Last days as a teacher

Ok ive been a bit lazy with the blog the last while so here is a brief summation of the last few days as a teacher. The last week in Li was quiet with little to do in the school since the exams are done and graded. I just had to finish up a few bits and pieces. We had a parent teacher meeting coming up and the plan was to put on a bit of a show for the parents so we started to get the kids practicing to sing songs. I also got my stuff together and sent a few bits and bobs home. I also sent myself one of the thai triangle or axe cushions with a few other souvenirs. I put together some stuff that i thought would be of benefit to the guy replacing me, so anything i used during the year like books or lesson plans. Once that was done i offered to help out the others but even then i was pretty bored till the last day rolled around.

On the final day of March the parents came to school to see how wonderful (cough) their kids were at english. We had two students prepped to MC the mornings shenanigans which included a few songs, a video cataloging the year and a Q&A session if there were any questions. I quickly realised most of the parents couldnt speak english so most of it was lost on them. The kids did well and the songs seemed to get a good reception. At the end there was a short farewell from the staff for me where i got a gift from the staff and the kids which was nice. After that i sent my bag of souvenirs home via boat and packed my bag (barely). I then had a last supper with Richard, Faith and Ricci (their 7 month old daughter) followed by drinks with Reya and Rita. A fun way to spend my last night in Li.


The following day i (struggle to) sling my bag over my shoulder and get the bus to Chiang Mai. Plan is to stay a few days here, move on to Chiang Rai and then get back to CM for Songkran (week long waterfight). I spent my few days in Chiang Mai mostly sitting around the hostel chatting to people and sweating profusely. It was close to 40 degrees celsius most days (a temperature a simple Irishman like myself is not cut out for) but i did venture as far as Doi Inthanon one of the days. This the highest peak in thailand and it was a good day out. I got to see the top of the mountain, some pagodas built in honour of the king and queen with a good waterfall and a hill tribe village. Well worth it. But mostly i stayed in the hostel, in the shade with a fan in my face constantly. Every now and again some of us would get up and go 'outside' for food but that was the most challenging thing most of us did! I did make some cool friends out of it though so was a great way to spend a few days :)

I'll get my Chiang Rai blog up as soon as i can, this socialising thing is taking up a lot of time though.......