Rice Fields & Other Wonders

Hit up those good 'ol rice fields last weekend and they inspired once again. The green is unfathomable to the human eye, I am convinced. It is a color unlike any other, seriously, and cannot be fully captured on the camera. Simply breathtaking - minus the simply.


This is the part of Thailand that I had hoped for last year and the kind that I had been craving since returning. What kind of Thailand is this? Well, the simple beauty of Thailand. The place where I stick out like a sore thumb but no one seems bothered of phased by it at all. The Thailand that is away from the crowds, the hustle of a city and the rumbles of a tuktuk. I recognized that I was indeed in a different world but somehow felt so at home.

Part of the weekend, beyond the short jaunt in the fields, was a tour of a free school. This moment encouraged and inspired me so so so much. Wow! After visiting the school, I became so proud of what I do and felt so blessed to be part of the profession that I have chosen to pursue. This particular school began as a simple vision for 30 underprivileged children and is now a budding, and a truly successful, community of over 100 children where people only hope to be chosen for the next school year.


I am quickly realizing this year in Thailand will be completely different than last year. At times this makes me a little sad, but at other times it makes me really excited. I feel as though last year was time for adventure and exploration while this year is leading me towards growth and different types of discovery. What I do know for certain is that I love my job, I love my kids and I can't imagine the year any other way.

Busy

Back in Bangkok, with a momentary jaunt through Vietnam, and busy as ever - or as a beaver to truly represent my Canadian coolness. I am teaching grade 2 once again, subbing as well and overseeing the grade 1 to 3 teachers. I LOVE my job and have decided that it will definitely be the hardest thing to leave in the spring... that's right... leave... (still a far away idea to hit up). I am enjoying the Thai life once again although it all feels so different from last year - yet must admit, so darn familiar at the same time. I have been in the city for the past 6 weeks so I'm desperately awaiting the coming weekend as I'm heading west for the rice fields. Looking forward to the 7 hour van ride, the company and the simple chill... already anticipating the freshness of it all. I have my month quite planned out, all leading up to October 3rd, when I jump on a jet plane and head further west... India... oh boy. Two weeks exploring that colorful and hopefully super tasty world. Excited, nervous, eager and anxious all at the same time. I thought Vietnam was a culture shock, so I know that I'm in for a gooder of a time.

I do have a cute story of the day to share:
I have a mini-obsession with flowers that I can put in my hair. Started with a lil boy named Nick who would pick them for me last year and has carried on from there. Well the flowers are out in full bloom as the monsoon season is filling the trees with nutrients galore. There is a tree right outside of the school with the prettiest, brightest fuchsia flowers I have ever seen! Yesterday when I left school I took one from the grass and put it in my hair, no biggy, but witnessed by one of the security guards. This old guy greets us morning, noon and night. Today I left for lunch with Ms. Andrea and tried to find myself another flower, but no such luck as they were all rather droopy. Upon returning from lunch, the dear old security guard pointed to his desk and sitting in a little bowl of water were 3 fresh, beautiful flowers. What a sweetheart! I quickly put them in my hair and have now found an adorable connection with my security guard friend. Love love.

That's it for now. Mini, simple updates better than none at all I say!
Sawadeka.