Yes...we are done for the term and year. I don't have to go back to school until the year 2009. A lot has happened in the last month or so. A female teacher was hired as a "co-teacher" for me supposedly because some parents felt that I wasn't "maternal" enough. It hasn't been the perfect situation for anyone in the class but we are working through it. Just before that happened I resigned from the job effective at the end of the school year. I decided that it isn't my niche and that I should move on to try and find my niche. My tentative plan is to try and find something either in Asia or South America for the 2009/2010 school year. If that doesn't work I will apply to some Ontario boards for September 2009. And if I'm totally burnt out by teaching by then I will go back to school.
On the home front I am having a lot more fun here. Outside of school I am tutoring about 5 hours a week, then going out for dinner a lot, and hitting up clubs frequently enough. I am finding that it is easy to be a glutton in this city though. Last weekend, we had a "Boy's Night Out" and started at a buffet dinner in the tallest building in Thailand, then went bowling and polished off a bottle of vodka and a bottle of whiskey (between 6 guys), then went to 2 after hours clubs. Now I could see myself staying here for a few years if the opportunity arises.
The political situation has calmed down some. There are still demonstrations but they haven't really affected anyone or anything since the government was dissolved. The airports are back open and running at full efficiency. The only inconvenience to me was that I had to cancel my weekend trip to Cambodia because I wasn't sure if I would be able to fly out or get home.
The airport opened up just in time for Jess and I to head away for our Christmas trip. Next Wednesday we are heading to Singapore for a few days, followed by about 1.5 weeks in Malaysia, and New Years in Phuket. We will be gone from the 17th to the 2nd. Looking forward to it immensely.
Last weekend Jess and I went to Ayutthaya for a day trip. Ayutthaya was the kingdom of Thailand until 1767, when it fell to Burmese forces and the King moved to Thonburi and then Bangkok. It was nice to be a tourist - easy day trip from Bangkok, pretty scenery, history, and another buffet.Last weekend we also went to see "Twilight." Don't do the same. I did however buy 3 albums - Shad's "The Old Prince", Priestess' "Hello Master", and Band of Horse's "Cease to Begin." All are amazing and I would recommend them to anyone with good taste.
Finally, I just had my first (and probably only) suit made. We are going to the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Fire and Ice Ball this Saturday so I needed some fancy dress. To tell you the truth, it was a pretty neat experience. You go for 3 fittings (more or less depending on how picky you are or how good the tailor is) and come away with a tailor made suit. It looks great. I also got a few shirts made, which look a lot better than the Value Village rags I have been sporting. All up it cost me less than $500 dollars for tailor made clothes. Pretty awesome.
That's about all for now. I think that has been a good catch up. I need to get ready now for Jess' birthday party. Take care all.
