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
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
I managed to get my fill of live music. I've been starved for it, have felt eerily incomplete without dancing. On Saturday, Mel, Rachel, and I met with our friends in Bangkok and headed to the mountains of Khao Yai for a two-day camping adventure at Thailand's biggest annual music festival. I was not familiar … Continue reading Big Mountain Music Festival
On Wednesday, December 5th the King turned 85 and the entire country took the day off to celebrate and show reverence. An unequaled, unshakable love and loyalty the Thais have for this man. As a sign of respect, everyone wears the color yellow, which I was informed of and mildly scolded for after being spotted … Continue reading The King’s Birthday
Together Thailand and I make tea. Me, A once empty cup Now overflowing with boiling water That is clearly untouched. Lucid, Formless, Malleable-- Yet without a name. Suddenly, A concentration of herbs and spices Saturated with new places-- The essence of which Was extracted from smiling faces. A transformative elixir, This medicine heals me-- Without … Continue reading A Lil’ Somethin’
Joc Cousteau 