Reading up on the Taco Train

We’ve been busy since Hua Hin.  Nothing major, but just the daily things that pop up going into a new school year.  This year, however, we don’t just have to give J space to prep, but also Kiddo is going to be starting Kinder.  So, planning and prep for that as well.  With J going to Kinder as well this year, she’s got a new classroom and area to set up and plan for, so that’s busy as well.

But, she (J) got a new toy for her classroom.  A little Polaroid printer thing.  Pretty cool.  And good pics.  Size 7.5 (US) sandal for scale.  Yes, the shoe is mine.  Yes, I have little feet.  Yes, it's true what they say about guys with little feet.... We get better deal on shoes because we can buy unpopular sizes.  HAHA

Other than that, we have had some fun.

Roof scooter anyone?  You will never be this cool.  Neither will I.  

Water Break

Stylin and Smilin

Who wants to see a movie?  Think Kiddo was excited?  

Yesterday, we took Kiddo (and Ratchet) to town for a day of food and books.  Traffic was crazy and it was quicker and cheaper to get into town via the BTS (train).  So, we got a cab and headed off to Wongwain Yei to get to Phrom Phrong and from there, it was a few minutes walk to Sunrise Taco for lunch and then a few minutes walk back the other way to get to Dasa Book Cafe.  It’s a second hand English Bookstore in town.  

On the cab to Wongwain Yei, Kiddo wanted to see out the window, so she sat on my lap and her and Ratchet enjoyed the views from the window.  Then, once to the station, Kiddo was overjoyed and excited for the trip into town.  Sitting on Mumma’s lap to Siam where we switched trains to get to Phrom Phrong, that train was packed.  I took the opportunity to give Kiddo a life lesson.  So, her and I stood and held on to the handrails.  I told Kiddo that we wanted Phrom Phrong and she needed to listen for that, but also showed her the route map and how to look for that stop as well.  We talked about leaning into or out of stops and starts, to better keep our balance.  During all of this, J kissed my cheek and thanked me for teaching that to Kiddo.  J also got her own lesson on how to navigate and read the maps at the stations to make sure or get the correct train.  So, train lessons by A.  :). And yes, the train was cold, so Kiddo donned her fluffs.  Go for it and enjoy them fluffs!

Once we got off the train, I got my map up and orientated myself and we headed off.  Sunrise was Mexican, but that’s really all you could say for it.  Salty.  Bland.  Generic.  For the price, I’d rather have had TacoBell and saved half the cost.  Would have probably been less salty and better, all told.  But, Kiddo loved it.  

The best thing from lunch was watching Kiddo read.  There was a sign on a chair that said no sitting for social distancing and COVID precautions.  Kiddo asked why the chair said no sitting.  J and I asked how she knew it said no sitting.

Well, I see an N.  That goes Nnnnnnnnn.  Nnnnnnnnnn.  (Sounding out the letter). After that is an O.  N-O is no.  And then the next word is S.  Sssssssss.  Like Snake.  After that is I-T.  Ssssssssss-IT.  That’s sit.  So, why’s the chair say no sitting?

Multiple strategies and using clues and context.  I’d like to tell you Kiddo is an ultra-genius, but I have to give J props.  She’s worked hard and done much studying into reading strategies for early learners and second language learners.  She’s imparted these on Kiddo.  Taught her so so so much and so well.  If anyone needed further proof the J is a great and instinctual teacher with a passion for it, look no further than Kiddo.  Beyond that, she’s got 8 years worth of former students I could direct you to.  End of the day, I read and play and teach and learn with Kiddo.  J, for her part, gets in there and gets to work.  Dropping knowledge into the brain of Kiddo and making her even more of a wondrous little being of joy and love.  

So, for those keeping score at home; J is a great mumma, teacher, wife, friend, and at LEAST a C+ smoocher!  :P

After that we headed to Dasa.  Took us about 5-6 minutes to walk it.  

Dasa, for us all, I think, was a highlight.  Kiddo wanted ALL the books.  I got to browse and just be around books, which for me, is like a few moments of goodness.  I read and (obviously since you’re reading this) write, pretty much daily.  If I had to give up TV, games, music, or books, I’d give up TV everyday of the week.  And yes, I even mean that with the finale episode of Better Call Saul hitting our TV in a week.  

I checked Grab after that and found that it was only about 35-40 minutes by car home and at a break even cost of train and cab home.  Quicker and about the same price… Sign me up.  Only problem was, Grab was estimated to be 17-20 minutes until we’d get a car.  Let’s just grab a cab on the street and head home.  

So, lesson two on the day.  This time for J.  She flagged a cab and got waved off.  It had a fair already.  After that, I saw a cab for hire and pointed out to J the light in the front corner of the window that meant it was for hire and looking to pick up a fair.  “Oh!  I did not know that.  Cool and thanks.”  So, lesson 2 for the day.  J is still better and clearer with directions and talking with Cabbies, however.  I listen and glean as I can.  I’m getting better. 

Tons of pics and vids above.  Hope you enjoyed or will enjoy.

Let’s go, Kiddo… there are still millions of unread books.  Lets you, me, and Mumma go find them all.