I can't believe it. It's here. March 15th. A date I've been dreaming about ever since I
bought my flight in December. The date where I fly out of the
country with no return date. Today I embark on a great adventure –
first, two weeks vacation in Japan with my sister Brittany, then half a year
in Thailand teaching English.
It hardly feels like this is really
happening. Right now, Brittany and I are sitting in the L.A.
Airport, where we're been sitting for the past 3 hours (bleh) waiting
for our flight to Tokyo. We are playing games and trying to download
movies to watch on the plane. We're people-watching. It hasn't
fully dawned on me that in about 15 hours I will be in the largest
city in the world. A place of fascinating culture. I am often
asked, “Why Japan?”. Our response? Why not Japan! A
fascinating, isolated culture, a juxtaposition of the traditional and
ultra-modern, the world of geishas and samurais and technology and
high fashion and, of course, amazing cuisine.
And after our travels in Japan, I am
flying straight to Bangkok while Brittany flies back to Portland. In
Bangkok, I will be meeting up 12 other teachers-in-training from the
US, as well as teachers from other English-speaking countries
(possibly UK, South Africa, Australia) with whom I will learn how to
be a successful teacher in Thailand. Our training is in Hua Hin
(rhymes with Soy Sin), which is about 2 hours southeast of Bangkok on
the coast. During training, I will receive my teaching assignment.
I could be placed anywhere in the country, with any age of student
(5-18 years old), in any size of school. I am thrilled for this
opportunity. It combines my desire to try my hand as a teacher with
my desire to travel and see and experience the world. I am going to
do my best and try to provide the kids with the best education I can,
with a new perspective. I am going to do my best to be positive. To
believe in my abilities and provide the best experience I can.
In a nutshell, Thailand is hot, humid, and happy. More on Thailand later.
A shout out to everyone out there who
supported me, encouraged me, and wished me well on my adventures. As
for now, Brittany and I are looking forward to a badass trip to one
of the most fascinating and super-populated islands (who am I
kidding, it has to be the MOST populated island) in the world.
Peace out, America!
No comments:
Post a Comment