Too many are playing me... sigh

Man...

By this point, maybe cos into the final weeks of the academic year, I've come to realize too many students are playful n cheeky around me in a non-class time, in a personal capacity.

In the home room, some would tell me something strange? See my reaction... Or I show them a puzzled face when they do something weird.

During cleaning, a couple of students from another class, would come into the rooms I am in charge of and hang around. Then when I see them, gotta shoo them out. Again I haven't resorted to Krav Maga. tempted to Muay Thai their asses at times. Then some of their female classmates watch on in amusement...

Got a group of boys would salute and greet me as Boss for many months. Until just this week, started using my name instead of Boss but now got one like to run ahead of me while I am going down the stairs to block my way for the fun. Obviously I never resort to Krav Maga push kick lah, but he would block and then after I try a few times to walk thru, lemme thru... Say goodbye to me. How to get angry at this...

These are the more frequent ones besides others. But too many does leave me drained.

Like how I wore a sleeveless collared V-neck cos got outside speakers and my job was to take pics, later got a student say that I was cool cos I've got muscles... Peng san.

Seriously I do notice that many noticed my muscular arms... I thought they were getting more muscular cos of more weight loss, cos looked a bit leaner. My exercise pants got even looser. True enough when I weighed myself, I was 1kg lighter.

But given the current intensity of the Krav Maga lessons, cos they kinda refocused on basics and a lot of core muscles conditioning like planks, push-ups, sit-ups kicks and funny higher level stuff. Did something like Muay Thai training, someone whacks ur stomach after u finished a sit-up, so u gotta contract ur stomach all the time. Push-up, push off the floor then clap.

Bleah... Intense and tiring yet surprisingly, I could do them. So what does that say about my level of fitness. So what more about the types of muscle strength and endurance. Coupled with weight loss, so definitely muscles become more pronounced.

Plus they really sua-gu cos in their culture, no such thing I guess and the rest of the colleagues are in the much older category, married and serious type. I thought only I had a set of working clothes uniform, theirs is more power than mine. Even in the wok trip, can wear back the exact same stuff. No wonder students kinda noticed when I was one of the few who wore different clothes.

Even the younger ones are kinda the same pattern. Like very one-dimensional. It's not that I am being biased. But their conversations and kinds of joke are things I don't get... Plus it's easier not to miss them when they leave.

My students know more about me in a personal capacity than most colleagues. Though I don't know as much about all of them. But I can see more this year from their writing, time in the classroom when we chat once a while and the daily lesson thingy. But kinda sad when they leave or I won't follow them up. Hmm will umake my farewell present for them like I did for the other year.

Galaxy Note 2, Apple beware

Got a new toy, Galaxy Note 2, cos my plan is 2 years old, same for my IPhone 4. Using another SIM that I got from the recent Internet contract. Will use it in place of a laptop. After watching some videos and configuring it, when I looked at my iphone, found it too small.

Bought a casing, screen guard and a 32GB microSD plus a high speed reader to transfer files. Managed to fiddle around with it to configure and download some apps to make it more useful. The stylus and handwriting tool is useful. Photos look so much larger on screen.

Spent the rest of the time online, configuring. Didn't do much except ate my favorite laksa for breakfast. Good news is that I havent eaten it at all this whole week, even for dinner after Krav Maga. Eating today, I still found it good but think I am almost not addicted to it anymore.

Was searching for Spa resort in Bintan for an overnight stay. Looked at 3-5, Banyan Tree is super-pricey. I was looking at a cheaper one. Hmm...

Also practiced both acoustic and electric guitar, that one song next week. Next week is hectic. Gotta squeeze in 2 Krav, 1 dinner with ex-colleagues,1-2 band practice sessions with colleagues after work and cca... Finally have the performance on Fri and then after work is the Farewell party. I look forward to a good meal, draught beer and a good venue cos ALL settled by Moi...

Tomorrow, gotta exercise a bit. Simple conditioning workout n tricep dips. Have errands to run too plus need to get some clothes? Tidy my messy room... I just wanna sleep.

Ironies - food & food

Imagine downing 18 pieces of sushi, a curry puff and 3 sticks of fried stuff (squid, fish and crab) from old Chang kee for dinner. To be truthful, I left 4 pieces of sushi and 4 pieces of fried stuff for a second round to finish up. Told my sisters and they were shocked n amazed by HOW much I ate. Actually I was somewhat surprised too. Guess my stomach was better?

Unfortunately the next day my stomach wasn't well. Eating those crap meant I had tummy aches and had to go clear my bowels. Ironically today last minute inform me I would have to eat lunch with my class cos the form had to set up projector and stuff for a short briefing immediately after lunch. Bo bian, luckily I had a large apple and my rice crisp sticks. Brought up 1 stick and my apple. Unintended detox lunch? So healthy...

While I was biting through the big apple of mine, a couple of students looked intently at me... This happened from the start of the year, cos maybe the way I bite the apple is not feminine or what. Some are amused/amazed? At this group, 3 were staring at me eating my apple. Then one said that I was cool. Huh? Eating apple??? I pieng sang at the teacher's table. Then he said I was cool cos he remembered the Muay Thai experience. I walked over and told him, he's cool too cos he's got some nice photos of him doing Muay Thai. Then I walked back and continued to munch my apple and keep an eye on everyone. Noticed the other 2 girls staring intently at me... One had gone for Muay Thai also. Dunno what she wanted her friend to look at? The way I bite the apple...? Make me do self-conscious. Later just looked away from that direction and ate my lunch = apple. Man... What an experience. Only this year especially the start of the year, I had been closely scrutinized at times when I ate lunch with the various classes. Especially when I eat an apple. Why?

Anyway I had to struggle with feeling rather unwell, stomach-wise plus cramps of sort. Yo-yoed between okay and bad-but-hanging-on. Managed through to the end of the day. Had to OT cos the heavy rain kept me back. Use some time to clear some bits of work. Went for KM still. By then just feeling mentally tired, cramps are gone. Managed to get through.

Really hope to wake up, feeling more okay tomorrow.

A day-off

Hmm slowly trying to beak the laksa habit... Today ordered prawn mee (just as bad) but not another continuous round of laksa everyday. Lunch was pork ball vermicelli soup from the same stall.

Today is an off day, from the insanely long hrs during the level trip, imagine 20+ hours for 3 days. How many hrs of OT is that? Dunno who felt bad for us, the P or the Head of the Level, initiated this.

Yesterday I OTed and piahed until 6.30pm marking the exam papers, my allocated part n rally up the marks for my section, also did up an answer sheet with all the extra answers cos I won't be working on Fri to do that. Left a pile of books and files to check... This type of off-day also sometimes create stress. In between the marking, I had to go practice that song with the colleagues band for half hr. I can play it okay, just need to keep to the slow rhythm. A tedious Valentine's Day. Reward dinner was laksa though. Reached home, bathed, play guitar and slept. Uneventful.

Today woke up later about 8+, ate prawn bee hoon soup n practiced guitar. Later ate lunch and went online. After it rained and I had to go to the bank b4 4.30pm, transferred money to sis. On the way home, I bought a 仙草仙奶 for myself n 2 warm dessert for family. Walking to the interchange n saw 2 students. They are in nicer clothes, heading out to party after exam... I waved n they saw me in my not-so-nice but still decent going-to-Clementi clothes. Didn't walk up to ask. Just stayed in the bus queue.

Tonight got Krav. Hope I won't meet more in town.

Post-CNY - got tummy

Hmm the bingeing of the past 4 days since Friday is getting to me. My tummy is not flat but got tummy. Dare not step on the weighing machine to find out the damage. Lemme work the tummy flatter before I do that.

This week alone, I have eaten laksa 4 times cos it was so delicious. My favorite stall, I tried their laksa and fell in love. Since then, I have been eating it for breakfast for the past few days, CNY eve, yesterday and today. It's really very suit my taste. But obviously not good for my waistline n arteries. Think I need to work off all these CNY binges and coconut milk before I go for my annual health check.

On top of that, I stayed at home, literally eat, sleep and watch TV. Then while I don't munch much CNY goodies, I ate double servings of rice for dinner, effectively 4 meals, ate my own caramel and peanut butter chocolate and drank ciders... These are damaging enough.

Felt guilty enough that I managed to do 210 tricep dips on Sunday evening so as to avert breaking the exercise-cycle. Also did another 210 on Mon evening. Didn't do others. Tuesday, felt bad enough that I just did my conditioning but each exercise just 1 set plus 210 tricep dips again.

Think tomorrow's work would stop me from eating that laksa for breakfast, and Krav Maga would jump-start my workout again. Ya plus the combined power of the porridge regime, should help flatten my tummy soon. Need to resist the weekend binges too, self-control.

Tuesday I went out exploring in the later part of the afternoon after the rain stopped. First off, I ended up in Subway in WCP and ate a roasted chicken breast sub. Took a bus and got off at Far East. Few stalls were open but I bought that HK egglet again, this time the pizza flavor. I rather have savory than sweet, even for a snack. Only exception is dark choc, matcha choc and peanut-butter choc. Had to wait 10mins which I walked aroun then came back and waited another 5mins. The 满家乐 is no more. Now is Burger by FatBoy. Next time when I am not so guilty, then would give it a try.

Munched the pizza egglet as I walked down Orchard Road. Entered the new Scotts and did my banking. Bought a tea in the NTUC finest. Nothing much else inside, walked and munched the egglet until I reached Orchard Central. Crossed over and took a bus to central before taking my feeder bus home. Kinda not much, just like a walk to burn off that egglet whilst I am eating it. Reached home and ate dinner. Just a full bowl of rice and some duck meat, fish and cauliflower. Think I have to stick to plainer stuff for my waistline's sake.

CNY - sick

Now I am wide awake despite downing a Brother Cider 7%, cos I slept from 1pm til 5.30pm and woke up just in time for the reunion dinner. Made a Lamb brothers after and slept from 7pm until 12am. Woke up and lay in bed just in time for the New Year to arrive. I lazed until 12.30 then went outside to eat some peanut butter chocs and caramel chocs (eyeball from Halloween) and drink the chilled Festival Pear Cider.

Instead of being sleepy, I am now wide awake. Never mind, play cheat a bit and 守睡 though I think I might have 'cheated' a bit cos of the sleeping earlier.

The past week had been tough after the work trip. Nursing fatigue and later I developed sore throat on Sat evening. Made it through Sunday only to see it turn into diarrhea. Which I somehow survived through Monday. By Tuesday, I had blocked nose and cough. By Wed, it was more cough and some light-headedness. Thursday was more of still having cough and feeling of semi-unwell and Friday was a time when my endurance ran really low and was almost half-way to throwing in the towel.

Needless to say though, my fuse was shorter than the usual. Those who dare to act up, felt my wrath through a loud and stern scolding. I didn't care I had to raise my voice at those idiots. Fear my wrath. Too bad, cos I was struggling with being semi-sick and u do stupid things. Too bad, I don't feel bad.

Was glad when the long weekend finally came. Hence after last night's of eating pork knuckles and beer for Quet's bdae, today I was kinda dead to the world. Short of mealtimes, I was either lying in bed or sleeping. Think I need some more rest to recover my energy.

The song that I have been practicing is almost done, except for my uneven rhythm and sometimes I forgot the chords cos have to memorize the chords of the entire song, almost done. I practiced until a layer of dead skin peeled off my fingers but that was painless. The price of playing the acoustic guitar.

All these bingeing from all the celebrations meant I have to do my own conditioning tomorrow to keep to the 7-day routine, cannot afford to break it with all the over-eating. Things start tomorrow.

My First Over-sea Work Trip

Came back safely but exhausted beyond words cos of the insane 'working hours', conversely the lack of sleep over 3 consecutive days that triggered my irritation and temper that kinda showed on my face when we had the second late night 'meeting' at 11.30pm until 12.30am... I was literally fuming already cos when it ended, I was going to go up to the room, kena called back cos they needed to decided a minor detail that couldn't wait until tomorrow. Took another 10mins b4 deciding on something we would have taken less than 1min to decide and allocate. Obviously I don't get to say anything, have to wait until they decided and tell us. It's always like this. It's not an issue when I have the time but its a great irritant when u are so tired beyond relief and temper flaring cos u can't go back to rest cos of such a minor thing.

By yesterday, after all students left, still have a 'meeting'. By then it was already past midnight. I was in no mood to show an OK face, cos the irritation and eye-rolling and looking at the lights in the ceiling kinda showed I found it a waste of time. The school nurse asked if I was ok. I told her this style is very irritating if u have been sleep-deprived for 3 consecutive days. Shared a cab back with 2 other colleagues who stayed nearby. Reached home to a brand-new toilet. Bathed, changed and knocked out.
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This is a record of things I did, the memorable ones cos I didn't take much photos of myself at all. I took of students mainly. Helped them take pics. So I wanna record down not just what I did, but capture the thoughts and feelings then. Cos photos though visual, the feelings dims with time. Soon one'll forget how u felt and thought. I wanna revisit my thoughts later on and see if I still think that way or changed.
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Day 1: Departure, transit, arrival, Temple, Dinner, room checks

Woke at 3am to get ready. Problem is my stomach is very bad in the morning. But my bags were packed, clothes and stuff ready. Took a bath and kinda woke my mom cos we still had one master toilet working. I decided to wear contacts, T-shirt, jeans and sport shoes cos of the itinerary. My Dad who was awake offered to send me to WCP, my meeting place with a colleague to share cab to the airport. But I declined cos I didn't want to end up there even earlier than the allocated time cos my Dad is kinda anal and would make me go there even earlier, often to end up waiting longer. He left to do his morning stuff.

I bid goodbye to my mom. Pulled my gay travel bag and sling on my shoulder bag and walked there. Had to wait, but soon a cab pulled up and we went to pick up another colleague and headed to the airport. Ate my breakfast at the KFC - a twister with ham, egg, bacon and cheese plus a coffee. Little did I know, that would be my breakfast food types daily. More later on.

Work started after breakfast. Stood outside the airport at the various entrances and direct students with parents to the meeting point. Stood near the group or behind my class while they went through the admin and 'ceremony' instructions and so on. When some girls go to the toilet, I'll follow and wait outside.

Finally departure and another whole round of moving off, assembling and instructions. Boarded Thai airline and it was 2hrs 30mins flight to Bangkok. Ate lunch on-board. Food wasnt great but it wasnt a leisure trip so I aint complaining much. Slept a bit. Followed by a long almost 3hrs transit wait before boarding the 1hr flight to Chiangmai International airport. At the duty-free shopping, had to stand guard so they don't wander outside the stipulated area. Half hr rotation, I felt like in a military checkpoint. When my shift was over, I walked around to see, saw Krispy Creme and bought 3 doughnuts including its world famous plain one. Many it was really tender but too sweet. The dark chocolate one was very good, not too sweet. Gave my chocolate one to Female Wall cos she didn't have time to buy any food cos she was with her class. I asked one of my female student what she bought later. She told me she bought one of each doughnut from Krispy Creme, Dunkin and Pretzal? When I asked her which was the best, she replied its Pretzal?

On board the plane, chatted with the Aussie a bit on the journey and learned some stuff about him but midpoint we decided to rest up and remained quiet. We, the non-jap (NJ) were wondering why not have a direct flight instead. Cos spending up to 7-8hrs traveling and waiting is a waste of time. With many rounds of moving, sitting and instructions, we reached Chiangmai safely. We, NJ were feeling the fatigue of the long travel hours.

The form teachers sat in the class busses, but it was kinda just nice. So with the guide, there wasn't space for the subs. So we travelled in a van behind. It was quieter in the van than the bus so we could rest up a bit mentally. I prefer this arrangement.

The first event was Dol Stepu temple. Didn't catch the proper spelling cos everything is in Jap. Just followed. But my God, it had many many many steps up before u reach the temple!!! I had put on my double knee-guards and ankle-guard in the airport toilet. So I braced myself mentally and followed my class up. Form is infront and Sub is behind. I asked students later how many steps, they counted 300+!!! All those Krav Maga 83 steps paid off. Didn't stop, steady pace and slightly breathing hard when we reached the top. Took a class photo and guides explained in Jap about the temple. I just followed behind. Amusing how cos I took a group pic of the class girls at the back, the monitoress came and told me NOT to do so coz they weren't listening to the guide. Ops role-reversal. Ok, waited until the guide was done b4 I continued taking pics of students.

Cos it was about 2.30pm (Thailand is 1hr behind us), I put on my black cap after the class pic (applied sun-block on my face in the van) cos I didn't want to kena my bad pimple-nose episode. While walking, can hear some saying 'Ikkenmen' - which is a slang to mean 'handsome'... Some chanced upon me while walking around inside the temple and only later realized is me, wearing a cap. Guess they don't see much of that at work. Funky T-shirt, jeans, sling bag, contacts, highlighted hair and plus a cap. Even I think I look different than at work. But nobody says I have to dress like I'm working so I wear my norm. Helped many take pics and took some pics of more students. I did offer prayers and donation for the health and blessing of my family especially my youngest sister. The inner temple is gold-plated that glittered. I was glad the skies were more cloudy so it was cool and not hot. Wandered around, helped colleagues take pic, a few of myself but mostly those photos are in colleagues phone and camera. See if I could get a copy later on at work.

The toilet was clean and free but u can donate to add to its maintenance. Remember, the bowl was elevated unlike the ones that were embedded in sg? Later I went down the long steps down where there are lots of stalls and an entire bazaar with all the Thai memorabilia eg Buddha head, Thai masks, bangles, statues, fisher pants etc I took a look but didn't ask the price, nothing caught my eye. I had 4200 baht (S$165) on me but my mom told me NOT to buy any of these figurines and statue Cos my youngest sister is sensitive and these figurines might draw spirits to my home. Ok, np cos I wasn't keen on buddha's heads which I find kinda disrespectful to Buddha. Students bought stuff like chains, bracelets, bangles and stuff. U had to bargain otherwise they charge high. I am not a good bargainer plus nothing I fancy, so just looked and stayed at the assembly point.

The next stop was dinner. At the Mensa restaurant, which looked really impressive. Has a large entrance with Thai architecture, Thai traditional music playing in speakers and drums players outside, u feel as it u have gone to Thailand earlier in history. We walked in to a large dining area. Students seated in their formation for meals by class and gender. On the table is a Thai platter of dishes. Curry, chicken, sliced veggies with spicy dips, prawn, fried banana, sticky rice but no mangos, stir fried cabbage. (Unfortunately this entire trip I had to drink cold water at meals cos there's nothing else, my sinseh would faint when I see her next Wed) I ate just 1 small serving and declined refills. Watched others eat servings of rice. The male teachers teased and say that I eat so little later go back to hotel room and pump iron, do pull-ups... (Man I know my arms are leaner and more muscular but it's more from the fact that I've lost weight, plus Krav Maga and my own conditioning exercises including triceps dips, not weights. So stereotypical. Just tell them nope)

Took pics of my form class students, can see some boys doing stupid things to take funny pics. We were supposed to release those KomRang lanterns aka 孔明 lantern but it poured heavily so a change of plans to do so on the second night if we squeeze out the time and weather permits. The Head of the level told me he wants to have a Muay Thai match with me cos I would be going with him tomorrow. My face was like "WTH??!!??" Later I get into trouble for hitting him n he's a guy lor so sure lose (turns out later he didn't, it's just say only) (Later kick his groin, due to Krav Maga training, how to say sorry)

Next went back to the Holiday Inn hotel. They had like 4-5 adjacent ballrooms. So we used different ones for different uses. Had to help give out room card and found out we have to check their rooms later on shortly to make sure they submit the health checklist, write their reflections about the activities for the day. Dismissed for that function ballroom.

I got my room, but had to assemble in 15mins time again. Went in, opened my bag, found my sun-block spilt out cos maybe the bumps popped open the lid. Grabbed the stuff inside and was frantically washing my bag and hanging it up. Went down with a plastic bag containing my room keys, master keys for students' rooms, my valuables and camera. Luckily I packed my bag pack inside my luggage, so there's backup bag.

Apparently there's a sort of performance out up by students who volunteer to do up as a sort of entertainment for this trip? 2 female dance groups, 1 skit which I don't understand and 1 male dance. Saw a group of my form class girls perform. A nice modern girls dance. The other was more edgey and sexy, inspired by AKB48 style. The skit got all the male problem students who are attention-seeking performing. Don't understand, don't care too much. The last is a Boys group doing some anime music plus light-sticks dance. Now this is the 4th time they are doing this. Even if u change the choreography, it's still the same. After 1-2 times its very Otaku-ish. They think there're cool? Hmm... One male student from another class told me he ate 8 refills. His form, female Wall told me he had 4 airplane meals earlier. Well, he's still growing. A female colleague came up to me before the performance and offered to switch rooms, cos I was on the floor where her female students are and she's on mine. She preferred to be with her students. I told her I had my sunblock spillage incident so my bag's stuff are out, used 2 towels to soak up the dripping bag that's hanging in the room. She said she didn't mind at all. So okay, swop.

So after all that, go back to the room, I had to clean up my stuff, chuck into my luggage, then that colleague came over with her stuff. We swopped and I headed to my new room on another floor. The elevator was really slow. I only had less than half hr to bath before I had to do my checking duties and this room swop ate into that time! Though her room being a the corner was super big, spacey, and mine was more like students' room, we wont be sleeping much in them anyway. So no diff, and if the room is too big, makes u worry about what u see at night... Bathed a hot shower with hot water splashing down almost on max. Washed hair, condition and changed into my sleeping clothes, sleeveless top and long exercise pants. Took off the guards I had worn for the temple. Still had a late night meeting, so brought along my umbro jacket to put on when it starts.

Next was room check... Bad deal cos my initial room was close to the students, all near-by. But the swopped room was at a corner, have to walk quite a bit to reach the others who were spread out and up til the other two corridors. So knock, say its me, used the master key to unlock and went inside to check their health list, collect it and checked if they did their daily reflections and signed. I had to go 2 rounds cos the girls were t on task, some forgot, some bathing (cos shortly after the performance) At the last 2 room (twin-sharing), right beside each other. One girl was complaining she's scared. Heard voices in the bathroom. Her 3 friends offered to stay outside while she bathed. I told them free-time is over, not supposed to stay in other's room and I had a meeting up til after midnight. So after bathing, must go back to their rooms and sleep.

Then I went down late for the meeting. But think they started without me and I just reported one girl coming down with a flu and one being afraid to stay in her room despite a room-mate. After the meeting, I went up to that room to check on the second room's girls. They said the girl slept already. They looked sleepy so I didn't walk in to check the room, told them to sleep.

I went back to my room, drank my meds, took out contacts, brushed teeth etc. Had packed my backpack for the next day's activities including a change of clothes an my guards. Had 4 pillows on the King bed. Set the alarm for 5.15am cos breakfast for staff is 6.15am. I put the two super-soft pillows behind and sunk into them and slept. Kept the soft lights on and knocked out. Been up from 3am until 1.30am.
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Day 2: Elephant Park, Ride, touched, Muay Thai, Night-bazaar, escort and room check

The morning began with my eyes opening up as soon as the alarm rang. Really tired and I took a hot shower to wake up. Since I don't get to sleep much, I shall shower more. Washed and conditioned my hair again. Wore contacts, combed hair, wore my Red elephant t-shirt and jeans with sport shoes and a backpack. Went down and I was late though I arrived at 6.15am. I think Jap people don't need sleep like the rest of us mortals.

I piled my plate with toast, omelette, hill of bacon, baby potatos, baked beans and 6 sausages n ketchup. A small mountain of food on my plate unlike the rest of the females. Females Wall asked if it was my special meal cos of my upcoming fight with the Head of Level. I told her this is not my norm (coffee or with plain biscuits) but what I eat when I don't get enough sleep. I surprised myself by finishing everything that's on the plate plus 2 slices of toast. Ate them in less than half hr. Then have to do duty. Go to call and remind an entire class. I got to call my class girls and boys. Came down and stood around until they finished their meals. 2 classes set off for the Elephant park first, the other two would later head out for one of the 6 Thai cultural experiences; massage, sepak-taraw, Muay Thai, cooking, umbrella painting, history. I was allocated Muay Thai. Luckily my body had recovered from the 2 Krav Maga classes I went earlier in the week.

I arrived at the Elephant Park with the Filipino colleague. Our job was to take pics. First few things I noticed was the number of jap tourists, smell of the elephant poop and how touristy it was. Keeping an open mind, I followed behind my class as we went for the Elephant ride. Just 4 female students were left then ran out of elephants. So gotta wait for the 10+ elephants to come back. Saw this huge bull elephant that matched the height if the elevated hut we were in. It pooped and peed a river of urine that gushed out of its big overhanging penis down the hill And we could smell it. Not very awe-inspiring for this animal.

Later after ten minutes, the elephants returned and we got on. I was with another male teacher. Luckily I don't have vertigo but it was a slow-moving ride. I was worried about sliding off when we got to the steep downhill n uphill. I took a few videos of the ride. Apparently there's two stops where the elephants are given food , one is the pick-up point, the second is mid-way. So the elephants make the walk for food. I was smiling cos the ride was bumpy and you can't help utter "woah..." at certain parts. Tried to take pics of students and myself, failed except for 1-2. Interesting and quite enjoyable experience. I threw the worries out after the initial part and just enjoyed the moment. The elephant sped up as it approached the mid-point and u'll can't help but feel woah... It's so much faster than when it walked normally. Once it got its food, it went back to the normal pace. While passing very close to one elephant, I reached out and touched its skin. It's very rough and clumpy with folds with some hair. Rock-hard. First time close contact. I didn't want to put my legs on the elephant's shoulders cos I was wearing my sport shoes might be uncomfortable for it, so let my feet dangle in the air. We finished the ride safely. Nothing went wrong. Got off and headed to the elephant show. We were a bit late cos we were left behind earlier but still could watch - elephant plays music instruments like bells, harmonica, elephant soccer, darts vs human (elephant won), elephant painting, taking off the hat, step gently to wake a guy, and elephants pulling logs at work. I know about elephants from the numerous documentaries but U get a sense of how intelligent, strong it really is in person.

At the end of the show, we had a class photo taken with 3 female elephants right behind us with their handlers. The elephants are well-trained and they did poses for the photo-taking for the 1st class. Our turn came next. A few shots were taken. One of the elephant was right behind me, it came and put its trunk on my right shoulder. I held it and it a few pats. it held still as we took the photos. That made me smile. The trunk was also very rough n hard with folds of skin and hairier. When we were done, I turned around to look at the elephant, it did a trick like the elephant show, it gave me a few gentle taps on the shoulder with its trunk. I smiled at it and later waved as we walked out of the performing area. I was touched and awed by the strength, scale and intelligence of the elephant. Decided I would buy more souvenirs to support them. Some of my students from the first class, saw what the elephant did and smiled back as we were taking photos.

I bought a corn cup, went to the toilet which had a donation box for baby elephant food, put in some baht. Later after I've finished my snack, I went into the souvenir shop and bought photos, key chains, purses, bookmarks and a t-shirt. My mom told me not to buy anything back, my dad is not appreciative of gifts so I decided to buy for myself. It's quite cheap 840 baht in all, about $35+

After that we headed back to another hotel, Mae Pieng hotel for a buffet lunch, I didn't eat much cos the next one is physical activity. I wasn't sure then if I would join in the entire Muay Thai or not. After taking more photos of students. I was constantly struggling with the batteries cos the 'new batteries' I took from the workplace all are like cheapskate type. Put into the camera, take a few pics and next thing is see msg to change batteries. Ultra sian, used I-phone to take pics n video. Transferring those would be a pain later on. No free time to buy any batteries. Just make do.

We headed and this time I sat with students to the sepak-teraw an Muay Thai gym that were right beside each other. I sat with the 5 female students and followed them throughout. First thing to change though, girls changed in a small storeroom. I stood outside while they changed then it was my turn. A few girls were shy about wearing an exercise tank and put their t-shirts over. One didn't and was uncertain. I had brought 2 exercise tops; one was sleeveless but shoulders are covered, the other is an exercise tank, sleeveless, shoulders can be seen. I decided to wear the tank to make the girls comfortable. I had the guards on already since morning, pulled off my jeans and t-shirts and changed into that exercise tank n 3/4 exercise bottom. I came out quickly and think I got some stares but I wasn't near enough to hear comments but at least that girl didn't feel uncomfortable with me in exercise tank also. (I know they would be staring at my arms and shoulders cos its visibly more muscular n lean compared to that Oct event. Plus it's an anomaly for them culturally. It's a source of the 'cool' comment) For me, I think they are entitled to their opinions and I won't change. It's a sign of my hard work and success in dieting, conditioning and Krav Maga. I wear that badge proudly despite the slight envy I detect.

Anyway the gym is run by a former world champion. He had 3 other disciples helping out. Girls are one group and the rest of the boys formed up 3-4 other groups. Most boys including the trouble makers chose Muay-Thai. For me, I think I am the most unexcited one. Not that I look down on Muay Thai but it's a different discipline. I am aware of the complexities and history n the various levels of the Muay Thai sport. It's heavy on the kicks and I was slightly worried about my knee. Hence when students learn and did the Muay Thai warm-up ritual 'dance', I chose not to join in but took pics instead. That dance was heavy in the knee stretches that my right knee cannot tahan. But it's still interesting to see how the dance warm-up is broken down into steps and taught, and then put back together into the unique warm-up dance signature to Muay Thai.

When they put on the boxing gloves, I applied the knowledge I've learnt in Krav on how to wear boxing gloves and helped them put it on properly. They got 15-20mins to punch the punching bag. Can see how non-trained punch etc. more of the Krav Maga lessons comes back while I observe and take pics. Then the main coach he demoed the punches. I'll call them, straight jabs, higher jabs, cross and upper-cut. Then each got to do with the instructor who held the hand pads for one set. I looked and took pics. Also gave pointers when the girls were doing the punches cos they dunno how to interpret what each change in position requires them to hit. I demo a bit at the side cos of the language barrier, English, Thai and Japanese. But they got it and did it. I praised them when they could complete the exercise. I'm glad they did it and didn't shirk or complain. I guess it's different when u wanna do it.

So it went like this for the next part; elbows. Normal elbow, high elbow, diagonal elbow and spinning elbow. I tried doing it at the back where I stood. The spinning and diagonal elbows are something new. Also encouraged each when they did the set. The 3rd set was the Knee; knee stomach, side knee and jumping knee. It was fun to try jumping knee. Took videos.

The last was the kicks. The low kick to the low leg to trip, the kick to the thigh/hip level, higher than the stomach and the spinning kick which includes a faking kick followed by a round kick by the other leg. It was fun cos the main coach came and he held the pads for the girls. He made some sounds and his body language like taunting u and make u wanna hit him, then he praise u for doing it well in Thai.

After he finished with the 5 girls, he gestured for me to try too. Okay I'm game. I kept my hands up to defend the face like how we were trained. And kicked like the demo I saw. I tried to use some body-weight. It was my first time doing round kicks whereas Krav is about straight kicks, push kicks. After I kicked, the coach made loud praise, peripherally I noticed suddenly the gym was quiet. The boys stopped to watch, too. I didn't know if the Head of the level took a video but I focused on the rest of the kicks cos I didn't have warm-up stretching. My feet accidentally connected with the coach's elbow and we both laughed and rubbed his elbow, my toes. Then I did the mid-kick and tried a higher kick. Finally it was the round kick, I wasn't sure if I could do it. I could do it, the right leg kick was ok but the left kick was lower but could connect with the pad so it was okay. But I could tell that the 'sua gu' were impressed. I was happy with myself that I could do it without warm-up, my first time and quite okay in terms of posture, strength. It seems the Krav training has paid off somewhat in the form. But I still won't be out looking for fights.

Then the last part was to have fight matches. Boy v Boy, Girl v Girl. I helped pulled the rope so the girls could go in. They wore the headgear, gloves, chest guard and shin guards. My verdict after watching and recording a few matches is that the boys fight mainly with boxing with little techniques cos they were aggressive and lessons got thrown out, a few punched and floored each other. The girls used more of the kicks and techniques and didn't set out to hurt each other. It was like a fight vs a practice fight. I prefer the girls' fight. After their bout, both declared winners, I helped them take off the gear and arrange neatly on the table. Luckily there was no match with the Head of the Level. He just meant it as a joke of sort. I really don't want to accidentally knee him in the groin using Krav n that will be obviously against Muay Thai rules of engagement as a sport. We ended with a group pic and headed back to the hotel. While standing outside the storeroom and waiting for the female students to change, I used palm strike with body weight and hit the punching bag. The sound was a deeper slap sound and interestingly rhe punching bag didnt swing wildly. just move back a little. Just a few strikes then I stopped and waited and looked out the window. But still no done, strike a few more times. Didn't do any elbow, knee or kicks. Just palm strikes and a few punches but unprotected wrist so back to open palm. Finally they were done and I went in and changed out.

We reached back to the hotel with about half an hr to prepare. I took another warm shower and washed my hair n conditioned too cos I found the water made my hair dry? Changed into my sporty short-sleeved zip jacket with a hood, same jeans n sport shoes. Repacked the backpack, and went downstairs. I can tell again that got some stares but I wasn't listening for any comments. It's just like students noticed. I think I looked pretty good. (Dunno maybe is the contacts, hair nicer toned arms and build, nicer clothes too)

We headed to the Imperial Hotel where we had a shabu-shabu dinner. This time I ate a lot. Ironically the soup was just water, no Tom Yam. Kept cooking meat, pork, chicken, beef and liver to eat. Ate 10 beef, pork balls and a serving of the fried rice which was delicious. I didn't go and take much pics, too busy eating. Later after eating, I walked over to another hall where my class was and stood around.

The next stop was the Night Bazaar, a short distance away from the hotel. Walked behind the class and we headed there. After instructions were given, they dispersed in their shopping groups and I walked one round around the designated area. U have to bargain with the vendors, saw some doing pretty nicely. I walked until the end-point - a Starbucks and went in to buy a hot Green Tea Latte (M), cost 135 baht ($5.50 range) and crossed the road to the other side. There were some interesting stuff like Muay Thai memorabilia, the boxing shorts, boxing gloves and T-shirts, the usual fisher pants, t-shirts... Lots of stuff, but I didn't buy anything. I walked past an area with massage that was 125 baht for an hour! Urgh I rather have that... But I didn't have time for it. My station was outside BK. I made my way there and stood, sipping my GTL.

There was a vendor selling pirated DVD, he has two plastic chairs for his customers. I stood a bit further from him. When his customers finished, he stacks then up and sits on them. After 20mins, he offered me one of the chair, I thanked him but declined cos didn't want to affect his biz, take up the customer's seat. It was a reminder of the kinder nature of the Thais. If it was in sg or msia, they'll tell u to move away and not block their way doing biz. Saw a mother and young child beggar and gave them all of my loose coins, in Chiangmai so far, there's much fewer. Later on, saw a beggar with the entire face disfigured either by acid or flames, semi-blind walking through the crowds. Pity them.

A group of 6-7 female students from another class saw me and came over. First thing my student say to me is "U are very Ikkenmen!" My response is a feign fainting, much to their amusement. Another of my student said in Jap, "give us a treat of Starbucks" another chimed in "we love u so give us a treat". My reply was "I love u too but I can't treat ya. Didn't u have ur own money to shop?" Another girl told me she had bought alcohol, saw two slim looking bottles in her bag. I was like, aren't u underage, opened up her bag, it's an umbrella with a container that writes 0% alcohol. Me do another feign 'beng san' fainting. Told them they can't go behind me, they'll have to cross the road to continue or make their way back to the hotel.

There was a slight incident, cos the guide
used Japanese to tell me the directions to go back to the hotel, I might have given the wrong direction to my 3 female students. I realized later in, 5 mins after they left and I quickly headed in that direction walking quickly for about 8-9 mins but don't see them, though I passed through very quickly through the crowds. I made my way back and saw other teachers. Asked if they saw this group of girls. Later the girls appeared from behind. I apologize to one cos I have given them the wrong directions. But I think they didn't go down that way.

We walked back to the hotel and formed up to walk to a green area within the hotel grounds and light the KomRang lanterns. It felt surreal after the first 4 lanterns were lit and released. They flew in a curved path up towards the night skies, looked like the stars formation. It reached a very tall height before it extinguished. As more groups of students released the lanterns, the night skies resembled the galaxy way, with the lanterns forming a curved path. Very pretty and surreal. Felt a sense of inner peace. The lantern I held to release didn't fly up so well, took 3 attempts before it flew. I wasn't sure if I made any wish at all, just wanted it to fly. Then it was over and we took our transport back to our hotel.

Back at my room, I went to take another hot shower but didn't wash my hair. Enjoyed using the hot water to wash away the fatigue. Was feeling sleepy n zombified. In another sleeveless top n my exercise pants. Went to do the room checks. Knocked on the first door, rang the bell and identified myself. Most opened up before I used the master key. In the room, two completed their reflections, one didn't. Told them I'll be back in ten mins, please complete. One other girl from another room was in the room, she had to practice her ending speech for the school exchange the next day. She practiced her speech with me, I told her to go back to her room, I'll be coming over, show me her entire speech and I'll go through with her. Before I left, one of the girls came up to me and said that I was very cool. I think she referred to my sleeping outfit. I said thanks. She seemed pleased. I left the room, went to the room next door. Again like the night before, not on task. So I told them I'll be back in 10mins. That they better finish or I'll have to come after my meeting in the middle of the night. They didn't want that and continued. This went on for the rest of the rooms. Only that first room, 2 out of 3 did. After the 1st round, I almost exceeded the time allocated for this check. I ate into my own free time before the meeting. Went back to the first room, this time the girl finished, I signed and said "Oyasuminasai". I went to the neighboring room and still writing so I waited in the room. Heard next door's the three girls' voices. Cos there's an adjoining door and sound travelled through. Basically one of the girls had gone for Muay Thai, the other 2 didn't. I could hear them, being loud as they were. One was saying how cool I was, I think referring to the kick session (only one I did) and another was saying how she wanted to see it. Girls... I went to the rest of the rooms and waited inside while they finished writing up. Signed and said "Oyasuminasai" and reminded them to lock the doors behind me. A few observant students noticed how sleepy I was and asked about it. I told them I still had a meeting after this check so please hurry. One asked me "What's there to meet about?" My own thoughts exactly. She asked me what time my meeting will end, I told her I wasn't sure, past midnight. "That's crazy." I think so too. Managed to check their reflections and made my way down to the meeting in the function ballroom.

I got off the lift and immediately saw a student of mine from another class. She was standing and seemingly waiting for someone. Cos it was late 11.20pm then so I walked up to her and asked why she's out so late. She was looking for the nurse to check on her fever, I told her to wait and don't go anywhere, walked into the meeting and couldn't see the nurse. Asked her form, Female Wall where the nurse was, in another student's room and I mentioned that her student is outside the function room waiting. She told me to tell her to go back to her room first. I walked out of the function ballroom, to my student and told her the message. She decided its okay, don't have to check her temperature. I told her I'll walk her to the lift but while waiting for the lift she told me how there was one guy dunno when scared her when he walked in n out of the lift while she was inside. So I told her I'll walk her to her room. Took the lift with her, walked right to her doorsteps. Noticed her room door was slightly open. Told her she cannot leave the room door open this way, was really dangerous. She told me never mind about the fever, I touched her forehead and it was quite warm. Told her to drink some water, go back to bed. After the meeting, the nurse and her form would surely check on her. I thought briefly about going in to check but the lights were out and the room was dark. I didn't cos the fatigue clouded my judgement and I let her go in. Waited a short bit and went down. (Thank God there wasn't a stranger in the dark room, nothing happened)

That meeting thereafter was the one that kept me back extra. I was so irritated that I decided to soak in the bath tub with bit water to relax, then ate my meds, ironed the smart casual clothes I had, packed the luggage. Finally lights-out at 2am.
___________

Day 3; Cultural exchange, hectic, departure, UNO, more Ikkenmen and Arrival

I woke up at 5am cos my stomach was bad. Had bad coughing fits with lots of thick phlegm due to the amount of iced water I drank cos that was the only drink at meal times. Other times was bottled mineral water. Another hot shower and dressed and packed up. Went down at 6.15am and was again the last to appear despite being on time. Wtf? Ate another mountain of the same savory stuff. Skipped the sweet stuff like jam, pancakes. Too sweet in the morning. I sat alone at another table cos odd number of females. Also I didn't felt like talking, just looked at my food, chewed and ate. The irritation from last night kinda resurfaced, plus really tired, really early and my left eye hurts some cos of the 2 consecutive 20hrs of wearing the contacts, way beyond the stipulated time.

After eating, went to the students rooms. I was supposed to remind them to go down for breakfast and also check that they didn't forget anything inside. It was room check-out time. Went one round and some were inside. Told them to use the latch to keep the door open once they leave the room. Second round, I went inside to check the room and the safe deposit box. Finished with one class of girls, went to my own level. Most left or leavings so I went inside n checked in one round mostly. Next was waiting for them to finish breakfast and I sat at a chair and stoned. The Head of the Level asked if I was okay. In my mind, I was actually thinking, maybe we should have had that Muay Thai match cos I was still irritated by the night before. I told him instead my left eye hurts from wearing the contacts up to 20hrs beyond the max of 12hrs. Later I sat with my class girls at a table and lay my head on my hands to rest. Some were concerned and ask how I was. I told them I slept at 2am and woke up at 5am... Another teacher commented that most of the teachers had the same thing but dunno how they can keep up with the facade of no fatigue. I couldn't and don't care about appearance beyond a certain limit. Later on, we set off to the Thai school for the cultural exchange.

The school was big with good facilities. The auditorium is beautiful. There was a whole welcome ceremony and speech and dance performance. I didn't see any cos I had to go to my station, help set up the yukata and later I offered to help look after the station before the groups of students come to the station. That was more than half and hour. Just stoned and observe and kept an eye on the yukata set up. Some Thai students were curious and came closer, I just nodded and sometimes smile so long as nobody touched. Then the groups came. Our students were supposed to dress their counterpart but for non-same gender pairs, I had to help dress the girls. Also tie the belts for the boys. After they are done, had taken the photos, undress the yukata and fold them neatly. Had to help fold and count the pieces and check each set is complete before the next group came. Damn hectic for me. Finally all four groups are done, we packed up quickly and met up with the rest of the colleagues and ate from our given lunch boxes. I had little appetite but forced down a crossiont, a banana, hard-boiled egg white, sandwich and a plain water.

One of my student saw me and asked what performance was being out up by us? Apparently there was an extra performance. I told her I'm not sure but it sounds like that Boys Dance again. She said that one with the lights stick. "Yar", I replied cos "sono dance ga arimasu dake...(we only have that dance)" She heard that and also beng san then. I told her I was joking but I really think is that dance only. Later we went back to the auditorium and had the closing speech and ceremony and gift-exchange. One female student puked after the lunch and was unwell and we stayed with her and the nurse until we reached the van.

At the airport, took a long while to clear through the security checks then I went to the toilet and changed out of the smart casual clothes into my grey T-shirt and jeans. Such a relief, I don't fancy wearing my working clothes for the whole journey up til Singapore. I want comfort unless they made it a rule but nobody said anything. Then again, it made me stand out cos the rest of the teachers didn't change out. Ur choice seriously.

After clearing immigration, there was time to wait before boarding, so games like UNO are allowed. I decided to play with these 3 girls from my form class. 3 缺 1. I did tell them it's been quite long since I've played UNO so have to tell me how. I showed them I could shuffle the cards. We started. I was the one making all the exaggerating noise especially when I tio the +2, +4, the girls also followed and make some noise. They were really quiet but I saw them smiling during the few games we played. While I was playing, heard my name being called. 4 girls from diff classes came up and told me I have to look cos 2 have to do a forfeit. Huh? I looked on, the 2 girls formed a heart with their hands and body and said "Ms Y, let's fall in love". I beng san off my seat and those girls went off giggling. I looked back at the UNO group and shrugged, what was that about? They also saw what happened and laughed. Continued playing UNO until time was up. Went up to the plane. Just before I was boarding , another class (Female Wall's class whom I didn't meet much) was behind me. I stood at the end of the class and follow any stragglers. An outspoken boy was behind me. He said "Ms Y, ur hair is Ikkenmen's hair so u are very Ikkenmen." U see me beng san to his classmate's amusement. I turned around and looked at the boy and said "watashi was Jose dattara, Ikkenmen wa imiganai. Tsukenmen hoshiin. (Ii am female so being handsome has no meaning. Prefer to eat Tsukenmen) they found my reply very amusing and were smiling at this exchange. I didn't expect that same boy to answer back "Ok, so Ms Y is pretty, cool, beautiful, cute ..." See me beng san again. He said I was shy and blushing due to the comments but actually I wasn't expecting all those. Plus u can see the limited vocabulary. I waved him off, and followed my class forward. On the plane, I slept a bit. The sandwich and juice were nice and the tea too.

The transit in Bangkok we didn't get to shop. Had to move through the long long part of the shopping belt. Saw new alcohol but couldn't buy. Saw some of my class boys keep kicking each other using the Muay Thai moves but obviously they think they are cool. I kept reminding them no violence and that Muay Thai is a sport to be done in a ring, not to each other. Still young and childish. But there are those who are more respectful. I am one I think. Flight got delayed, once we boarded, while the classes were filing past, 2 boys from FW's class greeted me Happy Birthday. I looked at them and said its Feb already, u're quite late. So can say Happy very Belated bdae. Thanked them and they went to their seats behind. The food i chose was better this time. The egg fried rice with tomato sauce was good. had a cold regular Coca-Cola as a reward. No Coke Zero. Reached Singapore safely. Another round of shuffling. No duty-free for me. No time and I rather get home and sleep.

But to no avail. The students were picked up and left quickly. The teachers still had to stay back for another meeting. Another 15-20mins to thank the guide, make a speech about things going well, teachers' hard work and how we should rest well over the weekend... Blah blah. Finally after some time, can go. I wasn't up to it to show an ok face. Looked off elsewhere, looked at the ceiling, looked down, face couldn't mask the irritation. The nurse asked if I was ok. I told her the lack of sleep for 3 days makes my temper bad "kikken warui". She said that I would find this a waste of time, I told her if other times I won't mind but too many days of lack of sleep is another. Finally we could go home, shared a cab with the same colleagues, reached home, bathed in the new toilet, drank meds and lots of liquid and slept.

Overall I think there were fun aspects of the trip especially for Day 2, at the Elephant Camp and the Muay Thai. The little episodes with students showed me a different side of them and also I hoped they saw a different side to me. Besides the obvious change in appearance and all the Ikkenmen and cool comments. The teachers' hrs were really insane and now I am nursing a sore throat from Sat night. Hope to recover by today, cos work starts tomorrow...