Travelling Teacher

I'm going to start this blog by putting a theory out there, do you think that I'm jinxed? I mean right now, I think that news across the globe is dominated with two things, the first being the terrorism in Mumbai and the second being the mess in Bangkok. I'm thinking that when I decide to move on I need to send advance warning to my new country of choice so they can bolster their secruity before I arrive! Anyway, thought I'd do a blog, to say that all is well in Lopburi, no signs at all of any of the trouble in Bangkok here, and, it would take A LOT to wake up my sleepy little town, believe me! I wouldn't normally be concerned about the going ons down there, but, it's 19 days and ... read more

I cannot believe that I've been in Thailand for over four months now. Each week seems to fly by at lightening pace. Next week is my fifteenth teaching week, and the Fun Language course is 30 weeks long, so by Friday, I'll be half way through my first year, scary!! The good thing about being half way through the year, is that the end of the first term is also in sight, and with that, comes a HOLIDAY!!! YAY! I am absolutely loving being in the classroom, more than I ever dared dream I would, but, it is really exhausting work, and so, a week off towards the end of October is going to be very welcome. I have no clear plans yet, but I can promise you, it will involve lounging on a beach doing ... read more

Well, I survived my first week! Although, not getting too excited, as this was only a 'practice' week, if I can say the same this time next week, I'll be very happy!! We are still erm, very short on the native speaking teachers front, so this week we instead of starting our proper lessons we did an introduction with each of the Prathom classes (like our primary, from 6-11ish). We took the students in their whole class groups, between 40-50 and gave them an introduction to Fun Langauge, how we will teach them, about the games, songs and rewards we use. Then we gave them the scare talk about disapline and our expectations for them in the classroom. I was worried I'd be a soft teacher and have them walking all over me, but after four ... read more

Just wanted to share some more pics that haven't made it onto here before..... Some of when my Mum and Dad, Charlene, Laura, Dave and Barnaby were out here. Barnaby is Charlene's furry friend ha ha!! Nah, honestly he is a reception class project, the travelling bear, he goes on holiday and then writes a diary to share with the students when he gets home, it was great having him around, meant we got so many more photos!! Some also of The Pirate Party at The Mango House, which was my last day at the charity, for now, anyway!! Also, I have added two other entries, that I haven't got round to finishing off before. 'My Goan Gamble' is my second entry, and the pics are from when dave, kim and I were on hol in ... read more

Tonight I fly out of Delhi and onto Thailand, ready to start the next chapter of my adventure. My main aim for today is to hide from the immense heat outside, as well as the Kashmiri sellers, beggars and everyone else on the crazy street that is Main Bazaar, Paharganj, New Delhi!! My taxi to the airport is booked for 9.30pm with my flight at 1.05am, and after a late one watching the Champions League last night, I plan on going and having a snooze this afternoon, but first, a catch up :o) April 23rd 2008 - Two Weddings & The Navy Well, I am dedicating this blog entry to my Uncle Steve and Berni, who last Wednesday, tied the knot! By all accounts you got the beautiful day you fully deserved, and I wish you ... read more