Dawid and I were invited by Pam (Thai-English teacher) to the local school as thez were having a literature contest and performances. We arrived with warm welcomes from Pam, Charley and Gina. We also met the other American teacher - John, who is married to a Thai girl and is now settling himself in Mae Hong Son as an English teacher. While Dawid and I were walking through the school grounds, we were the centre of attention - all the kids were really fascinated about our existence. The whole scfhool sat in front of the assembly hall and waited to be instructed to go into the hall. They sat patiently and walked in one bz one, positioning themselves in groups of boys on one side and girls on the other - from the youngest to oldest on the ground. We sat behind the students and were given a breakfast box containing a bun, cake and juice. When all the students were seated, the host teacher used some really interesting techniques to get the whole school's attention. There were moments he instructed the students to clap their hands in the air, sing the 'where is thumbkin' song in Thai or mimic clapping patterns. Soon after, the assembly started with students reading their poetry and others performed parts of the literature.
The performances were hilarious and extremely entertaining. They were more like comedy and although I didn't understand the literature behind it - the performances got the whole crowd going. There were a few boys dressed in female outfits which was hilarious. The acts were so funny I spent the entire time laughing till my tummy ached.
The students wore really interesting costumes and made their own props - extremely creative.
At this school, the teachers and students are provided with lunch. The students do not pay any school fees and their first set of uniform are also free. We sat with the teachers and watched the little ones sit patiently with their food. Most of the older students have their lunches in the classrooms as there are not enough seating in the lunch area. Before the students eat, they do a little prayer together - this was extremely adorable. We were served with flat rice noodles cooked with chicken and vegetables in a gravy sauce. The pots that it's cooked in are massive, so big you can fit a whole person in it. Unbelievable. If you are feeling rather hungry, you are allowed to go back for seconds or possibly even thirds. There's plenty to go around. The noodles were so delicious, Dawid and I went back for seconds.
We were led to see some classrooms and met with students. As we walked into Charley's class of 10th graders, the girls were over the moon when they saw Dawid. It was as though he was their idol stepping foot in their classroom. They were squirming for excitement that got Dawid rather shy. All girls asked him a few questions and even requested to have his picture taken. I stood there bursting in laughter, as I could see that he felt very uncomfortable about it. He literally bolted out the classroom the very first chance he got. It was a very lovely morning and to be given the opportunity to see a local school, was a pleasure - Dawid and I really enjoyed this experience.
I had my class of four today (M5). We looked at daily routines and I questioned what a normal day of a monk's life was like. We broke it down into time slot nd I gathered that they do not eat after 12pm and are only allowed 2 meals a day, this is because food may interrupt afternoon contemplation and prayers. They lead a fairly simple life, sleep very miminal hours and spend a few hours each day chanting and meditating. We also looked at pronuncing words that contained 'SH'. It was quite difficult but one thing I love about this class is their enthusiam and how persistent they for trying to getting it right. I advised them that they require constant practice and if they practice everyday, they will master it.
I sat in the 5:30pm class. Today Dawid touched on grammar. Dawid teaches grammar is an excellent manner. Drawing out tables that becomes so useful for the students. In this 5:30pm class, we even have teachers from the school who is also keen to learn English.
I had to wait for Dawid and Nikorn so I decided to drop in at Salween and ordered myself a fresh watermelon shake to enjoy whilst reading my book. I'm currently reading about 'training the mind for happiness' - Dalai Lama talks about learning how negative emotions and behaviours are harmful to us and how positive emotions are helpful. Achieving genuine happiness may require transformation in your outlook and your way of thinking. It is however, not a simple matter. Overall, there is a process related to learning involved.
Dawid had been talking about mangoes and sticky coconut milk rice for a few days. Saying that it was one of the first things he tried on the day of his arrival in Mae Hong Son. So Nikorn, Dawid and I went to a dessert place and I finally got to try it. Dawid was very curious about the banana leaves wrapped triangle things and decided to try that too - both were great. After our snack, Nikorn insisted that he pay for our meal which was really generous of him.
At 7pm, we met with Gina at Wat Phra Doi Kong Moo and joined in with the monks and attempted to meditate. Meditation is a mental discipline bz which one attemps to get beyond the conditioned, 'thinking' mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. Chatchawan has been guiding us through the meditation process and giving us tips after each session. Since travelling, my mind has become a lot calmer and I am slowly learning the rules to meditating. We must relax everything, and keep searching for things that aren't relaxed. Posture is a really important element when it comes to meditating and keeping your back straight will help with breathing. Once you are comfortable, let your attention rest on the flow of your breath. Having the monks recite the mantras helps with the meditating process, but what really disturbs me are the pesty mosquitoes. I know I will eventually master it over time. It's also great motivation to also have Gina and Dawid who are just as keen. As per usual, Chatchawan offered us a lift back down from the temple and dropped us off by the lakeside. We met Gina at Sunflower Restaurant and had a late dinner.
Good night world.
XOXO
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