Teaching

I'm finally in Chiang Mai for my course after a month of intense traveling. I didn't stay in one place for longer than 4 or 5 days and although that sounds unsettling, it was really quite the opposite. I became comfortable with the idea that every day held a new experience and each moment was to be taken advantage of. The thought of staying in the same place for 30 days has hit me in a surprising way... Perhaps it's slowing down and having a moment alone with my thoughts, or perhaps it's the fact that this new life I have chosen is now a reality. Honestly its probably both, but I have found that this time for reflection has helped some of my fears come to light and now I can deal with them. Kim has been amazing through all of this- compassionate and understanding but firm with her needs at the same time. She has all of my admiration and deserves everything I could give her and more. I can't wait for her to be here in Thailand!

I am feeling excited about my course and becoming a teacher. The hardest thing for me to deal with is feeling unprepared and incompetent going into each day. I taught for the first time tonight, even though the course started yesterday, and it was quite the challenge but also a lot of fun! The kids are wonderful- eager, patient and understanding of the fact that we are new teachers and won't get it perfect right away. It was interesting to see techniques that work, or don't, and I have found that I will have to become a lot more dramatic and animated. Who would have thought I could find a profession that required more of these things from me??? I felt like I did horribly but everyone said I looked relaxed and they had no idea that things didn't go as planned. I guess I fooled them! :)

I have had a great time so far and can't believe that I have seen and done so much already. Climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney is probably my favorite thing that I have done so far. The view was gorgeous and as I reached the summit, a huge rainbow appeared just over the Opera House. It was perfect! I met so many nice people, ate amazing food, drank great beer (and I swear there's more alcohol in it) and fell in love with Sydney's culture. I plan on going back some day but for now, I am excited to learn more about Eastern culture and "The Land of Smiles," as Thailand is known, and to just enjoy my new home.

I'm sending you all hugs and kisses! XOXO

Oz!

So, I'm now in Sydney and Parker has gone home after our trip in Thailand which was amazing! Parker is so chill and relaxed that he was the perfect person to travel with. We almost always wanted to do the same things so it worked out very well. We went on a few boat tours and explored several islands. It involved some of the most amazing snorkeling of my life. I ended up getting scared because of all of the fish that were swarming around me. I had to get back in the boat when I saw one poop right in front of me... It was really strange because we then made eye contact and I didn't know quite what to do.

Anyway, we never made it out of the airport in Bangkok because of the protests and violence going on there. We decided to stay in Phuket a bit longer instead which was a blast. We were able to celebrate "Songkran" which is the Thai New Year and it is honestly an all out water fight. There is a road that is kind of like 6th Street or New Orleans were the Farang engaged in a fierce water battle. Parker and I both made the mistake of wearing jeans that night which wasn't fun at all. The next day, we were able to celebrate with the Thais and they were much nicer and it was way more fun. Apparently, Songkran is a festival inspired by the annual cleansing of the image of Buddha in order to get rid of impurities. Thai people wash each other with water, put paste on your face and wish each other good fortune for the year. It really was quite the experience!

I am now in Sydney and I love it here! It is such a laid back city and the people are extremely nice. I am fortunate enough to have a friend that took me around all weekend to the sights and out to the cool clubs. She knew people that could get us into all of the swanky, hip clubs so I experienced "the scene" in Sydney. Lots of pretty people and party excess but good times none-the-less. I am taking today to recover because I just can't hang with the Aussies- they really can drink! I am staying in a hostel here because it is SO expensive in Sydney and the girls in my dorm make me look lame by comparison. They keep showing up around 6/7 in the morning with stories of almost getting arrested, various hook-ups and just general drunken debauchery. It is funny because I am the quiet one here. If only they knew how many beer bongs I did at my going away party!

I am gearing up for my return to Thailand in order to start my course. I am both nervous and excited because it is going to be challenging but I am ready to engage my mind again and start this new path in my life.

I must admit that I am getting homesick and I miss my girlfriend, family and friends. I am sending you all my love!

XOXO

We're Fine!

Just a quick post to let everyone know that Parker and I have decided not to go to Bangkok. We are staying in Phuket instead so that we can avoid the protests. We are having fun and enjoying the trip so far! :)

Love you.

Halong Bay

This will likely be my last blog for a while as I'm leaving Vietnam tomorrow and don't anticipate having internet access in Thailand. It has been raining all day but I did manage to get some sight-seeing in and I'm so glad that I did. I visited the Ho Chi Minh Masoleum and Museum and these places are quite impressive. I feel like I'm finally hitting my stride here as I didn't get lost once today, I successfully thwarted off several banana ladies (even though I had to practice ninja-like moves to do so because they literally toss them on your shoulder) and I've become accustomed to taking photos with Vietnamese people. I feel like I'm some sort of Ambassador from the West even though I have found that telling people I'm Canadian is just easier.

I was able to take a tour of Halong Bay yesterday which is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It was absolutely amazing! Words really can't describe how beautiful it was. Not to mention that I was able to have transportation to and from the Bay (3 hours each way), a tour on a junk (kind of like a sail boat with a motor), have a fresh seafood lunch, tour an amazing cave and kayak all for $25! I am including a photo I found online for you to get an idea of what it looks like. I really can't believe how cheap it is in Vietnam- I haven't spent over $3/meal and the food is amazing!

Everyone is so nice here but I get the distinct feeling that they reply 'Yes' to whatever you ask... I only realized this when I was asked to get another cab (gently of course) because the driver couldn't understand where I was asking him to go. It would have been funnier if it wasn't pouring down rain at the time.

All that said, I am excited to meet up with Parker in Thailand tomorrow. I am getting a bit lonely even though I have met some amazing people thus far and am really enjoying it here. There is just something very different about sharing the experience with someone else.

Love you!