Yesterday I experienced two bouts of extreme luck for I
which I feel extremely lucky (gee really).
So to teach in Thailand, you need to first apply for a Non B
visa, and only if you have that can you apply for a work permit. The required documents for a work permit are
your original diploma (why I do not know) original transcripts, and a letter
from your university verifying your graduation.
I moved back to Chico a few months before coming to Thailand, and
somehow in this process I LOST my diploma. Fortunately I’d made a scan BEFORE losing, so
I had some kind of documentation. I
ordered a new one (at $50 thanks UC system) but the processing time was
anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks. I also
had difficulty obtaining a verification letter at first. By the time I had left, I had ordered both
documents, but had neither. I told
myself I wasn’t gonna worry until they threatened to deport me so I was not
tooooo concerned but it still made me uneasy.
Our coordinator hadn’t really mentioned anything about the work permit
since arriving until yesterday. I
brought in the documents I did have and told her my situation. Apparently the scan of the diploma sufficed
so I was in the clear there, but I still not have my letter.
The letter had arrived at my parents house a few weeks
before and my mother had scanned it and sent it to me. Being the responsible mother she is, she told
me to open the scan attachment to ensure it worked. Me being the irresponsible daughter I am did
no such thing hee hee (sorry ma). So
upon opening the attachment yesterday, it turns out that the scan would
probably work in a school for ants (anyone get the reference here) but upon
zooming the image up to human size, it was completely illegible blobs. So that was a bummer. But I told myself mai pen rai ( the Thai
saying for it’s all good). I really had
no idea if the letter would ever make to me because rumor has it that the Thai
mail system is somewhat… relaxed. I
would cross that bridge when I came to it.
BUT GUESS WHAT???? Later last night, P’Noi walks over to me hands me
that blessed letter and all was right in the world again. This story is really not very fascinating but
I just felt very grateful that the invisible life forces had timed this so
conveniently. Yay universe.
My second lucky moment occurred yesterday eve. A few of the English teachers were to have dinner
with our Thai counterparts and were to be picked up around 7:30. Andrew, Shelby and I decided to wait at some
tables outside a café near lucky. They
picked us up and we made our way to the restaurant which about a 10-15 minute
drive away. Upon arriving, I look into
my purse to check my phone, and guess what, there was no phone…… and I
immediately knew I had left it out in the open on that blasted table. At that point I was like, well, goodbye
phone, it was nice knowing you. But my
real panic arose from the fact that I had not put a passcode on it, and had it
gotten into the wrong hands, my entire life was accessible. At this point I was feeling like a real
jerk. These Thai teachers were kind
enough to take us out to dinner and welcome us with open arms and here is this
idiot Farang losing her phone. I tried
to remain calm and relay the situation in a non-needy manner. We tried messaging Zuri to see if she was at
lucky, and then calling P’Noi, with no luck.
Ginny, a Thai teacher at another school and a very good friend to all
the English teachers contacted her sister, who lives near Lucky (I have found
that everyone knows everyone in this town and there is a very strong sense of
community). We get a call about 10
minutes later and sure enough THE PHONE WAS STILL THERE. I must remind you that this whole ordeal took
about 45 minutes, so I fundamentally do not understand how it was left alone,
but it was. We then enjoyed the rest of
the meal and perpetual beer refills (I’m not kidding every time my glass would
get low, it was magically refilled). Again I just feel gratitude. Thank you
Ginny, thank you Thailand, thank you Universe!
Anyways, I honestly feel like these tangents are annoying to
anyone but myself so sorry bout that.
Till next time
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