Kevin Bo-bevin

So, wit this whole teaching thing, I didn't realize how attached to my students I would get. Last semester, we had 20 Eagles(my Kindergarten class). Now we only have 17, soon to be 16. The three that we lost at the end of the semester I was sad about, but with such a big change as a new semester, its to be expected. I recently found out however, that I will be losing another student, Kevin. I would be lying if I said he wasn't my favorite student. Kevin is a very cool, serene student. He is going to grow up to be one of those guys everyone wants to be friends with. We have taught Kevin to say "stick it to the man" and "no big deal", and he will have long adult-like conversations with you about where you are from, your family, and what you did for lunch. Kevin is moving with his family to Taipei on Friday, and I will genuinely miss him. Don't get me wrong, I love many of my other students and love talking to them, but Kevin is one of a kind...

here he is:

Thailand

First let me say that it seems to me that relaying my expereince in Thailand on a blog would be impossible...with that said, let me summarize in as few words as possible. If you want to know details, call me! Write me! It would take ages....

Bethany and I spent time in Bangkok, Koh Pangang, and Koh Samui. Bangkok feels like a hell hole when you first arrive. The Thai people have mastered the art of ripping tourists off and will attempt(and succeed an unbelieable amount of times) to charge you 4 times(not exagerating) the amount for any given taxi ride. It took us a couple days to pick up on this, and we probably lost an unnecessary amount of money.

Apart from shopping and temples, there really isn't much exciting about Bangkok. Its hot, muggy, and crowded. We were anxious to get out of there and took a night train to Koh Pangang. This island is famous for its Ful Moon party, which we missed. It sounded a little crazy for me though. Instead, we got there in time for the Half-Moon party, which is a party in the middle of a jungle. I thought it just felt like a big outdoor club.

We spent most of our time in Koh Samui, laying on the beach, shopping, laying on the beach, meeting people, reading, and laying on the beach. This was the main purpose of our trip to Thailand....to lay on the beach.

To compare Thailand to the Philippines, I would have to say that on first impression alone, the Filipino people are much friendlier. I have the feeling this had to do with where we were though. In Thailand, we didn't really get the chance to get out of the tourist traps. Although the places we went were fabulous and beautiful, the majority of the Thai people we met had most likely been taught from an early age how to haggle the tourists. The Philippines is not as busy, but you meet a lot of interesting people in Thailand.

I want to go back! I started read The Beach for the second time now that I have been to the same place(we actually went to the same Marine Park...if you've read the book) and its given me an interesting perspective, even though its a novel.

I continue to have a huge thirst to travel. One would think that it may go away with a few trips to foreign countries, but it has just caused me to add more places to the list of where to go. The ideal thing would be to find a way to make enough money to travel for a year or two. Obviously with my shopping habits, this is highly unlikely. A girl can dream though. I guess I need to start the search for a rich husband....

on that note, until next time!