Wow. I have now lived in Thailand for four weeks! Time sure flies. So much has happened, that I really should be posting more often. haha. First off, I am happy to say that I have now successfully completed my TESOL course! I have my certificate in-hand and am ready to start teaching. However, of course I have to take a vacation now. :)
To be completely honest, it was a lot more difficult to leave people in my group than I expected. Yes, we all plan on meeting at one time or another, but I got used to having them around. Luckily, I wasn't leaving alone. A group had planned on going to the island of Koh Samui, so naturally I tagged along. On Wednesday I am leaving Koh Samui and heading to the nearby island of Koh Tao to meet up with another friend. It's funny how easy it is to become close to people.
Well, Koh Samui has been absolutely lovely. It is exactly what I needed after a non-stop three week course. I lay on the beach, go for scooter rides, shop, and eat endlessly. I love this place. The weather has been great considering this is the rainy season. Yes, there are showers, but they aren't as bad as I expected. This month of vacation has so far been idyllic.
However......I of course have already had a run-in with parasites. haha. I currently have something living in my pinkie toe. After going to an endless amount of clinics and hospitals, I found out that they are not willing to cut the parasite out. Therefore, I have been given parasite medicine Albendazole to take over the next three days. I was told that it'll shrink and kill my parasite. However, I don't understand how it'll ever disappear. Anyways, I am not too worried.
Today happens to be my best friend Lizzie's 21st birthday. :) Although I feel bad for missing her birthday, I know she's having an awesome time visiting her sister in Virginia. It's just another reminder that while I am gone, life goes on back home. I'm okay with this though, because I am creating my own life here. Although I have not made my mind up completely, I am now strongly considering staying here for a year. I came here for very definite reasons, and with the little amount of time I have spent here, and through talking to other people and my instructors, I believe a year is exactly what I need.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
First Two Weeks in Thailand
This first week in Thailand has been a complete whirlwind. The days have been simultaneously long and short. Throughout the first week, I was able to meet the twenty-five other XploreAsia participants. We come from all over the globe including USA, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Our instructors comprise of Mike (the owner of XploreAsia), Danny (manager of logistics), Paang (wife of Mike and in charge of placements), and Jaco (TESOL instructor).
Throughout the first week, I have learned to communicate a little in Thai, brought pineapples to an elephant rescue to keep them fed, got blessed by a monk, and became a family with the rest of the group. To be completely honest, the first week was a lot more intense than I expected. Although it was created to give us some cultural immersion, we were having nine hour days. Fortunately, on our last day of the cultural week, we got to go see the beach for the first time and have a celebratory BBQ. I was very excited to find out that the water literally felt like a bathtub. Although it wasn't the prettiest, it was exactly what everyone needed.
After the first week of cultural fun, it was time to buckle-down and get into TESOL training. Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed everything I've learned. I feel that by the time I get to my school, I am going to feel more than prepared. In fact, I am going tomorrow to teach English speaking lessons to underprivileged kids. It is a two day camp in which I will be teaching 8-12 year olds and kindergarten students with a partner.
Last Sunday, a group of us went on an adventure to hike a waterfall. Of course I didn't think things through and wore white shorts! However, it was so beautiful and relaxing to be out in nature that I didn't mind getting a little dirty. We all jumped into the frigid cold water and were quickly surprised by having dozens of fish nibble at our legs and bodies. After hiking back from the waterfall, we all treated ourselves to fresh coconuts.
Today, almost the entire group went out to hike up monkey mountain. It is known for having hundreds of monkeys living on this one mountain. We took our transportation down to the foot of the mountain, and proceeded to walk up too many stairs. Having traveled to India and experienced monkeys, I wasn't too keen on having them around. However, the hike was just what I needed.
It is crazy for me to think that I am just starting my third week here. Although I understand that I am in Thailand, it still has yet to completely faze me. I recognize that things are different here, but basically having a set schedule every day makes things seem more familiar. I am excited for when I actually move to my placement and have to deal with things on my own.
Throughout the first week, I have learned to communicate a little in Thai, brought pineapples to an elephant rescue to keep them fed, got blessed by a monk, and became a family with the rest of the group. To be completely honest, the first week was a lot more intense than I expected. Although it was created to give us some cultural immersion, we were having nine hour days. Fortunately, on our last day of the cultural week, we got to go see the beach for the first time and have a celebratory BBQ. I was very excited to find out that the water literally felt like a bathtub. Although it wasn't the prettiest, it was exactly what everyone needed.
After the first week of cultural fun, it was time to buckle-down and get into TESOL training. Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed everything I've learned. I feel that by the time I get to my school, I am going to feel more than prepared. In fact, I am going tomorrow to teach English speaking lessons to underprivileged kids. It is a two day camp in which I will be teaching 8-12 year olds and kindergarten students with a partner.
Last Sunday, a group of us went on an adventure to hike a waterfall. Of course I didn't think things through and wore white shorts! However, it was so beautiful and relaxing to be out in nature that I didn't mind getting a little dirty. We all jumped into the frigid cold water and were quickly surprised by having dozens of fish nibble at our legs and bodies. After hiking back from the waterfall, we all treated ourselves to fresh coconuts.
Today, almost the entire group went out to hike up monkey mountain. It is known for having hundreds of monkeys living on this one mountain. We took our transportation down to the foot of the mountain, and proceeded to walk up too many stairs. Having traveled to India and experienced monkeys, I wasn't too keen on having them around. However, the hike was just what I needed.
It is crazy for me to think that I am just starting my third week here. Although I understand that I am in Thailand, it still has yet to completely faze me. I recognize that things are different here, but basically having a set schedule every day makes things seem more familiar. I am excited for when I actually move to my placement and have to deal with things on my own.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Layover
Layover in Taiwan! The twelve hour flight was uneventful. No scary turbulence or surprises. Fortunately I was able to get some sleep. :) I am in the airport and already feel the humidity. These next seven months will be an adventure!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Thursday, September 5, 2013
It's a Start
I have an obsession with checklists. As the countdown for my departure to Thailand is coming to a close, I realize just how much I have accomplished in the last month. Purchase a computer, check. Plan a month of travelling, check. Apply for a visa, check. I have continuously checked off my to-do list and created new lists. I am leaving for Thailand tomorrow!
Lately, the most common phrase I have been hearing is, "Raquel, what do you want to do before you leave?" While there are those I love that I am sad to leave, I am ready to go. Saying goodbye is never easy, but as I keep reminding myself and others, it is only for a couple of months. Before anyone realizes it, I will be back and ready for a new adventure.
I am viewing Thailand as a renewal, a new beginning. While this is not necessarily what I wish to do for the rest of my life, it's a start. I hope I am able to discover a new, stronger side to myself. Bring on the culture shock, humidity, and upset stomach. I am ready for a change.
Lately, the most common phrase I have been hearing is, "Raquel, what do you want to do before you leave?" While there are those I love that I am sad to leave, I am ready to go. Saying goodbye is never easy, but as I keep reminding myself and others, it is only for a couple of months. Before anyone realizes it, I will be back and ready for a new adventure.
I am viewing Thailand as a renewal, a new beginning. While this is not necessarily what I wish to do for the rest of my life, it's a start. I hope I am able to discover a new, stronger side to myself. Bring on the culture shock, humidity, and upset stomach. I am ready for a change.
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