It's already 29th of May 2014, and I was reading my blog entry and found out this entry is missing! I will try hard to recall what occurred during my volunteering in Thailand.
Is Suvanna and Mr S mad at me because I was unable to join them? I haven't the slightest idea. Natalie and I went back to school on our own. We took a cab and then, get off at the bus stop. We supposed to walk from the bus stop to reach the school, luckily, there's a kind parent of one of our students who gave us a ride. Honestly, i cannot imagine walking 5 to 6 miles!
On my 6th day of volunteering, i was so anxious to see Suvanna and Mr S. I have to apologize even I don't do anything wrong! But Mr S isn't around and Suvanna never mention that topic. I taught kids again, this time I have additional cute students.
On my 7th to 8th day, I continue teaching kids and at the same time playing with them during break time. I was able to meet another foreign visitor from Norway. Finally, I talked to Mr S and tried to settle the issue that bothered me for several nights. I worried for nothing! He's such a good man!
This is also the last time I saw Mr S, as he was off to attend something important. He gave me my certification ahead of time, took pictures and waived goodbye. I also made the certification of all kids who attended the English Summer Program.
On my last day of volunteering, we made a family tree on the school wall. Teach a little and submitted the lesson plan for my 9 days of volunteering. Before I left, the kids had prepared a very heart touching goodbye. They enclosed me on a circle while singing, until the circle gets smaller and they hugged me and we all landed on the ground. They gave me letters too. It was one of the best moments I have in my life. It's unforgettable and absolutely heart breaking goodbye! I can't imagine parting with them. They are all so lovely!
That day, I left Chiang Rai and went to Bangkok to travel to Siem Riep. Crossing the border alone. I had this funny experience in Siem Riep, Cambodia. I met this man when I visited a shop with my new travel companion I met when visiting Angkor Wat. This man talks about religion and marriage which I completely opposed. He kept insisting his personal opinion and beliefs on me! He even asked me to marry him several times. I told him no! And he told me, that in case I change my mind, just inform him. Before we left the store, he told my new friend to guide me because I am lost! I told him I am not! I am only at the right age to marry but not in the right mind! There's no way I will marry someone who doesn't respect my beliefs and someone I do not love!
It was a wonderful journey though :)
Oct 30, 2013
My Volunteering Adventure in Thailand Part 2
Oct 20, 2013
My Volunteering Adventure in Thailand
I am currently here in Chiang Rai, Thailand for a volunteering mission. A 2week english teaching to kids in Ban Namtok Pattana School.
I found them via VolunteachThailand, and Suvanna is my contact. She's very nice, as well the school director whom we call Mr S. I paid 159USD, you can stay as long as you want with a minimum of 2 weeks. There are other areas you can choose from. I chose Chiang Rai because I heard it's a beautiful place, which in fact is very true.
When I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport via Pal on Oct 11, 5:30pm(Thailand is an hour behind to Philippines), I was able to exchange 200dollars coz the clerk told me it would be wise if I change my Philippine pesos in the city. I bought an AIS simcard at the airport for 150 baht. I took the airport link till Phaya Thai station(45Baht) and transferred to BTS Phaya Thai station heading to Mochit station for 35Baht. From Mo Chit Station, I took the motorbike going to Northern Bus Terminal for 100baht. I purchased my ticket going to Chiang Rai for 483 Baht - upperdeck. Took me 13 hours to reached Chiang Rai.
When I get off the bus, Suvanna was there waiting for me together with Mr S. Just a little chatting and they drove me to the guest house where I'm staying during weekend - it's called Chiang Rai Cafe located at the heart of Chiang Rai.
Since it's Saturday, Suvanna has toured me around the walking night street.. It was really fun! Too many items to buy, lively people.. there's even program wherein many people were dancing, it some sort of exercise though. I was able to taste their street food too!
The next day, i just stayed in the guest house and waited for our departure to the school. I met Natalie, who is also a volunteer. I'm thankful she agreed to share room with me! I cannot imagine staying alone in that place. I'm such a coward :D
First day of Volunteering:
I met the kids, they are all cute and playful. I cannot recall all their names though. I was assigned to P2 kids, the big challenge here is not only how to teach but also how to get their attention. I have no experience of teaching kids. I used to teach korean and japanese english but they are adults. But this time, they are kids!
It was so tiring but it was fun! That's the day when i concluded that teaching is not really for me.
2nd day of Volunteering:
After the flag ceremony, Mr S officially introduced me to the students and after that, he gave me a crash course in teaching! It's singing while teaching, so it would be easier for the kids to remember and at the same time they're having fun.
He would ask me, sing apple, elephant, sphagetti, banna, hotdogs, etc. Like this:
Apple Apple,
I like Apple
You like Apple
You and I like apple
Do you like Apple
Do you like Apple
Please tell me
Please tell me
Do you like Apple
Do you like Apple
Please tell me
Please tell me
Do you like Apple?
Yes I do. I like Apple.
Do you like Apple?
No I don't. I like Mango.
I've been doing this to the kids. When I have to introduce new words, phrases, I use this tune, I sing it, clap my hands, dance, anything!!!
I've never done this before, it was a whole new experience to me.
Teaching also test your patience, believe me, i really thought I have no patience with kids, but I actually do! I am enjoying it. Maybe because we think alike. haha
3rd day of Volunteering
While I was having a discussion, Mr S came over and watched me dealing with kids. My way is kinda really wrong.. so he taught me a technique on how to teach.. again, #1 Presentation #2 Practice #3 Production
My problem with teaching is that, i cannot move on when one of my students can't get it correctly. The tendency is that the other students get bored. What am I supposed to do?
When they no longer listen to me, i have to draw something on the board.. I drew doraemon, etc. Haha
I honestly don't like being watch, it feels so uncomfortable, but I understand the purpose. I'm not good, and I need to be taught as well.
4th day of Volunteering
No classes today. A couple visited the school, so we prepared for their arrival, kids performed. When they left, Natalie and I took a nap, when we woke up, no one is around. The kids went home. Our fault, we didn't take responsibility of those children.
5th day of Volunteering
Finally it's friday. I love friday. We had a crazy day!!! Some politicians came over and so we have to pay attention to them. We danced like crazy, it was a total feast! haha I love it!
We left the school around 4pm and went to the guest house. Mr S came and had a little chat.
They planned of what to do on Saturday, well, he was just talking to Natalie, so I thought I am not part of it. I actually felt I don't exist at all. I'm so silly!
Natalie and I ate at the night bazaar and then, visited a bar. I asked her to dare me to drink, so I drink Jameson and Tequila. Now, I wonder why my friends in the Philippines never even invited me to go with them and drink. I'm not a drinker, but If I am invited, i might try :)
On Saturday, I've decided to go according to my plan and went to Burma. Around 11:30 am, i checked my phone, 5 missed calls from Suvanna! oh my god! I just texted her and told her I'm in Burma and that i'll be back by 5pm.
When i got back in my guest house, and Natalie arrived, she told me that Suvanna and Mr S expected me to come with them.. i was shocked! I'm in trouble again! I completely misunderstood the situation. I would be very happy to go with them to tour Chiang Rai, but I really felt I am uninvited coz they never talk that plan about me even though we're all together the other day. So i really believed I shouldn't go with them. I cannot ask if I can go with them, when it was so obvious in the conversation that he was just referring to Natalie, he doesn't even look at me.
Well that's okay with me. Again, it was a misunderstanding on my part. I emailed to apologize. I really do hope they are not mad at me. It's not my intention to miss such a great opportunity to travel with them. I'm really bothered about that issue. I cannot afford to have them think ill of me! I shall talk to them tomorrow and explain things. I wish to ask also if it's possible to leave a day early though I've committed 2 weeks.
Around 9pm, I hangout with Natalie and her friend from California whom she met during her travel to Pai. And her friend's friend from Australia, whom she met here. Haha.. I got drunk lastnight, and i forgot their names, I'm sorry, should you ever read this blog of mine. I am so grateful meeting all of you.
We just went for a drink in peace for peace bar I think, i'm not sure with the name too! Haha
I got distracted when these 2 american guy seated in our table... I don't like what they're talking about, it's nasty!!! I tried to focus on listening with Natalie and my new friends, but it was so noisy! Anyway, it was a fun night. This is my 3rd time hanging out and drinking with people I met during my solo travel. First is Sanghee, whom I met in Jeju Island, and 2nd, with Natalie.
So now, i shall go out and buy myself a lunch. I'm super hungry! I'm gonna worry about my worries tomorrow! It won't change anything today anyway.
If you wish to contact this school, let me know. You're gonna love those kids. The place is beautiful too especially if you appreciate nature. Suvanna and Mr S are both kind. They'll treat you as if you are part of their family.
This is the perks of travelling alone, you get to meet new people and experience new things. I must say that my behavior is sometimes displeasing! I often forgot to say Sawadee ka.. Oh my!
I get use into bowing my head to acknowledge a person's presence and smile at them. Hay.. Culture differences. It's not like I can change in a day or 2. It takes time, and I'm trying.
I'll keep you posted on my 6th day to 10th day of my volunteering next week :D
