Lucky plates

I got 99 problems and a plate ain't one

License plates. On the surface, not a terribly exciting topic. Thailand, however, is an onion and there are often twists and layers to the everyday mundane. License plates are one of those things. Unless you ask and probe a little you would probably never know.

Welcome to Bang Sue

Life on the outskirts of Bangkok

“You live where??” I usually receive looks of concern from my students when I tell them that I live in the neighborhood of Bang Sue, about an hour away from our school. From my friends, I receive childish giggles. Yes, I get it. Ha Ha. Many people wonder why I would live so far away from my job and my friends.

Thailand: the land of smiles and helpful hands

Even in the darkest moments, people genuinely want to help

We soon realised that something more serious was going on. A knife appeared. A big, scary knife. Things start to feel a bit more real when there's a knife involved.

Stop this no-fail policy

Postbox letter from Dr John Smith

I have many students that fail and one particular class I was supposed to teach had never turned up to a class, never took a test or exam and I failed them all. I was told that I could not fail them by the head of year and by the director of the school and that I would have to give them minimal scores.

Moving to Bangkok

What I did right and what I did wrong

When I moved to Bangkok, I wasn't really sure what I was doing. Looking back, I can honestly say that I did some things right and other things I did completely wrong! Maybe you can learn from my mistakes.

Oppan Gangnam style!

Why I just can't get this song and dance craze out of my head

Gangnam Style is a K-Pop phenomenon performed by Korean artist PSY. The song parodies the lifestyle of the elite Gangnam neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. Criticism of the materialism of this wealthy neighborhood is apparent as PSY reduces luxury to laughs.

A day in Ayutthaya

Temple-spotting is a fine way to spend a Buddhist holiday

Apparently, Monday was (loosely translated) Buddha Day. It is therefore fitting that I should visit temples for the day, and thanks to an invitation from a lovely fellow teacher at school, that's exactly what I did! Ayutthaya is a mere hour and some change train ride from Bangkok.

Teacher dress codes

Postbox letter from Sarah

Don't waste your money buying pants. Maybe the school you work at will not be as strict with this policy, but unless you have overwhelming feelings about this topic, buy skirts and dresses to be on the safe side.

Father's Day

Honouring and respecting the Thai King

Tuesday's ceremony was quite interesting. I have no blooming idea what was going on, but I showed up in a nice yellow/gold tie with a gold flower I bought from a Thai teacher earlier in the week to show my support for the King