Jo's Thai Adventures

Good-Bye Thailand..Good-bye Asia!

2006-10-13T12:39:00.000+08:00

Well, I'm sad to say that today is my last day in Bangkok, Thailand. I just got back to Bangkok from a ten day wonderful trip to Phuket, and Krabi. In spite of the rain, my trip was fantastic. I had beautiful weather the last few days of my trip, which was great for getting a nice tan.

I went to see Railay beach by l ong-tail boat, and laid on Ao-Nang beach all day my second last day. On the beach I met a Thai man who was selling drinks. We ended up talking all day, and he took me for a ride around Krabi on his motorbike. It was the best way to see the area. I got to see a 700thousand year old fossil on the water, and went to see Long beach that has a pier out onto the water.

I will really miss Thailand, and miss Asia in general. This past fourteen months have been the best, and most exciting time in my life so far. I've grown so much in the last year, and will come back to Asia someday either to visit or work. I met so many great people both tourists and locals. I hope to keep in touch with most of them.

I am happy to be going back to Canada to visit family and friends. It'll be nice to eat my mom's homecooked food, and to hang out with my friends and family.

For those who are reading this blog. I will be back with more adventures in the near future. I will talk about reverse culture shock and how I will be able to adjust back in the western world.

Till then, this has been another day in Jo's Thai adventures...Bon Voyage my friends! XoXo

Phuket Paradise!

2006-10-06T21:33:00.000+08:00

I've been here for five days. For the most part, the weather has been windy and very rainy. I have managed to do some great things even if it was raining. When I arrived it wasn't raining. I got a taxi to the Bangtao Lagoon Bungalows. The rain started as we made it to Bangtao. The rain came down in the heaviest rain I have ever seen. The taxi driver couldn't find the place where I was staying. Bangtao is in the middle of nowhere, and we stopped four times in the pouring rain to ask for directions. We finally found it and I was happy to see that the bungalows were really nice, and my bungalow was about 1000 feet from the ocean.

That night I went to the bungalow restaurant, which was right on the beach. There were two couples playing cards and having a great time. I started talking to them and found out that they were the Swedish owners of the resort. I ended up partying with them and their coworkers since it was one of the owners birthday. I had a few beers and just had a great time listening to music by the beach. It was a nice introduction back to Phuket.

The next day was rainy and very windy. The rain was off and on all day. I decided to take a walk on the beach. The beach is 8km long. I walked about half the length and found some interesting things along the way. I met a family from Australia and talked with them while walking. It's really amazing how friendly the people are that I met so far. That night I booked a Gold ticket to see the Fantasea Show. The show was really amazing. It has pyrotechnics, and you really see a lot about the Thais culture. The performance had about 15 elephants on the stage doing tricks. It had acrobats in the air, and the costumes and dancing was fabulous. I really enjoyed myself.

The next day I was booked to go white water rafting in Phang-Na, but we had a wicked storm that morning. I ended up cancelling and my sweet travel agent rebooked me for the next day. I ended up being friends with my travel agent and was shown around the area. I ended up going partying with her and others that I had met on my last night in Bangtao beach. We had a great time, but Bangtao was way to quiet for me after awhile. I decided to head to Kata beach on Thursday.

The whitewater rafting adventure was spectacular. I was in the nicest area called Phang-Na. Last December I had went sea kayaking in Phang-Na bay. They made a dvd of our trip and I ended up buying the dvd. I met some nice people on the trip, mainly Australians, and a few English people. It was a rush to go down the rapids. Even though it was only 5 kms, it was still exciting.

In Bangtao I met a girl also travelling solo. She is teaching English in Korea currently and we had lots to talk about. She was going to the airport the day I was going to Kata. It ended up that she had the wrong day and she was leaving on the wrong day as I informed her. She decided to head to Kata with me for a day. Yesterday (thur) was the nicest day here so far. It was great to get unpacked and head to the beach. I sat on the beach from 2pm to 8pm. We went for dinner on the beach and then last night went out partying. There was a live band who was excellent. We drank alot and met some guys. She was buying me drinks cause she said she was leaving the next day and it was her treat. Well, no arguing here, I thought. I was drinking Thailand rhum and coke all night. I never usually drink hard liquor, but the rum here is really good.

Well, I had a sore head this morning, but it was a great time. This evening Cory left back to Korea, and tomorrow I'm heading to Karon beach. I stayed at Karon last December and made friends with the people at the guesthouse I stayed at. I'm going to visit them and stay a night there.

Sunday morning I'm getting picked up and taking a bus to Krabi. I can't wait to see Krabi. I hope the weather keeps up. I want to see Railay beach and do some touring. I'll fly back to Bangkok from Krabi airport which just opened this past year. I'll be going back on Wednesday morning (13th), then I'm stay in Bangkok till Friday when I fly back to Canada. Wow!!

This has been another day in Jo's Thai Adventures...

Sitting in the new Suvarnahumbi Airport in Bangkok

2006-10-01T14:27:00.000+08:00

The time is finally here to board the plane to Phuket. I am so overly excited to be going to PHuket again. I never thought I would be able to get back so soon. Let's just hope the weather cooperates.

Being in this brand new airport that just opened a few days ago is fascinating. The architectural design of this airport sure is unique. It reminds me a long row of wings of an airplane. People can't stop taking pictures of the view of the bizarre shaped airport. You really don't see an airport designed like this anywhere.

I took a few photos and will post them when I can download my pictures. The internet cafe is very modern and the LCD hp 15 inch screens are nice. The price is a bit steep, but what can I expect being at an airport. It is 100baht for 20minutes. I feel like I'm in some sort of Sci-Fi movie inside this airport. It looks like silver chrome tubes and bars, with so many intricacies. When I look upwards, I see sky windows. Speaking of the sky, the weather here in Bangkok before I head down south is beautiful. It is warm and sunny today. Who knows what the weather will be like in Phuket. At this point, I'm just thinking positive thoughts.

Yesterday was a fabulous day. Not having to worry about the CELTA for the first time in a month, I met up with a guy I met on the course, and we just hung out. We went on the roue de Paris ferris wheel. The views during the day were amazing. I will have to post some pics on here really soon. After the ferris wheel we went on a swan paddle boat in Lumphini Park. We had so much fun and laughs, that it was one of my best days in Bangkok.

He decided to be a bad ass and knock our swan boat into another boat. It was really funny, as he just knicked it, and I couldn't stop laughing. The people in the other swan were sleeping and we woke them up. Then he started rocking the boat and I thought we would fall in. I especially didn't want to because I had my camera. The views as the sunset on the man made lake with the ferris wheel in the background were amazing. Hassan and I really clicked during the course. I'll really miss him, as he is off to teach in China. I hope to get there in the future.

It was a huge stress relief to just laugh about the course and talk about the whole month. It was a well deserved day. But, my plane is going to leave soon, so I better get out there. I'll post pics when I can.

Till then, this has been another day in Jo's Thai Adventures...

Celta complete, now Phuketbound!

2006-09-30T14:40:00.000+08:00

Wow!!! I am finished my CELTA course! It's hard to believe that a month has past. I was so caught up in working hard and doing the CELTA that the time just flew by. I'm really happy it is done now. It is one of the most intense courses I have ever took. I went home and slept for three hours after finishing the course. My dull headache had turned into a migraine the last few days.

I spent last evening shopping at the night bazaar with my British friend. Julie left this morning to go back to England. It was hard to say goodbye after spending so much time together this past month. It was really cool to have her in the same building as me. She helped ward off the infamous lizards that kept coming into our apartments. Believe it or not, she found this little lizard souvenir, and gave it to me to remind me of our lizard friends in Thailand..haha!

I'm heading to Phuket tomorrow and I can't wait to lie on the beach. Although, I was just reading the long range forecast and it looks like 100% thunderstorms for the whole next week. Yikes! This is not a good sign. I'll still go, but if the weather is that horrendous, I'll just come back to Bangkok early. I haven't booked my return ticket yet. Cross your fingers for me everyone!! I'm so looking forward to just lying on the beach and swimming. I also want to go to some national parks and do some hiking. If it is nice out, I want to go to Krabi and check oh Phang-Na area too. I really don't have much time over there. I'll have ten days. If the weather is shitty, then I don't know what I'll do.

Well, I'll be heading back to the big Canada on he 13th of October. I can't wait to see everyone again! I have a feeling I'll freeze when I get there. There is a huge difference between 80degrees and 10 above zero. I didn't bring a coat or sweater so it will be funny if I got off the plane in sandals and shorts!! haha. Hopefully my mom brings me a coat or sweater when she picks me up. I'll be doing tons of job searching when I get back to Canada. With my degrees and experience I should have lots of options. I am thinking of heading to the west coast of Canada for awhile. I do want to go overseas again at some point though.

My brother will be getting out of jail on the day I get back to Canada. It'll be really great to see him again. I bought so many souvenirs for everyone that I hardly have enough room in my suitcases. Well, I'll keep you posted from Phuket with pictures.

This has been another day in Jo's Thai adventures....

What a Bizarre Week - Coup D'etait!!!

2006-09-22T22:08:00.000+08:00

This week was the craziest week ever since I've been in Thailand. Wednesday morning I got a knock on my door at 7:30am from one of my classmates on the course. She lives in the same building as I. I was barely awake when I opened the door to tell her I wouldn't be joining her on an early start to school. I was just getting out of bed in fact. She told me in hurried terms that the military had taken over the government last night, meaning a military coup. She also told me that there was tanks on the roads overnight. and that the TV stations were cut and all playing the same thing.

I was in a little shock to say the least, because telling me the military has taken over the government, doesn't really register with me, especially since I've never experienced anything like this before - so I was thinking that the city was under siege. Not knowing too much about politics in Thailand, I thought the worst. She said she was still going to school, but she wasn't sure if there would be classes.

I was just picturing the worst. She said it was peaceful so I tried to calm myself as I reluctantly got ready to go to school, to see what the hell was going on.

Nothing looked out of the ordinary on the way to school, except the Thais people looked pretty happy. I heard a few yells of relief, and Thai music was playing loudly when I got on the subway- I really had no idea why at the time. The area where I go to the CELTA, is the business district and it is usually very busy with heavy traffic and street vendors are usually just setting up their stands. This day was unusually quiet, and people looked a little lost, as the military had declared today a public holiday.

Our morning classes went off as normal, but everyone was very curious as to what would happen. I knew I had better get in touch with my mother who had probably seen it all on TV by this time. She probably knew more than me at the time. Since Thai TV was not playing anything all night. I emailed her to tell her I was okay - but still a little confused at the surrealness of the suddenness of the going ons.

None of the students showed up, and it was nice to have that extra day to catch up on some work. Things were back to normal today and one of my Thai students told me that the Thai people are very happy that the military has taken over power because the current prime minister - Thaskin, was overly corrupt, and not very popular with the people. In fact, she said that the Thai people were bringing the military who were on the streets - flowers and food. They haven't had a military coup here since 1991. I hope things turn out better for Thailand because of this.

Today was the end of my third week on the CELTA course. This week was by far my best week considering the Coup happenings. I got an above average rating on one of my lessons on Thursday. I am looking foward to finishing the course in one weeks time. Me and my friend Julie, from the course, went to have a nice dinner and to end a week that couldn't of been more strange.

After dinner we went back up to the seventh floor where we had to pick something up for the weekend. On the way down in the elevator, we realized that the door would not open We were stuck on the first floor. The ironic thing about it all, is that the elevator had picked up a security guard with a radio on our way down to the first floor. So, the guard who spoke no English as I later found out, radioed for help when we couldn't get out of the elevator.

It was so dam funny at first. I couldn't stop laughing because the bizarreness of the whole week, then this happening on a friday night. It couldn't be more ironic. The Thai security guard was standing in the middle between me and Julie. He was holding a white teapot (which looked even funnier) and we were just standing there on the first floor while the door would just not open. After laughing for five minutes, I decided to sit down. It seemed it was only me that thought being stuck in an elevator was funny, as I was the only one laughing, the security guard must of thought I had lost my marbles or something.

I could hear the guards outside trying to get the door open..every once in awhile the elevator would jump down and back up. I thought we may just fall to our deaths on the one floor down, into the basement. I sat on the ground, while the guard smiled at me. I tried asking him what the problem was, and he said, "me speak no English." Well, wasn't that just perfect, I thought. I was about to pull out a paper and start writing when the door opened so nonchalently. Me and Julie just looked at each other, and we couldn't believe it..after twenty minutes of twiddling our thumbs, we weren't expecting it to happen. I told her to run and hold the door before it shuts again. I couldn't get up off the floor. Well, we finally got out of the elevator, and she said, "let's get the hell out of this building," and I couldn't agree more.

I'm looking forward to getting out of Bangkok this weekend. Have a great weekend everyone reading.

Well, this has been another crazy week in Jo's Thai Adventures.

Sky Bar and Floods

2006-09-18T18:26:00.000+08:00

Another weekend has past. The time has been flying since my arrival in Bangkok. This past Saturday night, I had a chance to go out and just RELAX for awhile. It felt absolutely wonderful. I went out with one of my British friends from the course. I really wanted to go to the skybar which is on the 63rd floor. As the title suggests, there is a bar on the rooftop which has a stunning view of all of Bangkok.

Unfortunately due to monsoon season, it was raining at the time we went into the bar. So, I never got a chance to go onto the rooftop. There is a bar that is inside that is surrounded by glass windows. The view just blew me away. The ambience is really relaxed with couches and tables beside the bar area. The floor above the inside bar is a restaurant called "Sirocco," and they had a band playing. I didn't get to eat at the restaurant, but I could see the band playing.

We didn't stay long because we were hungry, so decided to hop into a taxi and head to the Suan Night Bazaar to eat some western food (I have no idea why). My stomach has been bothering me lately because of eating some western food, and mixing it with Thai food. Thai food is so healthy, whereas western food is not. I can't imagine how my stomach will react once I go back to Canada. I'll miss Thai food so much, besides the fact that it is sooo cheap.

When we arrived at the night market, we walked towards the restaurant area. It was raining pretty hard most of the evening, but I was not expecting to see flooding. The water was at least ankle deep if not deeper. We had to take off our shoes to cross the road. I felt like I was in another city considering I had not seen any flooding in other areas of Bangkok. It was extremely funny to be seeing people walking around with no shoes and no socks, and the cars slushing through the water. Was I really in Bangkok?

Our late dinner at 10pm was not very appetizing. I had a club sandwich and was not impressed when they brought me a sandwich with roast beef, ham, and chicken on it. The menu said a chicken club. So, I had to wait another ten minutes to get my meal..Thais have no concept of time. Everyone is so laid back here, it's funny, although frustrating at times. Oh well, it was quite an adventure to say the least.

After the "flooding fun,"I went back home where there was no flooding. The flooded area was just in the market bizarre area. Yeah, bizarre was right! The drains must not be working in that area, I figured. It was nice to get home to a dry apartment.

I will post some pictures on here of the floods later.

Till then, this has been another day in Jo's Thai adventures.

Homesickness

2006-09-13T21:57:00.000+08:00

I was debating about writing tonight. I had a very long day, and am not in a good mood. I've been working about twelve hours a day this week for my course. I had an assignment due today, and I had to teach a one hour lesson on grammar today. I felt really irritable and also homesick. I received a very sad letter from my mom, telling me how much she misses me. It made me really miss home today.

Because I'm feeling extra tired and stressed, it made it even harder to be away from home and loved ones. I kind of feel like I'm on a downer being away from everyone I knew and liked both in Korea, and in Canada. That's the thing with travelling and moving as often as I do. I make a lot of friends, but I also get to miss them. I also really miss the kids that I taught in Korea. They really cheered me up everyday.

I've met a few great people here, especially a few brits on the course with me. Thank god for them really. We are going out this friday, so I'm looking forward to that. I'm learning so much about myself everyday; things I like, and things I don't like. This course, and being in Bangkok away from everyone is giving me a new perspective on life and myself. I guess it's like going through culture shock again because I'm in a different country; and how very different it is compared to Korea on so many levels. I wasn't really thinking about that before I came here.

I've never really felt this homesick before, not just for Canada, but for so many awesome people that I've met in the last few years. I don't know if it's pathetic to live like I've been living, moving around so much. But, I've experienced, and learnt so many things while travelling and living in another country.

I'm in a reflective mood tonight. I look forward to getting back to Canada in the next month to see everyone again. I know that I have really been able to appreciate people and other things that people take advantage of while living overseas. I will appreciate things much more when I get back. Although, there will be some sort of reverse culture shock that I'm worried about too. Canada is in no way like Korea or Thailand either.

Till next time, this has been another day in Jo's Thai Adventures.

Three weeks to go!

2006-09-10T22:00:00.000+08:00

My first week of the CELTA course is over. Thank God! I was sick most of the week, and it was a huge effort in everything I had to do. I ended up doing good considering I felt like shit. The people on my course are really cool. There is one Australian, three Brits, a few Americans, and me, the Canadian. We all got together Friday after school to work on the grammar assignment that was killer hard. After working till 7:30pm on Friday night, we went out for a few drinks with our trainers. It was nice to just chill out after an exhausting week.

My weekend was pretty relaxing. I found a pool near where I'm staying, and joined for a month. I went swimming both Saturday and Sunday. It felt amazing to swim again, after so long of being away from swimming. Today, we had to go into school and observe an experienced teacher for a few hours. It was pretty interesting. I had to do three hours of work after the observations, so it felt good to leave the school at 6pm. What a way to spend a Sunday!

The course is really intensive, and I'm not sure I like how it works. We have to teach everyday, and that leaves little to no time for planning our lessons. We have to observe our trainers teaching us how to teach, in the mornings. We have a half an hour to ask questions about or following day lesson. Between three of us, it doesn't leave much time for questions. Tomorrow should be very interesting. I don't feel totally prepared for teaching tomorrow. On Wednesday, I have to teach a sixty minute session. I don't mind the teaching part, but they give you what to teach, and the text is really old. We have to teach the way they tell us to teach.

One thing this course is helping me with is understanding grammar, timing of lessons, and writing lesson plans. I didn't do too much of that in Korea. The lessons were mostly laid out for me, and I just altered them and added to them as I saw fit. I wonder whether it was stupid of me to take this course a week after a hellish month of teaching in Korea. I guess that is why I got sick. Along with dealing with the change in temperature (it is much more humid here) and the pollution is worse here too. My thinking was that I would be already in the working frame of mind. Whereas, if I took a break for a month, and then took the CELTA, it may of been harder for me to get back into it. Who knows! Maybe I think to much.

I hope this week will be a bit easier on me, since I won't be sick. I really miss everyone in Korea, and in Canada too. I feel extremely homesick lately. I never really see anyone online anymore, although, I'm not on much either. The time difference affects things too. I hope to book my ticket to Canada next weekend.

I'm supposed to go to the skybar this weekend. Apparently its on the 63rd floor, and you can see all of Bangkok lit up at night. I look forward to getting to Friday.

Till then, this has been another day in Jo's Thai Adventures.

Murphy's Law

2006-09-06T20:35:00.000+08:00

I started my "CELTA" course on Monday, and it's now Wednesday and I'm sick. The course is a lot of work since I have to prepare lessons everyday and teach them. There is so much to do, and I couldn't afford to get sick, but sick I did get. I started feeling sick last weekend; my throat was scratchy, and I felt really tired.

Yesterday and today, I feel a lump in my right gland on my neck. I've had strep throat before so I know that is what it is. Today I went to get penicillin and you can get that over the counter here. It was cheap and easy to get. I left school at lunch today, and slept for three hours upon arriving home. Murphy's law that I would get sick now that the course has started.

I just hope I feel better soon because I don't feel like doing anything and I'm extremely exhausted. I have to teach a lesson tomorrow, and I'm being assessed. Hence why I'm here at the internet cafe, although I feel like being in bed at the moment.

I have tons of work to do this weekend. So, I hope the medicine kicks in fast. I am learning a lot about grammar terms and different styles of teaching English. It is great to be taught as a student again.

This has been another day of Jo's Thai Adventures.

A Tribute to Korean Kids - Part Two

2006-09-03T14:41:00.000+08:00

Here are more of my classes that I had when I left GDA Junior School. Here is "my boys" as I called them. They were also very beginner in their English abilities. I had this class three times a week, and I'll surely miss it.

Here is one of my highest GAEPS classes. Their English conversation is quite good. They all needed to improve on their written grammar. We also played scrabble a lot. This is one of my favorite classes.

Here is a better picture of my little kindergarten class. In Korean age they are 4 years old. But, in western age they are only three. I taught them the basic alphabet, and colors. We did a lot of coloring and cutting activities. Aren't they sweet?

Here are the twins (Mi-Na and Yu-Na) that I had in my kindergarten class. They are always dressed identical, as you can see. I really never was able to tell them apart. I would just say both of their names when talking to one, and whichever one looked at me, then I knew who it was. They were such monkeys, when I first started teaching then. They would pull other kids hair, and steal others toys. But, they changed in the end. They were very good, and also quite helpful.

Here is one of my favorite students, Cindy. I have taught her for one year. Most of my students were changed in March, because of a new term. But, Cindy was with me the whole year. She had a reading disability, although no one ever told me that, but I knew. Since, I had studied Psychology, and have worked with other students with learning disabilities, that was my guess. She had an enormous amount of difficulty reading, even though everyone else in the class could read. She came such a long way in reading from the beginning of the year. She bought me a beautiful present when I left. It said "I love you" on this book that was in the middle of water, inside a glass bubble. You could shake it and the waves moved inside. I think they are called "water globes". Well, getting that gift from Cindy, really made my year stay and troubles at the school worthwhile.

A Tribute to Korean Kids - Part One

2006-09-03T13:58:00.000+08:00

I had so many great classes where I was teaching at a language institute in Seoul, Korea. A few of my classes had a party for me when I left. One class in particular each bought me a present. It was the sweetest thing. One little girl wrote me a note telling me that I was a good teacher, and that she would miss me. I did shed a few tears that last day. Here are some pics of my students.
above left: my kindergarten students who I will miss so much. I would play antics like falling out of my chair and they would just laugh, and say, "do again." I never laughed so much as I did with them.

My middle school returnee class. Their English was excellent. We came a long way from the beginning. They are the hardest girls to get to know, and to get to talk. We spent a lot of time playing scrabble, and they won all the time.

Here is my class that made me a party before I left. They are really adorable. I felt like I could be my funny, and crazy self with this group. They were silly. We had many laughs.

Here is my phonics 1 class. They knew zilch English when I started teaching them in March. They have now graduated onto beginner conversation. These kids were the funniest, as you can tell.

Bugs and Giggles

2006-09-03T13:22:00.000+08:00

Straight out, I hate bugs! I have a history of animals and bugs following me. There was the time when I was a counsellor out in the woods of North Carolina, U.S.A, where I lived in the middle of the bush with a group of 20 troubled teenaged girls.

We stumbled upon a copperhead snake on our campsite one day, and I was told that I had to kill a poisonous snake if I ever found one on my campsite. Well, I had to get a shovel and much to my dismay, decapitate it, while everyone stared on at my heroic efforts. I was shaking in my skin at the time, but had to show that I could be the mighty Jane.

At the same campsite, I always found dead mice in our tents. I found mouse poop on my sleeping bag many nights. I could also hear animals all night, while I lie awake trying to sleep.

I also found a black widow spider on one of the girls cabins. I had to try and get it off the cabin. Where I found the guts to do that, I'll never know.

Then there was the time, I had a family of raccoons come into my apartment building through my open framed window off the patio. I couldn't leave my room because of the way the kitchen was closed. They would of attacked me for sure if they felt cornered. So, I was trapped in my room for two hours waiting for them to raid my kitchen cupboards. I was shaking in my skin at the time.

And most recently in Korea, I was watching a movie in my room with the lights off, when I saw the shadow of some big bug on my wall. Upon turning the light on, I was freaked out to find a big cockroach crawling on my wall. I ran to get the bug spray and waited for it to land on the floor. It really disgusted me, and now my fear of bugs is real.

Well, fast forward to last night. I've been spotting huge, and I mean the biggest cockroaches, I've ever seen here in Thailand on the streets. They disgust me to no end. When I opened the door to my apartment last night. I saw some big bug run on the wall. I figured it was a cockroach but, it could of been a ghecko for all I know. I saw a few of those in Phuket on the walls and ceilings.

I was not prepared to go and find the bug and kill it. I just couldn't hack it..the big baby that I am. I went to talk to the owner. I also told him I had a family of ants that regularly were seen on my kitchen counter. He said that was normal, and even he had them in his apartment.

Anyway, he said he would get two of the staff to come and find what was in my room. Two young Thai girls who later I found out couldn't speak a word of English, came out with a broom and dustpan. They must of thought, I was a crazy "Farang." They followed me to my room giggling to each other all the while. They opened the door and went in to look around, and then they broomed something out, but it looked like a flower leaf to me. It was dark, so I wasn't sure if it was something or not.

I went inside and asked them if they got it, and they just pointed toward the door, making a out wave with their hands, all the while giggling hysterically and talking Thai, which I don't understand. At the time, I was a bit panicky because it was possible that whatever it was went into my bedroom,which was through the door which was opened. Anyway, I politely said "Cob Kun Khaa" which means, "Thank You" in English. They looked surprise to hear me talking Thai.

They left, and I as I was about to shut my door, I heard them giggling hysterically running down the stairs. I felt like a complete baby, and laughed about it to myself. I'm sure it is an everday thing to see cockroaches, and gheckos here. Well, I treaded carefully into my room looking around cautiously. I just can't imagine having a huge cockroach in my suitcase or in my bed for that matter. Call me a baby if you must, but after all my past experiences, I've just grown disgusted. You would think I would be Queen Sheba after all my encounters with bugs and animals, but that I'm afraid is not the case.

This has been another day in Jo's Thai adventures.

A Tribute to friends in Korea - Part Two

2006-09-02T15:17:00.000+08:00

During my one year stay in Seoul, Korea, I ended up becoming great friends with my Korean partner teacher at the school I was teaching at. Soo-Yeon had an interest in Canada, as she had studied English in Vancouver for six months previously.

We made fast friends, and hung out after school. She helped me learn some important Korean words and phrases. We went to eat at the great Mexican restaurant near our school. We were part of the furniture there actually.

She finished working at GDA in March and I was so sad to see her go. She had taught all the same classes as me, and it was hard to say good-bye. We vowed to stay friends and meet on a regular basis. We met about once a month after that. She bought me a few Korean things for my birthday (see pic) and we met the last week of my stay in Korea.

She is going back to Take the TESOL course in Vancouver in December of this year. I hope to meet her there at some point. She could then show me around Vancouver area since I've never been there.

Here is a picture of Soo-Yeon in the Insa-dong area that we frequented a couple of times. We had an amazing day shopping, and we went for a traditional Korean lunch. I'll really miss our times together.

Here is my other best Korean friend. When Soo-Yeon left GDA, I got another partner teacher who sat next to my desk. She ended up being the coolest person. We made instant friends. Her English was really good too, just like Soo-Yeons. Her English name is Jamie. We hung out after work sometimes. We went shopping and I ended up hanging out with her on her birthday and also on my birthday.

We made very effective partner teachers. We taught most of the same classes and often talked about our students outside of school. I hate to brag but, we were very effective teachers, and we had a basic beginner English class, and when I left, they were so advanced in their understanding of phonics and starting basic fluency.

Jamie met me on my last day in Korea. She was going to meet her students on a Saturday, (the sign of a dedicated teacher) and they never showed up. So, she came over to my house with a large potato pizza. We ended up pigging out. She bought me a going away present. It was really hard to say good-bye to her. She is going to graduate school in the U.S next year. I hope to meet her in the future again. Thanks for everything Jamie.

A Tribute to friends in Korea - Part One

2006-09-01T21:58:00.000+08:00

I had to do some sort of Tribute to all the great, and amazing friends I met in Korea. Here is darling Nicki on the left, and sweet Mira on the right. These are two new teachers that came to GDA, a month before I left. It was too bad they came so late in my year, since I got along with them famously. Nicki is from the U.S, and Mira is from South Africa. This was at 1am in the morning of the day I was leaving. They came to my apartment to see me off and take some of my loot I was giving away. Nicki was moving into my apartment as soon as I left on Sunday. This is my small apartment I was living in since July. I really miss these girls. I partied with Nicki and a few others, two days before I left. It was a huge party night. Hi to you girls, and miss you. Stay in touch. XOXO... P.S - Mira, how's those daft report cards going? Bloody Hell!!

Here is Travis from Ontario. He is also a new teacher that came in August to GDA. We become fast friends. Travis also went to Carleton University in Ottawa. He is super sweet, and this picture was taken on the night of the big party. We sure were buzzing that night, and who can forget the french singing and holding hands on the way home:)

Travis walked me to the airport shuttle bus, very early on Sunday morning. Thank you Travis! Keep in touch!

Here is Grace. Grace was a super partier that night out. She is also a new teacher at GDA. Can you tell how super loaded we were here.

Grace actually sewed up one of my favorite shirts, the last few nights in Korea. She's a sweetheart who I'll miss dearly. Stay in touch, and stay away from that Soju! ;)

Too be continued.. I also met some super amazing Korean friends.

Grey hair and Shoppers paradise

2006-09-01T20:59:00.000+08:00

I just got back from shopping galore. I decided to set out and see some of the city, and to see the huge shopping area in Siam Square. They have just opened and renovated two of the big malls I went into; Central City and Siam Paragon. I was a bit disappointed because not all of the stores in Central city were even open yet. Most of the stores were brand names, and the prices were really high. The mall is huge though. It is the biggest shopping mall in Asia apparently. There is seven floors of shopping.

I walked around and around. I ended up going back to another mall that I had went to with Sue. I went back to Marks and Spencers and ended up dropping to much money on clothes. It is so hard to find clothes that fit me here. I'm not the smallest girl in the world, and the clothes are pretty small. As I was trying clothes on today, I found something that shocked and depressed me.

I found a few grey hairs on the front of my head. I had to look twice because I thought me of all people would never get grey hairs.!! AHHHH!!! I pulled out the ones that I saw. This fact depressed the hell out of me, to be honest. Along with the fact that I have gained weight in the last year. I vowed to join the gym tomorrow, and color my hair too.

Well, I ended up buying two skirts outside from the street vendors, and then two skirts from M&S's that cost me a bundle. I won't do that again. They had a 30% discount on everything at the store. Stupid me actually ran out of money since I came here with a lot of travelers cheques. I wanted to buy some shoes afterwards, but I had no money left. Well, I should stop spending money so fast, as once I'm out, I'm really out.

Today I walked by the Erawan shrine. Where there is a huge buddha, and people burn incense and go there to pray. Thais are very Buddhist. From what I see, Buddhism is very popular here, as well as praising the King of Thailand. You can see pictures all over the city of the King. They also play the national anthem in the park twice a day. They also play the national anthem in schools, and train stations. You can see big billboards of pictures of the King and Queen of Thailand. It sure is different.

I was trying to add more pictures to this blog, but for some reason it is not letting me. How frustrating. I'll try another time. Till then, this is another day of Jo's Thai Adventures.

Suan Lum Night Bazaar Continued..

2006-09-01T15:00:00.000+08:00

It looks as though I can't publish many pictures on one post so, here is my attempt to publish more pictures. The temple on the left is where I had my foot massage in Lumphini park. I had the view onto the lake. It was just a relaxing time. You can see the man on the right who was telling me to "come here" in Thai English. Of course, anything to make a bit of money. The foot massage only cost me about 5$ Canadian.

Here is a view of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar and the big Ferris Wheel in the background. It was all lit up at night. As you will see in the next photo.

Here I am just before I am going to get on the "Roue de Paris", as it's called. Hi everyone! Miss all of you!

I took this picture while standing right under the wheel. This was the wheel I had seen from close to where I live. I was curious as to where it was. I was just about to get on the wheel here. I hadn't been on a ferris wheel since I was a kid. Wheeeee!!!

Suan Lum Night Bazaar and the Big Wheel

2006-09-01T14:01:00.000+08:00

I had an excellent day yesterday. I decided to go for a walk and check out Lumphini park. Trying to cross the road here is like taking my life into my hands. It is a nightmare.. there are so many motorcycles and the pollution is terrible. Well, after standing on the corner for ten minutes, I decided to cross the road to get to Lumphini park.

The park is a heavenly greenery oasis in the middle of the city. There are two man made lakes and they have an outdoor gym. I didn't make it too far into the park, when I was called over by this older thai man. See the picture on the left. He was sitting in this beautiful chinese like temple. He said he would give me a foot massage, and the scenery was breathtaking. I couldn't resist sitting down. He gave me an hour foot massage, and all the while this Thai boy came around with ice cream..I was sitting in this greenery paradise, eating chocolate ice cream. Could this get any better? I didn't want to leave that park because after living in Seoul for a year, and being in Bangkok, I hadn't seen greenery for awhile.

Above: a picture with the King of Thailand in the background.

I finally got up from the massage, and walked around the park a bit. Here are some pics of the park that I took. They had bushes cut into elephants. It was so cool!

After the park experience, I went home to change and shower, since I was meeting the Thai man from the restaurant at 5:30pm. We met up right outside of the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. This place is really amazing. It is a big market that sells everything under the sun. The Thais sell silk really cheap. I ended up buying some silk ties and silk boxer shorts for all my male family back in Canada.

They also have a huge ferris wheel that is all lit up at night. This wheel is huge. After a lovely dinner of Thai food, and some Thai language lessons; we decided to go on the, "Roue de Paris." I could really see the Bangkok skyline all lit up at night. It was so fun, and the views were stunning from up so high. Check out the pics of me and the wheel in the background.

I seem to be having some trouble getting pics on here correctly. I'll try on another post. Well, I shopped around a lot, and vow to go back there in the near future.

I ended up learning some Thai phrases, and teaching my new Thais friend some English phrases, that he could use as a waiter. Today, I'm heading to Central City mall to see what I can find. I'll keep you posted. Till then, this has been another day in Jo's Thai Adventures.

Fellow Canadians and Marks and Spencers

2006-08-31T13:21:00.000+08:00

I just finished the best breakfast. I found this cute little restaurant near where I'm staying. It just opened a month ago and the decor is beautiful, with Thai orchids all around. You can see onto a garden through glass windows and roof. There are a lots of nice looking Thai men that work there too. Apparently, I am meeting one of them to take a walk through Lumphini park later today. I'll keep you posted.

Last evening went swell. I was waiting in Starbucks for Sue to appear. She was a half hour late, although I was somewhat expecting that. I heard that "Thai time" is different than normal time. They tend to be late with many things, because of the cultural attitude of "Mai Pen Rai;" which means, "no worries." Even though she is not a Thai person, she has been living like a Thai for almost three years, as I later found out.

I forgot to mention, that before I even sat in Starbucks waiting, I had an hour to kill. The Starbucks is inside a mall where I went shopping the previous day. I went looking at watches. Even though I didn't care to know what time it was, as I'm on holidays. Who counts the time in Thailand anyway!!

Well, I found a watch I liked. There was two Thai boys helping me. The watch was too big for my wrist. They had to take some links out. Well, it was so funny to see them get their tools out and start working on taking the links out. I was waiting for awhile, as they seemed to be having some trouble.

Next thing you know, a little Thai girl who was working just across at the "Maybelline" counter comes up and says, "Hi, where you from?" We talked for a minute then she asked if she could do my makeup. I said "sure, why not!" Well, she did the whole shibang on my face. I must say, it looked really good. The guy kept coming over to fit my watch on my wrist, but he had taken too many links out and he had to go back and add another. We were just laughing at him.

Eventually he fixed it properly, and I was all made up and ready to meet my date. Too bad it wasn't a hot date, cause I sure felt hot.

Anyway, I made it back to Starbucks looking and feeling five years younger. As I was glancing at the horrendous traffic just outside the window, in walked Sue. Sue looked exactly like the earlier picture I had seen of her. She said the same thing to me, as she approached me with a wide eyed smile. It felt comforting to meet someone, and a Canadian at that.

We went out for a Thai dinner. We had some sort of battered fish, with a side dish of chicken with cashews, and a plate of asparagus. It was sooo delicious. I also ordered a Thai beer, called "Singha." The waiter brought me one of those huge bottles of beer, and boy, was I ever buzzed by the end of the meal. It was great.

From talking with Sue, I was amazed at her life here. She had recently been married to a Thai national. She talked happily about her recent wedding in Phuket. I was in awe at the fact that she will be moving to Phuket in a few months to live with her husband. I was so envious, but also excited to know someone who I can visit in my idea of a "tropical paradise, called Phuket."

We left there, and headed towards a shopping mall. It was the first time I rode the skytrain. The skytrain is so cool. It is a subway above the ground literally. You can see all of Bangkok lit up at night. It is so fast to get from point A to point B. In the shopping mall, I was amazed at all the brands of clothes they had. They had way more selection than in Seoul. They even had a Marks and Spencers clothes area. I laughed because I had shopped in M&S, in England. I love the underwear and bras in there too.

I tried on some clothes, but only ended up buying a silk neglige. The clothes seemed quite expensive in there. I decided to wait till I found a bigger mall. We didn't end up going to the big Siam Paragon, but I hope to go there this weekend.

I had to say bye to Sue, at the mall because she lives in the opposite direction than where I was staying. I rode the skytrain back to our originating point. It was a great feeling riding the skytrain on my own. It reminded me of riding the subway in Seoul for the first time. Although, it was way different. There wasn't as many people for one, and the crowds weren't pushing and shoving.

I wasn't being stared at as much either. I saw a lot of foreigners on the skytrain too. As I got off the skytrain, I had to catch a subway back to my apartment. The area I'm staying at is very quiet, almost eery. I felt pretty safe though. As I got out of the subway, I could hear the rain coming down. It was raining pretty heavy again, and I had no umbrella. I decided to just walk in the rain. I stopped off at the restaurant near my house, and they offered me an umbrella to walk the rest of the way.

I felt extremely exhausted when I got home. I have never slept that heavy before. I had dreams of my grandmother last night. I haven't dreamt of her in a long time. At least I knew someone was looking down on me, and hopefully keeping me out of harms way.

This is another day in the life of, Jo's Thai adventures.

Monsoon Rains in Bangkok!

2006-08-30T14:50:00.000+08:00

For some strange reason, I didn't think Bangkok was in its rainy season. I was looking into going to Phuket in October, and I know that they are experiencing monsoon rains at that time. But, I had no idea that it would be rainy here.

It rained for a half hour on my first day here. This isn't a typical rainfall that we are used to in Canada. This is heavy rain that comes down hard and fast. Thank god I was sitting in a restaurant that had a glass rooftop that first time it rained. The rain was so loud, but it also sounded like music dancing on the glass rooftop. I couldn't talk to the waiters because it was so loud. It felt really peaceful to me.

Last night I went to eat dinner at 8pm. The rain started as soon as I got indoors. It rained so hard, that I understood why they get tons of flooding here in October and November. I had to walk home in the rain last night, but thanks to the great restaurant near my house; I was offered an umbrella.

My feet and legs got soaked on the way home, but it felt really good, considering it was so hot and humid here the last few days. It rained all night. I have copper panelling outside my apartment, and I heard the loud sound of rain all night.

Today is Day 3 for me in Bangkok. I will be meeting a Canadian girl who is teaching here. She is also from Ottawa, Ontario. We are going to eat dinner, and then visit a huge shopping center called Siam Paragon. Apparently, this area is shoppers paradise. Oh Oh! The mall just opened a few months ago.

I really look forward to talking to Sue, because she has been teaching here for the last few years. I hope to glean some insight into Thai culture and, how to be a single, western girl in this sexpat paradise. I hope to find a store that has clothes that fit me. I cannot fit into Thai women's sizes. I only wish! I'll keep you posted with some pics later.

I wrote this poem last night while listening to the rain pounding outside my patio doors. It feels so good to write again.

Rain

The sound of music
hammering down
on the glass rooftop
hear its sound?

Fast tempo, then it slows,
never knowing
where it goes

Listening to the rain
reminds me of peaceful days

Time to sleep
for future feats
in dreams my thoughts will go.

Day 2 in "The City of Angels"

2006-08-29T19:57:00.000+08:00

There is something about Thailand that I knew was special when I first visited Phuket in December 2005, on my Christmas vacation. I knew then, that I had to come back to this Land of Smiles. It was exactly one year after the Tsunami (December 26, 2005) when I last visited Phuket, on my Korean winter vacation.

Turn the clock ahead to August 27, 2006, and here I am, back in Thailand; but now I'm in the capital city of Bangkok (Krung Thep).

I just left Seoul, Korea, after teaching English there for one year. It was sad to go after making so many friends. I hated saying goodbye. I never took the time to write a blog about Korea, and I regret that. So, here is my go of a new Thai adventure.

Back to Bangkok.. Day 2 in the big city. It feels strange wondering this city on my own. Today, I figured out the subway system, and I had no problem, since the system reminds me of the clean, and efficient (english signage) underground in Seoul.

Although, it felt strange not feeling the mad pushing and shoving of the enormous Korean crowds. I actually felt like I had some space to breathe..Ahh, that lovely pollutionl, that I encountered when I walked into Silom area, hit me like a ton of rotten eggs.

Today was a typical lazy Thai day. Being that I am on vacation for a week, I yearned to go shopping, and shopping I indeed went. I stopped at every counter, because I was awed at all the stuff they had compared to Korea, I was in paradise; Gucci, Lancome, and every other brand name under the sun. The prices were really low compared to Korea also.

I had to stop myself from spending every last baht I had in my little fat wallet. I knew that it was only day 2, and that I wanted to save a bit for Day 3 and beyond. What's a girl to do in a big city like Bangkok? Shop till I drop, that's what!

Did I tell you about Thai massages. When I was in Phuket in December, I couldn't believe how cheap and wonderful Thai massages were. Well, yesterday being Day 1 in Thailand; I couldn't let the opportunity to indulge in a cheap (400 baht) Thai massage. It was heavenly.

Today I figured I'd not get a massage considering I just got one yesterday, but... I couldn't resist. This guy gave me a pamphlet as I was walking by. The place was literally calling my name...come back, come back, it was yelling, as I passed it hurriedly trying not to notice the incense and big sign saying in bold letters, "Thai massage paradise." Who could really resist that? Not me, surely!

Well, that was it. I went back.. and not only did I get a massage today, I got a scrub down, and then I took a bath in this aromatherapy oil. Well, wasn't that a treat!! I hadn't taken a bath in one whole year. Can you believe it? I was so happy to take a bath. It was paradise. After the ten minute bath soak in hot, hot water, I had a one hour thai oil massage.

Let's just say that I'm still feeling the effects. The whole package deal only cost me about 25$ CA. That is unheard of! The price is so low. If I were to get a massage and pampering like that back in Canada, it would cost me like more than 100$CA. Insane! So now, I feel like I just stepped off the beach and I'm ready to sleep the night away.

Well, that was my interesting day in the Land of Smiles..or as I would like to call it; The land of Sloth. This place is all hustle and bustle, but underneath the traffic and pollution, is this land of just laid back, relaxing place. The food here is to die for. I hit this noodle shop for lunch. It was only 2$CA for a noodle dish with shrimp and other seafood.

I've been thinking more and more of trying to get a good job teaching here in Thailand. This place has a draw to it. I'll keep you posted. Till then, this has been Jo's Thai Adventures. Stay posted for pictures to soon follow.