pool and school

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Here are some photos of the pool on our building roof. It's nice and tranquil up there.

At the start of next term (end of August), Max will most likely be starting the Early Years program instead of the nursery program. The early years program is akin to preschool in the US. It's a tough call because their cutoff is usually turning 3 by August 31st to start preschool , but the cutoff in Virginia is turning 3 by September 30th and if we end up staying in Bangkok for 3 years, the Embassy will only pay his school tuition (for the final year) and hefty registration fee if he starts kindergarten during our third year here. If he stays in the nursery for the first year and then the early years for the rest of our stay, the Embassy won't pay for anything. So the school is willing to bump him up to the next level since he is only 3 weeks younger than the class cutoff and because their assessment said that he is ready for preschool both socially and academically. Of course, the program at the LCC that he was attending in the US more than prepared him for this. The plus side is now he will be eligible for cool after school classes, like swimming and Tai Kwan Do. However, he will have to wear a uniform (though it's very cute - red shorts and white shirt). I'm a little concerned about pushing him ahead too quickly and not having more time to spend with him since the nursery program is shorter, but having the Embassy pay for his registration fee and one year's tuition is a big benefit if we end up staying 3 years.

Some of you asked about our bedroom configuration - though it's a big apartment, we have only 3 bedrooms. The master, Max's room with two twins, and a guest room with two twins. But it's still plenty of room for guests. Despite our great living situation, Bangkok is by no means a paradise. It is very urban, gritty and it is not an easy place to get around though it also has places of extreme beauty and the food is absolutely fantastic. Of course, the shopping is supposed to be world class, though if you can believe it I haven't had time to scour the markets yet (hope to do that very soon). However, I do feel like I am getting to know it better and have some upcoming opportunities to meet other people through Max's school, Thai classes and a group called BAMBI (I know - obnoxious name) which is an expat group for parents of young children in Bangkok that gets together socially. It has a lot of Brits and Australians in it. I am also trying to plan outings to some beautiful Thai beaches for upcoming holidays in August and September, so that should be nice too. The most disconcerting thing about living in Bangkok (which I was warned about) is seeing the absolutely ugly beer-bellied older tattooed white men (mainly Brits in this neighborhood though I'm sure they come from all nationalities) with beautiful young Thai girls on their arms. I try not to stare in disgust, but it's all I can do to keep my green curry chicken down without vomiting. If I can, I'll try to post pictures of that for you (the men with the Thai girls, not me vomiting) so you can throw up too.

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Photos

Big pool
This is the bigger pool where I can swim laps.

Kiddy pool
This pool Max can actually stand in.

Both pools
Here's the shot of both pools together.

Comments

[May]

Eeeww!
Okay, I keep picturing a drunk Skipper from Gilligan's Island w/o his shirt on, with a young Thai girl on his arm. Pictures please!

[Eleanor]

Catching Up
Maddy, Just got caught up on all your adventures. The apartment looks beautiful and Jim, Max and most importantly, the cats, look very happy. We miss you here. Clients still call and talk about how wonderful you were. Hurry up and check out the shopping. I'm dying to hear about your finds! Love to all.