Phon Phisai - day one

Last night 15 of us from Travel to Teach got together for dinner on a boat-restaurant.  Across the river lay Laos, and during our twilight dining we could hear the sound of monks chanting at the nearby wat.  I feel so lucky to be having these experiences - priceless memories.

That night we visited the disco-tech.  Lol - wow!  It was packed with Thai youth and had a stage where performers danced.  As I listened for a few minutes, I realized that I recognized the song - Shakira, Shakira!  haha, but a weird Thai mix.  Two scantily clad women with what looked like giant spikes on their back danced around, and a guy (also strangely dressed) sang.  The next song was a remix of Eminem, with two thin thai youth dressed as rappers - including bling!  And that is how the night continued ...

Our second day of orientation went smoothly.  They told us a little of what to expect in the classrooms.  We also received suggestions on various games the kids like to play, and how to construct a lesson plan.  The first day is usually just an introduction - telling about yourself, showing pictures, and pointing at where you are from on a map.  At 3:30p, Alex - another volunteer staying at Phon Phisai (for 5 months), and I were picked up by the coordinator - Jack.  As we drove East, I watched our surroundings become more and more rural.  Rice fields, farm animals, and TONS of greenery lined the road.  Alex volunteered at P.P. last year, for a month, and was filling me in on what it is like.  The town is about 1/3 the size of Nong Kai, and houses 2 primary schools and a nursery.  We will be helping at the nursery on Tues and Weds.  Teachers are looked very highly upon here.  The heirarchy consists of Buddha, the royal family, monks, and then teachers.  Phon Phisai has 3 or 4 expatriates, but the only other farang here are us "teachers."

Jack's family is very nice.  His mom had some treats out for our arrival.  Tonight we are meeting them at a boat-restaurant for dinner.  Again, it is so interesting to look across the river and see Laos.  I'm looking forward to starting school tomorrow.  Most of the teachers and students, don't speak much English, and I'm still very basic at Thai - so it should be interesting, but hopefully we will all improve as the months go on.