Days before I left Thailand to come home, we had Sport Day. Don't let the name fool you, there was very little sport going on. The day was a competition between government schools throughout the northeast, and only involved teachers.
The day began for me at 3 am. I was dragged from my bed, forbidden from putting on my sling, covered in makeup and hairspray, and sewed into my "Thai style" outfit. Yes, I was forced to be part of the parade. The parade is the most elaborate and important competition of the day, and therefore my white face needed to be put on display. I just went along with it.
A photo with the director of the school.
Check out the makeup and fake eyelashes! I think it was more makeup than I have worn in my entire life. Combined.
One of my very good friends in Thailand, and a teacher at my school, Golf.
The man behind the makeup.
When the parade was finished, we were bussed back to the hotel to change into our issued uniforms, pink polo shirts and athletic pants. Even though I scrubbed a few layers of skin off of my face, there were still traces of makeup, but back to Sport Day we went. Immediately the vice director handed me a paper coffee cup filled with beer and told me to drink up. While taking my first sip, she wrapped a sequin and feathered number around me and pushed me to the stage. I was then forced to partake in the second most important competition of the day: cheering. But once again, don't let the name fool you. The competition was more about silly costumes, simple dance moves, and karaoke than anything else. I won't lie, I loved it.
Sequins, feathers, sunglasses and beer. What else could an American girl in Thailand ask for?
Dancing, excuse me, cheering away!
This is a photo from the dinner and closing ceremony of Sport Day. From the left, Teacher Sue, one of the third grade teachers I work with, and a Manao's future owner candidate, Paul, and Teacher Lawan, the head of the English program, and my co- teacher last year in grade one.
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