps make him sing a song by himself. At this point, Ryan draws a circle on the board and turns the boy to face the board and points to it and says "stare at the circle". A bit confused at this new form of discipline, the boy points, stares, puts his ear to the circle then turns around and laughs. At this point, I couldn't do anything more but laugh out loud myself. Unfortunately, I think this defeated Ryan's purpose but it was a classic moment. [insert Ryan's comment: once the class saw Julie laugh, they started laughing too and all hope for further study was lost].
Then there was our 5th grade class who upon our arrival were silent and seated again (not business as usual). . . we quickly notice that one of our most challenging students is outside the class but talking to a student through the open window...we tell him to come in and he ignores us...and the class chimes in that he is sick and cannot come inside the class. It seemed odd that he was sick, yet physically present on school premises and not allowed inside the classroom.
Now it's time for lunch with the Director, the teachers, and the Committee. We walk in and the Director says, "Ryan please sit here", pointing to the head of the table where the head Committee members are seated. I look at the Director (now keen to his ways) and ask him in my most friendly voice, "where would you like me to sit?" and he nonchalantly gestures to the seat next to Ryan and walks past me. One of the Committee members spoke English very well and told us about his 'friend' in Montana "Joe Smith" which he repeated numerous times to us as if we might know "Joe Smith" from Montana, USA. He was very kind and interesting to talk to during lunch, I think I got a few words in! Of course, it wouldn't be lunch without the Director calling Ryan "genius" and "handsome" at which point I just must agree and chime in! [insert Ryan's comment: actually the Director used the word smart and Julie yelled "Genius", presumably in jest, however the Director snapped back, "Yes! Genius!!"]
We laughed the whole way home thinking about all the crazy things that happen to us on a daily basis. We are winding down our stay in Nong Khai and share a deep appreciation for Travel to Teach and this experience. We have two more days of teaching (still trying to get those ABC's and 123's down) and then we are off to Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) for a few days. We decided to get the Director a bottle of Gold Label Johnny Walker Scotch Whiskey as our departing gift, I am going to give it to him. . . I can't wait!!! I just hope he'll let Ryan go with me to Chiang Mai!
As many of you know Ryan, there are few moments, if ever that you see him frustrated or upset. . . today I was witness to a classic moment of discipline. One of the students who is consistently talking, out of his seat, or just not paying attention was at it again when Ryan called him up to the front of the class. I wondered what he was going to do, a new lesson, perhaps make him sing a song by himself. At this point, Ryan draws a circle on the board and turns the boy to face the board and points to it and says "stare at the circle". A bit confused at this new form of discipline, the boy points, stares, puts his ear to the circle then turns around and laughs. At this point, I couldn't do anything more but laugh out loud myself. Unfortunately, I think this defeated Ryan's purpose but it was a classic moment. [insert Ryan's comment: once the class saw Julie laugh, they started laughing too and all hope for further study was lost].
Then there was our 5th grade class who upon our arrival were silent and seated again (not business as usual). . . we quickly notice that one of our most challenging students is outside the class but talking to a student through the open window...we tell him to come in and he ignores us...and the class chimes in that he is sick and cannot come inside the class. It seemed odd that he was sick, yet physically present on school premises and not allowed inside the classroom.
Now it's time for lunch with the Director, the teachers, and the Committee. We walk in and the Director says, "Ryan please sit here", pointing to the head of the table where the head Committee members are seated. I look at the Director (now keen to his ways) and ask him in my most friendly voice, "where would you like me to sit?" and he nonchalantly gestures to the seat next to Ryan and walks past me. One of the Committee members spoke English very well and told us about his 'friend' in Montana "Joe Smith" which he repeated numerous times to us as if we might know "Joe Smith" from Montana, USA. He was very kind and interesting to talk to during lunch, I think I got a few words in! Of course, it wouldn't be lunch without the Director calling Ryan "genius" and "handsome" at which point I just must agree and chime in! [insert Ryan's comment: actually the Director used the word smart and Julie yelled "Genius", presumably in jest, however the Director snapped back, "Yes! Genius!!"]
We laughed the whole way home thinking about all the crazy things that happen to us on a daily basis. We are winding down our stay in Nong Khai and share a deep appreciation for Travel to Teach and this experience. We have two more days of teaching (still trying to get those ABC's and 123's down) and then we are off to Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) for a few days. We decided to get the Director a bottle of Gold Label Johnny Walker Scotch Whiskey as our departing gift, I am going to give it to him. . . I can't wait!!! I just hope he'll let Ryan go with me to Chiang Mai!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Who Let the Dogs Out!
****please see the added link on the right hand side for our trip photos***
I think we mentioned in an earlier post that in the town of Nong Khai there seem to be more dogs than people. Upon our arrival to Nong Khai, we were warned that we would probably be chased by dogs while riding our bikes at some point during our tenure at Travel to Teach. We were also told just to ignore them and they stop chasing you, since you have left their "territory" and they lose interest. I listened intently to this warning and took copious mental notes...Julie on the other hand, well she had a different idea...which leads into our most recent adventure.
Julie, myself and our Belgian buddies were coming home one night from the local watering hole, which serves great food. It was around 11 p.m., which is the "danger zone" for Dogwatch 2007...you know, like those times they say not to swim in the water because it is more likely that sharks will be present, i.e. blood/chum in the water, dead fish around you, etc.?, well 11 p.m. in Nong Khai is prime time for dog chasing. Although to be honest you don't really think about it, even though every dog looks like it is a wild dog or wolf or even some that look like hyenas with big teeth...anyway, I digress. So there we are, all biking back together talking with each other about the evening, Julie and I in front, biking side by side and Lotta and Kattrain (Belgians) biking behind us. All of the sudden we hear this loud bark and growl that came from our right, I glance over and see this large black dog coming towards Julie. Julie takes one look at the dog and instead of remaining calm (as instructed) and continue pedaling at a normal speed, Julie pushes everyone out of her way and takes off like a rocket! I am being serious when I say that it was like a Road Runner cartoon were Wily Coyote straps on the rocket to his back to catch the Road Runner. I see the dog take off after Julie...apparently provoked by Julie's response because the CHASE WAS ON!! [Insert Julie's comment: I know this story sounds crazy but you have to realize that we are biking down a road with minimal street light and all I kept thinking was "I'm going to get bit by a dog and get some crazy disease", hence the quick pedal to get out of the dog's 'territory'.] After about 50 yards the dog gave up as Julie almost pedaled out of Thailand! I caught up to Julie at our house, that is where she "waited" for me. [Insert Julie's comment: Ryan and our buddies where just a few pedals behind me.] I have learned my lesson and when Julie and I ride home together at night, she rides in front so if she needs to use rocket fuel, she can take off!! [Insert Julie's comment: actually now everyone is well aware of my fear of dogs (scary dogs, not like "Dusty" Aunt Bethy!) and they tend to create a shield around me if we see the dogs out late at night, it seems to be a good system . . . until the next chase!!!]
I think we mentioned in an earlier post that in the town of Nong Khai there seem to be more dogs than people. Upon our arrival to Nong Khai, we were warned that we would probably be chased by dogs while riding our bikes at some point during our tenure at Travel to Teach. We were also told just to ignore them and they stop chasing you, since you have left their "territory" and they lose interest. I listened intently to this warning and took copious mental notes...Julie on the other hand, well she had a different idea...which leads into our most recent adventure.
Julie, myself and our Belgian buddies were coming home one night from the local watering hole, which serves great food. It was around 11 p.m., which is the "danger zone" for Dogwatch 2007...you know, like those times they say not to swim in the water because it is more likely that sharks will be present, i.e. blood/chum in the water, dead fish around you, etc.?, well 11 p.m. in Nong Khai is prime time for dog chasing. Although to be honest you don't really think about it, even though every dog looks like it is a wild dog or wolf or even some that look like hyenas with big teeth...anyway, I digress. So there we are, all biking back together talking with each other about the evening, Julie and I in front, biking side by side and Lotta and Kattrain (Belgians) biking behind us. All of the sudden we hear this loud bark and growl that came from our right, I glance over and see this large black dog coming towards Julie. Julie takes one look at the dog and instead of remaining calm (as instructed) and continue pedaling at a normal speed, Julie pushes everyone out of her way and takes off like a rocket! I am being serious when I say that it was like a Road Runner cartoon were Wily Coyote straps on the rocket to his back to catch the Road Runner. I see the dog take off after Julie...apparently provoked by Julie's response because the CHASE WAS ON!! [Insert Julie's comment: I know this story sounds crazy but you have to realize that we are biking down a road with minimal street light and all I kept thinking was "I'm going to get bit by a dog and get some crazy disease", hence the quick pedal to get out of the dog's 'territory'.] After about 50 yards the dog gave up as Julie almost pedaled out of Thailand! I caught up to Julie at our house, that is where she "waited" for me. [Insert Julie's comment: Ryan and our buddies where just a few pedals behind me.] I have learned my lesson and when Julie and I ride home together at night, she rides in front so if she needs to use rocket fuel, she can take off!! [Insert Julie's comment: actually now everyone is well aware of my fear of dogs (scary dogs, not like "Dusty" Aunt Bethy!) and they tend to create a shield around me if we see the dogs out late at night, it seems to be a good system . . . until the next chase!!!]
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride
Ok, so you all have been on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride in Disneyland, right? Well, picture that ride, without the safety features and that was the 3.5 hour VIP bus ride we took from Vientiene to Vangviang in Laos (Why they call this "bus" a VIP, we have no idea because it was anything but...) Yes, we had bumps in the road, dodged animals (actually hitting a pig) and a driver who was appropriately nicknamed "Ricky Bobby" ala Talledega Nights. We were passing cars on the left and right (on a what was barely a two lane "road") and Ricky Bobby thought it a good idea to search out and run over every pothole in the road so that our heads hit the top of the mini-van we rode in with 8 other people.
Needless to say, we made it to Vangviang, a small sleepy town made up of Western backpackers and the local Lao population. Although we had been forewarned that this village was a stop over for backpackers on their way to Luang Prubang from Vientiene, we couldn't get over just how many Westerners there were and how the restaurants had a choice selection of Western food. We stayed in a bungalow ($18 a night) off the Nam Song River and really enjoyed the place (we were informed by the proprietor that Kylie Monigue stayed there in 2002 - claim to fame). The first night we ate at the "resort" restaurant because we got in late and met some Brits who were traveling through Southeast Asia. Two older couples who were very friendly and talkative, we enjoyed their company. The next morning we woke up and located a kayaking and caving tour...yes you heard me correctly, Ryan and Julie sought out a kayaking and caving tour. Locating a tour is quite simple, the hard part is choosing one...Vangviang is sort of the Southeast Asia Interlaken (Switzerland)...with many outdoor activities and extreme sports to take part in. So we signed up and in a few hours were in a tuk-tuk heading out of town with our kayaks strapped to the roof and our Lao guide, "Tee", sitting next to us.
We arrived at our departure point on the Nam Song River and our initial thought was "How hard can this be?" Well, after the first 5 minutes we realized that we may be in over our heads - literally. You see, Julie and I were in the same kayak, Julie in front and I in back and for those of you who haven't been kayaking-for-two, there is a great deal of communication that needs to take place - AND COMMUNICATE WE DID!! We were yelling "Forward paddle" "Back Paddle" "Left Side" "Right Side" ... and we usually ended up going down the river backwards...we know that Tee was thinking to himself, "I do not get paid enough for this." After about 2 hours of joy on the river, and only a few "are we there yets" from Julie, Tee said we were headed to shore for some caving...what a welcome relief, we both thought. So, we got out of our kayaks (soaking wet!) and met a man who provided us with headlamps...I thought this was a bit much, I mean, we've all been in caves in the US that are well-lit, usually with a staircase and lots of people AND really those caves aren't too deep, right? Well, another reminder we weren't in America. We get to the entrance of this very large cave and see a few people rock climbing, we smile and wave and head into the cave, which doesn't look all that deep from the entrance and I don't even bother to turn on the headlamp. Then our guide points to a black hole, which I thought was a wall, and says we will go in there. Julie and I look at each other with a look of trepidation, but excitement and the "we can't turn back now" nod. So we followed our guide into the darkness, think Disneyland Matterhorn-like. I should mention that we were the only 3 people in the cave once we left the rock climbers at the entrance. The cave is pitch black, until our eyesight becomes accustomed to the darkness and gradually we can make out the contours of the cave wall, of course once we figure out how to turn on the headlamp, the cave reveals itself opening up to a very large area with high walls on either side. We both were taken aback at the enormity of our surroundings, as our guide was telling us that this cave was used by the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Our guide pushed on further into the cave, which revealed passageway after passageway and huge "rooms" with crystallized rock walls. [Insert Julie's comment: this is when I start to freak out. . . I mean we are in LAOS, deep inside a mountain with a little battery powered headlight and no one else can hear us. . . with a Lao guide who doesn't say much.] After we walked another 10 minutes further into the cave our guide turns to us and says, "we can head one direction towards the exit (a different one then we came in) or we can head further into the cave." At this point, Julie and I thought this was something out of a Jules Verne novel. I look at Julie and she says "I am ready to leave, NOW." Frankly, so was I. We felt as if we were so deep inside the mountain, the air was stale and the walls seemed to close in on us. So, we asked our guide to head towards the exit. He skips away saying "Follow me." Julie and I run after him, trying to keep up. Finally we reach a rock wall and he turns to us and says, "Ok, we have to go under the rock, watch what I do." And he lowers himself through the tiniest of cracks between two rocks. Julie turns to me and says, "I don't know if you are going to fit, Ry." And then she takes off through the crack. [Insert Julie's comment: of course my comment began with a "LOVE"]. I was standing there wondering if I could squeeze myself through, when I suddenly realized that I either do it, or go all the way back the way we came, which by this point, was a very long, dark walk. So, after much huffing and puffing I squeezed my way to the other side and saw the light of day.
We made it out of the cave, but we weren't out of the woods yet...we still had another hour of kayaking to get back to our pick-up point. Julie and I worked on our commands again, "Right, Left!!" "No not backwards!" [Insert Julie's comment: of course all of these 'commands' are followed by LOVE"]. Then we hopped back in the water-logged kayak and were off. At many times during our trip down the river we saw foreigners taking a leisure motor boat ride up the river...Julie looked back at me, with her hair and face wet with river water, sitting in a pool of water and said "Those people are genius!" (ala our school director). And I had to agree. We finally made it to our destination (Tee took us right to our resort), got out of the kayak, thanked our guide, and headed to the resort bar. . .bought two BeerLao and sat on our porch overlooking the river, feeling like a job well done.
That night we went to a local restaurant. However the local restaurants really cater to Westerners and at every place their are couches and television. Each restaurant plays different movies or television shows and your dining spot is not so much chosen based upon the menu as it is based upon the movie playing at the restaurant. It seemed a bit strange to be watching American movies (and Friends episodes) in a remote, small village in a Communist country...but 'when in Rome.'
The next morning we woke up early and caught the bus back to Vientiene. True to form, it was just as bumpy as the ride up to Vangviang and our driver was just as crazy as the first. Anyway, we made it back to Vientiene, then caught a bus across the Friendship Bridge back into Thailand. We are relieved to be back in our 'home away from home' and are looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Needless to say, we made it to Vangviang, a small sleepy town made up of Western backpackers and the local Lao population. Although we had been forewarned that this village was a stop over for backpackers on their way to Luang Prubang from Vientiene, we couldn't get over just how many Westerners there were and how the restaurants had a choice selection of Western food. We stayed in a bungalow ($18 a night) off the Nam Song River and really enjoyed the place (we were informed by the proprietor that Kylie Monigue stayed there in 2002 - claim to fame). The first night we ate at the "resort" restaurant because we got in late and met some Brits who were traveling through Southeast Asia. Two older couples who were very friendly and talkative, we enjoyed their company. The next morning we woke up and located a kayaking and caving tour...yes you heard me correctly, Ryan and Julie sought out a kayaking and caving tour. Locating a tour is quite simple, the hard part is choosing one...Vangviang is sort of the Southeast Asia Interlaken (Switzerland)...with many outdoor activities and extreme sports to take part in. So we signed up and in a few hours were in a tuk-tuk heading out of town with our kayaks strapped to the roof and our Lao guide, "Tee", sitting next to us.
We arrived at our departure point on the Nam Song River and our initial thought was "How hard can this be?" Well, after the first 5 minutes we realized that we may be in over our heads - literally. You see, Julie and I were in the same kayak, Julie in front and I in back and for those of you who haven't been kayaking-for-two, there is a great deal of communication that needs to take place - AND COMMUNICATE WE DID!! We were yelling "Forward paddle" "Back Paddle" "Left Side" "Right Side" ... and we usually ended up going down the river backwards...we know that Tee was thinking to himself, "I do not get paid enough for this." After about 2 hours of joy on the river, and only a few "are we there yets" from Julie, Tee said we were headed to shore for some caving...what a welcome relief, we both thought. So, we got out of our kayaks (soaking wet!) and met a man who provided us with headlamps...I thought this was a bit much, I mean, we've all been in caves in the US that are well-lit, usually with a staircase and lots of people AND really those caves aren't too deep, right? Well, another reminder we weren't in America. We get to the entrance of this very large cave and see a few people rock climbing, we smile and wave and head into the cave, which doesn't look all that deep from the entrance and I don't even bother to turn on the headlamp. Then our guide points to a black hole, which I thought was a wall, and says we will go in there. Julie and I look at each other with a look of trepidation, but excitement and the "we can't turn back now" nod. So we followed our guide into the darkness, think Disneyland Matterhorn-like. I should mention that we were the only 3 people in the cave once we left the rock climbers at the entrance. The cave is pitch black, until our eyesight becomes accustomed to the darkness and gradually we can make out the contours of the cave wall, of course once we figure out how to turn on the headlamp, the cave reveals itself opening up to a very large area with high walls on either side. We both were taken aback at the enormity of our surroundings, as our guide was telling us that this cave was used by the Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Our guide pushed on further into the cave, which revealed passageway after passageway and huge "rooms" with crystallized rock walls. [Insert Julie's comment: this is when I start to freak out. . . I mean we are in LAOS, deep inside a mountain with a little battery powered headlight and no one else can hear us. . . with a Lao guide who doesn't say much.] After we walked another 10 minutes further into the cave our guide turns to us and says, "we can head one direction towards the exit (a different one then we came in) or we can head further into the cave." At this point, Julie and I thought this was something out of a Jules Verne novel. I look at Julie and she says "I am ready to leave, NOW." Frankly, so was I. We felt as if we were so deep inside the mountain, the air was stale and the walls seemed to close in on us. So, we asked our guide to head towards the exit. He skips away saying "Follow me." Julie and I run after him, trying to keep up. Finally we reach a rock wall and he turns to us and says, "Ok, we have to go under the rock, watch what I do." And he lowers himself through the tiniest of cracks between two rocks. Julie turns to me and says, "I don't know if you are going to fit, Ry." And then she takes off through the crack. [Insert Julie's comment: of course my comment began with a "LOVE"]. I was standing there wondering if I could squeeze myself through, when I suddenly realized that I either do it, or go all the way back the way we came, which by this point, was a very long, dark walk. So, after much huffing and puffing I squeezed my way to the other side and saw the light of day.
We made it out of the cave, but we weren't out of the woods yet...we still had another hour of kayaking to get back to our pick-up point. Julie and I worked on our commands again, "Right, Left!!" "No not backwards!" [Insert Julie's comment: of course all of these 'commands' are followed by LOVE"]. Then we hopped back in the water-logged kayak and were off. At many times during our trip down the river we saw foreigners taking a leisure motor boat ride up the river...Julie looked back at me, with her hair and face wet with river water, sitting in a pool of water and said "Those people are genius!" (ala our school director). And I had to agree. We finally made it to our destination (Tee took us right to our resort), got out of the kayak, thanked our guide, and headed to the resort bar. . .bought two BeerLao and sat on our porch overlooking the river, feeling like a job well done.
That night we went to a local restaurant. However the local restaurants really cater to Westerners and at every place their are couches and television. Each restaurant plays different movies or television shows and your dining spot is not so much chosen based upon the menu as it is based upon the movie playing at the restaurant. It seemed a bit strange to be watching American movies (and Friends episodes) in a remote, small village in a Communist country...but 'when in Rome.'
The next morning we woke up early and caught the bus back to Vientiene. True to form, it was just as bumpy as the ride up to Vangviang and our driver was just as crazy as the first. Anyway, we made it back to Vientiene, then caught a bus across the Friendship Bridge back into Thailand. We are relieved to be back in our 'home away from home' and are looking forward to a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monks
Last night we taught the monks at the temple. There were about 8 of them, all under 23 years old (I believe the youngest was 14 years old). To our delight, two of the monks were from Laos (and just our luck, they spoke English very well) so we asked them many questions about Laos, since we are headed there this weekend! The monks were very helpful. Some of the younger monks asked us about American movies, we were told they like James Bond and Lord of the Rings...one of the monks told us his favorite type of music is hip-hop and that Linkin' Park is one of his favorite bands. After leaving the temple, we met our Belgian friends at a local restaurant to get some green curry and some Leos (local beer, not Papa).
Teaching at school was fun today and lunch with the director was entertaining as usual...I asked him how his weekend was and he said (in broken English) "I get drunk." Yesterday he said, "Ryan you are a very cheerful man" and I responded by saying it was because of my wife that I was so cheerful (because it is true and I felt Julie's frustration mounting), he looked at Julie and made a sound like "Hummmmph" and then walked away...I have no idea what that meant, but it obviously signaled the end of our communication that day. [Insert Julie's comment: the Director LOVES Ryan and when talking to 'us' only looks at Ryan, compliments Ryan and starts conversation with Ryan. . . so now you know why I get a little frustrated as I try to be a part of the conversation as well! His favorite thing to say is "Ryan, you are GENIUS!!!!"] So we got on our bikes and drove out the long driveway, and each time we do so, we get bombarded by our students who yell "Bye-Bye!" and try and slap you high-5!! It makes us feel like mini-celebrities.
After we have tried so many times to upload our photos we have created a Flickr account, please cut and paste this link into your browser to see our photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanandjuliedunn/
Sawadee Krap ("Hello" in Thai)
Teaching at school was fun today and lunch with the director was entertaining as usual...I asked him how his weekend was and he said (in broken English) "I get drunk." Yesterday he said, "Ryan you are a very cheerful man" and I responded by saying it was because of my wife that I was so cheerful (because it is true and I felt Julie's frustration mounting), he looked at Julie and made a sound like "Hummmmph" and then walked away...I have no idea what that meant, but it obviously signaled the end of our communication that day. [Insert Julie's comment: the Director LOVES Ryan and when talking to 'us' only looks at Ryan, compliments Ryan and starts conversation with Ryan. . . so now you know why I get a little frustrated as I try to be a part of the conversation as well! His favorite thing to say is "Ryan, you are GENIUS!!!!"] So we got on our bikes and drove out the long driveway, and each time we do so, we get bombarded by our students who yell "Bye-Bye!" and try and slap you high-5!! It makes us feel like mini-celebrities.
After we have tried so many times to upload our photos we have created a Flickr account, please cut and paste this link into your browser to see our photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanandjuliedunn/
Sawadee Krap ("Hello" in Thai)
Thai Cooking
Below are some photos from our English Camp. Yes, pink polo shirts were the color of choice (Julie was thrilled) and we wore them through and through!
Last night we had a cooking class. We learned how to make coconut soup. We have become real Martha Stewarts over here - Thai style! We now have 3 new recipes in our repertoire: coconut soup, red curry and noodle salad. everything over here is spicy and our Thai chef instructor always says "not spicy", which means it is spicy for us Westerners, but not for Thais.
Today we are going to teach at the Wat. The monks are always a pleasure to visit with and we enjoy our time there very much. Tonight, Julie and I are taking two rookies (yes, after two weeks here we have reached semi-veteran status!), so that will be fun. [Insert Julie's comment: we look forward to the Monks tonight as we had a challenging day at school. . . Ryan disciplined one of the students by having him stand outside. We are teaching them the song, "You are my Sunshine" and Ryan told the misbehaving student to sing the song in front of the class by himself. . . talk about tough punishment!! I was giggling in my head the whole time but had to maintain my teacher demeanor, as did Ryan!!!]
We have been searching for planes, trains and automobiles in an effort to figure out how we are getting around Vietnam and Cambodia...complicating the situation is upcoming Chinese New Year, making booking travel and accommodations semi-difficult. But it always is an adventure and we are enjoying every minute of it.
Last night we had a cooking class. We learned how to make coconut soup. We have become real Martha Stewarts over here - Thai style! We now have 3 new recipes in our repertoire: coconut soup, red curry and noodle salad. everything over here is spicy and our Thai chef instructor always says "not spicy", which means it is spicy for us Westerners, but not for Thais.
Today we are going to teach at the Wat. The monks are always a pleasure to visit with and we enjoy our time there very much. Tonight, Julie and I are taking two rookies (yes, after two weeks here we have reached semi-veteran status!), so that will be fun. [Insert Julie's comment: we look forward to the Monks tonight as we had a challenging day at school. . . Ryan disciplined one of the students by having him stand outside. We are teaching them the song, "You are my Sunshine" and Ryan told the misbehaving student to sing the song in front of the class by himself. . . talk about tough punishment!! I was giggling in my head the whole time but had to maintain my teacher demeanor, as did Ryan!!!]
We have been searching for planes, trains and automobiles in an effort to figure out how we are getting around Vietnam and Cambodia...complicating the situation is upcoming Chinese New Year, making booking travel and accommodations semi-difficult. But it always is an adventure and we are enjoying every minute of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
