East Meets West

Foreign Language Departmnet with the principle
In west and east costumes

I never thought that in Thailand I would be asked to dress as a cowgirl to represent the “west.” Let me explain. For weeks my school has been preparing for a two-day cultural exhibition titled, “East meets West.” Essentially, this was going to be two days celebrating Chinese and Western cultures. The Foreign Language Department (English and Chinese) took charge and was in a frenzy holding auditions for singing, speaking, dancing and other such things for the students to get involved in these two days.

Cowgirl sandwiched between Chinese!

Selling drinks

The school knows that I used to sing in an a cappella group back in America and they had me help judge the singing competitions as well as other things. Basically, this was a chance to miss class and get to hear the students attempt to sing songs in English (some of them were pretty good as well!) I was also told that the foreign language department would be dressing up in order to display the different cultures, one day in Chinese garb and one day in “Western” garb. For Chinese, I was given a red t-shirt with some Chinese symbols on it and was told that Chinese colors were red and black and I should wear that. For the “west” there was a picture of Madonna hung up in the office wearing Jeans, flannel, cowboy boots, cowboy hat, holster and gun. I was told, “this is what you should wear.” All I’m thinking is, wow I can’t believe I didn’t pack flannel for Thailand! For two day at school the English and Chinese Departments at school were decked out in a combination of Chinese and cowboy style clothing.

Cowboys and Cowgirls for the day

"festival grounds"

After weeks and weeks of preparing “East meets West” finally arrived at Benchama. The canteen area was filled with different booths of food, art, toys, drinks and more (reminded me of a little festival). I got there early (and brought my class I was supposed to be teaching period 1) to check out the scene and help out. I soon found myself behind the drink station supervising the students collecting money and giving out much needed drinks on the hot day. Decked out in my cowgirl uniform I was busy all morning until the singing and dancing began. The first day was dedicated to Chinese culture and there were students singing and dancing to Chinese themed songs. Some of their costumes were great as well!

Me and my M-4 student who sang really well!

Chinese costumes

Singing my heart out

The next day, it was time to celebrate Western Culture. The same booths were set up, and once again I was asked to supervise the drink station. It was fun working with the students and getting involved in the whole mix. Midday the western singing and dancing took place. Students got up and performed to Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, Michael Buble and other typical American songs. And then, I got to sing! I got up in front of everyone and sang my heart out to a Billy Joel Song,  “New York State of Mind.” I figured I should sing something about America, and what better song than a Jazz piece longing for New York! (plus it sounded good with my voiceJ. Singing was a lot of fun, and my students were all supportive and cheered their farang “western” teacher on! (For the next few days in class my students kept coming up to me ‘teacha! New York! Sing’).

Judging the cowboy costume contest

After the singing and dancing there was a cowboy costume contest which Jay, Steve and I were asked to help judge. The costumes were great (some ladyboys as well) and it was cool to see the students get so involved and excited about everything.

Students selling food

Me with some of my M-2 students!

East Meets West was a ton of fun! However, as soon as it came, it was over and it was back to normal activities in school… whatever normal means here at Benchama.