Hello from Chiang Mai, Thailand! I am so excited to bring you all on my journey over the next 8 weeks.
So far life in Chiang Mai has been pretty amazing. I fell in love with the city and the people as soon as I arrived. They have made me feel so welcomed and made adapting to change so much easier! I have really adapted to the Thai culture fairly quickly which took me by surprise as I was really nervous about this before leaving Ireland. Although my pre departure weekend with EIL put many of my worries and fears at ease, I had never been to Asia before, so I didn’t really know what to be expecting. However, once arriving I soon realised I needed to just jump in head first and the result was that I would either sink or swim. So far so good!
I am currently volunteering at Baan Tao Rueng School where I am teaching English to children ageing from 7 to 10. I absolutely adore my placement as I have met the most amazing children and incredible teachers. The students are so enthusiastic to learn and try new things, especially when there is a song and dance involved! They particularly love the ‘hokey pokey’. They love it that much that the ask to do it at the start of every class.
I was very fortunate with my arrival time. On my second week I got to be a part of the Pray for teachers ceremony which only takes place once a year on the second Thursday in June. It was such a special and beautiful ceremony and I’m so happy I got to be a part of it.
I’m my spare time from work I have been so interested in learning and seeing more of Chiang Mai and its culture. I have visited many beautiful temples since arriving, my favourite of them all being the silver temple. It really is breathtaking.
I have also managed to try many different Thai dishes and have recently discovered my new favourite meal, Kow Soy. Which I am determined to know how to make it before I return home.
On my first week I also took Thai classes, which were very interesting to say that least! From these lessons I have tried to use as much Thai as I can…no matter how many times the children laugh at my pronunciations. They really are great motivators!
That’s all for now, I look forward to chatting more about my many adventures I have, the places I see and the people I meet
