Daily Life Update

It's been a while since we've updated you on the little things that happen in our daily lives. Life during the week is pretty ordinary. Generally we go to work, go home and snack, go to the gym, back home, then out to eat - oh and we tend to watch tons of Netflix.

School Stories: As we've mentioned before, school is very different here than at home. We thought we'd enlighten you (and make you laugh) at some of the things that have happened in our classrooms and some differences between the school systems (home and here).

1. A dog or cat may wander into the classroom - and class goes on as normal.
2. Electricity flickers off and on - and class goes on as normal.
3. At least once a week (sometimes more) classes will be canceled for a school event - we find out the morning of, sometimes the hour before, sometimes when we show up to an empty room.
1. Next week - Beth has no classes because of different events going on!
4. A M1 (7th grade) student of Beth's - one day after teaching Beth was filling out the class book on a students desk. The boy reached his arm out and put it next to hers- he gasped and yanked it away. Then did it again and said something about how white Beth's skin was and how it is a good color, and that his skin was black and a bad color. In all reality his skin was not even close to black, but a nice tan brown color. She told him she liked his color. After more comparing she left class. The student ran after her in the hall way to compare again. Every week he compares again.
5. It's normal for almost half the class to be missing... or for students to sneak out after we take attendance.
6. Midterms Week - midterms are different here. We write the test, if you are the main teacher of the class  (Josh is main teacher in 1 and Beth in 2; the other classes our points are a part of the core teachers' grade) and hand it in to the Thai teachers. Then we sit in the office all midterms week and "prepare and grade". Thai teachers are the only teachers who administer the tests.
7. Beth's M1 Class - The teacher before me left class and Beth attempted to walk in but was surprised with almost all the students rushing out asking to use the toliet. Beth said no and attempted to usher them back in - her arms were up. A few students managed to sneak by regardless.
8. Josh - Josh walked into his classroom to find a motorcycle parked in the room! A few minutes later some students pushed it outside. 
9. Josh- Josh came to a class early only to find a teacher sleeping behind her desk.
10. When a foreign teacher is absent, it is the teachers' job to find a sub. Which means asking another foreign teacher to cover our class.
11. Beth is the token white female in the school - quite the change from from home!
12. We attend 1-2 hour long meetings all conducted in Thai. Often times we are told we have to attend them.
1. Most of the time we're informed the day of.
2. One day we were informed that people from an ASEAN (the European Union of Southeast Asia) are coming to our school (in an hour) to complete evaluations of our school - and we have to prepare presentations for the evaluators then be ready for a Q&A session with them. Frantically we rushed to prepare something out of nothing. At the meeting (which turned out to be 4 hours later), we never presented because we had to leave and the meeting had run long.
13. What we consider to be "pretty good English" has drastically changed.
14. Today we wrote a speech for the head of our department and the director of the school for the opening ceremony of English Program Camp next week.
15. It's not uncommon for boys in class to change shirts or complete unbutton and zip there shorts to re-tuck in a shirt.

Other interesting facts or stories outside school:

1. We are still discovering new places to eat around us.
2. We were at our usual ba me ge ow spot (an amazingly delicious Chinese soup!), it was busier than usual so we waited. A very young girl (around 2) sees Beth and says something to her mom, who says something back. Then the tiny girl Wai-ed Beth. (a wai is similar to a handshake and hello here, fold your hands up to your chest, nose, or forehead depending on the age/status of that person and bow) So cute to see a little girl do such a respectful gesture.
3. Another day Beth ventured out on her own and was able to get some street food "to-go!" Made it home and our pad thai was still hot and delicious! 
4. People in Thailand rarely use toilet paper instead they use the Bum Gun, the water gun next to the toilet. This is the tool used to clean, not toilet paper. Drying... well we haven't figured that out, we think they just use one piece of tp to dry. Same with hand washing - there is never a way to dry your hands, only choice is tp, that that isn't very effective. Guess they are fans of air drying but not with electric air dryers, more like move your hands fast while walking.
5. Speaking of toilets - ours was acting up so we got help from the apartment owners and workers. Fixing it consisted of them completely removing the toilet from the floor! 
6. Beth ventured out one her own one day to the market. She heard farang so many times walking around and no one wanted to sit by her on the bus.
7. The family that owns the hole-in-the-wall restaurant place (they serve the best ba me ge ow)  doesn't speak any English, and we have very little Thai - so our conversations are full of body language! We both want to speak to each other badly but many things get lost in the language  The family is very nice and now when we eat here if feels as if we are sitting down at our own kitchen table.
8. we love ba me ge ow, and really wanted to find out how to create this so we won't go through withdrawals at home. Beth asked one of our M5 students to come with us, and be our translator. The family was very helpful and shared the recipe and even let us practice making some of the pieces. The Thai cook said "if we didn't love you we wouldn't tell you" So excited to re-create this at home for of you - it is amazingly delicious!

with our "translator" Pink who is on the far left.

The Family and Us

What's Coming Up?

1. This coming Sunday - Tuesday Josh and I are going to Hua Hin to chaperone  English Camp. I think this camp will be different than the previous one that was in December. There are 5 foreign teachers going, and we did most of the planning for it.
2. This coming week - Jake is coming to visit! We are so excited! :)

Chiang Mai - Part 2

continuing our New Year's Holiday Adventure.... lots of photos, it was too hard to just choose one!

Chiang Mai is a big adventure town! There are tons of tour and adventure companies offering a huge variety of things to do. We all sat down surrounded with brochures about trekking, elephant riding, waterfalls, zipling, sky diving, shooting range, hot air balloon, cooking class, massage and spa - EVERYTHING! After all the sorting through we found one we wanted to try on Monday - Cliff Top Adventures - repelling down waterfalls, trekking and another waterfall.

Monday
I woke up with a scratchy throat - thanks Josh! We were so excited for our big adventure today! Breakfast was taking longer than usual an when our tour guide arrive we still hadn't eaten. He said not to worry we were the only group today so we could take our time. Our group consisted of Josh and I as well as our two friends from Canada, Alex and Jess and our guides Kwang and Day. After breakfast we loaded in their off-road vehicle (a sign of things to come) and headed a hour and half up into the mountains and jungle. We turned off the highway onto a bumpy dirty road, a road not traveled often. When we arrived at the location we were in the middle of the jungle - this place was a truly hidden spot!! We asked to go to the bathroom and our guide replied "the whole jungle is your bathroom, pick a spot." haha

The 15 meter waterfall we repelled down.

We removed our shoes (repelling down waterfalls barefoot!) and geared up. It was neat because the guides taught us how to use the equipment and let us hook ourselves up (don't worry they double checked). We all practiced on land first. Then we walk barefoot though the jungle a bit to the waterfall. The moment we stepped into the water I was shocked - FREEZING!

First we practiced on a 2 meter waterfall. While repelling it was easy forgot how cold the water was, that was until we had to jump into the freezing cold pool below. The fun and excitement of the whole thing seemed to take away any thoughts of the freezing water.

The practice waterfall was great! We were excited for the next one - a 15 meter waterfall! A little nervous, yet ecstatic.  Our guides were great - they let us go at our own pace, taking as much time as we needed/wanted. Josh went first, then I was next, somehow my fear of heights has diminished over the years. I hooked up, checked and down the waterfall I go. Slow at first finding my footing and remembering not to grip the rope too hard. When we got close to the bottom the guide told us to stop moving our feet and move the rope so we were suspended parallel with the water below. He counted to three and we released the brake and he broke our gentle fall into the water - WOW what a shock! Again it was freezing, it took a sec to catch my breath and calm down! We both made it safely, and skillfully may I add, down. We loved it! When our guide asked if we wanted to do it again our reply was - YES, of course!

Before hiking back up for round two - the guide on top showed us what to do for our second repel. No life-jacket - because (if we wanted) we could stop towards the bottom of the waterfall - removed our ropes and helmet and jump into the pool below. Pumped we climbed up the dryer and less steep side of the waterfall for round two. Alex was first this time, then Josh - they both made it skillfully to the bottom, removed their ropes and helmet and jumped into the freezing pool below.

I think Josh was trying to fly when he jumped as you can see.

                                                                     


















Beth's turn was next! I was so excited to repel down again! This time with more confidence and speed. I believe the termed used by the audience (Josh and the guide) was "just like tomb raider" - now I've never seen that movie but I'm guessing it was with extreme skill and grace! ;)  I enjoyed this experience so much, I wanted to keep repelling, but I had reached the jumping point. I removed my ropes (okay the guide did) and I chucked my helmet into the pool below. I tried to push myself against the rock into the water in attempt to "get used" to the water - it didn't work as I planned! Josh counted to three and I leaped with all my might. Whew - that water is refreshing!

Wow what an experience! I've decided that I really enjoy repelling and I hope to do it again soon!

Weekend Adventurers!

Now back to the car to dry off a little bit and get shoes. Then into the jungle for our hike to our next location - the White Waterfall.

Trekking. Waterfall behind is the one we repelled.

 The hike was enjoyable. The path we follow wasn't well traveled, which was a nice feeling - felt like we were in true untouched nature, and it was gorgeous! Along the way our two guides would tell us about the wildlife native to the area and stop to show us the creatures homes. So glad we didn't see a snake! We emerged from the jungle at the base of the Bua Tong Waterfall.

Gorgeous!

Stay on the path and the snakes won't come.

 This place was unbelievable! Water rushing over white limestone rocks that keep going up forever! Guides told us to remove our shoes and start climbing. This was amazing! When you stepped on the white limestone rocks it was like you had complete traction, absolutely no slipping! The only slippery parts were the green moss clinging to the rocks, which wasn't very much. We had so much fun climbing and playing on this waterfall! The idea of traction while we climbed on this wet waterfall was almost too much to wrap our heads around. This place was AWESOME!

 Loving the waterfalls!

AMAZING!

 On the top of the waterfalls we have some delicious lunch. Then we took a short hike to a waterhole which is believe to be the origin of all the water in Chiang Mai. The water was so crystal clear and a beautiful green blue color!

 Now back to the car to get some dry clothes on for the ride back to our guesthouse. This was our favorite day in Chiang Mai! We enjoyed each part so much - what a great adventure!!

It was New Year's Eve so we rested up for a bit so we could make it to midnight. We all headed out for a late night supper. And of course, another game of hearts to accompany our drinks. After dinner we walked to the Tha Phae Gate where all the action was. It was packed! We weaved our way though, grabbing desserts alone the way - ice cream, mango and sticky rice - YUM! We walked down the street and noticed a sign - Fish Feet Spa - sure why not. So with 20 minutes to midnight we rolled up our pants and dipped our feet into a fish tank. It actually tickled! Felt like soft pins and needles. Our tank had some bigger fish in it, when they started on my feet I shook them off, the sensation was a bit much. This was quite the experience!

 






We heard fireworks going off but we thought there was a few minutes before midnight. Anxious we quickly dried off and ran outside to an amazing site! Fireworks everywhere, lanterns being set off (all night!). There wasn't an actually countdown like we expected, so we had our own. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tuesday
Tuesday we had total relaxation and veg on our schedule because we would have to return to work off the plane tomorrow. Jess and Alex planned on leaving in the late morning. Luckily for us both buses to Mae Sot (where they had to teach the next day) were full. They booked tickets for the next day, broke the bad news to their school coordinator and joined us for our final day. We started by getting foot massages and then grabbed some lunch. Next was swimming in our hostel pool and reading while catching some sun, so relaxing! Later we started our walk to Wat Srisuphan for the meditation course, which I really wanted to do. It was much farther than I remembered from 2 days before, but we made it. Turns out it is first a monk chat then the meditation course. We were a bit uneasy about the monk chat because we didn't know what to say.

We joined a table that had already started. The monk we spoke to was actually from Vietnam. We could ask him questions about monk life and Buddhism. Many of our curious questions were answered and we learned more about Buddhism. It was a very interesting and educational chat. Next was the meditation course in the temple, which I was really  looking forward to. He taught us the purpose and results of meditation, and tricks to do it successfully. We practice the sitting and standing meditation positions during the session. This was a whole new experience for me. There are two levels of meditation, as I understood it, the first level must be achieve before the second level. The first level of meditation is all about clearing your mind, blocking out the internal and external distractions, and focusing on your breathing and a clear mind. This is much more difficult than I was expecting! I had to pull my wandering mind back more than a few times. I can see how this is going to take practice.

Wednesday
We woke early and headed to the airport, our flight was scheduled to leave at 8:20 am, which would allow us to be back in time for the majority of our classes. Interesting story - we originally booked our flight home for the 1st thinking that school would resume the 2nd. Then after a schedule was posted in our office stating no school on the 2nd, school would resume on the 3rd. Awesome - that means one more day in Chiang Mai so we changed our flight home. However, last minute the school changed the schedule, so now school resumes on the 2nd. We were not going to change our flight and pay fees again so we explained the situation, we had an understanding that we'd be at a school as soon as we could after we returned.

Well... our flight was delayed, then delayed again! Apparently the plane needed a part and that part was coming from Bangkok. So we waited, the situation was out of our hands - mai pben rai! Our flight finally left around 12:45-1 pm. Needless to say we did not make it back to our classes. It was out of our hands - I think it was a sign from the universe.

 Chiang Mai is a very neat city and has a great atmosphere, much different than here in Bangkok. We had a great adventurous New Years Holiday! We hope you had an enjoyable holiday as well! Happy 2013!

Chiang Mai - Part 1

Friday, December 28th we excitedly rush off to the airport after school to start our New Year's holiday in Chiang Mai. Chaing Mai is in northern Thailand, it takes a little over an hour flight or a 12 hour bus ride - we opted for the flight. It is a very popular city and one of the biggest cities in the north. All week we had been told that we may need a sweatshirt because the weather is cool right now in the north.

We arrived Friday evening, it was a bit cooler but not sweatshirt weather. After checking in we grabbed a bite to eat. We stayed near the old city. It was neat, the moat is still there and functioning. Section of walls and gates are also still standing.

Saturday
Sadly, Josh woke up with a tingle in his throat, but he toughed it out! We walked around the old city viewing several wats. It was during this time we realized we are close to "wat-ed out." Although they are beautiful, after so many they all start looking the same.

The White Elephant

 We met up with Jess and Alex (our friends from Canada who also teach in Thailand), flagged down a songthaew and headed up Doi Suthep mountain that overlooks the city to see the famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep built on the side of the mountain in the late 1300s. Stories say a small relic was placed on a white elephants' back and set free to wander, where the elephant died is where this temple was built. We walked up 300+ steps to the top! There we walked around, admired the great view, and recieved new years wishes of good luck and well being from a monk.

The 300+ Steps

Monk Blessing - we also got a string tied to our wrist.
Josh by the monk, Beth by different person.
Thailand Monks are not allowed to touch women.

Overlooking Chiang Mai

After taking in the views we made our way back down the twists and turns of the mountain road into town. We grabbed supper and got some rest for we had a big adventure the next day, and Josh needed to get better!

Sunday
Josh still feeling under the weather toughed it out again for a day of adventure! We arose before the sun to grab breakfast before headed into the jungle to zipline! We booked though the Flying Squirrels company. They picked us up and we drove for about an hour into the mountains.Once there we geared up and drove deeper into the jungle/forest. All the ziplines and stands were built in and around the trees. We ziplined many normal lines, but this company offered something special - ziplining on a bike, ziplining on a skateboard, walking across a swinging wood plank bridge, and crossing two rope bridges. Very fun!

The ziplining bike - would have been much better if I hadn't of made this mistake! 

Next time BRAKES and early - I've learned my lesson! 

I don't think Josh will let me drive a ziplining bike again, ever!

When we finished the adventure the company served a delicious meal. Then back to town we went. Josh went back to the room to take some meds and rest up. Alex, Jess and I went out on the town. We walked around in search of Wat Srisuphan where we can take an intro to meditation class - in our attempt to find it we got lost - this led to my first ride in a tuk tuk! (This means only one mode of transportation in Thailand left to take - motorbike). We arrived at the wat only to find out the class is on held on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. So we look around then start to make our way back.

In our slow walk back we stumbled upon the Sunday Walking Street. Just the day before Josh and I were on this same street and it was full of traffic! Now it was a bustling market only open Sundays from 4-midnight. It was pretty quiet and we could easily move about. We returned later that evening  in hopes of having some delicious street food - instead we were overwhelmed with the amount people packed in the streets! So packed that personal space did not exist! We grabbed a small snack and attempted to find more but the massive amount of people got the best of us and we returned to our quiet street to fill our bellies.

In between the two market visits - we enjoyed a massage. This time we opted for an oil massage instead of a traditional Thai massage. It was very relaxing and felt great!

This prepared us for our next adventure on Monday - details coming soon in Chaing Mai -Part 2!