History: July 14, 2008
Thailand, so far, is absolutely wonderful. The culture is vibrant, the food is delicious... but I think that what makes Thailand a truly beautiful country is the people. The people I've met so far are unbelievably kind and generous. They reaffirm the fact that Thailand is, indeed, "the land of smiles."
I have encountered few problems, but the few problems seem to be the biggest. The first problem was the language barrier. Although the teachers and my host mother spoke English (with a Thai accent), the students at the school spoke very, very little. Aged 10-12, these students learn English at the primary school I volunteer at and it's my job to "make English fun." It's hard to make English fun when I'm explaini
ng my lesson with an old Thai-English dictionary in hand! However, the students seem to greatly enjoy themselves with the games/songs/lessons I set up for them. The teachers at the school say that the children are excited for a fresh and young teacher from America (most teachers are 50 years and older). What I know is that I love teaching here and it feels like I can check off "teaching in another country to children" off my list of things to do before I die. HOWEVER, I will definitely want to pursue this in the future... this experience as the inspiration :).
Above: Trying desperately to stick my head out of the sea of students in Music Class. This picture was taken after I attended my own class of Thai music and learned, or attempted to learn, to play a Thai melody on the flute. The students are so full of energy that the thought alone energizes me and makes me smile : ).
Above: At Sukkhothai Historical Park. I'm standing in front of the famed "Talking Buddha," the statue was so big that it was hard to get it in the picture frame!
On Saturday I went to Sukkhothai Historical Park. As a lover of history... I loved it. No, I was in awe of everything. I got to see and touch the pillars of old temples, the big "talking Buddha," and a copy of the large slab of stone that King Ramkhamhaeng inscribed and wrote the first Thai alphabet on. These buildings, temples and artifacts are over 700 years old! 700! To actually be able to touch what the old people of Thailand touched and see what they saw, was very inspiring to me. Physical history is absolutely great. I can't wait to see more.
Above: Sukkhothai
Above: My mom and I pose with the "farang" (foreign tourists) as a background at Sukkhothai
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