Helloooo again!

Think it was Wednesday last time I wrote. When I got home, it was ridiculously hot! Went to join the boys, who were at Mr Kom's, but in the back yard, where there was some shade, with some Thai friends, drinking Hong Thong at 3pm!

Went home for a bit, but then had a call from Kru At, asking me to come out! The others were all going on a teacher school trip for a couple days, so they were worried I would be lonely! Jeans, one of our friends, asked me "Are you afraid of ghosts?" to which I replied "I don't believe in ghosts" and he said "You do tonight!" Haha - too funny. But they were all making sure I locked my door and would be ok - didn't like to remind them that I've been in Prakhonchai several times before by myself, and that I travelled half way round the world alone, so could probably manage 2 nights! Anyway, end of the night, we had some quite drunk friends (Wednesdays always seem to be fun days!)... (I was sensible though!)

The rest of the week went by - standard activities of a few beers at Ban Kom in the evening! I taught my students tongue twisters on Friday, which they seemed to enjoy. Some of them then started to do Thai Tongue Twisters, and asking me to say them... don't stand a chance! I told them that I only had 3 more weeks here, and the girls started saying "teacher, I miss you!" At the end of the day on Friday, I went to the gym, where the whole school have the respect Buddhism assembly, and after, they covered me in valentine's heart stickers!

After school, I went for a walk round town, to get a present for Yasmin's birthday. Met a lovely lady in one of the shops, who spoke good English, and then another lady who is married to an English guy so she was really chatty. It's always a little embarrassing when you find yourself talking in your 'thai voice' (mine happens to be higher in pitch, and misses out words, or uses present tense for everything!) and then realising someone understands, so you can actually talk normally!

Then on Saturday, it was Chinese New Year, so Kom had invited us to his to have some drinks and food (like we need a reason!). I took along my birthday cider! Had a nice afternoon, then popped home for a nap before the evening. Then went back over, before heading out. It absolutely tipped it down with rain in the meantime, so they were all telling us "you cancel tonight, you stay here!"

We got a bus to Surin, and went to Jah Bar (the reggae bar) to see some friends, as it was Yas' birthday - some live music too, which was fun! In the morning, had a fried breakfast, which wasn't bad by Thai standards, and then headed to the Big C, where I bought cheddar cheese. Cost me the price of 5 dinners, but so worth it! First cheese sandwich in months went down very well indeed.

Monday was the usual busy day! I taught 5/1 in the afternoon; walked into the classroom and was greeted by 2 of the boys "teacher, I love youuuu!" - these boys aren't normally so forward... Then they couldn't stop chatting and laughing, so I asked if they'd been drinking whisky again. "WHISKYYYYYY, LEOOOOO!" That'll be a yes then! Could smell the alcohol on them! Quite amusing though. Their tutor came to my room to ask to speak to 2 students, and knew instantly who it'd be...!

Went for a swim on Monday after school, whic was good. It's getting hotter here at the moment, temperature is mid-30s, and the mosquitoes are still loving it!

Yesterday, got home, did some washing, popped to the post office to see if my parcel had arrived (it hadn't), had a beer, then we were off to Buriram. Mr Wit picked us up to take us in his pickup to the i-mobile stadium. The match was Buriram United v Brisbane Roar for the AFC Champions League. Was fun - we were sitting next to the rowdy lot, who were singing and blowing airhorns all night! There are apparently even people, who appear to be employed by the football club, who organise the singing and jumping about! The football was a little less exciting - no goals for 90 minutes, and then no goals for a further 30 minutes! It went to penalties, and the aussies missed 3, while Buriram scored all 3, so they were through! Yay!

We went for Thai BBQ food at a restaurant in Buriram after, with Wit's brother and sister-in-law. The food was really good, and as usual, they kept putting food on my plate! So full! I slept in the car on the way home, as was so tired! This morning, I really didn't want to get up...

Today I got to school, to be told "the upper school have activities in the gym today". I'm not sure what that means, other than the fact I don't have to teach them! So one lesson first thing and I'm done.

On my walk down the corridor this morning, I was covered in red glittery heart stickers again! And yesterday, I got 3 red roses! Can't imagine that happening with the students at home...

Anyway, another week almost up, and I have just 9 more teaching days left (I think!). Off to Bangkok this weekend :) xxxxx

...Just left this to load while I went for lunch. We went to visit a local expert in a local handicraft thing. A local artisan you could say? Anyway, we went to her house, and she was making these lovely straw mats, with all sorts of colours, by hand. She had a sort of weaving thing! I wanted to buy one (just 300 baht) but don't think I could get it back on the plane! Then we had lunch, and went to visit another place - they were making typical Thai-style wooden buildings, all by hand. Really intricate. The women were sitting on the floor doing the sanding, and glueing and things (all by hand), while the men were doing the bigger work. I'm not doing it justice, but was really cool to see! Khai has loads of photos, so I'll try to steal them and post them :D'