I made my way out of the English room before the Big Man strode up to Gun. The entire time I was asking myself “Did I teach Gun ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ just in case things take a wrong turn”. But so far so good as the black jacket is placed comfortably on a chair, the Big Man takes a seat.
He is a genuinely nice guy, I can see that from his face. He possessess a calming smile with a wit to match. Something he uses to connect with the kids before the presentation starts. His posture was that of an intellectual, completely unbiased, yet he held his hands in a grip suggesting he too was nervous. I gave him my best disarming smile as I took a seat in the very back. At this point I was more than a little nervous.
Gun started the presentation on “Animal Vocabulary”, spoken with a little accent making it sound more like “Animals Voohcabulerys” but no one expect me noticed. Next to me were the rest of the committee members; teachers from Lampang schools and other Bangkok supervisors. One Lady began to talk to me in very good English although I talked very quietly not trying to disturb the presentation. She nodded as if she understood, I know now that that nod means the exact opposite.
Gun clicked on the Forest in the program…uh oh, it double clicked and went into one of the many games (inside the forest scene). Gun’s face was priceless, scared and forcing a smile. But she voices an “I’m Sorry…” and moves back to the forest. Nice save, I guess I did teach her that…fhew.
The rest of the presentation went smoothly till he stopped Gun and the Questions began. First, he looks at Bpai, what month is it and can you spell it? She stands up and answers September, S-E-P-T-E-M-B-E-R. “Geng” (good job) he says she sits down. Second, Muay and Bak stand up for a conversation, asking each others names and phone numbers. “Geng”. He seems to be building up to something, whats his kicker? His finale? Ask the American questions. Crap.
Tai stood his ground and asked me, now standing as well, various questions about me. Occassionally I would ask some of the easy ones back to try and impress the Big Man, and he seemed thoroughly impressed. Tai glances about the room out of questions and the Big Man motions for him to sit down cracking a joke, everyone laughs. I have no clue what he said, I have a hinting feeling it was about me.
Next up, he chose Bak again. Bak, small, shy and most of all feverish, stood up. He is one of the kids I expected not to know how to ask a question correctly, and he looked as though he were about to pass out. The Big Man was thinking up his first question, the lady I had talked to earlier shouts out her own, “Me Fan Mai?” (does he have a girlfriend?). Very Thai, so very Thai of a question to ask. Bak translates flawlessly, I answer “I don’t know.” In a room full of giggly Thai women it’s the safest option I could think of. I dodged it. Next question, “Do you like Thai Girls better or American Girls?” Come on. I could understand the question before Bak said it, but he pieced something together. Impressively with words I didn’t know he knew. I replied, “I like them the same.” Another easy way out. The Big Man pauses and says “Geng Mak” (very good job) and Bak the Triumphant Ferverish Shy kid takes his seat.
The Big Man grabs his jacket and gives me a sturdy hand shake with a meaningful compliment. “Bah!” (Let’s go) and every one began to exit. I congratulated Tai and Bak, and gave Gun a very meaningful high 5. I’m proud of them.
I let out a much needed nervous sigh.
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