Getting ready to start my new life

In just a few short days I will be off on my Thailand retirement adventure. For one full year I will be teaching Science in a Thai high school. Most teachers are planners (I planned my children's birthday parties in 20 minute segments!) and control freaks (at least a little); I am no different.  On this journey, I really have no idea what to plan for, nor what I will have control over.  It makes the letting go much easier.

I have done my packing and emptied my house of unnecessary things I've collected over the years.  Now I sit and wait to board the plane (Emirates, as recommended by Ken).

So first, a map of where I'll be.

Ubon Ratchatani is in the northeast quadrant, north of Cambodia and west of Laos.

Second, a link to my new school....  a little frightening as this one is entirely in Thai!

http://www.benchama.ac.th/web/index.php

The easier version....

Name of School : Benchama Maharat School

School Address : 600 Sappasit Rd. A. Muang Ubonratchathani 34000

Phone : 045 262193      Fax : 045 262193

Website : www.benchama.ac.th      Email : info@benchama.ac.th

Principal's name : Mr. Prayong Kaenla

Type of School Public Co-ed Working time Working days : Monday to Friday School Times : 8:30 to 4:30 Hours on duty : 8 hours per day Teaching Hours : 15 hours per week Lunch Hour : 11:15 to 12:15 Education Level Secondary school  School size School size : Big (1001 up) Total No. of students : 4,800 Class size : approximately 50 students per class Facilities  Computer & internet System  Personal desk / locker  Audio visual aids  Stationeries  Resource library  Photocopy machine  Health insurance  Gym Academic Year The 1st semester : from May to September (Mid Exam : July , Final Exam : September) The 2nd semester : from October to February (Mid Exam : December , Final Exam : February)

Special Events / Holidays School Day - 28 September Sports Day - 2 September Teacher's Day - 16 January Christmas and New Year's Student's Camp - March and October Student's Excursion - 1 September Lastly, my address will be the school address:   Benchama Maharat School 600 Sappasit Rd. A. Muang Ubonratchathani 34000 I'm overwhelmed with websites, videos and more questions!!!!  Anyone who has traveled to Thailand, please feel free to offer advice and recommendations!