Lucky Me (Not the Mami)

Last Christmas, through the generosity of the parents, I was handed down some money to buy myself a present. Specifically being told not to spend them on books or anything related to teaching, they made mention of a plane ticket. So after a few months of scouting for a plane ticket, I finally bought one for myself.

At the end of the school year, an envelope was given to me with a little something :) along with a card telling me to have a wonderful summer and a joyful trip to Japan. I know I was one lucky person and my gratitude to the parents of the children was just over flowing.

As I fly and explore the city of Tokyo today, I will remember the people behind this trip and will surely find time to put down the extra baggages of school related stress and meet new people. I always fly to new grounds and this time, I am fulfilling one of my dreams.

Bonsai and My Family

When it first came to my house,

"We would like to give this to you as a present." a mom told me a year ago when I visited them in their home. It was a lovely bonsai tree and a red lantern hanging to commemorate both my birthday and the Chinese New Year last year. I was sent by the driver as the pot was heavy. It remained at the entrance of my house until I moved it as the centerpiece in front of the  garden. 

now displayed in front of the garden.

When I visited my students once again, I noticed that the bonsai tree that used to descend its branches and with its leaves so green had turned into brown and left with no leaves. It died as the family left for a vacation with no one to take care of it. It was heartbreaking because a tree that majestic was a product of care and dedication of the gardener who tended it.

Relationships are like tending the garden. The seeds that we buy or the plantlets we purchase from stores or garden shops are then grown in pots or on the ground. In the beginning, we visit the plant to see if it is growing or not, if it needed better care. But later as we become preoccupied with other things, we take the plant for granted. We let the plant grow by itself but without the proper nutrients, it will eventually wither and die. 

My relationship with my family could be like the bonsai tree of my student. It was admirable at first. However, with the absence of my mom and then our constant rantings and bickering, we could eventually fall off like leaves, dried and crushed to the ground. Our branches might no longer cascade but will droop owing to our animosity. The colouration will turn blackish instead of its robust brown caused by harsh words and blaming.

So even I am quite distant location-wise, I make sure that I still see my family once or twice a year. I still want to see them. Finding time to connect with them through e-mails or chats bridge us together but seeing them in person is much more personal. Our relationship is no longer as strong but we could all work it out by doing our parts to make it vigorous again. The thought of 'my family is the only one I have' could be my prevailing mantra in life.

I will be home for a few days and hopefully, renewing friendships and relationships. I do find going home taxing but it is a period of understanding and heartfelt listening. It will be good. It will be good.

The Dinner Cruise (Sequel to Tour Guide, Not!)

Chao Phaya River at Night

Though expensive especially for students, going on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phaya River is a rich experience as one gets to see the city at night with its illuminated temples and landmarks, as well as the towering hotels and restaurants abound. This time, I took the whole group for a dinner cruise along Chao Phaya Princess IV. 

The church members of New Life were appreciative of the efforts I put forth in making the night a memorable one. They enjoyed the sceneries as well as the food while chatting with each other. Mostly vegetarians, they had a sumptuous meal of fried rice, curry, samosa, tomato soup, vegetables with cashew nuts and others. They are also from different countries such as the USA, England, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, New Zealand, Honduras, Caribbean, and others. It was fun!

Moon Beckoning

I retreated to one side of the boat to look at the buildings and boats passing by. I snapped some photos along the way and they were worth the time. One of the church member was gracious enough to chat with me and she related her experiences being able to travel with her children and helping the children of the orphanage. She was very excited as she recalled the many activities they did together. I was thrilled to be a part of her experiences through her stories.

A smaller boat transporting passengers.

When we listen to the stories of others with their exuberance, one cannot help but admire their enthusiasm and desire to share their personal narratives. Her dedication to spend her time helping others was immeasurable. It was very admirable.

Dried gourd for Feng Shui as a token of appreciation.

The dinner cruise was a celebration of the church members' volunteer work for a week. The dinner cruise was my bridge to further know more people. The stories shared were learning moments for me and their stories will be passed on as they continue with their missions to spread love and care to others.

A thank you card from the group.

Words of thanks!

It's not about the money, money, money

I don't need your money, money, money

                          I just want to make the world dance

                                                                Forget about the price tag...

 

Why We Love Teacher Jonathan

Why We Love Teacher Jonathan

Teacher Jonathan does a funny dance when it's time to go. He is just made to be funny. One time, he was eating a broccoli and he pretended to be fat by putting a pillow under his shirt. He can even ride motorcycles to school. He is a teacher riding a motorcycle. 

                              Andrew (USA)

Teacher Jonathan likes to teach. 

                  Brace (Canada/Thailand)

I like how Teacher Jonathan plays the piano. 

                                                             Capp (Thailand)

I like Lego and Knex and if I don't know how, Teacher Jonathan helps me. He helps me build blocks. He looks like a teacher. He wears glasses and teaches me to draw. He was funny because he ate a pillow and had a fat tummy. He always does funny things. 

Eleanor (Belgium/ Vietnam)

Teacher Jonathan is a very fun person to be with. 

I want to write a letter that I love Jonathan. 

                                                    Ji-Min (South Korea)

I like how he is nice. When something is bad, he gets into it and stops it from being bad. He is funny and nice and tall. On my first day, I cried but Teacher Jonathan helped me and made me feel better. 

                                                                      Joseph (USA)

He helps me with drawing and he is good at story telling. He makes me laugh. He is silly and he is the best teacher I have. When someone has a birthday, he says that the kid os 50 years old. He is silly. 

                                                            Laura (Denmark)

Teacher Jonathan is funny. I love when Teacher Jonathan plays the dragon game and all the kids were so scared and ran away from him. He is good at telling the children what to do. He is good in drawing and art. 

                                                                                               Le Le (Malaysia)

He makes me laugh and he teaches me stuff. He's tall and kind to all the little kids. teacher Jonathan wears a black t-shirt and always wear a button shirt. He wears new shoes and has black hair. He stands in the middle when we have a snack and he makes us laugh with funny stories. 

                                                                      Louis (Australia)

I like Teacher Jonathan. He is very, very, very, very, very, very funny. 

                                                                                                                    Many (Thailand)

I love Teacher Jonathan because he is funny. I like that he let me collect seeds. Teacher Jonathan always says, "You get what you get and you don't get upset."                       

                                                                                                                                             Nate (USA)

Teacher Jonathan is nice. 

                      Noah (Norway)

I like Teacher Jonathan because he lets me play Lego and gives choice time.                  

                                                                                                             Nolan (Canada/Thailand)

Teacher Jonathan is very kind and I will miss him. 

                                                                Panphon (Thailand)

My favourite thing about teacher Jonathan is he gives me cookies. 

                                                                                              Sofia (Spain/ Russia)

I love when he is telling us stories. I simply love him. He plays with us like a kid. I love when he plays with us all the time. He loves all the children. He is very funny. Even when he is angry, he still loves us. He taught me many new things. I love him and I will miss him a lot. 

                                                                                                                                       Ella (Israel)

My favourite thing about Teacher Jonathan is his birthday. He is good at piano. I like him teaching us. I like drama so much.  He is funny when we eat. He does broccoli on his teeth like a monster. When he is singing the goodbye song, he sings in another language and with a funny voice. 

                                                                                                                        Sophie (Netherlands)

I celebrate my ____ (insert number of years) year in teaching as I recall starting on the 13th of July some years ago. The quotes were from a book given to me at the end of this school year. It is a fitting reminder of why I became a teacher. It is also a clue to how I am as a person so make your assumptions, LOL!

Tour Guide, Not!

When I went to Palawan two years ago, I never thought I will act as a translator when I ended up with a group of Taiwanese people. It was an emergency and the guide couldn't explain to them what to do. He looked at me and said, "Your last name is Chinese, isn't it?" "Yes and so?" And there you go.

Last week, I had the chance to meet friends of my cousin and she gave my name to help her friend find things for her in Thailand. I did, not because I owe my cousin something, but because I am a good- hearted person. (insert lightning and thunderstorm) What I didn't know was that I am going to tour not one, or two, or three people around, but 19. 

NINETEEN! I screamed at my cousin when I was chatting to her through the phone. There goes my kind hearted persona down the drain. Their biggest concern was transportation and they do not like to be separated from one another. The only solution to that was a bus but where do I find a bus, a free one to help them out?

Anyway, highway, to cut the story short. We needed three vans to pick them up at the airport to the hotel. Done! I scouted the hotel before they came here to see whether there was a market, food stalls, convenience stores, and the like. All set! So when I met them at the hotel to bring them to the Night Market, I was the boy scout guide with arms flailing around, pointing here, pointing there!

My student was kind enough to lend me her van so I was able to subtract six people from the group. There were 14 of us left and the only transportation aside from a cab was the Subaru pickup that can only ride 10 people, ten skinny people. I asked the driver if all of us can get in and surely we pushed each other, sat on top of each other, and left the terminal at a turtle pace. 

The Subaru pickup is similar to this but the door is at the side.

Slow, slower, slowest, and I do feel the Subaru truck was saying, "What did I do wrong?" While inside, it was a fiesta of photo flashes, selfies, groupies and the like. It was the funniest ride ever! And when they started to introduce themselves to me in those awkward positions, it was hilarious and I didn't remember any of their names.

These nineteen people are part of a church mission and along with the generosity of the members based in Taiwan, they collected numerous material and monetary donations to give to Bamboo School in Kanchanaburi. They went there to do a week of service and will be back this weekend. 

While I am having a difficult time dealing with people around me at this time, these young people who volunteered their time and effort to be with children gave me something to look forward to. They were nice, well-mannered and filled with positivities. So I said to myself, "God is good. ."

Poopsies

I am going back to Manila for a very short trip. I am hoping to be able to meet some of my very few friends who had been my support throughout these years. And since it is a short stay, I wish I could, once again, hand something to the very few. Last year, I asked readers to guess which painting was done by a boy and I got one lucky reader. This time, I am going to ask you to guess something you never thought of being blogged by me, or maybe by other bloggers. It's called, "Guess the Poop!"

Found on the trail to Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima

Found inside a cage in Pattaya, Chonburi

Found in the garden of Jonathan Yu

Clues:
Photo #1 - I fell down from it.
Photo #2 - It's my fave animal.
Photo #3 - Order Lepideptora!

Anyway, since I am being gracious, the first two people will each get a bottled specimen of the poopsies. Nah! I'll bring something from here as gifts. I am doing this just for fun and because it's a sure way to meet the bloggers I enjoy seeing most.

Mini Travels

Ao Manao Beach

Ao Manao Beach is a pristine beauty especially through the eyes of a city person. It is located in the province of Prachuap Kiri Khan, a four hours drive away from Bangkok. The tranquil surroundings enthralled the person in me longing for peace, serenity and a calming environment. Since I wanted to spoil myself with indulgence, I stayed at a place called Trishawa. It is a boutique hotel that offers few amenities but impeccable service.

View from the pool

The view from the hotel's pool area gave me an impression of either a postcard sized picture or a landscape painting. It was two in the afternoon and amidst the seemingly hot rays of the sun, the trees towering me gave ample shade to retreat, and rest my weary soul. The scene that welcomed me was an epitome of stillness. Whilst the sole bird flaps her wings on the horizon, the wind was the only moving element in this scenario. It was captivating!

Kaeng Krajan 

My second stop for this mini trip was Kaeng Krajan found in the province of Petchaburi. It is famous for its national park and accommodations built around two rivers, the Petchaburi and Pranburi rivers. A lot of activities surround the vicinities from ATV rides, paintball wars, rafting and swimming. Though the place was invigorating, the silence of the place was quite eerie because there were no people. It was like a lost soul, like mine, paying homage this rustic commune.


I visited Chaam Beach and stayed at the beachfront. The lunch served was ordinary yet the taste was exquisite. My tired body surrendered afterwards and a nice, long sleep was had. I was only awakened by the passing motorcycles making me realized it was time to go back to the hotel. I was filled to the brim, not with the food I had for lunch, but with the bread and snacks I got from a convenience store that I opted to have rice porridge for dinner. 

A bevy of dishes

I found a nice place to sit and eat my boiled rice with fish salad, Chinese sausages, stirred fried vegetables, and shrimps topped with pepper. Thinking that I won't eat much, I ended eating more than I bargained for.

The last stop of this wonderful trip was the province of  Samut Songkram and I ended visiting the Mae Klong River and its fishing terminal called Don Hoi Lot. This place is famous for Razor Clam shells gathered in the sea and sold to many restaurants and market sellers. There was a brewing storm but it was the grayness of the whole surrounding that brought a new sense of meaning to life. Whatever happens, it goes on.


These mini trips concluded with a restful soul and with the coming holidays will see myself traveling and renewing my spirit as a person. A blessed day to everyone. Sending you my ...