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This blog is moving!

Come follow me for new updates and adventures coming soon, on https://smalltowngirlbigadventures.blogspot.com/

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This has become wildly relevant

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Day 4 Bangkok

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A few highlights from Siem Reap, Cambodia

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A few pictures from Day 3 Bangkok

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More pics: MBK Mall, pakora, chimichanga, and a ride in a Tuk Tuk!

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Bangkok Day 2

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Bangkok Day 1

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Nissa Ruins, UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Q: what is it like to be in a country where most people don’t speak your language?

A: every day is an adventure! I am in a unique situation where I live in an English bubble 5+ days out of the week because everyone at school is required to speak only English during school hours. Now that doesn’t mean some Russian/Turkmen doesn’t slip out from the locals every now and then, but it makes it easy to forget that outside of those walls, I really can’t communicate very well with anyone.

The language barrier makes even little errands you would normally take for granted a challenge. For example, yesterday I needed to put some more money on my SIM card for my cell phone. I asked my driver to stop at the mall so I could do that. He offered to help, and through google translate and select spoken words I said that I had done this before and I don’t necessarily need him to come in and help. Then he started explaining why it’s better for him to come in because then I can pay in local currency instead of dollars (because if they see me, an American, they will expect me to pay dollars) so I agreed for him to come in. 20 minutes later I have 10+ meters of receipts, every 4 inches is a new PIN code I have to type in, after calling a phone number.

The last time I did this, I went with someone who speaks fluent English and knew that it would be easier to pay in dollars so that the credit would automatically go to my phone instead of manually entering all of these mini-gift card numbers. But because of the language I didn’t understand what was happening until it was too late.

Most people here are patient and forgiving and willing to work with gestures and google translate. I have slowly learned SOME Cyrillic and SOME russian, but it’s still not enough to do any task without some finagling.

It’s a lot of conversations that are drawn out. You go through several iterations of the same words and phrases to ensure you are getting what you want, and even then, you may get something completely different. This could be due to any number of things: language barrier, cultural differences, or availability of what you are asking for. I wandered around the bazaar with my friend, looking for dried figs, and we finally found them by asking because they look totally different from any I have seen in the US.

If you have more specific questions, at the top of the blog page there is a Q&A button, or you can comment at the bottom here. ✌🏼😊

Stay tuned for Thailand posts and pictures coming VERY soon!!!!

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Chinese food at Bambuk, Berry Cheesecake frappe at Rahat, and enjoying a dogs company (Max) at a friends house.

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So much to say, so little time

I know I haven’t posted much lately— a lot is going on but it’s mainly teacher stuff and I feel that this blog would be better suited for travel adventures rather than “shop talk.” I haven’t done traveling yet other than getting here so I haven’t felt like there is much to say.

I wanted to share the nostalgia I had today. I finally found some closer friends who enjoy the same activities and have a similar school of thought to me. I have been surprised at how many people I have met that for whatever reason don’t come out to events much. I know that the days are long but I like to spend my free time doing things!! That’s why I chose this experience.

Today I went shopping with two of my new friends, Debbie and Hyeri. It felt like I was back in America (minus all the language barrier) and we were able to shop, get dinner, and have lots of laughs. That’s what I miss most about America. Some expats around me have been discouraged by the lack of food choices or “things to do,” but I just miss the company of like-minded English speakers. Doesn’t seem like much to ask for, but here it is hard to come by.

It also rained all day, which made it a good day to shop inside and enjoy way too much Chinese food. It was finally cool enough to wear a jacket, and it felt like autumn back home would be. All in all a great day.

I will post pictures in the subsequent post. If you have suggestions for other posts that would be relevant, please let me know!

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One week down... how many to go?!

I feel like I just posted on here but I guess that was on Monday. Finally today I have finished my first full week of teaching here at AIS. I definitely had its bumps in the road, like some students who did not want to listen to me on their first day of class, and some students who were really eager… Too eager.

But after some short moments of freaking out and talking to my other teacher friends about my issues, I set up an action plan for each class and decided what we needed to discuss before moving forward . I am also forming an afterschool band activity for any secondary students who are interested. They can bring any instrument that they have at home and we’re going to put those all into one ensemble and see what we get! Initially I wanted this group to be almost like an auditioned western band, but the more people that signed up, the more it seemed like we were going to form a nontraditional rock band. As of today,I have one violin, two guitars, two pianos, a staff clarinet and some other teachers who are willing to perform/help out as needed which I am very grateful for.

Although it has only been the first week, I really feel like I am set up for success. The other teachers I have met and worked with seemed very focused and ready to help me and full of resources should I find that I need any. I also feel like I know who to ask for what issues and even if I asked the wrong person I will find the way to the answer. I’m also looking forward to hopefully performing here in some capacity, and also teaching some singing which I haven’t done much of. The great thing about working at a school like this is that the teachers are able to be very good at the job that they have, prepare for the classes coming up, and if they choose, get involved in something outside of their content without spreading themselves too thin. Which is a sharp contrast to the traditional path that American teachers get put on where their schedule that they are getting paid for is already so full, and then they are asked to do more things and be part of committees on top of that so they don’t even think about pursuing anything outside of the regular school schedule. The kind of climate that we have here allows for better student teacher relationships and opportunities to do things that we wouldn’t otherwise get to do.

Outside of school, a challenge that I face was finding food that I recognize in both name and taste. That is the most “tasteful” way I can word that (pun intended). I have been able to find several restaurants that I enjoy that are inexpensive and taste good and have English menus and that alone is an achievement. I have also found different markets and corner stores that I can buy things to make at home, although I don’t feel like I will be doing as much cooking as I did in the states because we have the option of school lunch, ordering delivery food to school, or bringing food to school.

This week I also upgraded my Wi-Fi at home and got a new cable box for my TV that has many English channels including some channels with movies. I have created a little English bubble for myself in my apartment should I have her not want to go out into the world and face the many struggles of trying to learn Russian. Some of my teacher friends at school who are locals or speak Russian are impressed that I have even tried to learn any Russian in the short time I’ve been here. I want to start russian lessons at some point so I can comfortably order food and have a short conversation on the street if needed.

Trying to keep it short so I will post again later next week!

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Poets park