I have every intention of catching up on the shenanigans of the last month in writing and photos. In the meantime, my personal computer is in the shop, again, which blocks my access to nearly all of my files and actually organzing them to post, and I've hit another wall (or several) of frustration in my attempts to operate technology in Thailand, especially for teaching it and coordinating my personal files between systems. Trying to jump between four different versions of Windows on school computers, when I myself have Mac, combined with language difficulties, programs being installed in English OR Thai but not both, and machines switched off by circuit breakers...make for lots of headaches.
First, to IT corporations, specifically for dual Thai language/English language support: Kudos to those of you installing linguistic support for all languages. Shame on you for taking so long, and those who DO NOT offer such support, even in beta release.
Second: As long as you continue to ignore specific language demographics in your official code, you are putting yourselves at greater risk for hacking and compromise. You can whine about copyright infringement, violation of International copyright, yada, yada. But when you don't support the local langauges you sell to, you force even the common person's hand to hack the programs to function in that language; especially programs considered international professional standard. I will not single out any one company, because I have found this issue to varying degrees with every program I have sought help for thus far across operating systems. And I will admit a very select few programs have accomplished the Thai/English toggle, and naturally they control the market here. If I spend more hours digging through company help forums and still cannot accomplish my dual language needs, I will simply be purchasing some software hacks myself. For certain programs, it is fairly simple to get a bootleg copy, multi-language ready (so I am told). These programs legally come with Japanese, Korean, Chinese text converter and Arabic automatically - so why is it so difficult to get a plug-in for other characters installed? Did you only pick the richest countries languages to include? Seems likely.
You can argue about lack of respect for your company's code all you want, sit back and blame cultural views on property as you usually do, and even just blame the difficulty of employing people to help translate AND run support code. But it really comes down to language. I wouldn't be surprised if that was more of a hacker's gateway, getting native language to work in computer programs, than pirating entertainment. Yes, people will continue to buy your products even when your support is lacking, so you'll still be making money, because despite the 'choices' in the computer market, each might as well be a monopoly onto itself, and this is supposedly the digital age. I really don't blame people for hacking a program to get their native language to load instead of empty boxes. Maybe that sort of hack doesn't really irk your company. While currently certain companies are taking over English speaking markets by leaps and bounds, and some foreign markets as well, it will be the companies with the sense to support all languages that will eventually overtake and thrive. And aside from the company bottom line, I'd also like to point out the contribution of poor language support in technology to increasing the digital divide between rich and poor nations. Though perhaps a level playing field isn't what you're going for.
Several of the companies that are currently quite buggy do at least have beta releases in the works, and I applaud this. First major critique: assuming everyone is monolingual. What language were people attempting to use before you supported their language? English. So, why can't they use English and another language in your program on the same computer? You've got beta releases for languages; now make it so the same program can run in more than one language mode on a single computer. A few programs do, most don't (at least for my particular language combination). And to the companies with no official support and only hacks you can research on the internet or buy bootleg - get on that.
I will hold my tongue (for now) on computer/internet security, privacy, other forms of piracy, censorship and the country of origin of computer innovation for now; except for this: most countries around the world do not exhibit Net Neutrality. I'm extremely disappointed to see in the news today the United States will now be counted among those who don't defend the free internet, as per the latest FCC ruling. What's worse is most American citizens really have no idea what a policy opposed to Net Neutrality means for their freedom on the internet. Blatant censorship, or covert limiting of data streams as determined by a select few cable companies? It amounts to the same thing, if not worse, just in politically nicer terms. At least blatant censorship is honest (so to speak) about its goals. I have journaled about censorship since I have been here, but have decided it best to keep that from this blog. I like my blog NOT to be censored in my country of residence.
Happy Holidays, New Year, so on and such forth - not sure how long my computer will be out of commission; and finding computer time on a functioning, internet connected, English language enabled computer - well, that can be quite a trick.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Hijacking Football Practice (Dec 1)
In every other nation of the world, football refers to what us yanks call soccer; and they call our football: “American football.” It’s well known that soccer is quite popular with both genders in the United States, some of the students here were aware of that even. However, in Thailand it’s still catching as a girl’s sport, it’s mainly a boy’s sport for now. Though our school has volleyball for both genders. I believe some schools in Illinois have men’s volleyball also, but any way. I think a lot of that (lack of men’s volleyball in the states) has to do with Title IX, sadly.
In a combination of nostalgia and insanity, I joined boys’ football practice for an evening. I intended to just scrimmage with them, but it turned out to be running the laps, doing the cone drills, the whole nine yards. I talked to one of the coaches the previous day so I didn’t just run onto the field without his permission, but I surprised the students. :-) Sometimes at lunch time students scrimmage, and I have every intention of finding days where my skirt and shoes are ‘close enough’ and I just run onto the field to join them. I do however, have that whole teaching thing to keep in mind also, and I’ve needed lunch for eating and planning. We have approximately 50 minutes for lunch, so the students get somewhat of recess in there as well. The whole school has lunch at the same time.
December 1st was a Wednesday; the following week there was no class for the sports days (more later), and this week on Wednesday some of my students asked if I would practice, they wanted to see me play football. Unfortunately I grabbed the stack of papers I need to mark and indicated that I could not practice today; which of course got the response of “you know Teacher Jenny, if you didn’t give us so much homework you wouldn’t have so much to mark.” Yes. I am aware. Thanks for that. I’m still giving you homework.
I polled some girls about whether or not they’d like to start a girl’s football team. So far I’ve gotten a resounding NO. Though a teacher mentioned younger girls are starting to play football in Thailand, perhaps if they grow up with it they’ll be more enthusiastic about it.
I was worried about my foray into football being viewed as an ‘oh farangs always get what they want,’ but I told myself not to worry about it too much. And it turns out, it was received more in a “hey, the farang actually interacts with Thai people!” Sort of postive light. And I’ve gotten positive feedback from both staff and students. I guess I’d better catch up on this marking so I will be available to play again next time.
Other notes: our school practice football field is concrete, and smaller than standard. The boys practice in flat-footed football shoes; though for sports day they had cleats and got to play on a full size grass field in the stadium at Thammasat, Rangsit campus (major university in Bangkok, history and details for another time). The girls practice volleyball in the parking lot just adjacent, and ‘Cheer’ practice occurs between the two. Cheer is completely different in Thailand, and co-ed. The students posted a youTube video of this year’s cheer performance, I’ll find the link – they did an awesome job.
In a combination of nostalgia and insanity, I joined boys’ football practice for an evening. I intended to just scrimmage with them, but it turned out to be running the laps, doing the cone drills, the whole nine yards. I talked to one of the coaches the previous day so I didn’t just run onto the field without his permission, but I surprised the students. :-) Sometimes at lunch time students scrimmage, and I have every intention of finding days where my skirt and shoes are ‘close enough’ and I just run onto the field to join them. I do however, have that whole teaching thing to keep in mind also, and I’ve needed lunch for eating and planning. We have approximately 50 minutes for lunch, so the students get somewhat of recess in there as well. The whole school has lunch at the same time.
December 1st was a Wednesday; the following week there was no class for the sports days (more later), and this week on Wednesday some of my students asked if I would practice, they wanted to see me play football. Unfortunately I grabbed the stack of papers I need to mark and indicated that I could not practice today; which of course got the response of “you know Teacher Jenny, if you didn’t give us so much homework you wouldn’t have so much to mark.” Yes. I am aware. Thanks for that. I’m still giving you homework.
I polled some girls about whether or not they’d like to start a girl’s football team. So far I’ve gotten a resounding NO. Though a teacher mentioned younger girls are starting to play football in Thailand, perhaps if they grow up with it they’ll be more enthusiastic about it.
I was worried about my foray into football being viewed as an ‘oh farangs always get what they want,’ but I told myself not to worry about it too much. And it turns out, it was received more in a “hey, the farang actually interacts with Thai people!” Sort of postive light. And I’ve gotten positive feedback from both staff and students. I guess I’d better catch up on this marking so I will be available to play again next time.
Other notes: our school practice football field is concrete, and smaller than standard. The boys practice in flat-footed football shoes; though for sports day they had cleats and got to play on a full size grass field in the stadium at Thammasat, Rangsit campus (major university in Bangkok, history and details for another time). The girls practice volleyball in the parking lot just adjacent, and ‘Cheer’ practice occurs between the two. Cheer is completely different in Thailand, and co-ed. The students posted a youTube video of this year’s cheer performance, I’ll find the link – they did an awesome job.
Monday, December 13, 2010
China Town/India Town (Nov 28)
Went and explored India town and Chinatown with Mei. India town = endless rows of places to buy wedding favors, wedding photos, wedding dresses, fabric for making wedding dresses, wedding photo boutiques, wedding scrap book shops – if you need to throw an Indian wedding in Bangkok you’ll be set; provided you’re not terribly claustrophobic in navigating the sidewalk. We also stopped in at a great little Indian restaurant. I left next to nothing uneaten; I was apparently quite hungry by the time we got there. I hadn’t eaten much the previous two days, had been feeling ill those two days, that probably had a lot to do with it. I was a geek and took a photo of the sign (complete with the address), so I’ll be able to go back.
Chinatown was neat, but not quite what I was expecting. It didn’t help matters that a whole bunch of it was closed on this particular Sunday, which I guess is not normally the case. Guess I’m a little spoiled having just been to China a few months back. If I needed any sort of Chinese herb I could buy it, and in bulk if I want, here. We tried to check out a Chinese temple of some sort, but some jerks were blocking the way inside with their tuk-tuk for seemingly no apparent reason, as in absolutely could not squeeze our way around. I’m growing less and less fond of tuk-tuks by the day, especially the constant “where you go?” cat call. Away from you overcharging scheming jerk. I usually respond with silence as opposed to the thoughts going through my mind.
Other observations: monk impersonators troll Khao Sarn Road, at hours of the day that monks do not normally make rounds for alms, and prey on foreigners that don’t know this. Monks generally go for alms in the morning, are not pushy, and generally prefer food, etc. instead of money. So Mr. I’m asking for alms in the middle of the late afternoon, I’ve got a bowl for money, and I won’t take it out of your face until you throw two baht in even after you’ve motioned you have empty pockets, and then I’ll have a little hissy fit about it being only two baht – yeah that behavior isn’t very monk like, unfortunately the give away hissy fit occurred after giving the money, fortunately it was only two baht. Next time he’s not even getting 2 baht now that I realize the scam. Jerk. Apparently even Thai people are sometimes duped by monk impersonators that go around asking for alms (though these scam artists do it at the correct time of day to dupe Thais) but aren’t actually following the true Buddhist way or monk lifestyle, they just want handouts.
Chinatown was neat, but not quite what I was expecting. It didn’t help matters that a whole bunch of it was closed on this particular Sunday, which I guess is not normally the case. Guess I’m a little spoiled having just been to China a few months back. If I needed any sort of Chinese herb I could buy it, and in bulk if I want, here. We tried to check out a Chinese temple of some sort, but some jerks were blocking the way inside with their tuk-tuk for seemingly no apparent reason, as in absolutely could not squeeze our way around. I’m growing less and less fond of tuk-tuks by the day, especially the constant “where you go?” cat call. Away from you overcharging scheming jerk. I usually respond with silence as opposed to the thoughts going through my mind.
Other observations: monk impersonators troll Khao Sarn Road, at hours of the day that monks do not normally make rounds for alms, and prey on foreigners that don’t know this. Monks generally go for alms in the morning, are not pushy, and generally prefer food, etc. instead of money. So Mr. I’m asking for alms in the middle of the late afternoon, I’ve got a bowl for money, and I won’t take it out of your face until you throw two baht in even after you’ve motioned you have empty pockets, and then I’ll have a little hissy fit about it being only two baht – yeah that behavior isn’t very monk like, unfortunately the give away hissy fit occurred after giving the money, fortunately it was only two baht. Next time he’s not even getting 2 baht now that I realize the scam. Jerk. Apparently even Thai people are sometimes duped by monk impersonators that go around asking for alms (though these scam artists do it at the correct time of day to dupe Thais) but aren’t actually following the true Buddhist way or monk lifestyle, they just want handouts.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thanksgiving (Nov 25), Student Ingenuity
So, it’s past time for an entry, and as promised I will be catching up. That does mean however, I’ll basically be bombing my blog with multiple posts very shortly. I will do my best to keep things in some semi-coherent format and try to spread out my posts; and picture updates may come at a later date.
I had a lovely Thanksgiving. Another Tan Tong resident (my apartment building) organized a wonderful meal. She is an English teacher at another school, of Thai-American heritage, raised in Minnesota. Our celebration took place on the rooftop, with strands of lights, candles and yoga mats spread out to sit on and share the bounty. We did not have turkey, but we had a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, stuffing, half a Thai pumpkin baked and stuffed with stuffing to be our ‘turkey,’ stuffed bell peppers, corn on the cob, salad, wine and pumpkin pie! All made more amazing by the fact that this was all concocted in an apartment building with no ovens. Hot plate, blender, toaster and toaster oven were used for creating this feast. Though perhaps one or two dishes brought by guests were made in their ovens at their own residence, the baked pumpkin, stuffing, pumpkin pie and vast majority of the dishes were created with a toaster oven or hot plate.
Our ‘table,’ though we had no table, drew together people from America, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, Russia, and likely one or two other places. Before the meal we went around and said what we were thankful for (or rather, as we began passing and serving food). Our meal was complimented by someone’s laptop and speakers brought out for mood music, the candles, an anti-mosquito incense coil and the backdrop of Bangkok in night lights. Specifically the view of the Rama VIII bridge to one side and one of the very famous Wats to the back, whose name of course, escapes me. (A wat is a Buddhist temple).
As one of the Americans in attendance, I was very thankful to have Thanksgiving, because for my family it is a more important time for family than Christmas (or at least, it has gotten to be that way over the past five years or more).
Some of the Thais at our table had never experienced Thanksgiving before. Most of the Europeans just knew it was an American holiday, but naturally did not celebrate it on their own. Everyone was happy to join in the celebration. It’s hard to argue with a holiday centered around eating a huge meal with friends; which no, is not the origin of Thanksgiving exactly, but whatever.
I’ve decided for future school work days that fall on major US holidays to arrange American culture lessons within whatever subject I’m teaching; which it seems can vary quite easily from semester to semester. I’m currently teaching Grammar and Computers, however I could be teaching Reading or Speaking at some point as well. Apparently the schedule for each teacher isn’t finalized until a week or so into the semester. English class is broken up into 3 sections (at least at my school): Reading class, Speaking class, and Grammar class. I’m also in charge of one of the clubs, ‘Public Speaking,’ which thankfully is a non-graded, fairly flexible time that I work with students. I’m also thankful to be working with the more mature of the two seventh grade classes for public speaking. What they’ve come up with so far has been positively delightful. So far we’ve done impromptu, and scripted student generated skits in front of the class. My idea being that a) there is safety in numbers (at least they think) and b) if they believe they are trying to make their classmates laugh any way, they’re less likely to be nervous about getting up in front to speak and having the class laugh. For the scripted skits I gave them the prompt ‘stranded on a deserted island,’ and they were positively brilliant. I didn’t require props, but many groups drew palm trees, making a fire, and building a lifeboat on the chalk board. One group had a member missing when it was their time to present, and without even being asked they delegated the third group member’s lines between the two of them so they could present without her there. During one skit, a boy outside the group presenting was spinning his flash drive around on it’s string, just fidgeting – and the group incorporated it into their skit as the helicopter that was coming to rescue them. Water bottle sitting on the front desk becomes fair game as a prop to indicate the stranded persons fighting over the last remaining water. And of course, flash drive or ‘handy drive’ makes a great toy/prop gun. Though how they ended up with guns on the deserted island is beyond me.
So despite my initial misgivings about ‘Public Speaking Club,’ it’s going very well. Though I think with the help of one of the secretaries I’ve befriended, we’re going to ‘suggest’ I be in charge of an art club next semester, which shouldn’t be too difficult to maneuver as long as it’s handled properly (hence, my friend the secretary, who is Thai, will suggest it first, not me). It’s a start. Some of the older students, 10th and 11th grade, have found out I studied to teach art, and want me to teach art. There are some office politics in that however, so, I’m not going in like a bull in a China shop. Not to mention the cultural gap between Eastern and Western Art Education. Plus, they would have to find someone else for computers, because having been hired to teach English, I must teach some English sections, even if I teach other classes in English immersion. Meh. Any way, I shall go with the flow as best I can. After all, T.I.T., this is Thailand. Obviously the letter must be said individually for that abbreviation; some of the other farangs have made it ‘Welcome to Thailand’ instead.
I had a lovely Thanksgiving. Another Tan Tong resident (my apartment building) organized a wonderful meal. She is an English teacher at another school, of Thai-American heritage, raised in Minnesota. Our celebration took place on the rooftop, with strands of lights, candles and yoga mats spread out to sit on and share the bounty. We did not have turkey, but we had a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, stuffing, half a Thai pumpkin baked and stuffed with stuffing to be our ‘turkey,’ stuffed bell peppers, corn on the cob, salad, wine and pumpkin pie! All made more amazing by the fact that this was all concocted in an apartment building with no ovens. Hot plate, blender, toaster and toaster oven were used for creating this feast. Though perhaps one or two dishes brought by guests were made in their ovens at their own residence, the baked pumpkin, stuffing, pumpkin pie and vast majority of the dishes were created with a toaster oven or hot plate.
Our ‘table,’ though we had no table, drew together people from America, Thailand, Germany, South Africa, Russia, and likely one or two other places. Before the meal we went around and said what we were thankful for (or rather, as we began passing and serving food). Our meal was complimented by someone’s laptop and speakers brought out for mood music, the candles, an anti-mosquito incense coil and the backdrop of Bangkok in night lights. Specifically the view of the Rama VIII bridge to one side and one of the very famous Wats to the back, whose name of course, escapes me. (A wat is a Buddhist temple).
As one of the Americans in attendance, I was very thankful to have Thanksgiving, because for my family it is a more important time for family than Christmas (or at least, it has gotten to be that way over the past five years or more).
Some of the Thais at our table had never experienced Thanksgiving before. Most of the Europeans just knew it was an American holiday, but naturally did not celebrate it on their own. Everyone was happy to join in the celebration. It’s hard to argue with a holiday centered around eating a huge meal with friends; which no, is not the origin of Thanksgiving exactly, but whatever.
I’ve decided for future school work days that fall on major US holidays to arrange American culture lessons within whatever subject I’m teaching; which it seems can vary quite easily from semester to semester. I’m currently teaching Grammar and Computers, however I could be teaching Reading or Speaking at some point as well. Apparently the schedule for each teacher isn’t finalized until a week or so into the semester. English class is broken up into 3 sections (at least at my school): Reading class, Speaking class, and Grammar class. I’m also in charge of one of the clubs, ‘Public Speaking,’ which thankfully is a non-graded, fairly flexible time that I work with students. I’m also thankful to be working with the more mature of the two seventh grade classes for public speaking. What they’ve come up with so far has been positively delightful. So far we’ve done impromptu, and scripted student generated skits in front of the class. My idea being that a) there is safety in numbers (at least they think) and b) if they believe they are trying to make their classmates laugh any way, they’re less likely to be nervous about getting up in front to speak and having the class laugh. For the scripted skits I gave them the prompt ‘stranded on a deserted island,’ and they were positively brilliant. I didn’t require props, but many groups drew palm trees, making a fire, and building a lifeboat on the chalk board. One group had a member missing when it was their time to present, and without even being asked they delegated the third group member’s lines between the two of them so they could present without her there. During one skit, a boy outside the group presenting was spinning his flash drive around on it’s string, just fidgeting – and the group incorporated it into their skit as the helicopter that was coming to rescue them. Water bottle sitting on the front desk becomes fair game as a prop to indicate the stranded persons fighting over the last remaining water. And of course, flash drive or ‘handy drive’ makes a great toy/prop gun. Though how they ended up with guns on the deserted island is beyond me.
So despite my initial misgivings about ‘Public Speaking Club,’ it’s going very well. Though I think with the help of one of the secretaries I’ve befriended, we’re going to ‘suggest’ I be in charge of an art club next semester, which shouldn’t be too difficult to maneuver as long as it’s handled properly (hence, my friend the secretary, who is Thai, will suggest it first, not me). It’s a start. Some of the older students, 10th and 11th grade, have found out I studied to teach art, and want me to teach art. There are some office politics in that however, so, I’m not going in like a bull in a China shop. Not to mention the cultural gap between Eastern and Western Art Education. Plus, they would have to find someone else for computers, because having been hired to teach English, I must teach some English sections, even if I teach other classes in English immersion. Meh. Any way, I shall go with the flow as best I can. After all, T.I.T., this is Thailand. Obviously the letter must be said individually for that abbreviation; some of the other farangs have made it ‘Welcome to Thailand’ instead.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Holidays, Internet, Papers
Things have been quite busy, and I think I probably have enough material to write approximately 5 blog entries. I'll try to keep this update a bit more brief for now though.
This coming week there is no class. December 5th is the King's birthday, celebrated as Father's Day and a day off from work and school. Since The King's birthday falls on a Sunday, we have Monday off from school, work etc.
Tuesday December 7th and Wednesday December 8th are 'Sports Days,' for our school. I know that schools across the country hold sports days, but I'm not sure if every school holds them on these days. I'm technically not required to come to school at all on these days, and there are no classes, but I am attending at least one of the two days to see what it is about and support our schools football team (soccer). Apparently on the 8th there is a parade with a float competition between various schools, dancing and cheer competitions. My boss would like to take me to this day as well, I have said maybe. I want to be sure and rest and see other parts of Bangkok during my break. From what I hear, most farang teachers attend one sports day to see what it is about - and do not attend sports days thereafter. We'll see, I at least want to see what it is about. And I'm grateful to know that jean pants and t-shirt are acceptable apparel to attend sports day. I'm a little tired of wearing a skirt or dress M-F, as female students and teachers are required to wear.
We also have Thursday off, I think the school threw that in as an extra day off since we have the other four days of the week off from class. December 10th is Constitution Day, so Friday schools and businesses will be closed for its observance.
I have had a lot of internet trouble lately. Since our portion of the school moved into another building, we have not had wireless internet set up. I did not have wired internet set up in the teacher's office until earlier this week. I still teach my computer class in the other building. In the computer lab I cannot use the teacher's computer (which is also the server for the computer lab) at the same time as using the projector to show the students examples and directions for what we are doing. There is a cable to send what is on the computer monitor to the projector, and a cable to connect the computer to the monitor. There is only one port for both cables, so you can only connect to one or the other at any given time. I have to crane my neck around to see what I am doing to load the powerpoint slides or show the students how to find a certain setting in Microsoft Word - whatever we are doing it is very awkward to see what I'm doing. Sometimes I try and use one of the extra student computers to work on something briefly (yes, thankfully we at least have more than enough computers for every student, even the class of 35). However the web browser on the student computers is not up to date enough for me to view gmail properly - which is quite a pain since I've set it up so my students email me their projects at a gmail address I set up just for computer class. I tried to install firefox browsers on all of the student computers - before I discovered that the student computers are 'ghosted,' or wiped clean at every boot. I would like to talk to the Thai IT guy about installing certain things on the computers, but I also don't want to offend anyone or come off as a know-it-all condescending farang. So I'll just deal for now.
I can sometimes get wireless internet to work in that building, but it is very fickle. At this point I've just gotten a lot more flexible about due dates and explained to the students the situation with the teacher's internet access. They understand. The teachers still don't have our desks in the new office, so the concept that the internet is not as accessible as it should be is not a difficult leap from there. I've also had some difficulty with the internet at my apartment - there are definitely bottlenecks when too many people are trying to use the internet. I think I'm going to invest in an internet dongle for accessing internet via the phone networks. They are available in the states, but at quite a premium through the phone companies. Supposedly they are much more affordable and reliable here in Bangkok. We shall see.
I've discovered a lot more things about getting along in Thailand, and getting along at my particular school. For example, the reason I had so much difficulty obtaining my documents to come to Thailand was that my boss was not aware that I needed them. The other foreign teachers at my school were in Thailand already - so they had visas to teach or visit already, and from there renewing their visas and permits was no problem for them and the school. My boss had not previously had to do the primary application for a visa or work permit for any of her staff. Thank goodness the other farang teachers mentioned this to her. Receiving the paperwork I needed to complete my application directly coincided with them reminding her that I needed paperwork from the school in order to get my necessary documents. One of the office secretaries handled all of the e-communication with me, including the communication that was addressed as from my boss. My boss cannot use email - but everyone in the office has her password so she can delegate tasks for them to do in her stead. This is also why I could not get information about the computers I would be working with to teach - she has no idea about them. Ah well whatever. Also, I still don't officially have my work permit. Apparently I will receive it in January. I've been told this is no big deal. I've also been told that means I'm working illegally, but not to worry because it won't be for too long and they are somewhat lax about this matter for short spans of time, and since I am in the process of application. Plenty of farangs have gotten away with working sans work permits for periods of years, and most of the farang teachers have worked illegally for a least a month or three months. Awesome!
A few other quick tidbits before this entry gets too long:
There is such a thing as a Double Big Mac. It is exactly what it sounds like. I'm a little scared of that idea, but curious at the sheer ridiculousness of it. There is 'ketchup' and 'American ketchup,' I haven't figured out what the difference is yet. Perhaps I've mentioned, or perhaps not: remember the Krispy Kreme Doughnut craze back in the 90s? Yeah, that's just now hitting Thailand. I find it amusing.
There is some new store opening in one of the malls at Siam (intersection with four shopping malls connected to each other by sky bridge walk way, including MBK where I had my cell phone adventures and Siam Discovery where the Mac Repair place is). There is a multi-story ad banner featuring photos of various celebrities for said store opening - Thai celebrities and other Asian celebrities I don't recognize, Angelina Jolie, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Barack Obama. I wonder if they know (well, the ones living) there are multi-story images of them in downtown Bangkok. Hopefully I can get a photo of this sometime during the coming week off, I plan on having a bit more time to sight see, take photos and update things. I will still produce an update about Thanksgiving, and some other things that have fallen by the wayside this week at a later time. In the meantime - I have a class to teach now. Presuming they are in attendance and not practicing for something for sports day, or just skipping my class.
This coming week there is no class. December 5th is the King's birthday, celebrated as Father's Day and a day off from work and school. Since The King's birthday falls on a Sunday, we have Monday off from school, work etc.
Tuesday December 7th and Wednesday December 8th are 'Sports Days,' for our school. I know that schools across the country hold sports days, but I'm not sure if every school holds them on these days. I'm technically not required to come to school at all on these days, and there are no classes, but I am attending at least one of the two days to see what it is about and support our schools football team (soccer). Apparently on the 8th there is a parade with a float competition between various schools, dancing and cheer competitions. My boss would like to take me to this day as well, I have said maybe. I want to be sure and rest and see other parts of Bangkok during my break. From what I hear, most farang teachers attend one sports day to see what it is about - and do not attend sports days thereafter. We'll see, I at least want to see what it is about. And I'm grateful to know that jean pants and t-shirt are acceptable apparel to attend sports day. I'm a little tired of wearing a skirt or dress M-F, as female students and teachers are required to wear.
We also have Thursday off, I think the school threw that in as an extra day off since we have the other four days of the week off from class. December 10th is Constitution Day, so Friday schools and businesses will be closed for its observance.
I have had a lot of internet trouble lately. Since our portion of the school moved into another building, we have not had wireless internet set up. I did not have wired internet set up in the teacher's office until earlier this week. I still teach my computer class in the other building. In the computer lab I cannot use the teacher's computer (which is also the server for the computer lab) at the same time as using the projector to show the students examples and directions for what we are doing. There is a cable to send what is on the computer monitor to the projector, and a cable to connect the computer to the monitor. There is only one port for both cables, so you can only connect to one or the other at any given time. I have to crane my neck around to see what I am doing to load the powerpoint slides or show the students how to find a certain setting in Microsoft Word - whatever we are doing it is very awkward to see what I'm doing. Sometimes I try and use one of the extra student computers to work on something briefly (yes, thankfully we at least have more than enough computers for every student, even the class of 35). However the web browser on the student computers is not up to date enough for me to view gmail properly - which is quite a pain since I've set it up so my students email me their projects at a gmail address I set up just for computer class. I tried to install firefox browsers on all of the student computers - before I discovered that the student computers are 'ghosted,' or wiped clean at every boot. I would like to talk to the Thai IT guy about installing certain things on the computers, but I also don't want to offend anyone or come off as a know-it-all condescending farang. So I'll just deal for now.
I can sometimes get wireless internet to work in that building, but it is very fickle. At this point I've just gotten a lot more flexible about due dates and explained to the students the situation with the teacher's internet access. They understand. The teachers still don't have our desks in the new office, so the concept that the internet is not as accessible as it should be is not a difficult leap from there. I've also had some difficulty with the internet at my apartment - there are definitely bottlenecks when too many people are trying to use the internet. I think I'm going to invest in an internet dongle for accessing internet via the phone networks. They are available in the states, but at quite a premium through the phone companies. Supposedly they are much more affordable and reliable here in Bangkok. We shall see.
I've discovered a lot more things about getting along in Thailand, and getting along at my particular school. For example, the reason I had so much difficulty obtaining my documents to come to Thailand was that my boss was not aware that I needed them. The other foreign teachers at my school were in Thailand already - so they had visas to teach or visit already, and from there renewing their visas and permits was no problem for them and the school. My boss had not previously had to do the primary application for a visa or work permit for any of her staff. Thank goodness the other farang teachers mentioned this to her. Receiving the paperwork I needed to complete my application directly coincided with them reminding her that I needed paperwork from the school in order to get my necessary documents. One of the office secretaries handled all of the e-communication with me, including the communication that was addressed as from my boss. My boss cannot use email - but everyone in the office has her password so she can delegate tasks for them to do in her stead. This is also why I could not get information about the computers I would be working with to teach - she has no idea about them. Ah well whatever. Also, I still don't officially have my work permit. Apparently I will receive it in January. I've been told this is no big deal. I've also been told that means I'm working illegally, but not to worry because it won't be for too long and they are somewhat lax about this matter for short spans of time, and since I am in the process of application. Plenty of farangs have gotten away with working sans work permits for periods of years, and most of the farang teachers have worked illegally for a least a month or three months. Awesome!
A few other quick tidbits before this entry gets too long:
There is such a thing as a Double Big Mac. It is exactly what it sounds like. I'm a little scared of that idea, but curious at the sheer ridiculousness of it. There is 'ketchup' and 'American ketchup,' I haven't figured out what the difference is yet. Perhaps I've mentioned, or perhaps not: remember the Krispy Kreme Doughnut craze back in the 90s? Yeah, that's just now hitting Thailand. I find it amusing.
There is some new store opening in one of the malls at Siam (intersection with four shopping malls connected to each other by sky bridge walk way, including MBK where I had my cell phone adventures and Siam Discovery where the Mac Repair place is). There is a multi-story ad banner featuring photos of various celebrities for said store opening - Thai celebrities and other Asian celebrities I don't recognize, Angelina Jolie, Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and Mr. and Mrs. Barack Obama. I wonder if they know (well, the ones living) there are multi-story images of them in downtown Bangkok. Hopefully I can get a photo of this sometime during the coming week off, I plan on having a bit more time to sight see, take photos and update things. I will still produce an update about Thanksgiving, and some other things that have fallen by the wayside this week at a later time. In the meantime - I have a class to teach now. Presuming they are in attendance and not practicing for something for sports day, or just skipping my class.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Loy Krathong
So, one of the biggest Thai festivals of the year took place on Sunday evening. And though I may have mentioned it, I have not made a big deal out of the fact that I have been sick this past week. However, on Saturday and Sunday, though the antibiotics had taken care of my sinus infection, the initial cold virus swooped in for a comeback. As such, much of my weekend was spent asleep or half dazed and over-medicated.
On Saturday, after finally getting out of bed around 3:30pm, I decided I must make the trek back to MBK to sort out a phone. Previously I praised MBK's ability to hack, crack and otherwise get phones to work. However, we were unaware that besides all that, the hand-me-down phone we had also included a broken microphone. Theorizing that a repair of that nature would be slightly more costly, it was time to admit defeat and purchase a phone.
So I found my way to the bus stop to get to MBK and rode the bus to and from MBK successfully on my own. With only one pushy tuk-tuk driver to tell off. Tuk-tuks are for tourists. They are pushy scam artists and if you are white they never leave you alone. The going 'scam' for tuk-tuk drivers is to offer a "flat rate" fee of 150 baht. Fare for an air-conditioned taxi is often 1/3 of that. So this particular tuk-tuk driver outside MBK thought he would approach me, get ME to name a price (no, you name a starting price), and then thought he would ask for 200 baht. I may be new but I'm not that naive. I walked away and caught the bus for 8 baht.
I do however, wish that I could brag as such about my phone purchase. Another lesson learned: don't try to haggle when you're brain fogged, sick and medicated. It severely hampers your bartering skills and lowers your guard for how much you are willing to pay just to get out of the human chaos. Time and place utility though I suppose, I needed a working phone. So I ended up with a second hand nokia for 1,500 baht, which is about $50 U.S. Not bad, all things considered. But upon further inspection I decided I'd probably been overcharged. Another English teacher, who is half Thai and speaks Thai - so she doesn't have to deal with the tourist treatment nearly as much - got the same phone second hand for 900 baht ($30.07). The ladies in the office helped me look it up - NEW the phone should cost 1,180 baht ($39.43). Well crap. Next time, I will ask one of the Thai ladies in the office to go with me and help - they are more than happy to. I'll still just be proud of myself for navigating the bus and avoiding the tuk tuk driver. I was quite determined to travel downtown unassisted. And, the phone does work.
So, Loy Krathong. I'm taking a lot of information from wikipedia and observation here. Basically - the majority of Bangkok converges on the river to release "krathong" out into the water. A Krathong is made up of banana leaves, flowers, incense and candles - or more recently bread (dissolves and the fish eat it, more environmentally friendly). It is supposed to honor the river spirits, ask for forgiveness from the river and bring good luck. It is kind of a conglomeration of Buddhism, Hinduism and the Thai animist beliefs of various tribes - so actually pinpointing one meaning for the festival is impossible. Loy Krathong also coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival of Yi Peng, where paper lanterns are lit and sent up into the sky to make merit. The hot air from the flame propels the paper lantern up, or at least in theory - I saw several sink that had to be put out by festival goers down below those launching Yi Peng off the bridge. So, although Loy Krathong comes from the capital, and Yi Peng comes from the north, today they are both celebrated concurrently across the country. Chiang Mai is supposed to be the best Loy Krathong/Yi Peng festival - so at some point I would like to see it there. However that's not to say the Bangkok version wasn't a show.
So, most of Sunday I spent in bed wishing my cold would go away. I got up to do laundry, got up to hang it out to dry, got up to go get some food - and laid back down after each trip. So around 8pm I decided that I wasn't going to let the fact that I felt awful keep me from seeing one of the best festivals of the year. Dose of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen in the U.S.), some water and a hearty dose of hubris and I was off. Not actually knowing how to get there, feeling kinda of blah and thinking this is an important venture, I decided to hail a taxi. Not a tuk-tuk, but generally get in a taxi, say the name of the place you want to go, done. However I forgot to consider a couple of things. One: when there is traffic, as in when there is a festival, walking will almost always be faster than anything on four wheels. Two: Bangkok is quite similar to West Lafayette in it's curse of one-way roads, something I had not noticed as a pedestrian. And Three: simply getting in a taxi and asking to go to the river isn't very clear, since there are quite a few points on the river you can go to.
So, in my first cab, we went toward one of the larger bridges, saw some people with Krathongs and decided that was a good spot. I did get a nice view out across the river as we crossed the bridge. My driver spoke a little English, was impressed that I could count to ten in Thai (poorly) and attempted to teach me the phrases "I love you" and "I like you" in Thai. The trip meter said 59 baht, so I handed him 60 baht. He handed me back 20 baht and a slip of paper with his phone number and an Americanized name on it. Uncertain how to respond to that, I said thank you, smiled, probably giggled and placed the number and change in my wallet. He drove off and I began exploring the bridge and the area underneath it where people were launching krathong into the river. I realized 1) This was not the big event, this was a smaller gathering and 2) I was pretty much the only farang around. I attempted to walk up on the bridge to get a better view of the river, and was whistled back down by a Thai police officer. People had been walking on the bridge only moments prior. Alright, well now what.
I could see the Yi Peng floating up into the sky in the distance, so I started walking towards them. However after a couple of blocks, I decided that was futile, walked back and hailed another taxi. So the cost of a little adventure involves more than one taxi, it could be worse.
My second taxi driver spoke no English. He did understand Loy Krathong though, and managed to get me quite close to the heart of the commotion at the Rama VIII Bridge (the one I have photos of already). Eventually he motioned to me to get out and walk because of the horrid traffic jam. I paid him and got out of the taxi and joined the shoulder to shoulder swarm of people. People were walking in between cars, buses and motorbikes because traffic was not moving at all. It reminded me of the people swarming toward the bridge in the new War of the Worlds movie, and I pushed that slightly disconcerting idea out of my mind. Thankfully, crowd control is often managed by the Thai cultural idea that you should not show anger or lose your temper. So despite the shoulder to shoulder crowding, there isn't really a panic or mad rush to make it dangerous, people remain patient. Fingers crossed. I got up to the main festival area - lined with food and drink vendors, large krathongs made for a contest, beggars, beauty pageant contestants and people of all ages. I purchased a bottle of water - was asked "where you from?" USA. "Oh! Your country very good!" I appreciated that.
I made my way to the river bank, pretty sure I wandered straight through the 'back stage' area of the beauty pageant, and a Thai man helped hoist me up over the stone wall separating the river from the bank. I got pictures right there of people launching their Krathong, and several people swimming in the murky depths. A wave rolled up and splashed my feet, I decided to find some higher ground after a few photos. So I turned back around and turned my attention to climbing the Rama VIII bridge - the main festivities were occurring beneath it. A staircase on either side of the bridge was shoulder to shoulder with people going up and down. I made my way up and walked along the pedestrian portion of the bridge where people were launching their Yi Ping. There were many Thais with good cameras, probably many from the arts university - and I was envious of them. I also wished I knew more Thai so I could have a conversation with them. I managed to get some decent photos with my camera none-the-less. I think there is also a couple's aspect to sending up the Yi Peng, because many couples were launching them together - some with the message "I love you" written on them. But that could be a modern imposition on the original holiday - I'm not sure. I enjoyed just sitting on the guard rail between the road and the pedestrian crosswalk and watching people launch their Yi Peng. It was peaceful and reminded me why I long to travel and see these things. It was great just to wander around and observe things at my own leisure. Finally, I decided I had better return home. So I tried to make my way to the other side of the Rama VIII bridge to hail a taxi going towards my apartment. At this point, I was actually all the way over in Nonthaburi, the suburb of Bangkok across the river (and the larger Loy Krathong gathering point). However navigating the staircase was even more crowded and slow going - it seemed a fool's errand to try and scale the stairs on the opposite side after finally reaching the bottom of the first staircase.
So, I wandered back through the vendors (by the way, if you can sell it, it was for sale on the street that night). I did not partake of the food, already feeling under the weather and not sure I trusted the food - or at least my stomach's ability to handle it, and went about looking for a taxi. Of course, in the stand still traffic with many others looking for a taxi, this was nearly impossible. So I looked toward the motor bike taxi operators. The first declined, and said as a farang, better to get a taxi. I think he was afraid I was going to freak out riding the motor bike - or he just didn't want to travel that far. The second motor bike driver I found agreed, though maybe slightly overcharged, at that point my headache was going full throttle from all the lights and I just wanted to get home. I still think there was some sort of divine intervention keeping me from having an absolute claustrophobic panic attack in the middle of that festival - or maybe I was just too out of it already from being sick. It was 100 baht for the motor bike ride straight to my apartments, not too bad considering the motor bike can duck and weave around traffic and get you where you are going much faster than the four-wheeled beasts. And a heck of a lot better than the tuk-tuk driver trying to charge twice that for less than a third the distance I traveled on the motor bike. We drove over yet another large bridge - I've got my north and south all mixed up so I can't say which direction I was from Rama VIII, but I got yet another view of all of the lights out across the river driving past. It was exhilarating having the wind rip past, nearly shutting my eyelids for me.
After all that, I took some more cold medicine and called it a night. And quite a night it was. My goal now: to save up and purchase a digital SLR before next year's Loy Krathong festival. I would love to see the festival in Chiang Mai. Also preferrably to not be sick during the festival - but the timing of getting sick is hard to coordinate.
On Saturday, after finally getting out of bed around 3:30pm, I decided I must make the trek back to MBK to sort out a phone. Previously I praised MBK's ability to hack, crack and otherwise get phones to work. However, we were unaware that besides all that, the hand-me-down phone we had also included a broken microphone. Theorizing that a repair of that nature would be slightly more costly, it was time to admit defeat and purchase a phone.
So I found my way to the bus stop to get to MBK and rode the bus to and from MBK successfully on my own. With only one pushy tuk-tuk driver to tell off. Tuk-tuks are for tourists. They are pushy scam artists and if you are white they never leave you alone. The going 'scam' for tuk-tuk drivers is to offer a "flat rate" fee of 150 baht. Fare for an air-conditioned taxi is often 1/3 of that. So this particular tuk-tuk driver outside MBK thought he would approach me, get ME to name a price (no, you name a starting price), and then thought he would ask for 200 baht. I may be new but I'm not that naive. I walked away and caught the bus for 8 baht.
I do however, wish that I could brag as such about my phone purchase. Another lesson learned: don't try to haggle when you're brain fogged, sick and medicated. It severely hampers your bartering skills and lowers your guard for how much you are willing to pay just to get out of the human chaos. Time and place utility though I suppose, I needed a working phone. So I ended up with a second hand nokia for 1,500 baht, which is about $50 U.S. Not bad, all things considered. But upon further inspection I decided I'd probably been overcharged. Another English teacher, who is half Thai and speaks Thai - so she doesn't have to deal with the tourist treatment nearly as much - got the same phone second hand for 900 baht ($30.07). The ladies in the office helped me look it up - NEW the phone should cost 1,180 baht ($39.43). Well crap. Next time, I will ask one of the Thai ladies in the office to go with me and help - they are more than happy to. I'll still just be proud of myself for navigating the bus and avoiding the tuk tuk driver. I was quite determined to travel downtown unassisted. And, the phone does work.
So, Loy Krathong. I'm taking a lot of information from wikipedia and observation here. Basically - the majority of Bangkok converges on the river to release "krathong" out into the water. A Krathong is made up of banana leaves, flowers, incense and candles - or more recently bread (dissolves and the fish eat it, more environmentally friendly). It is supposed to honor the river spirits, ask for forgiveness from the river and bring good luck. It is kind of a conglomeration of Buddhism, Hinduism and the Thai animist beliefs of various tribes - so actually pinpointing one meaning for the festival is impossible. Loy Krathong also coincides with the Lanna (northern Thai) festival of Yi Peng, where paper lanterns are lit and sent up into the sky to make merit. The hot air from the flame propels the paper lantern up, or at least in theory - I saw several sink that had to be put out by festival goers down below those launching Yi Peng off the bridge. So, although Loy Krathong comes from the capital, and Yi Peng comes from the north, today they are both celebrated concurrently across the country. Chiang Mai is supposed to be the best Loy Krathong/Yi Peng festival - so at some point I would like to see it there. However that's not to say the Bangkok version wasn't a show.
So, most of Sunday I spent in bed wishing my cold would go away. I got up to do laundry, got up to hang it out to dry, got up to go get some food - and laid back down after each trip. So around 8pm I decided that I wasn't going to let the fact that I felt awful keep me from seeing one of the best festivals of the year. Dose of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen in the U.S.), some water and a hearty dose of hubris and I was off. Not actually knowing how to get there, feeling kinda of blah and thinking this is an important venture, I decided to hail a taxi. Not a tuk-tuk, but generally get in a taxi, say the name of the place you want to go, done. However I forgot to consider a couple of things. One: when there is traffic, as in when there is a festival, walking will almost always be faster than anything on four wheels. Two: Bangkok is quite similar to West Lafayette in it's curse of one-way roads, something I had not noticed as a pedestrian. And Three: simply getting in a taxi and asking to go to the river isn't very clear, since there are quite a few points on the river you can go to.
So, in my first cab, we went toward one of the larger bridges, saw some people with Krathongs and decided that was a good spot. I did get a nice view out across the river as we crossed the bridge. My driver spoke a little English, was impressed that I could count to ten in Thai (poorly) and attempted to teach me the phrases "I love you" and "I like you" in Thai. The trip meter said 59 baht, so I handed him 60 baht. He handed me back 20 baht and a slip of paper with his phone number and an Americanized name on it. Uncertain how to respond to that, I said thank you, smiled, probably giggled and placed the number and change in my wallet. He drove off and I began exploring the bridge and the area underneath it where people were launching krathong into the river. I realized 1) This was not the big event, this was a smaller gathering and 2) I was pretty much the only farang around. I attempted to walk up on the bridge to get a better view of the river, and was whistled back down by a Thai police officer. People had been walking on the bridge only moments prior. Alright, well now what.
I could see the Yi Peng floating up into the sky in the distance, so I started walking towards them. However after a couple of blocks, I decided that was futile, walked back and hailed another taxi. So the cost of a little adventure involves more than one taxi, it could be worse.
My second taxi driver spoke no English. He did understand Loy Krathong though, and managed to get me quite close to the heart of the commotion at the Rama VIII Bridge (the one I have photos of already). Eventually he motioned to me to get out and walk because of the horrid traffic jam. I paid him and got out of the taxi and joined the shoulder to shoulder swarm of people. People were walking in between cars, buses and motorbikes because traffic was not moving at all. It reminded me of the people swarming toward the bridge in the new War of the Worlds movie, and I pushed that slightly disconcerting idea out of my mind. Thankfully, crowd control is often managed by the Thai cultural idea that you should not show anger or lose your temper. So despite the shoulder to shoulder crowding, there isn't really a panic or mad rush to make it dangerous, people remain patient. Fingers crossed. I got up to the main festival area - lined with food and drink vendors, large krathongs made for a contest, beggars, beauty pageant contestants and people of all ages. I purchased a bottle of water - was asked "where you from?" USA. "Oh! Your country very good!" I appreciated that.
I made my way to the river bank, pretty sure I wandered straight through the 'back stage' area of the beauty pageant, and a Thai man helped hoist me up over the stone wall separating the river from the bank. I got pictures right there of people launching their Krathong, and several people swimming in the murky depths. A wave rolled up and splashed my feet, I decided to find some higher ground after a few photos. So I turned back around and turned my attention to climbing the Rama VIII bridge - the main festivities were occurring beneath it. A staircase on either side of the bridge was shoulder to shoulder with people going up and down. I made my way up and walked along the pedestrian portion of the bridge where people were launching their Yi Ping. There were many Thais with good cameras, probably many from the arts university - and I was envious of them. I also wished I knew more Thai so I could have a conversation with them. I managed to get some decent photos with my camera none-the-less. I think there is also a couple's aspect to sending up the Yi Peng, because many couples were launching them together - some with the message "I love you" written on them. But that could be a modern imposition on the original holiday - I'm not sure. I enjoyed just sitting on the guard rail between the road and the pedestrian crosswalk and watching people launch their Yi Peng. It was peaceful and reminded me why I long to travel and see these things. It was great just to wander around and observe things at my own leisure. Finally, I decided I had better return home. So I tried to make my way to the other side of the Rama VIII bridge to hail a taxi going towards my apartment. At this point, I was actually all the way over in Nonthaburi, the suburb of Bangkok across the river (and the larger Loy Krathong gathering point). However navigating the staircase was even more crowded and slow going - it seemed a fool's errand to try and scale the stairs on the opposite side after finally reaching the bottom of the first staircase.
So, I wandered back through the vendors (by the way, if you can sell it, it was for sale on the street that night). I did not partake of the food, already feeling under the weather and not sure I trusted the food - or at least my stomach's ability to handle it, and went about looking for a taxi. Of course, in the stand still traffic with many others looking for a taxi, this was nearly impossible. So I looked toward the motor bike taxi operators. The first declined, and said as a farang, better to get a taxi. I think he was afraid I was going to freak out riding the motor bike - or he just didn't want to travel that far. The second motor bike driver I found agreed, though maybe slightly overcharged, at that point my headache was going full throttle from all the lights and I just wanted to get home. I still think there was some sort of divine intervention keeping me from having an absolute claustrophobic panic attack in the middle of that festival - or maybe I was just too out of it already from being sick. It was 100 baht for the motor bike ride straight to my apartments, not too bad considering the motor bike can duck and weave around traffic and get you where you are going much faster than the four-wheeled beasts. And a heck of a lot better than the tuk-tuk driver trying to charge twice that for less than a third the distance I traveled on the motor bike. We drove over yet another large bridge - I've got my north and south all mixed up so I can't say which direction I was from Rama VIII, but I got yet another view of all of the lights out across the river driving past. It was exhilarating having the wind rip past, nearly shutting my eyelids for me.
After all that, I took some more cold medicine and called it a night. And quite a night it was. My goal now: to save up and purchase a digital SLR before next year's Loy Krathong festival. I would love to see the festival in Chiang Mai. Also preferrably to not be sick during the festival - but the timing of getting sick is hard to coordinate.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
"Welcome to Thailand"
Whenever I'm absolutely and completely baffled by something, one of the other foreign teachers just looks at me and says "Welcome to Thailand."
You mean you can't fail students? (At least not until M. 4, which is 10th grade, and even then...)
So, students don't need a pass to leave class or school early? They can just go? Ok, so no way to control students skipping class. I see.
You shut the computer lab down by just flipping the breakers off? *head desk*
The grammar text book uses the phrase: "as high as a kite" to describe extreme happiness. Right. Who proof read that?
You mean junk food is actually expensive, and healthy food is actually cheap?
The same companies that sell self-tanning lotion in the states, sell "skin whitening" lotions here.
Instead of catching and euthanizing stray dogs and cats, people set out their scraps for them. They have about as much free reign of the streets and sidewalks as people do.
Along with priority seating for the elderly, small children and pregnant women, the buses also have a priority seating area for monks.
Nearly microscopic ants are everywhere. No really, everywhere. And they will eat anything remotely resembling food. Candles made of vegetable wax? Yum! Lipstick on the rim of a water glass? Tasty!
The Thai language doesn't really have tenses. So, when there is talk of something happening 'tomorrow,' that is a very sweeping generalization that could be tomorrow or two years from now.
Alright, so moving on. The floor is down in the future computer room. One of the main office computers has internet. The water has been working most of the time in the women's bathrooms. The men's rooms are still out of order, so one of the women's rooms has been designated the men's room until further notice. My student that enjoys makeup? Well, he also wears heels higher than I would, and when all done up for the dance competition, had boys in another class turning heads and demanding to know who 'she' was. They were embarrassed and disappointed to find out it was a boy. Though truth be told I'm not certain the head master is aware of any of this, she might faint.
So while we're on the topic of gender, let's discuss dating. Whenever students begin dating, the head master makes a point to try and get them to break up. This is not a secret, in fact even today a student in M. 1 (7th grade) got up and gave a sarcastic commentary on the matter, in English no less. The headmaster even asked me to tell the students that in America, students don't date at this age. That it's just "puppy love." I met this request with a blank stare of confusion, which was clarified for me with the phrase, "tell lie, tell lie." I proceeded to nod and smile while thinking to myself, no way. In fact, this attitude of intervening in matters of dating extends to the teachers as well, and not just in affairs of match making. My boss flat out told me when I moved, "only women in your apartment." And kept reiterating, albeit with slightly incorrect English, that I should only have women visit my apartment. She even made some remark about the whole building being only women. Yes, I moved into a convent. I should never allow a repairman to fix the leaky faucet in my bathroom or change the light bulb I can't reach. And heaven forbid a male relative ever set foot here. Alright, so, on the one hand you try and play matchmaker and set me up, and on the other you tell me not to bring anyone home, under any circumstance ever? And on what planet does this make sense?
It did apparently assuage the 9th graders that she is currently trying to pry apart that she also tries to meddle in the teacher's love lives. "Really? But she's a teacher!" Exactly. It's not appropriate at either level, but at least it is consistent. Personally, I find the greatest hilarity in the situation today. Male student that enjoys wearing heels and makeup was sitting "too close" to a female student as they worked on an assignment together. Head master comes over and scolds them, telling her "don't sit so close to him!" As this scene was recreated for me, he did a little curtsy and hand flourish - and none of us could help but laugh at the sheer level of ridiculousness of the whole mess.
You mean you can't fail students? (At least not until M. 4, which is 10th grade, and even then...)
So, students don't need a pass to leave class or school early? They can just go? Ok, so no way to control students skipping class. I see.
You shut the computer lab down by just flipping the breakers off? *head desk*
The grammar text book uses the phrase: "as high as a kite" to describe extreme happiness. Right. Who proof read that?
You mean junk food is actually expensive, and healthy food is actually cheap?
The same companies that sell self-tanning lotion in the states, sell "skin whitening" lotions here.
Instead of catching and euthanizing stray dogs and cats, people set out their scraps for them. They have about as much free reign of the streets and sidewalks as people do.
Along with priority seating for the elderly, small children and pregnant women, the buses also have a priority seating area for monks.
Nearly microscopic ants are everywhere. No really, everywhere. And they will eat anything remotely resembling food. Candles made of vegetable wax? Yum! Lipstick on the rim of a water glass? Tasty!
The Thai language doesn't really have tenses. So, when there is talk of something happening 'tomorrow,' that is a very sweeping generalization that could be tomorrow or two years from now.
Alright, so moving on. The floor is down in the future computer room. One of the main office computers has internet. The water has been working most of the time in the women's bathrooms. The men's rooms are still out of order, so one of the women's rooms has been designated the men's room until further notice. My student that enjoys makeup? Well, he also wears heels higher than I would, and when all done up for the dance competition, had boys in another class turning heads and demanding to know who 'she' was. They were embarrassed and disappointed to find out it was a boy. Though truth be told I'm not certain the head master is aware of any of this, she might faint.
So while we're on the topic of gender, let's discuss dating. Whenever students begin dating, the head master makes a point to try and get them to break up. This is not a secret, in fact even today a student in M. 1 (7th grade) got up and gave a sarcastic commentary on the matter, in English no less. The headmaster even asked me to tell the students that in America, students don't date at this age. That it's just "puppy love." I met this request with a blank stare of confusion, which was clarified for me with the phrase, "tell lie, tell lie." I proceeded to nod and smile while thinking to myself, no way. In fact, this attitude of intervening in matters of dating extends to the teachers as well, and not just in affairs of match making. My boss flat out told me when I moved, "only women in your apartment." And kept reiterating, albeit with slightly incorrect English, that I should only have women visit my apartment. She even made some remark about the whole building being only women. Yes, I moved into a convent. I should never allow a repairman to fix the leaky faucet in my bathroom or change the light bulb I can't reach. And heaven forbid a male relative ever set foot here. Alright, so, on the one hand you try and play matchmaker and set me up, and on the other you tell me not to bring anyone home, under any circumstance ever? And on what planet does this make sense?
It did apparently assuage the 9th graders that she is currently trying to pry apart that she also tries to meddle in the teacher's love lives. "Really? But she's a teacher!" Exactly. It's not appropriate at either level, but at least it is consistent. Personally, I find the greatest hilarity in the situation today. Male student that enjoys wearing heels and makeup was sitting "too close" to a female student as they worked on an assignment together. Head master comes over and scolds them, telling her "don't sit so close to him!" As this scene was recreated for me, he did a little curtsy and hand flourish - and none of us could help but laugh at the sheer level of ridiculousness of the whole mess.
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