Being Reflective

As I continue on with my PGCE work, we question the difference between reflexive and reflective are they mutually exclusive or a counter balance of each other. Does being reflective only relate to the academic world? How often do we take time to withdraw and analyze how our lives are moving?

The US Elections are nigh!

The US presidential elections are only a few weeks away. I hope you are registered and ready to vote. As I live in Bangkok, I have already submitted by ballot via the State of Georgia's absentee system. The absentee system is quite archaic; everything should be online these days. No matter where we are in the world, one should be able to put in his/her name into the computer and vote. easy peasy. I wonder if the long process is a deterrent to keep people from voting? Please get informed on all the issues and vote for whomever you believe will be the best fit for the entire US (not just a select few). The next debate between the candidates will be on foreign policy, Obama should have it in the bag; he just has to swing the bat when he's at the plate.

How the world goes.

It has been some months since I last updated. But, I feel it is a good time to reconnect with this blog. Jacqui and I are both studying to become teachers, because working in an international school (and having very minimal interaction with students) is not very fun. My job is advancing this year, and I'm taking it all in great stride.

As the World Turns:

Currently,

The Academy Awards are being presented to for the best movies of 2010.

In Libya, however, militant groups, rebels, and local citizens are collaborating to oust the oppressive Regime.

China police forces took the streets when reports of a 'Egypt Style' revolt was taking to the streets.

The Kenyan government is feeling international pressure for giving little support for their mentally disabled.

Julian Assange has been extradited, he now lies in the US's hands.

Today marks the anniversary for the tremendous earth quake in Chile.

US Republicans are adamant about cutting spending ie: Reduction of budgets for Americorps, Foreign Programs and State Department, and the contribution to international organizations.


Happy Monday everyone.

what's going on?

Yo, so I've been in Bangkok now for 3 weeks, and all I can say is I wish I would have come sooner. The sights, the smells, the energizing hustle and bustle of the city are an inspiring sight. Men and Women, older than the moon, stroll smoothly down the busy streets with smiles as wide as America's financial crisis is deep. Earnestly, they push their carts ready to serve up fresh noodles, or grilled pork & fish coupled with a healthy portion of sticky rice. A completely satisfying, yet unbelievably cheap, meal.

Hoping on and off the air conditioned, immaculate Sky-Traine, one can travel throughout the city in a matter of minutes. One day, I took the train to the river, where I hoped on a boat and journeyed up stream to the 'Grand Palace' (The most visited tourist destination in all of Thailand). The whitewashed walls form a fortifying circle around the palace and were constructed around 1782. It was built several hundred years ago by one of Thailand's great leader, King Rama I, who wisely placed Bangkok as the new center of Thailand. For a century plus, this area served as the home to the Royal family, but now is used primarily for royal functions and coronation ceremonies.

Inside the walls, lies one of Thailand's most sacred monuments: " The Emerald Buddha." The approximately 5 feet Buddha is completely made of emerald and was discovered, by accident, in the South of Thailand. Explorers first thought it was made of Jade, but soon realized it's true makeup. The statue sits high in the temple overlooking all the patrons. Its chair is adorned with precious jewels and gems, and its crown made of a gold that shines brighter than the sun in many parts of the world. One cannot help but let their eyes wander throughout the temple as the intricate art makes one kneel agape. The artwork finely painted across the walls represents Thailand's history, its struggles and its celebrations.

Scattered throughout the temple grounds are armed guards who serve as a visual representation that if anyone dares to mess with Buddha, they will gladly subdue the person.

One of the most interesting artworks within the palace walls is a recreation of Angkor Wat. For those of you who don't know, Angkor Wat is an ancient wonder found in Cambodia
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/cambodia/angkor_wat.html

I going to see the real Angkor Wat one day (perhaps very soon) and I will then blog about its intricacies.

On the employment side of things, I have applied for several teaching jobs at local universities. In Thailand, one only needs to have a masters to teach. So, hopefully i'll have some cheddar soon.


I miss you all, but life is so good. Everyone should begin looking for cheap tickets and plan a trip asap. We can sit on the street and drink cheaply and watch the exciting city happen before our eyes.

Hello Thailand

My first few days in Bangkok!

Twice since I have been here, I have experienced ‘A Meal a Mile Long’ similar to the story I used to read when I was younger. The first, was in Paragon Mall where the entire first floor is swarming with nearly 100 restaurants—Some are fancy and other are the world known McDonalds, KFC, and Burger King, but there are also dozens of Asian, Mexican, Italian, and different desserts places. Mind you, THIS IS A FOOD COURT! This mall blew any and every American mall out of the water. But the best part is one can eat incredible things for under $3.

This is the entrance to Paragon, and an unusual sight. This long queue is for Krispy Kreme’ doughnuts that has just opened in Bangkok. This line has been continuous for 5 straight days, and it is quite a sight to see Thais leaving the store with 3 or 4 dozen each. Although there are other American food chains, this is something new and has taken over Thai lifestyle for the last several days.

As I walked throughout the city, the overwhelming smells of spices mixed with the fresh crackle of pork and chicken awakens the deadest senses. Riding the sky train from destination to destination, it is neat to see the Buddhist shrines delicately placed along the city. Worshipers gather in the hot sun to burn incense and pay respects to their god.

My first night out in Bangkok was a great experience. Jacqui, Rebecca, and I went out for dinner at a nice Mexican place in the city, and then rendezvoused with one of Jacqui’s high school friends, and then the party started. First, we went to the “Red Wagon,” which is literally a red Volkswagen that serves stout alcohol on the side of the street. After a few drinks, we made our way to Khao San Road. Khao Sarn is known to Thai’s as old town, and used to be the heart of the city, but today it is where tourists from all over the world come to experience a crazy night life for practically nothing.

We sat in the thick Bangkok night, with the humidity wrapping her heavy arms around us. Nonetheless, the party pushed on. As we drank buckets, we watched crowds of inebriated tourists swim up and down the road looking and tasting at all Khao Sarn had to offer. If one chooses to find a Lady Boy, one can, or if one wants delicious Thai food for cheap, one can have. As far as the eye can see the road stretches into the steamy night with people meeting, greeting, falling in love, and making new friends; an experience that words cannot capture, but must be experienced first hand.

These pictures are classic of the experience. The one on the left shows my friend Rebecca leaving the Khao Sarn excitement while the picture on the right is Jacqui speaking to an old cart-women placing an order for some Pad Thai and spring rolls.

A Recap!!

My friends,

It has been many months since I last reported any news. I have been beyond busy, and now I must tell all the experiences.

For most of June, July, and August I was locked away in a stale library for long hours at a time drafting my dissertation. When it was finally submitted, I cannot express the elation that overtook my senses. 10 months of graduate work, and I was finally finished. Although it was cause for celebration, it was also a strange time. Because, the submission marked the end of the year and the parting of ways for the vast majority of people I have met along the way.

We celebrated many goodbyes, and for me it was all so surreal. It seemed like just yesterday, I was fretting whether the UK consulate in Chicago was going to grant me a UK visa, and now it was the end of the year, and sadly probably the end of the journey with a lot of people. I guess that's how life works though. People come in our lives or a reason, and thus we must cherish every moment we can spend with those or we will regret it in the end. Life is about experience, and I know that I am a much greater person for having experienced so much this year with such a diverse group of people. Thank you for all of the memories, for all the laughter, and for all the pints... you all hold a special place in my heart.

I happened to see the Pope, in his 'Pope-Mobile,' and the Queen of England, while in Edinburgh.

I went to Crete, Greece with Jacqui and others to celebrate the end of our year and to see a new country. Our whitewashed hotel, was perched on top of a mountain and looked perfectly down on the bay below. The crystal blue water lapped lazily across the face of the stoney beaches, while the gentle wind breezed soothingly across the trees. We dined so cheaply, but on such incredible cuisines. Moussaka, Souvlaki, gigantic gyros, grilled feta with roasted tomatoes that tickled ones senses like a rainbow after a rainstorm, it just seemed right. Oh and the olives! Green and brown, big and small, and all so juicy. I ate them at each meal, daily.

Jacqui and I rented a car and drove around parts of Crete. We stopped at ruins from 9,000 BC, and though the sights were aesthetically beautiful, the great thing was we could see them for FREE!!! We drove through barren mountain ranges, and well placed olive fields. We dined in the most beautiful village where grapes grew freely through the pristine alleyways. After 5 hrs of driving, we reached our destination: a beautiful beach at the Libyan Sea. If one squinted and stared into the horizon, they could see the coast of Northern Africa.

After Greece, we had 3 more weeks to sit in Edinburgh. After arriving back in the burgh, it became more real that the fun filled year of graduate school was over. I had plan to pick up my phone to call a friend, but remembered everyone had left. It was a bit saddening, but also inspiring because I knew my journey was not over!!!

It has now been 3 weeks and I'm on the train heading to London. I have lived in the UK twice and I've never made it down London-Town. That's okay, though. After a day of sightseeing, I am leaving the UK, but I'm not heading back to GA or even the States for that matter. No, I am heading East to Bangkok, Thailand.

I am moving to Jacqui's homeland to experience a new culture and soak up all that Thai lifestyle has to offer. I'm so excited for all the opportunities that are coming my way. The first major order of business is brunch at the Sheraton Hotel which apparently contains all the world's best cuisines in one place. I will blog immediately after that and try and give you a first hand account of all the tastes and goodness, then its off to the beaches.

I will keep you posted.