Thailand’s premiere tourist spot is the southwestern island of Phuket. Connected to the mainland by both Phuket International Airport and the Sarasin bridge, Phuket is easy to reach and attracts some 5 million visitors every year. The island is Thailand’s premiere setting for some of the world’s best resorts, and is an amazing blend of wildlife & rain forest ringed by white sand beaches. Its size allows visitors to escape from the crowds and there are numerous cozy, boutique beaches with clear water and glorious sunsets.

Phuket is amazingly diverse, with both stone-lined and sandy beaches, sheer cliffs, rain forests, waterfalls and Wats (Temples). Phuket offers something for all, with backpacker’s hostels as well as ultra-modern luxury hotels. There is much to do on the island, no matter your budget.

Certainly, Phuket’s stunning terrain and palm-fringed sandy beaches are its most-seen features. Each of Phuket’s several beaches has a unique atmosphere & feel, and each is separated from neighboring beaches by scenic headlands. From high-energy beaches with lots to see and do, to hidden bays of fine white sand, there is surely a beach to suit the wants and needs of each visitor to the island.

Phuket also has a rich heritage of culture resulting from its ongoing role as a trading crossroads for southeast Asia. A unique mix of people coming not only from Southern Thailand, but also Thailand’s northern provinces, neighboring countries, and travelers from overseas who have remained in Phuket over the years.

Walking through a bustling fresh market, usually held in the evenings, is a feast for the senses. They are laden with today’s seafood catch, delicious fruits and vegetables and all manner of tasty hand-made treats which are available for sampling. Visiting some of Phuket’s classy boutiques or antique stores situated in restored Chinese shops is a trip through time. Mornings on the beach, afternoons on an elephant jungle safari, evenings being pampered at a world-class spa and nights tasting the frenzy of Bangla road in Patong – all available, as Phuket’s charms are endless. Whether you are a fan of doing everything or almost nothing – Phuket is ready and waiting.

My students are delightful. There are not enough superlative adjectives (yes, I teach English) to describe the warmth, playfulness and hospitality of the Thai people. We always laugh in class. Their whole approach is to have fun while learning and this is nice to encounter as a teacher. Happy people who are having fun make great students.

Teachers are highly respected in Asia and Thailand is not an exception. The “ajaan” is seen as one who is trying to help the student, to train their most precious asset – their mind. To give the gift of learning is so overwhelmingly valued, that the teacher is seen only a bit below the monks, the King, and even their most beloved teacher, the Buddha. As a foreigner, I must constantly remind myself that their approach to what I do is perhaps different that my approach to my own teachers. My students have an entirely different way of relating to my position than I do or ever did. I have to become comfortable accepting their respect and have to take the role seriously – in a light-hearted way.

I was well-prepared for my job by TEFL Phuket So teaching is at once rewarding, challenging, interesting and fun. The work never seems hard – maybe because I try to emind myself of my good fortune in being here. At any rate, I’ll blog some more specifics as time permits. For now, rest well and sweet dreams of fresh mangoes, banana pancakes and glorious sunsets….