teacher?

This past weekend we (teachers) went to Ko Samet, a small island about a three-hour bus ride from the city and then a short ferry ride over. Simply wonderful. Open white beaches, small cabanas, fruit smoothies and sunshine. It was so great to escape the city and see some of Thailand’s beauty. I decided that on of God’s greatest gifts to humans was their physical ability to float in water. It almost a great as leaping off into the abyss, but involves more constant faith and complete confidence in unknown. I floated a lot this weekend. Other highlights from the weekend include:
-sipping my fresh pineapple smoothie on the beach
-having a two hour candle lit dinner on the beach
-laying on the beach
-waking up and walking down the beach
-meeting a new friend on the bus ride home from the beach
-the nice tan I may acquire in a few days from the beach
….oh the beach. Absolutely divine.

Teaching.

I've successfully completed three days on the job as Teacher Rachel. It's pretty surreal actually writing that out on the blackboard, pacing around the room, and having control over young impressionable minds. My students are thus far wonderful and really polite. When I pass out paper some would put their hands together and bow their heads, saying “thank you teacher.” Cute. Among them I have a two Pigs' (male and female), Boss, Bonus, Toffee, Mint, Part, Ball, Peak, Pooh, Gun, Pooky, Earth, Mind and lastly a little boy named Oil. I’m not sure who came up with the nicknames, but they are fabulous and way easier than their real names. Once again I am reminded that Rachel is NOT easy to say in any language but English. I think they'll eventually catch on.

The school is located at the end of a small street, which has stalls/houses (like open porches) on both sides where men and women make shoes. They look like shoes that would be sold on the local marked, but nevertheless it still gives off the “sweatshop” vibe. I wish I spoke Thai so I could meet the neighbors and hear their stories. I’ve spotted tons of people I would love to sit down with and get to know; sadly the whole Babel thing screwed that dream up long ago. The random “farang” (foreigners) I meet will have to quench my thirst for meeting interesting people. Thus far successful, with a random Italian English teacher- Mr. F and some non-sketchy business folk.

By the way, did I mention Christina and I are pretty much the only two that speak English at our school. My Thai must develop.