Juggling in Thailand

Hello/สวัสดี worrying mothers and interested followers,

Today I started my day at 0600, I put on my class Bs ready to teach. I checked my underwear and socks which I hand washed yesterday before I left the house. Some of the cadets found it barbaric that they had to hand wash their clothes. I on the other hand have had over ten years experience doing my family’s laundry and have hand washed many delicates over the years, but I have never heard of a laundry service that does not accept socks or undergarments ever in my life.

I along with Cadet Kelsey Kornblut and Cadet Nick Deschenes helped the 2^nd year AFAPS (Armed Forces Academy Preparatory School) pre-cadets with their English conversation skills. Today went better than yesterday, we didn’t have a lesson plan to start with, but our job was to basically assist in English conversation. The pre-cadets today were much more engaged in conversation than they were yesterday.

We ate lunch at 1200 in the AFAPS cafeteria, a building which technically had one wall, a ceiling, and no air conditioning which served over a thousand pre-cadets every mealtime. We had a pre-cadet at our table that practically sweated buckets that day. When Cadet Tara Drumm asked if he was punished before he got here, he said it was normal that he sweated that much. I kept an eye on his cup and made sure it was constantly refilled throughout our entire lunch together. The last thing I need is a pre-cadet getting a heat injury on my watch.

At 1600 we headed to the AFAPS Education Building to meet with the academy’s Mathematics Division/Department. We had interesting conversations with the division’s staff, but the highlight of the meeting was when we all discovered that one of our own cadets had a hidden talent when their staff brought in a bag full of bean bags. Which cadet you might ask, it was none other than the Cadet David Winne. Not only is he an apple breaker, body builder, and the biggest eater in our group, but he is also a juggler. His jugging demonstration surprised and amazed everyone.

I apologize to any disappointed mothers, fathers, and friends if you were expecting some good pictures of your loved ones in my post, but Cadet Winne stole the spotlight that day.

Until next time,

Steve Liu

Cadet David Winne demonstrating his juggling skills to the room.

Cadets and faculty watched in amazement.

Cadet Winne (left) stealing the spotlight and having a little Q&A with the head of the Mathematics Division (center).