If you are a person who likes structure, plans and complete certainty in any situation, dont come to Thailand. You will be the most stressed out, wound up and generally peeved off person in the country. Things here never work out the way they say they do, and people never stick to plans. They prefer instead to take things easy, and do whatever it is that they feel like doing.
For example, yesterday was another day where I was ready to teach, and was kind of looking forward to it. But instead, the children were given another day to plan their sports week next week, and myself and the other foreign teachers were whisked off in the school minibus. Those who needed to spent their hour or so in immigration did so, while the rest of us, along with three or four teachers, went shopping in a local market. This was followed by some lunch at the expense of the school, where the food was delicious and plentiful (never doubt the potential of a Thai streetside outdoor 'restaurant').
We arrived home at about 4pm, and at about half 5 I was settling down for a skype chat with the sister when my housemate shouts down that, without any major notice, one of the teachers had rang her to say that she is taking us to a party hosted by one of the teachers, and we were to be ready in 5 minutes. We were whisked off to some remote house out by the town's reservoir where a sunset party was taking place. The host was celebrating his son's acceptance to a prestigious academy to study physics, and he himself had gotten a promotion. Here in Thailand, they are not shy about showing off their own achievements or the success of their children. Also, they are very into showing off their houses, mostly the structure rather than the interior, and garden parties are the perfect way to show your colleagues what you have gained from your hard work.
The party was a complete success. There was hardly an alcoholic drink in sight, with only the men having maybe a beer or two or a bit of the local spirit with ice. This did not stop the party atmosphere though. There was karaoke (a must have at a Thai party) and everyone is fighting for a go. There was also dancing, mainly Thai style, by the women, accompanied by traditional Thai singing from the enthusiastic singers. Myself and Saadia were encouraged to perform a song or two, so we chose two Michael Jackson numbers, which had everyone singing. We also did a bit of dancing and we got to practice the little bit of Thai dancing we learnt in Bangkok during training and orientation two weeks ago. We were also sent home with bags of chicken and rice, as the food (which was all cooked by the host's wife!!) was plentiful despite the fact that there were about 40 people there, all digging in. I have to say, it was a really fun night.
Although nothing in Thailand is ever planned or organised well, the end result if one is willing to go with the flow and take in new experiences is fantastic. Sure who needs organisation when you are having fun?
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