Here in the Thawiwattana section, a suburb of Bangkok.
The journey was great--arrived in LA without a hitch, connected with Helena and had supper with her and her AFS friend Pedro, not going on the Thailand trip but living in the LA area. Next morning met the rest of the AFS Thailand group, a great bunch of kids (I think the next oldest to me is about half my age--more later about the thrill of being an Honored Aged One in Thailand!)
Stopover at the Tokyo airport, toured the duty-free shop with Nick, one of our Thai group who had lived in Japan for a while. Learned a little about Japan, was impressed by the beautiful style, bought a donura (sp?), little doll with blank eyes. You paint one eye black as you make an important wish, and when the wish comes true you paint the other eye so he can see to guide your way. I'm thinking of a good wish, meanwhile luxuriating in the pleasure of wishes more than abundantly granted.
The orientation at the Richmond Hotel in Bangkok was a brief and intense combination of jet-lag, Thai language instruction, getting to know each other and melting into the sensuous pleasure of a fancy hotel in Thailand. My roommate was Irine from the Phillipines, an unexpected member of our group and a pleasure to know. She's been a teacher of English in Zamboage, Phillipines for four years, so is the most experienced teacher of the group. She's teaching at a school nearby (approximately 1/2 hour), so I hope to see her again soon.
And now I'm here at home on Khrom Pathom in the Tawiwattana section, suburb of Bangkok. It's a lush and lovely setting, with something beautiful to see at every turn--I can't stop grinning. I'm to start teaching On Monday, have already met some of the students on my tour of the school this morning. First impression is shy, intelligent, curious about this strange stranger in their midst. My coordinator/contact person is Jaranai--I am blessed to be connected with her. She would be a good friend in any circumstance; in this setting she is an absolute lifesaver, English quite good, sense of humor and forgiveness seemingly boundless.
More later--sorry, I can't seem to figure out how to show photos. I'm using a school computer, need to wait til Jaranai is back on Monday so I can ask questions.
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Dear Honored Aged One -
ReplyDeleteIt was thrilling and moving to read this entry. Brought tears to my eyes. I am SO happy that your trip over was smooth, and that your initial impressions are so positive. You write beautifully, and I can't wait to read more!
Hugs,
Karen
"The Daruma doll (達磨 daruma), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism."
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