Thailand-Sunday, July 18, 2010

Today we spent time visiting Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the adjoining Grand Palace. This site consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics and dates back to when Bangkok was founded. I felt as if I were lost in time and was in awe of the intricate detail that was used in the construction of the magnificent temple and palace buildings. Many statues and murals tell the story of the Thai culture. The spiritual awareness that one is able to experience while contemplating the view is one of peace with the universe. This site was yet another example of why this country is called “Amazing Thailand.” My special guide today was Natcha (I don’t think that my spelling is correct so please forgive me). Natcha is an IB (International Baccalaureate) student who won a scholarship to a very prestigious school in Norway! I am so lucky that she is home on break and is acting as my interpreter and guide. She has explained many things to me today including helping me on my shopping excursion later in the afternoon at JJ Mall. In addition to looking for special gifts for my family and friends back home, she and other very helpful school staff members allowed me to visit the animal section of the mall where I was able to look at all kinds of animals including teacup Chihuahuas and pet squirrels dressed in hats and coats!

Thailand—Saturday, July 17, 2010

What a joyful weekend I had! On Saturday Morning we left for the beach. Along the way, we were able to view the country side and it was much different from Bangkok. We traveled through rural country side to reach the Prachuapkhirikhan Province. We relaxed by the seaside at the Beach Garden Hotel Cha Am. I walked along the beach and collected many sea shells but I had to be aware of the jelly fish that were in the shallow water and washed upon the shore. There were signs alerting us the dangers of the jelly fish sting !We then journeyed to Plearnwarn, which is a historical place that only the very rich people could come to during their stay at the beach. After visiting many shops there, I had my portrait done and then Sorn and her staff took me to get my hair done! I was given a Thai head massage during the process and it was like heaven! My hair also looked fantastic! In the evening we came back to Bangkok and went to a Western (Cowboy) Style restaurant called Robinson Ratchada. In addition to traditional Thai food, we also had Margaritas and steak! We are going back Monday night to do some county line dancing and maybe drink some more margaritas!

Thailand-July 16, 2010

Today I had the honor of visiting Principal Areerat’s (Sorn) School. The Rattanakosinsomopoch-bangkhen School. I was delighted to have such an overwhelmingly warm welcome! The students greeted me with a beautiful banner that had a special picture of Sorn and me taken when she visited Lovejoy. The school is absolutely amazing. There are 2,355 students and approximately 100 teachers. It is evident from the student performance that Principal Areerat and her staff have dedicated much time to the education of their students. The students are very respectful and very bright. After my presentation about Lovejoy School, a group of students led the tour of the building and spoke excellent conversational English in the process. I visited each department and to my delight, there were pictures of me and Principal Areerat (taken during her visit) decorating many, many bulletin boards. I participated in a question and answer period with a class of English students and once again, was delighted with their obvious academic excellence! I was also taken to the gymnasium to view a Takraw presentation (this is an very breathtaking sport—it consists of three players on each team and can be compared to high powered volleyball played with the feet!). I was surprised by the beautiful reception that was planned in my honor—the decorations were fit for a Princess! Staff had prepared a variety of exotic dishes and students very skillfully performed both traditional Thai music and dance! Today was my best day! I can truly understand why the saying “Amazing Thailand” applies to not only this country but also in particular to this excellent school headed by their outstanding leader, Principal Areerat!

Thailand-July 15, 2010

Today we attended two very prestigeous events for which we received a special engraved invitation. In the morning we attended an Internatonal Symposium on "Caring Leaders across Cultures" In Celebratoin of the 60th Anniversay of the Fulbright Program in Thailand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was at this event that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was presented with a special award and spoke to the audience. Also speaking was Ms. Alina Romanowski, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Academic Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. In the evening, we attended a Reception hosted by the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand in Celbration of the Fulbright 60th Anniversary. The event was held at the Dusit Thani Hotel--very high society event! I wore traditional Thai dress! I felt like I was in a scene from a movie!

Thailand, July 14

Today was another great day! The US educators (including me) participated in a "Sharing Seminar between U.S. Administrators from U.S.A. under the Educational Seminar Program, Fulbright Program and Principals, Teachers of the Member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project (ASPnet)." As a panel, we discussed the "Overview of the US Education System" emphasizing No Child Left Behind (NLCB) and the differences in school funding between the US and Thailand. We then attended a special luncheon in honor of the program and received a token of appreciation for our services. We decided that we would try to form some simple linkages using Web 2.0 tools such as Blogs and also preparing "Artifact Boxes" to be echanged in the mail. We discussed some of the instructional practices that could be used with both Blogs and the "Artifact Boxes." I exchanged contact information with educators from many schools. I would like to begin work on this project when I return to school. We spent the afternoon sightseeing in the city and shopping and that was really fun!We then went to an international restaurant that was located at the top of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel! The view was awesome! Tomorrow we will participate in the 60th Anniversary of the Fulbright in Thailand Program, where HRH (Her Royal Highness) Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn will be presenting. We were given special invitations to the this event and attendance is quite an honor!

Thailand-July 13, 2010

Today, I was fitted for a tailored suit--that was quite an experience! Then I gave myself some time to recoup from the flight and organize my luggage--what a luxury! This evening I was taken for dinner by Principal Areerat (Sorn) to the very famous Somboon Seafood Restaurant. The food was quite delicious. I was amazed at how many people were moving about the city--walking, in cars, and riding motorcycles. The city is quite exotic! Many different vendors line the streets with all kinds of things to purchase, especially unusual food items. I am still having a little difficulty with the time change. Tomorrow is a big day with the start of the 60th Year Anniversary Celebration of Fulbright Thailand.

July 12--Arrival in Thailand

July 12--Arrival in Thailand

At the airport, I was given a very warm welcome by Principal Areerat and her staff. They were waiting for me with a special banner and some beautiful flowers. They transported me in a stately looking vehicle to the All Seans Sathorn Hotel. I was really tired, but after a 20 hour flight I was glad to arrive safely and delighted by my welcome and accomodations! I am really looking forward to my adventures here in Thailand!