School has started and we are soooooo glad to have some routine established! Orientation at ISB has been really been interesting and fun. Deedee and I had the BEST Professional Deveopment training that I have ever experienced in 8 years of teaching. ISB is really concerned with supporting healthy and balanced lives so the first session of our PD was some sort of physical activity. I chose to join the group that biked all around the surrounding neighborhoods and ferry across the river into the countryside. I was too busy visiting with the other teachers to take any pictures of the outing but imagine a bunch of large white skinned people parading through neighborhoods and stopping traffic on giant thoroughfares as we made our way weaving in and out of slow moving traffic and walking bikes through covered mazes of market stalls with all sorts of strange things in them. Smells of cooking, sewer, river, exhaust and flowers were as potent as the bright colors of Budist temples and market flowers. Deedee got to do African dance and drumming which was super fun and familiar to her.
The girls are integrating into their classes. Addie's favorite thing about her class is her Art Teacher and of course music class. AnnaLisa also loves music and is looking forward to joining an after school dance class. The girls look so cute in their uniforms and we think they like wearing them. Sure cuts down on the decision making in the morning. :-)
We haven't done much site-seeing yet, but we did get a chance to see the Royal Palace which was the home of the Emerald Buddha and a sacred place for many Thai people. We really enjoyed it once we got in through the crowds. We were all required to wear modest clothing that covered our legs to the ankles, and our chest and upper arms. It was a hot day, and we were really drenched in sweat by the end of the tour, but were glad we went and even more grateful for air conditioned buses and restaurants.
Our other excursion was to the Shangra La Hotel, downtown Bangkok. ISB hosted an amazing "Welcome Back" party for the entire staff. It included a private boat on the river from Nonthabury to downtown Bangkok at sunset that was about an hour and a half and an amazing dinner with a really great band that played cover tunes. We had a blast while we danced the night away. The girls were at home watching movies and eating mac & cheese at the neighbors house, our Mae Bahn Pi Mah stayed with them. They have been becoming so independent as they came home on their own, and put themselves to bed by 8:30! We got home to a spotless house with dinner for the next day in the refrigerator. Life is good!
We had our first visitor in our spare bedroom, it was great fun. Cousin Jason who lives in Myanmar where he is the Athletic Director for an international school there, came to visit. It was really nice to have family around. He stayed just a few days and we were able to tour the school, spend some late nights talking, and had a BBQ by the pool. The kids had fun playing with him in the pool and showing him all around Nichada where we live. We are already missing him and looking forward to his next visit. We hope some of you will follow in his foot steps! We would love to keep our spare bedroom full at all times!
We have had a few good rain storms but not enough, hoping each day for more. The ones that we have had have been epic! We have seen them coming with a great dark force, bringing wind, thunder, lightening and rain. Leaving us a feeling of peace and relief from the heat that can be stifling at times.
Everyone is developing their favorite things about living here. The girls love the pool and having kids all around to play with, Andy is loving his job and the idea of biking out in the community. I am loving Pi Mah! She is absolutely wonderful, my appreciation for her is so great!
On a sad note, two days ago, there was a bombing in down town Bangkok where 21+ people were killed and many more injured. Thankfully no students or staff were among them, but it was a terrible shock and has put all of us on edge as to what could be next. ISB has been very good about communicating with us on our emergency procedures and safety precautions. We feel very safe here, and for now, are planning to lay low and visit non-touristy places, and try our best to stay safe.
We are grateful for this whole experience, and for all the love and support we have gotten from friends and family.
Love,
The Marshalls
The First Day of School
Trip to see the "Royal Palace"
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