I am on a train to Chiang Mai. I am finally free. I finally feel like me. We are in 3rd class seats instead of 2nd class sleepers because the guy behind the counter booked our tickets for the wrong month. It's no bother. I have the wind in my face and the world on … Continue reading The Ramblings of a Revenant on a Runaway Train
Despite our considerable language barriers and limited vocabulary, Ja and I have delved into some pretty serious and awkward topics of conversation. She probes me with deep, personal questions and I shock her with my answers. The following are a few conversations I never want to forget. I think they reveal a lot about the … Continue reading Not Your Typical Tutoring Session
When your landlord asks to take you to lunch on a Sunday afternoon, you expect a laid back time at a local restaurant. Maybe even a picnic on the beach. But, this is Thailand, so instead I spent the day in the back of a truck ascending a mountain overrun by monkeys and descending into … Continue reading A Sunday Afternoon Stroll Through Hell
Last Thursday, I met Ja--my new partner that was assigned to me as part of the director's most recent initiative to teach select Thai teachers conversational English. We were instructed to use our free periods, the weekends, or any opportunities available to tutor with our partners, many of which know only rudimentary English. Janurat, or … Continue reading Mornings with Ja
Friday was one of my happiest days as a teacher. My Thai co-teacher left the room and the entire class (2/1--my homeroom, my favorites) spontaneously busted out singing Zombie by the Cranberries. Naturally, I joined in with resounding gusto. We managed to get through the chorus two full times before, upon seeing Teacher Jit imminently … Continue reading Letters from America
I have been intentionally reluctant to divulge my views on the practice of Thai teachers using physical punishments on their (and my) students in class. Before expressing my shock and condemnation for these practices--which I indeed felt--I wanted to be sure that I had fully absorbed what was happening in front of me. So, for … Continue reading An Unexpected Insight
Since coming to Thailand, I made a goal for myself to have my writing published in a travel magazine. Today, that dream is realized. My poem, "Making Tea in Thailand," made the January issue of the SEA Backpacker magazine! Check it out on page 11. http://issuu.com/southeastasiabackpacker/docs/magazine_issue22?mode=mobile
On the road again for New Year's celebrations in Cambodia. A journey that began with crossing the border at 8 am on the wildest bus ride of my life thanks to the chanting, dancing and all out mayhem caused by six rowdy Brazilian men and that ended with an earthshaking, rainbow-colored sunrise that faithfully broke … Continue reading Angkor Empire
I have no words.
According to Buddhist culture, a select male is chosen to shave their heads and their eyebrows whenever a member of their family dies. This act is a reminder of the triviality of worldly desires and is a symbol of commemoration for the deceased. In two months, I have seen three mourning students. Students wear white … Continue reading Thai culture lessons I’ve learned in passing
Joc Cousteau 