Driving

When we first arrived we said "we'll never do that". Now we brave Thailand's roads on a daily basis, along with numerous people, dogs, vendors and the occasional buffalo. It is not like driving in Canada. Here is an illustration of the average 7 minute ride to school. The bits in red are the things that happen.

Pug on a Motorbike

A regular occurrence here in Thailand, for your viewing pleasure here is a pug on a motorbike. We have seen much bigger dogs sitting in this same fashion, but not managed to snap a photo. Not much to say about this one, except enjoy!

Shane Gets Another New Surfboard

Shane has purchased a new surfboard... so, we now have Betty:

 And Sheila

I figure that this grants me explicit permission to buy all kinds of things, seeing as this is an equal partnership, for example:

• 1 pony, roughly the size of 2 surfboards (also both can be ridden)

• 67 pairs of shoes costing 200 baht, plus one pair at 100 baht
• 134 -100baht watches
• 2 dogs (to be redeemed at any point I deem appropriate)

Any other suggestions are welcomed. Also if you want one of these pairs of shoes, I don't think they'll all fit in the luggage home.

In other news, Shane's brother is arriving in Phuket on Wednesday! We are SO EXCITED for his visit, we can't wait to show him all the craziness that Thailand has to offer!

Also, here are some gratuitous cute shots of dogs from the soi dog shelter on Friday. This week Shane came to meet the dogs, and of course take some pictures. 

Soi Dog Love

Soi dogs are street dogs here in Thailand. The smaller streets that branch of the bigger roads are called "sois" hence the name given to the dogs.

Although Thailand is full of dogs, they don't usually look like the kind of dogs you want to pet. Coming from a dog-filled home and being a dog-lover, I have been really feeling the lack of dog-love in my life. I found out about a great organization called the Soi Dog Foundation here in Phuket, and I have been volunteering with them on one of my days off each week; walking, scratching bellies and just spending time with the dogs. Here are some photos of the little critters, so that you guys can share this warm fuzzy feeling!

PS Like most charitable organizations, the Soi Dog Foundation is in need of donations. If you have been looking for a charity that needs your help, consider donating to these sweet dogs.

Shane accidentally, maybe goes to a house of ill repute

Since arriving in Thailand, Shane has become a big fan of Thai Massage. Being tall isn't all about reaching things on the high shelves, it is sometimes hard on your body. Massage here is totally cheap and great for the body, and there are a lot of really wonderful, legitimate massage places. There are also some massage places where you can opt for a wider range of services.

After a long day surfing, Shane's neck was feeling a little sore. As he often does, he set of to find a Thai masseuse. It should be noted that this would be the first massage had here in Phuket, and therefore we don't have a place we regularly go. After looking around our local area, he walked into a place that seemed pretty legitimate... but now we're not so sure.

The Shady Details:
1. After changing into the usual massage outfit (basically pyjamas) he was led into a private room... usually the massage areas are separated only by a curtain.
2. Things seemed a little less professional (and traditional) than usual, for instance, the masseuse was wearing what might be termed a provocative outfit (by Thai, not Western standards) rather than the traditional garb that is usually worn.
3. There was a TV in the massage room, which the masseuse watched the entire time.
4. At the end of the massage, the masseuse suggested that Shane have a 30 min. nap, and then she would come back and finish the massage. This is not normal... where was she going? Why was she coming back?

At this point, Shane said a polite kup-kuhn-krap (thank-you) and got the hell out of there, checking to make sure nobody we knew was out on the street.
We need your help, ladies and gentlemen. Please join us in voting for whether or not Shane almost received some of the wider range of services mentioned above. The poll is located near the top of the blog, you unfortunately have to have a google account to vote...

Teaching Challenges

I debated whether or not to post this as we have tried to post the brighter side of things here in Thailand, but there are always bumps along the way, such as my recent teaching evaluation at our new workplace. It was humiliating, I mean who wants to be told after 5 years training to be a teacher that you really aren't that good... but at least you dress very professionally and smile a lot. It especially hurts when I know I go out there every day and try my best.

I suppose most of the conflict comes from the fact that my idea of a "good" education and a "good" teacher are not quite simpatico with the ideas here. The appearance of things is extremely highly valued, so how you look really is at least 50% of how you are perceived as a teacher. Along the same vein having kids show things that they know in a concrete way is held in high regard, so the "repeat after me" style reigns... whereas my biggest achievement would be to get my kids to start sounding out words (something much less glamorous to demonstrate).

Luckily, I have a fabulous support system out there who have reminded me that there are people who feel the same way I do about education. Rather than raising a toast to all these fine folks, I feel like I should engage in some discovery learning... perhaps I will go fill up the sink and see what sinks and floats? xoxo

The Lady's Club of Thailand

Well, I've had my induction into the Lady's Club of Thailand...

Apparently this happens to all the Thai ladies. I was sitting side-saddle on the motorbike when we had a little tip carrying Shane's surfboard to the beach and I ended up with some painful, but not too serious, 2nd degree burns. Lesson learned and we've now had a blacksmith make us a side rack for the board, so we'll be riding much more safely! Unfortunately this means that I live on an island but I can't go swimming until the bandages come off, sigh.