nature and life in Trang
Almost full moon. Took an evening walk with Lola doggie, my buddy out around campus. The sky was turning the deep blue of dusk as the moon stood at about 80 degrees with a small ring around it. Beautiful sunset with clouds of all types floating around the sky. Bats flew by-going out for dinner and some marsh-type birds (like some kind of duck?) circled a few times- I think to try and draw me away from their nest. This morning saw 2 baby birds walking along in the grass near the canals- maybe they were that type of bird as they had similar body type and a cute red bill. Been having some amazing nature experiences recently. At first it seemed kind of random, but with the increasing frequency and intensity of the encounters, I am thinking there may be a message in them for me. Like, Nature calling- where have you been?! I have not been camping for quite awhile, and not much star gazing. I seem to get out in nature for recreation, but for appreciation and discovery, not really too much. A few nights ago, I went walking while waiting for a friend to pick me up to go to town for tea. So, as I walked, this night hawk flew down toward me and at about 15 feet hovered there for about 15 seconds, then flew to a different angle and did the same thing again- all the time just looking at me. Odd. Then, yesterday afternoon while sunbathing behind my apartment building, quietly reading a book, I felt something tickle my side, I reached down to brush it off, and it was a snake cuddling up to me. I came up off that towel in a split second. Then I folded the towel and returned him to the weeds nearby. Also, have these cute small spiders in my house. Just a few and they are rather friendly. I rescue them all the time from drowning in the shower, of getting crushed in the fruit basket or whatever, and I swear, they look ant me and are thankful. They never jump or walk on me or scare me. Amazing butterfly, dragon fly and praying mantis encounters too! Have discovered the water tower. I can climb the ladder up about 75 feet to a platform and see forever. There is no lock or any deterrent. What a great opportunity! I feel like I can get away up there! Lola and I often just hop on the moto (Red) and cruise though the country side exploring. It is so beautiful here! I was thinking, (as you may be also) that I am going a little nuts here in the jungles of Thailand. Maybe I am, and if so, it feels ok, so no worries.
Went to town tonight to sign some paperwork for a workshop I taught last week. Was offered fresh, homegrown durian and ate it till I was almost sick. Have become quite a durian fan- they call me the Durian Princess and my friend, Kip, who often will buy and eat a whole durian in one day for all meals, the Durian Queen. For all those of you have not tried durian fruit, you have not lived, and my life had not started until I had my first here in Thailand-YUMM!
Pretty quiet around here this eve. All the teachers and much of the staff living in the apartments are at a student’s funeral. He got stabbed to death at a “pub” in town. Yes, in my little town of Trang. I am in shock. I have been most places in this town, and have never seen anywhere that even resembles anything like a real “bar” that is sleazy or dangerous looking. So, I am interested in finding out where this happened. So very sad. I did not know the student, and I don’t go to funerals anyway (only wakes and memorials), so I forewent the invitation to go with the campus bus full of mourners to the funeral.
Just finished midterm exams, and now the correcting begins. I have 90 students in one class and 135 in another, so you can imagine how long correcting will take…The students are mostly very sweet, but their lack of participation and maturity really is a problem for me. It is so much like a polite junior high school here. My contract is up March 1st ’07, so then maybe to New Zealand for a change.
Have started a project that has the approval of the campus administration and the support of teachers. We are sterilizing all the stray dogs on campus, providing medical attention and feeding them semi-daily. It is still getting off the ground, but I have been feeding them for about 2 months now and most of the dogs are pretty happy and getting healthy. I am quite a sight as I hop on my motorcycle with a bucket in the basket and drive around campus feeding the dogs, many of them running after me. I am sure I am quite a sight and a good laugh for many.
Been playing a bit of tennis –actually practicing for fun- on our campus courts that are very nice. Also, waves are up and went body surfing the other day. I have finagled a schedule of 25 hours per week working, so have some free time to do other stuff, like take Lola for walks in the Botanical Gardens, or to the beach which she absolutely loves. It is rainy season now, and sometime it is rainy and gray for a week or more and then it really sucks. But then we have these amazing sunny with occasional thunderstorm days and it makes me forget about the crappy weeks. So far, it is balancing well.
Mom is doing well on Maui. She is quite busy these days with social engagements and water aerobics. She sent a big box of paperbacks and I am devouring them as I don’t watch TV. Am starting Thai lessons again tomorrow night and teach English privately too so I am keeping busy. Fishy Boy the Siamese fighting fish is fat and happy.
Well, better get going- need to grade some papers, then go and help prepare 19 portions of food as offerings for the Buddhist monks in the early morning. I will put a few photos up for you to enjoy. Hope you are well and as usual would love to hear from you!
Watermelon Woman (theng moe is my Thai nickname)
posted by Monica @ 8:54 PM
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