We all know how clever Tik is but as her fiance I’m allowed to brag about it.
Tik took a mock IELTS test about a month ago. IELTS is an internationally recognized English qualification which Tik will need when we apply to emigrate to Australia. This was a free test to give her an idea [...]
I had another lot of 10 x 3 hour Thai lessons with A this month.
The problem with studying so intensively is that I don’t get the opportunity to memorize everything. I was more interested in putting the time in and knowing that despite being overwhelmed with vocabulary I’d at least have the chance to [...]
Once Lisa returns to the UK my new life starts again. Tik is now living permanently with me and we have an exciting year planned. For the three weeks between May and August Tik and I will study in the mornings. I will continue my gemology diploma and Tik will take some [...]
Today I finally completed my first three months of my Gemology Diploma at AIGS. The course comprises of 4 modules, the first one ‘Classification of Gemstones’ has just finished and I am extremely relieved.
I’ve really enjoyed the course although it was no walk in the park. I’d signed up last November anticipating a [...]
Sadly another Thai language lesson I’ve discovered from experience.
The phrase “add more milk” and “shake your boobs” are deceptively similar.
“Sai nom”  = Pour in some milk
“Saai nom” = Shake your boobs
… fortunately Tik was with me to persuade the waitress my intentions were honorable.
Wednesday was my first day as a trainee Gemologist. I got up early full of enthusiam at the prospects of actually doing something constructive oncemore and perhaps naturally a little apprehensive as to who I’d be meeting and how tough the course would be.
Last year was, (as I am proud to reiterate) my best ever year. This year is going to be far better now that I’ve freed up nearly all of my time. New years are a natural benchmark for most people, but seeing as my move into central Bangkok is preceding my new study [...]
On the recommendation of Jim, an impressively competent Thai speaker I declared last Wednesday as a Thai-only day. This meant that Tik and I would communicate exclusively in Thai.
We spend much of the day in Tik’s colleagues car driving to Udon Thani where Tik has some work to complete.
I was very proud [...]
I’ve been getting familair with my new 15” Powerbook G4 for the last few weeks.
I was encouraged to switch over from my hard-working and long-serving Windows PC to improve my efficiency. Twelve months ago I was frustrated that my work was slowed by my stupidly slothful internet connection and got myself an ADSL line [...]
The effort of being up, bright and early by 7:30 was outweighed by the perfecticity of the water. It was so calm at times that it looked like some industrious bastard might have paved over it. Zigor - our instructo,r was delighted that water visibility was at 30 metres and that in the past 4 years he’s only experienced such clarity half a dozen times.
