First Entry: Only in Thailand

The following are things I have only experienced in Thailand. I want to share the amusing and/or memorable experiences I've had thus far. Enjoy!

1. Only in Thailand...

could I say, “Hey, look! There’s an elephant in the street!” and literally mean it.

The other SM, Shekaina, and I were sitting at a bus stop along the street across from each other. The day was hot. We had been walking for a while, were hungry, and dehydrated. But…I knew it wasn’t a mirage when I saw the elephant walking in our direction. As soon as I made my “Hey, look! There’s an elephant in the street!” comment, laughter wanted to escape my lips. This was something my younger self used to say when I wanted to distract someone and pull their leg. But there it really was! Well, I can check that off my bucket list.

2. Only in Thailand...

have I been covered in stickers on Valentine’s day.

Students from two of my kindergarten classes showered me with them. My third class got into a semicircle formation, startled wriggling around as if they had forgotten something when one of the students stepped up and said, " Happy Valentine's Day, Teasher Nay, " and presented me with chocolate.

3. Only in Thailand...

have I taken Google Translate to get groceries at the market.

4. Only in Thailand...

can you guess what this cat is eating? It’s green, crunchy, and fishy-smelling. Yes, that is seaweed. Only in Thailand have I seen seaweed-eating cats.

5. Only in Thailand...

Question: Okay, game contestant. This is “The Price is Right.” Can you guess how much this dish cost?

Answer: Only in Thailand have I been able to purchase pad thai for sixty seven American cents!

6. Only in Thailand...

did I give birth to kindergarteners’ favorite…Mr. Blue! A little blue sock, a little colorful yarn, some beads, and thread and out came Mr. Blue! I am not sure if the students are more excited to see me or him!

7. Only in Thailand...

Ever heard this song? “ Only an ant named David, only a catapult.” [Sung to the tune “Only a Boy Named David] Only in Thailand have I seen the story of David and Goliath told like this. I told the story to two of my students and suggested that we make it into a movie. Here was their finalized storyboard.