Lesson learned: in life and in travel, you should expect the unexpected

A few weeks ago I shared with you some of the lessons I learned while living and training in Ban Phe. When you travel into foreign lands and out of your comfort zone, you are likely to learn more than just a new culture or language. Sometimes the life lessons are a welcome bonus. Other times they take you by surprise, shake you up and knock you off your feet.

One of the most important things I have learned in my travels is that things do not always go as planned.

In a slow-paced place such as Thailand, where arguably the most commonly used phrase is "mai pen rai" (no problem/no worries), you might imagine that schedules are taken as guidelines and many things are negotiable (taxi fares, market purchases and even contracts, before and after they're signed). The bus might come late, if it comes at all. The corner store may open and close at arbitrary hours, despite the sign posted in the window. You might arrive at work to find you have the day off. And it is not likely you will be reprimanded for turning up a few minutes late to an appointment. After all, you are on Thai time, and you are "jai yen yen" (calm, literally translated as "cool heart").

The laid-back lifestyle and easygoing attitudes can be both a blessing and a curse. In one moment you may find yourself feeling "sabaii, sabaii" (comfortable and relaxed) and in the next moment, frustrated to the point of tears. In spite of your mixed emotions, it is a lesson in patience, a lesson in resilience and a reminder that things do not always go as planned. But you must remember, in a place called the "Land of Smiles," stamping your foot or raising your voice will get you nowhere.

Sometimes you must adapt and readjust your expectations. And sometimes you just have to make a new plan.

Which is exactly what I am now doing.

I spent the past few months working to open a new TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training center on the island of Koh Phangan. Planning and scouting. E-mailing and calling. Negotiating and interviewing. In Koh Phangan, my passion for international education and cross-cultural exchange found a purpose ... and in paradise, nonetheless! I had nearly everything anyone could hope for — a job I enjoyed, fun friends, fabulous food, a spectacular view, a beautiful beach with breathtaking sunsets, every day an adventure, every day something new to learn, something more to share.

I had a plan.

I had a plan but could not have prepared for what was to come. To state a complicated, ongoing situation simply, the global economic crisis and Thailand's own political strife have dealt the travel and tourism industry a serious blow. In turn, my company has been forced to suspend operations. I could choose to stay in Thailand and wait it out — with no defined timeline or income — or I could make a new plan.

After much deliberation and many tears, I chose the latter, packed up my life and came home just in time to share the holidays with my family in Lewis County.

If by some miracle, the situation in Thailand quickly improves and my company resumes operations, I will head back to Koh Phangan and pick up where I left off. As this option does not look promising at the moment, I have applied for jobs in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Hawaii. In the coming weeks I will interview, consider my job offers and make a decision.

But in the meantime, I would like to continue to share my adventures with you, tales from Thailand via New York ... or wherever I land!

To adventures past and hopeful dreams of the future,

Ashley

Ashley M. Fitzgerald is a 2000 graduate of Harrisville Central School and a graduate of Middlebury (Vt.) College. "Grown Local, Gone Global" is published every other Sunday. You may send your questions and comments to her at afitzgerald@wdt.net.