It’s so hard to believe that this is my last week to teach English in Thailand! I have learned as much from my students as hopefully I have taught them. In general, the Thai people are the most generous and kind hearted people I have met as a culture. Just this morning on my songtaew ride to the temple, an elderly lady was getting on the truck and others were quick to extend their hand to help her on-board. The younger generation is very respectful to elders and will readily give up their seat on a crowded songtaew or bus or other modes of transportation. My gray hair has even given me a seat at times . . . I’ll take it! I am already thinking about missing this place 😦
What Buddha Day were you born?
After class one day, I was talking to a couple students about the meaning of the Buddha for each day of the week that we see when we enter the Wat where I teach. One of the students said that she studied the meanings and gave me the following characteristics for the person born on each specific day of the week. I think I interpreted her descriptions okay below. I googled what day of the week my birthday/year fell and discovered I was born on a Saturday.
- Monday: Charming
- Tuesday: Confident
- Wednesday: (daytime): Introvert
- Wednesday: (night time): Secrets inside/keep to themselves
- Thursday: Knowledgeable/teacher/loyal
- Friday: Lover/Very friendly
- Saturday: Passionate/strong willed/Integrity
- Sunday: Very generous/very confident in themselves/honorable
Phetchaburi
As part of the English teaching program, Maryknoll hosted the students and teachers on a field trip to the Phetchaburi region located about 84 miles from Bangkok. With Phra Suraphet at the helm of the bus, we learned about and toured Caves, Temples, King’s palaces and ended the day on The Gulf of Thailand.
1st stop: Wihara Phranon Temple
As we approached the temple there were monkey’s everywhere! We took an all group picture then climbed to the temple that was built in to the rock wall and had a very large reclining Buddha inside.
2nd stop: Phra Nakhonkhiri Historical Park
We took a cable car up the hillside and toured the beautiful grounds and summer palace of King Rama IV who lived there 1851 – 1868. You may remember this King who was portrayed in several books and the film The King & I. We were warned not to take food with us since the hillside is populated by potentially aggressive monkeys.
Bamboo Tubes
Back on the bus, I was given a warm Bamboo Tube that was delicious! Stuffed inside the bamboo is sticky rice mixed with sugar, sweet red beans and coconut cream, then slow roasted over coals to slowly cook and mix the ingredients together. Yummo!
3rd stop: Khao Luang Cave
We loaded in to several songtaews that would drive us up the windy narrow roads to the cave entrance. Major restorations were made to the cave during King Rama IV’s reign and it is said that he used the cave to study Buddhism and to meditate. We walked down stairs about 100 meters in to a cool and serene atmosphere filled with caverns and beautifully illuminated golden Buddha images. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling were amazing.
Bro. Tim 
On the pathway walking back to the songtaew, there were many monkeys on the guard wall and trees. I witnessed a monkey try to grab one of the students backpack but only came away with some Kleenex. Then I learn when I got back to the bus that my seating partner got bit by a monkey! He is doing ok, but is taking the rabies shot series to be on the safe side.
The culprit I think
4th stop – Phra Ram Ratchaniwet Palace
5th stop – Mrigadaya Van Palace
This beautiful beach side palace was the former residence of king Rama VI who ruled Siam from 1910 to 1925. Although this was not a temple, there were high standards for respectful dress. Teacher Harry’s shorts or shirt (we’re not sure which) apparently were not appropriate and he was provided a skirt to tour the grounds. I was so excited to see the coast for the first time since I’ve been in Thailand.
6th and final stop – Cha-Am Beach
It felt amazing to put my feet in to the Gulf of Thailand . . . it felt like bath water it was so warm. A wonderful way to end the trip with fresh fish and other seafood items available to take home. Thank you Maryknoll for an amazing trip!!!
Embracing Gray 
Hey Jules–thanks for sharing your excellent teaching/learning adventure –it a!most felt like I was right there! The Thai place up on Broadway is advertising the arrival of authentic street food, so maybe we’ll have a chance to actually sample a few of the delicious offerings you featured in your posts!
I’m anxious to hear more of what you thought about being a teacher!? For example, we’re you able to keep discipline with the boys in the back row…probably because in your case they were Buddhist monks!! At any rate, how ironic that I saw more of you these last 10 weeks when you were half a world away then I do when your much closer to home!! So thanks again for taking me along and safe journey home!!
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