I have 3 weeks paid holiday - what to do?

[simon43]

The last time that I took a holiday was more than 15 years ago (self-employed etc, no time available).

 

Now my employer (international school in Myanmar) is giving me 3 weeks paid holiday during the Water Festival season.

 

For visa reasons, I can't really spend that time in Myanmar, so unfortunately no time to visit upcountry Myanmar (this time).  So I'll fly over to Bangkok..... and then where?

 

I am not one for sitting on the beach for more than 10 minutes.  

 

If I visit the ex-wives in Phuket, then they will only ask for $$$

 

I've considered getting a rail-pass and travelling the length and breadth of Thailand by train.

 

I could book myself into a health farm to get some of my excess fat removed, but 3 weeks is maybe not long enough!

 

I wouldn't mind doing something totally different.  I'd love to spend a few weeks on horseback in the more remote parts of the country (I used to be a good cross-country rider in the UK)

 

So... any ideas what a restless chap could do for a few weeks of paid leave?

[dbrenn]

Nong Khai is a nice place to stay. Add in some time in Laos. Very relaxing.  

[simon43]

Yes, I lived in Nong Khai for a few months, many years ago, and have used the town as a jump-off point to go motorcycling around Laos.

 

I've been thinking about what I want to do in these 3 weeks, and being a stickler for punishment, I think I'd actually like to follow an intensive course in Myanmar language!

 

About 5 years ago when I was teaching in Yangon, I had a private teacher to help me to learn very basic spoken and written Myanmar.  Most of that knowledge is now 'mislaid' somewhere in my brain, but can be retrieved with a little effort.

 

I enjoy learning languages, (my spoken and written Thai is pretty good), and drastically improving my Myanmar language knowledge would keep my employer happy, and also enable me to utter lewd suggestions to the pretty Burmese women in the local beer shop..

 

Nowadays, Yangon is not my cup of tea ==> too many cars, too much building work etc.  I wonder if I could decamp off to somewhere picturesque in Kachin or Shan State with a pre-booked local teacher.  (The problem will be to find a local teacher who can speak some level of English).  Or perhaps go to Mae Sot and find a Myanmar teacher who can speak Thai to teach me.

 

No idea how I can investigate this idea - it would surprise the school if I left at the end of March and came back 3 weeks later speaking some Myanmar :)

[lemonjelly]

If you like train journeys, how about India for a couple of weeks?

Edited January 28, 2017 by lemonjelly

[Rc2702]

Fill us in on that murder of that teacher. Seems to have just disappeared that, along with the main suspect. Any ideas or insider info on that one? Chap supposedly fled to thailand which looks like a master stroke and an easy brush under the rug. What gets my goat is I have not seen one bit of I fo on the height of this chap etc. Just two pictures. 

[simon43]

Fill us in on that murder of that teacher. 

 

LoL, I didn't know him.  I teach in Naypyidaw, not Yangon.  But really weird that he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth...

[Kabula]

Rent a room at a five star resort and see how many ladies you can get in the room!

 

A few will stick with you long time and go with the flow!

 

Enjoy....

[TerryLH]

"(The problem will be to find a local teacher who can speak some level of English)."

 

Why do you need that?  

Apparently your students don't have a teacher who can speak their language.

[zorro1]

Come to Pattaya young man

[lungnorm]

You could go to Pattaya and go bareback riding or maybe go to Phuket and try side saddle. Or maybe just travel the country and just do missionary thing ?

Edited January 30, 2017 by lungnorm
typo

[elgordo38]

After reading your post well your definitely a player. Like the part of the ex-wives your shots are up to date it seems. With all the mentioned wives I take it you like the ladies and your not hurting for money because you have a job. I am a lot older than you so my advice might sound biased and a little bit jaded/staid but I would rent a room in a fancy hotel in a city known for its pretty young ladies and order in for 3 weeks and really touch base with my hormones. You would also get to touch base with your liking of horse back riding as well. 3 weeks of this is more than any overpriced health farm will do for you and you will go back to work with a smile that even death could not erase you lucky sod. You only live once pick wisely but with a dolup of lust. 

[simon43]

"(The problem will be to find a local teacher who can speak some level of English)."

 

Why do you need that?  

Apparently your students don't have a teacher who can speak their language.

 

True, but my students can already speak a reasonable level of English, which means that they understand me when I explain something to them in English. I teach KG and grade 1, and I'd place their typical English language ability on a par with an average older Thai teen, (and I've taught Thai teens....).

 

I can understand a little Myanmar-sa, so I should do fine with a local teacher :)