When Bangkok got FIZZed

I love reunions so much. Its a great feeling having two of my worlds come together and it makes for some great stories. Plus, I love that feeling of like you've never been apart from someone although it has been so long -- and I feel that especially with my camp friends. After seeing Harriet (Oasis) and Kayley (Nimbus) this year already, it was time for my third Camp Sealth reunion: this time with Anna (Fizz). The last time I saw Anna was at my last summer at Sealth, back in 2012. And although we lived relatively close to each other back in the UK,  our schedules never quite matched up until oddly now, when I'm living 5000 miles away and she's about to embark on a 3 week adventure around South East Asia.

Mak and Fizz reunited in Bangkok.

When Fizz told me that she wanted to meet up in Bangkok, I made sure I had time to go down there, even if it was just for a day trip. I met her at her hotel where, later that night, she would set off with a tour group and explore all around South East Asia. This gave her the perfect opportunity to explore Bangkok for the day, which she wouldn't get opportunity to on the tour, and to reminisce about our amazing summer at Sealth and what she's been up to since then. As much as I don't like being a tourist, especially after living here for almost a year, it was nice to be able to do it with someone but share my experiences with her as if I was a local...a strange feeling really.

Our first port of call, after wandering around aimlessly for 20 minutes until we finally found a place to grab a coffee, was to head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, undoubtedly the most famous outdoor market in the world, and one I have now been to many times. We walked around there for a bit, got lost multiple times, but browsed obscure alleys and corners of the market that I had not seen before (after all, the place is so big that people do offer maps for people to get around). After that, we made our way over to the other side of the city and up the Chaprao river to visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho (the reclining buddha). Once again, my teacher ID got me into Arun for free but I was foiled at Pho...again. Nevertheless, it was cool for Anna to see these things that I had become accustomed to; sometimes I forget how truly unique Thailand's cultural heritage is - there really are some beautiful landmarks around the country. Unfortunately the day was cut short as I had to get back to Korat and Anna had to get back to the hotel. But for the stuff we did do, and the great conversations we had, it was a great day catching up with her -- it had been almost 3 years since we last saw each other and a lot had happened since then.

Anna exploring the wanders of Bangkok before touring the rest of SE Asia!

Anna, I hope you have the most amazing time on your tour around Asia, and keep me posted on your adventures. Seriously, this girl has been so lucky -- I'm very envious on all the places you've been visiting...and Vegas after Asia too! Stay safe. It was great seeing you again.

Swatcats and Surprises

It's really crazy to think that we are already past the half way point this year. So much has happened and many more experiences are to come. Despite STILL not having any assistance, I'm excited to keep growing a rapport with my new kids (entering classes with a massive group hug from your kids can really brighten your day!), also for more fun adventures with my new friends. I'm excited about going to Tioman Island later this month with my boyfriend (yes, you did read that right haha) and perhaps at the top of my list, I'm going to see Taylor Swift in Singapore on November 7th! Seriously cannot wait!!

Looking forward to more adventures with this lot!

As usual, the last few weeks at Assumption haven't been all the eventful. I did go see a really cool band called the Musketeers with Grace, Diana and Marisa and grab dinner with my new mates but in terms of school, the only exciting thing has been receiving a belated birthday gift from the Brother Director and watching a mini football tournament played by my Primary 1-3 classes. To celebrate the teachers who had their birthdays throughout May and June, the school hosted a little party with cake, jelly and punch. In addition, the brothers came and said a few words and then, in very formal style, we were presented with our birthday present...a wall clock. But, not just any wall clock, this clock had our faces all over it with my name (Mr. Mattheuu Christopher) and date of birth. As unexciting as that sounds, and as hilarious as some friends and family saw it (as did I to be honest), it was an incredibly sweet gesture and something I can take back home with me as a momentum from this incredible experience.

Happy Belated Birthday Master Mattheuu!

Now that I've been teaching my little kids for a while now, I'm definitely realizing just HOW different the method of teaching really is. The really unfortunate thing is that they cannot speak a lot of English, which for me poses a big problem when they are asking me questions or worse, when they're crying. (Which breaks my heart when I can't help them out...). But I somehow manage...my way of answering them when they talking to me is "hong nam mai?" which essentially means "toilet?" and if I get a nod or a shake, or them holding their crotch whilst jumping, then that's a pretty good indicator haha. Not that I should have favourites, but Primary 1 are definitely my favourite to teach. Okay, it is more babysitting but out of all the kids I've taught at Assumption, they are the ones that seem the most engaged and well-behaved. Although one of my primary classes will just constantly hug me, want to hold my hand, sit on my lap, or play with my microphone. It's bloody adorable but extremely distracting when I'm trying to teach a class and I've got a kid wrapping themselves around my leg and giggling and they don't understand when I say sit down in both English or Thai. However, the cutest thing I've perhaps seen so far is watching a mini football tournament between my students. Watching 6/7 year olds get really into football whilst the girls are cheering with their mini pom-poms and posters is so adorable. Supervising the kids allowed me to talk with my kids more and get to know them. I really like that I can be a goofball like I was at camp and the kids laugh along but still respect me as an elder and their teacher. It's a great feeling. Of course, not EVERY student of mine is like that, but it's nice to know the majority are.

If only they were this 'peaceful' in class...

On the subject of football, last night I went to my first EVER football match with Grace and Marisa. It was a home match for my local team, Nakhonratchasima FC (or the Swatcats as their more commonly known) and they were playing against the number one team in the premier league, Buriram FC. I was told this would be one of the biggest matches of the season, so at 120 baht a ticket (about £2) I couldn't resist and see what all the hype was about. We went to the Kings Stadium to watch it (I was having flashbacks from the 10km run!) and it was packed! I mean, so packed that we actually had to stand up and watch the match because every seat was sold out. They were even selling tickets from old games as tickets for this game were in such high demand. We estimated the crowd to be in the region of 30-40,000 people and it was quite a sight to see. The whole stadium was filled with orange pride for the Swatcats with a tiny little section for Buriram. I was initially weary of going because of my hatred for the football culture in the UK, but I was pleasantly surprised with the respect and "gentlemanly" manner of the spectators. I mean, they even clapped when Buriram scored. In my opinion, and of course I'm no football expert, but Korat played better in the first half and their disappointing second half resulted in Buriram scoring leaving it to a tie. However, unlike regular football matches, there was no extra time due to the 1-1 score and the game ended rather abruptly. It was pretty anticlimactic. But overall, I'm glad I went to see it and can check that off as another 'first-time' thing I have done in Thailand.

My first football game was good fun!

Just over two weeks now before I head off to Singapore (again...) for our 4 day break. CAN'T WAIT.