A Little of Phuket

 On the second morning en route to Bangkok, we were taken to the highest point of Phuket.

Strange to think of it as an island, we were told that the word phuket is closely linked to the Malay word 'bukit' which connotes a hill. So, though an island it is hilly at certain parts.

Known for its beautiful beaches too, rich tycoons would rent hotels en block and occupy them for days in celebration of weddings.

Phuket has a population of about 600,000 but can be overwhelmed with tourists amounting to millions in a year.
That popular the island is.

 At the highest point, the view is mesmerizing as at the highest point of all destinations and nations.

 The evergreen species hold a charm that is to be remembered.

 But we discovered a different version of banana fritters. Back home the banana fritters are not fried this way. They have included coconut milk and sesame seeds into the batter. The outcome beats the ones back home; really finger licking good.

The almond chocolate ice cream is commendable too.

 Perhaps the atmosphere up in the hill is best told in this photo. Teachers play with the students and parents packed stuff together with the the teachers. It was a family affair; very happy.

 We were introduced to a local retail outlet offering the best cashew and almond nuts.

We did not purchase any from here.

You guess the reason.

We kept our money for the streets of Bangkok.

 Lunch was a treat.We were parked at a yacht depot and had a sumptuous meal.

The view was scenic and it propped up out holiday spirit.

 Of all the dishes, I enjoyed this glassy noodles most.

There was of course the tom yam soup, curries, cuttlefish and a variety of greens.

 The students will remember this experience. But the moment they hit this place, the wifi facility got them all hooked to their electronic devises. Even food was not that important. But the man of the trip was well celebrated on his birthday. He also joined the crowd and hooked himself to the devise calling his son 

non -stop. He is a family man, missing his wife and children all the time.

 Yes, the adults will not forget this place too.

We were well fed before we left for Bangkok.

The First Day

 To Phuket on Smile was an experience; not only were we the largest group who occupied the whole plane; we were tickled by the space we had to ourselves. Perhaps a Friday noon is not the normal travelling time for many but also maybe this was a new route to the destination. 

Thai Airways is fiercely promoting this sector.

 Oh we noticed the flight stewardesses had similar big orange ribbons or scarves as part of their attire too.

 Upon arrival, we were quickly led to a local restaurant; Marina. Thai food is hot. Every meal is accompanied by the tom yam soup; as though symbolizing its authenticity in Thai cuisine.

In the beginning; it's too hot for us but by the end of the trip, food tasted bland when there is no tom yam!

Acquired.

After a hasty meal we made our way to Maung Thalang school; a rural school set in a beautiful landscape.

 

 The children were excited; they asked "Is the band greeting us?" No, I am afraid. A minister was coming at the same time; we had the spill over. Never mind; we had the privilege of seeing a percussion band.

 The Thais are gracious, humble and polite; so we were all showered with garlands of fragrant jasmime?

 They had a choir ready to perform too. They sang in Thai; the sing song style. But I could not help but notice the traditional clothes they put on; also the traditional hair style reminded me of it being a taboo in our local schools. Strange; the unique style is traditional and acceptable in the Thai culture but we will have to send students home if they wear them to school; so says it " one man's poison is another man's meat".

 With garlands of flowers around their collars and after a hectic flight and meal, the choir rose up to the occasion and put up a wonderful show of Malaysian folk songs .

 They impressed this Canadian lady; the Mc of the day. English is not well used and the school has employed expatriates to teach here. This lady spoke on behalf of the school and praised the choir.

Malaysia indeed is blessed to have English well used and understood.

 Soon, the exchange of certificates and gifts took place; sad but true we could not understand one another and so we resorted to the sign language.

 "Kenali lah Malaysia" was also part of our mission. We brought gifts from Selangor Tourism and invited them to visit Malaysia.

 The little ambassadors played their roles well; sang, acted and distributed Selangor Tourism souvenirs to everyone present.

 What a glorious time to check into the hotel for a very short rest; we did not want to waste our time sleeping.

 Look, we were in for a good evening of fun and joy.

At Phuket Fanta Sea; the talk of the town.

 We ate till the cows came home.

 This place is a beautiful theme park where we could forget the woes of the world and be parked in fantasy and make beliefs. It is good to be lost in the world of fantasy.

Phuket Fanta Sea is where you want to be; so says the song.

 The children had fun.

 Perhaps this is most mesmerizing and unforgettable. White tigers; white coffee we have heard and tasted. But this is the first time in my life seeing this species of the wild cat.

After a round of fantasies, we had the greatest time when we were ushered into a theater to watch a life show of Thai culture, dance and drama. Elephants, chickens, birds and trapezes stole our hearts as we watched in awe at the majestic display of talents. We were barred from taking photographs; you will understand why when you enter the place. It's hard to forget the experience.

 

The evening ended with us collapsing in our beds but En Rahim sneaked out with a few students to his favourite haunt; Hard Rock Cafe. He must get his T shirt; that's what he does whenever he travels I believe. 

Oh but actually, the poor guy had to leave wife and children for this duty and then to spend his "Birthday" with us. 

Happy Birthday En Rahim.

The first day ended well.

This Day

 Today is a happy day for many.

It marks the beginning of the term holidays.

It is also the eve of a public holiday.

Everyone makes plans; big or small for the break.

Today is also the day which we use annually to teach the children to remember their teachers. I am afraid to say it but it is true to presume that many feel it's old-fashioned just to come to school to say thank you. Some are not ready to forgo a 'sleep-in' day and not willing to sacrifice it. So, we did not get the full quorum.

But we did not let this deter us from appreciating the rest who made it a point to come to celebrate with us.

We teachers are grateful for those who came.

It made our day just to have their presence with us.

So, we teachers say thank you boys and girls for coming.

There was much to see and hear.

I noted some incidents which touched me.

 This boy is physically challenged but taught many able bodies the values of life. He is humble and willing to go up stage to speak on behalf of all his comrades on this day. He remembered his lines and in a nutshell told us teachers that he appreciates us.

 So listen to his speech.

 The principal broke down after what he said. She gave him a bear hug because she is touched to the core of heart. Look at the mother. I watch her each time with much compassion. She would drive that special van and lift her son onto the wheel chair and then to the hall for assembly. Her love for him is to the brim; nothing stops her for giving the best possible to him. Her hope is that he mingles among normal children and grow the way he should. She has taught her son well. He works hard in school and is a good example to many. He has put many to shame because he has been guided well. To them, living a life with right attitudes and values are legacies they will use to tell others about gratitude and humility.

Indeed the strong and arrogant in school must learn from him.

 This was yet another surprise we had today. Malar who graduated from Seafield in 2002 came today to say thank you to the teachers in person. By now she should be in her late 20s and is now a mother to a child. The principal was dumbfounded as she witnessed Malar distributing a rose to every teacher present !

See what I mean? For some she could recite their names.

 Everyone waved the rose in applause to a meaningful gesture. Datin Zaleha attributed it to a portion of effort by the teachers; that they have taught her well; well enough for her  to want to come back on this special day.

She has indeed made our day.

 Then we had Kae Lan the ex headboy of 2011 to wish us a good day. 

The Alumni came too with Shang Shi and Reu Bin heading the team.

The parents have taught them well.

 We sure had a great treat... Cup cakes, cup cakes, cup cakes.

 Some old teachers to remember by... come next year many of us will be not be here.

Do you think you can make a good guess?

 At the hall, there were many who sang, danced and acted. But this is for real;
father and son hugging each other like nobody's business !

That's Encik Musawir with his 'anak bongsu' !

The smile was broad and gentle on the father's lips.

 Look- alikes? That's the evergreen Puan Chuah looking every inch a student with Mr. Leong; a new comer to the school but has assimilated so well that you would think he has been with us for decades ! We were amazed at their 'youthfulness' !

Back to school.

 Who is this sweetie pie ? She's Thurga, daughter to Puan Thilaham.

She may be small in stature but surely big in the dance below !

 Try emulating her.

 We had fun and joy; we would have been happier if more were to come; but we also know some things cannot be forced so we will continue to plough on to win the battle and hope more will come next year to affirm our teaching.

Happy Teacher's Day, Seafield.

Happy teacher's day to you too Robin; you missed us by just one day.

 And... happy holidays.

Teachers can forget about school for the next two weeks but come back with the papers all marked.