First Day of School

My apt from the outside.  My window is the bigger one.

Today was the first day of school.  For me, that means no students.  I get to spend the first two weeks observing my students and doing testing so that I can set up my schedule for the rest of the year.  I have met 3 students now, one was introduced to me by another student.  I look forward to when I can work with them and get to know them better.
This first day was not without some event though.  It was quite stormy from the very beginning.  Storms have this habit of just showing up here.  Never leave home without an umbrella and a poncho if you plan to be on a motorbike.  The thunder was so loud and sudden, it was a wonder to me that the little kids could even do class.  The power when out for a short time as well.  My room is a little dark without light and dark clouds don't help.  Thankfully it didn't last long. 
We had our first recess meeting in the elementary dept and the food was great!  I will never go hungry here.  Lunch is also a new experience.  Since its a bit cheaper to buy lunch here and the options are nice, I plan to eat school lunch or the lunch they get from take out everyday.  Its not the fast food take out that we might think of, its thai food.  The cafeteria has a new manager so the menu has changed.  It includes salads, sandwiches, thai food and breakfast.  I had a ginger/pork stir fry today with rice for a dollar.  Can't be that!

My room where I live now

Yesterday, Lizzie, my coworker and future housemate, went to look at a house owned by a parent from school.  He has several houses and several coworkers currently and previously rented from him.  The house is a nice 3 bedroom place with sort of an Italian/Thai fusion theme(that's how my coworker describes it since he's Italian).  The floors have colorful tile.  There is a lovely pond, a balcony(which is what really clinched it for me) and a nice little outside area.  One of our neighbors is a coworker and the other is a family-American I think.  Its very close to school, local shops and still quiet enough to feel like its in the country.  We will be moving next Monday.  Both Lizzie and I are looking forward to ditching our apt which does seem a lot like a dorm since it lacks a kitchen and its mostly just a bedroom.  It has been nice to have a place to stay until we found a house though.