Celebrating festivals in Chiang Mai was one of the biggest perks of being a teacher in Thailand. This particular festival, Loy Kratong, is my personal favorite. It is such a beautiful, contemplative, and reflective time. The city is quiet whilst alive.

I really enjoy my time in the classroom and I am not afraid to be a little stern and a little silly with my students. The bowtie shows that. Each day is a different challenge. The ending to each days challenge goes into my journal. I write with the question in mind: What surprised you today?