Second day snippets

• We received lengthy instructions on how to behave around the resort. Some make perfect sense, culturally: don't dip just your foot in the pool without swimming, because Thai people are sensitive about feet and might be put off by your weird foot gestures. However, some advice simply struck us as darkly hilarious: when you leave the resort, be sure to bring a stick, "because the dogs are annoying."
• I've received two offers from English schools in Japan, and I'm very excited to start the process for my preferred option. I feel lucky to have such a choice!
• A fellow wavy-haired friend on the course has a hair straightener, so I've been saved the sad fate of four weeks' worth of updos.
• Every day I'm remembering why teachers are my favorite kind of people: we're sensitive, organized, sharp as tacks, funny and obsessed with learning. No wonder we get along! I have a bit of dread building up for the moment when cabin fever sets in and we start irritating each other, though.
• Brit/Aussi slang of the day: a braid is a plait (rhymes with "flat"), and paper napkins are serviettes (sometimes).
• There exists a Thai superstar called Pancake. Our students do, in fact, know what "pancake" means, and they are unfazed by the absurdity of someone calling herself one while also holding the informal title of "Thai superstar."