Last days before Thingyan (Myanmar New Year)

The last couple of weeks have been quite intense at work and now it feels like the coming holidays are well deserved. I can't express all my feelings and thoughts  in this blog for several reasons, mainly because it's too public and I might get into trouble if I do, so I'll tell you all when I see you face to face.

Here's some of the stuff that's happened: I had a two-day visit by my cluster manager, with a mid-year review of my performance happening and my BC co-trainer having one of her lowest moments. I usually enjoy seeing him around and get on well but it always adds an element of stress as he comes in and out of my  classroom observing lessons "informally".

Paul an Moni with Group D students

Next day, I had a really bad day. I told one of the teacher educators, who's been a pain since day one of EfECT project, to leave the classroom after he refused to do work on his portfolio breaking his agreement to do so in our last meeting. This "Tun Tun Oo (the male teacher's name) crisis" lasted for a few days and involved lots of time on the phone, emailing and a new meeting that ended in quite a positive note (just 
like last time, we'll see for how long).

Blue Pagoda in Nyaung Shwe

That same day I got a call from the project director offering me to move to an EC on the coast. Basically, they needed to solve a problem with a new VSO trainer and had a lot of pressure from the Ministry of Education. The offer came with the condition that I had to move straight away, leaving me no time to consider pros and cons. I couldn't sound less enthusiastic at that stressful moment and asked for some weeks to think about it, till after the holidays. My main argument is that I'm still deciding (near deadline) whether to stay a second year or not and if I'm leaving the project , I don't want to move at all. In less than 48 hours, the offer was taken back because the problem was solved. I'll say no more.

A few days after those episodes, I had a visit from my VSO manager, and that's been really heartening and useful. She's an extremely experienced and savvy person, suited to the position and always willing to listen to all us. She's also well aware of all the issues raised by VSO volunteers in our recent meeting in Mandalay, mainly the top down approach being used, and therefore lack of participation of local stakeholders, potential for capacity building and future sustainability. Hopefully, some of our concerns will be taken into account for next year and the project will become impregnated of a more developmental ethos. True, this is an amazing experience, but it's full of challenges!!!

Athaya Wine Garden

And in these last hours before getting onto a plane home after nearly seven months in Myanmar, I find myself doing some rather unexpected things like visiting the college principal in hospital after we had a night out together talking about best hospitals in town (what an irony!!) ; or picking the best season carrots from my garden, which I won't have the chance to try and I'll have to give away.

Shan cooking couse

The best that's happened in this time has been Paul and Moni's visit, my first and only visit from friends so far. I met them in Inle Lake and we spent great moments together, we took a Shan cooking course, visited  my friend's Win's art gallery, went to Aethaya wine garden, rode on my ebike at night and shared teaching time in English (and IT) class. I've been able to survive these days thanks to you. That's the beauty of having wonderful friends. Love you, guys.

I can't wait to be home!!!