For Those Unfamiliar:
Blogging, to me, always felt like a fatally narcissistic pursuit. At its very best, it creates a platform for the well-meaning (but incidentally, self-righteous) to shout a message and enlighten all those who take the time to read their work. At its worst, a blog becomes a digital shrine; a palace full of mirrors that reflects the greatness of the blogger in every one of the billion ways he or she is most definitely great, and funny, and insightful, and edgy, and creative, ad nauseum. But that's a silly thought. There are undoubtedly blogs floating across the internet that deliver fascinating news, teach people how to cook, learn a craft, cope with stress, and contain quality writing. Really, it's just a vehicle.
Nevertheless, I am approaching this blog warily.
My hope is that some people will use this blog as a resource. My trip didn't begin with an epiphany, nor with an especially well researched idea for exploring an alternative career path. It grew out of a distinct desire to travel, some curiosity about teaching, and the fact that I talked so much about leaving the U.S. that not following through stopped being an option. The minor research and outreach that I did do landed me, thankfully, with the organization I'm currently training with: Samui TEFL ( you can check them out at http://www.samuitefl.com/). It's an organization that specializes in training individuals to become proficient English language teachers, based here in Koh Samui, Thailand. If I can share my experiences with other curious individuals who might consider the traveling/teaching route, this will all be well worth the effort.
For others, I hope they enjoy the window into a side of the world that is less alien and less inherently strange than they would have imagined. Thailand exists in the periphery for most of us Americans. My knowledge of the country and its customs amounted to next to nothing only a few weeks ago. Having set foot here in Siam, I can say confidently that the scope of my ignorance grows in tandem with my sense of wonder at this emerald and turquoise land. The Thais enjoy a culture imbibed with uncommon courtesy and respect that extends even the most loathsome farang, foreigner. They will be the main feature of this running account; the Thais, their foods, their beaches, mountains, valleys, villages, and cities. With luck, I hope to do them some small justice.
Outside of that, this blog will see occasional snippets of reviews for books, music, and perhaps even movies that contribute significantly to my experience of life here.
Sawadee Khap
Welcome to the blog,
Hope you stay tuned.
Blogging, to me, always felt like a fatally narcissistic pursuit. At its very best, it creates a platform for the well-meaning (but incidentally, self-righteous) to shout a message and enlighten all those who take the time to read their work. At its worst, a blog becomes a digital shrine; a palace full of mirrors that reflects the greatness of the blogger in every one of the billion ways he or she is most definitely great, and funny, and insightful, and edgy, and creative, ad nauseum. But that's a silly thought. There are undoubtedly blogs floating across the internet that deliver fascinating news, teach people how to cook, learn a craft, cope with stress, and contain quality writing. Really, it's just a vehicle.
Nevertheless, I am approaching this blog warily.
My hope is that some people will use this blog as a resource. My trip didn't begin with an epiphany, nor with an especially well researched idea for exploring an alternative career path. It grew out of a distinct desire to travel, some curiosity about teaching, and the fact that I talked so much about leaving the U.S. that not following through stopped being an option. The minor research and outreach that I did do landed me, thankfully, with the organization I'm currently training with: Samui TEFL ( you can check them out at http://www.samuitefl.com/). It's an organization that specializes in training individuals to become proficient English language teachers, based here in Koh Samui, Thailand. If I can share my experiences with other curious individuals who might consider the traveling/teaching route, this will all be well worth the effort.
For others, I hope they enjoy the window into a side of the world that is less alien and less inherently strange than they would have imagined. Thailand exists in the periphery for most of us Americans. My knowledge of the country and its customs amounted to next to nothing only a few weeks ago. Having set foot here in Siam, I can say confidently that the scope of my ignorance grows in tandem with my sense of wonder at this emerald and turquoise land. The Thais enjoy a culture imbibed with uncommon courtesy and respect that extends even the most loathsome farang, foreigner. They will be the main feature of this running account; the Thais, their foods, their beaches, mountains, valleys, villages, and cities. With luck, I hope to do them some small justice.
Outside of that, this blog will see occasional snippets of reviews for books, music, and perhaps even movies that contribute significantly to my experience of life here.
Sawadee Khap
Welcome to the blog,
Hope you stay tuned.