Twister, Islands and Goodbyes

It’s been an interesting few weeks here in Thailand.  UMPI students along with more than 100 staff members from Lertlah campus three participated in a team building weekend, partaking in various games to get to know each other.  Highlights included a massive game of twister (as demonstrated by Heather and Amanda,) karaoke, dance routines poking playful fun at our director, and  lots of beer drinking.  It was a great opportunity to get to know the people we will be working with.

As the red shirt protest became more fierce, school was delayed for a week.  Some UMPI students went to Ko Samed, a small tourist island south of Bangkok, while some hit it the beautiful paradice of Krabi.  It was an unexpected holiday to say the least, yet all could not help but think of the dangers which may lie ahead in our new home of Bangkok.

Nick and Kelly have decided to head home after much deliberation.  All of us still here in Bangkok wish you all the best in the future!

Things here in Bangkok seemed to have quelled.  Last week was certainly an eye opener to see how protests can get ugly, as more than 50 people died in the clashes, while hundreds were injured.  There is currently a curfew in Bangkok and other provinces, which has calmed things down in the streets.  Hopefully we will be able to see the beautiful sights of downtown soon!  I assure everyone though, our neighborhood is safe, and everyone hasn’t strayed too far from our area.

Our school year begins Monday.  It will be nice to get into a routine, and get to know our students.

BB

BUDDHIST TEMPLE

This amazing Buddhist temple was actually built into a cave. There are monkeys everywhere but I’m told they’re rather unfriendly. Our regular taxi driver/tour guide (Mr. Wan) stopped here on the way to the beach at Cha-Am. While at the ocean for our team-building weekend we enjoyed Thai massage, horse-back riding, swimming, great food, and partying into the night. It’s hard work, but someone has to do it 🙂

Sawatdee Kap Bangkok!

Our first week of orientation at Lertlah School has finished, and we’re all getting used to our new city’s surroundings.  Some are courageously conquering the streets, eating new things and embracing the culture, while others are bashfully taking small steps into the streets and thinking twice about trying the  oddly shaped fruit.  In all, I think everyone is adjusting to the heat, and getting on quite nicely.  We have found food stalls that will become our  daily routine for our dinner.  You can actually order Mcd’s for a small fee if the craving arises, or get any type of western food for a little more money.  Orientation began on Monday and has consisted of curriculum meetings, Thai language and culture classes, and getting our materials ready for the next academic year.  This weekend we are going on a team building retreat at a resort not far from Bangkok with all 180 staff.  HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!  BB

Best Layover Ever!

UMPI Education students and Professors had a brief layover in Cairo before heading to Bangkok.  We saw the Pyramids of Giza while riding camels, The Sphinx, and King Tut’s tomb.  It was am amazing experience!  I imagine everyone was thinking, “Am I really riding a camel in Egypt right now?” It was an amazing day  which took us from our  familiar sleepy surroundings of Presque Isle, to the bustling barrage that is Cairo!

We arrived in Bangkok without red shirts.  Haven’t seen a red shirt, and certainly have no plans to!  Hopefully the protests will be over soon so we can visit the sites of beautiful downtown Bangkok.  Upon our arrival, some Thai teachers took us to our apartments, gave us a tour of the school, and took us to the mall for some necessities. So far, everything has been great!

Most of the students have courageously ventured off to a water park to stave off the 40 degree weather.  I am off to familiarize myself with the surroundings of my new neighborhood for the next year.  Enjoy the pics!