The Homecoming

Not impressed by farang

This time last week I was far above the clouds somewhere between London and Bangkok. The fun had begun 2 days earlier when I escaped from my 2 year sentence in France and moved my life back to England. I had to discard quite a few material possessions such that my life would fit into one 20kg checked in bag and a piece of hand luggage. Despite continuous strikes for the last couple of months, and a petrol shortage, my trip back to Norfolk was trouble-free. Then I had less than 48 hours to unpack and repack with slightly more summery attire, and get back to the airport.

On the plane I got chatting to a girl who, after talking for a while, I discovered was from Warwick, studied in CS, and graduated the same year as me. How we had never met before I don't know cause we later discovered that we were also both at Pete and Wendy's wedding!

Upon arrival in Bangkok, I sailed through customs despite my one way ticket (which should have meant I was refused entry without a visa). Paradise wasn't there to meet my directly off the plane -- it is one of my dreams to be met as I step out(!) -- but she was there with Pie in arrivals which was a lovely welcome. Dinner with Tam, before back to Pie's to meet Truek! He was sleeping though so his first English lesson with Uncle Ant was postponed until the next day. I love going to Pie's house -- it feels just like being in Leam Green again, only a little bit bigger. I think Pie's father is quite used to me turning up unannounced and we sat around eating and chatting on Sunday like I am there every week. It is just like being at home.

There was a Warwick dinner the following evening, then on Sunday I flew up to Phitsanulok with Joob. You are barely off the ground for more 30 minutes. So if carbon footprints are your thing then that's definitely the way to do it! I think Joob's excuse was that she could not bear to sit next to me in a bus for five hours, so I am sure you all understand.


I started work on Monday morning, much to the excitement of the other staff in the department, and the students. Before long I had an office, a computer, internet access, email, I had met the Dean, and the Head of Department. One secretary in particular enjoyed driving me around on her motorcycle. News travels fast because there were soon female lecturers from other departments passing through our offices just to catch a glimpse of me. I am aware that all things must end at some point, but I do hope this celebrity status doesn't wear off too quickly.

I have two courses to teach this term, one has only 2 students and the other has 80! I managed to blag my way through the first two lectures unprepared, but next week I need to find some material to teach. Getting back into the academic mindset is a bit challenging, but so far I am coping pretty well with the frequent breaks for breakfast, lunch, coffee, cake, dinner. There are so many places to eat that even if I eat in a different establishment each day I still won't be able to visit them all over the next few months.

Joob has been wonderful since I arrived, making sure everything is organised and checking that I behave myself. I don't think her life will be the same again though. I have taken over her motorcycle and frequently ride it in the bustling area outside the university despite being warned of the dangers. Within 24 hours of arriving I had taken her to town on the 'unsafe' bus -- a first for Joob. And to top it off, her students have started to think that she has a farang boyfriend!