Thailand field trip

I saw 100+ kids on a field trip the other day. They were like ants scurrying over a freshly dropped piece of watermelon. Being a teacher, it was quite endearing, but I was a little taken aback by the lack of supervision. I had opted to stay at our table at the Taco Stand and read my book while Matt and Gracie went to see the sharks and play at the aquarium, so when I went to meet them later I was amazed to see the tangle of 8-9 year old Thai boys. They were cute as could be, but they were everywhere. The food court is on the main level and the aquarium in on the floor below - and it was obvious they were on a field trip to the aquarium - but they were all over the food court; some getting ice cream at Swenson's while others opted for McDonald's. Where were the adults? As I was waiting for Matt and Gracie to exit the little ones began to converge on me - they were being gathered and told to sit in rows just beside me. As they wandered down the escalator or out of the gift shop one of the 3 adults that were obviously their teachers would direct them to sit down. So here were all these children, too many to count, eating their various goodies or playing with their souveniers and I was just in awe at the amount of freedom they were given. It made me nervous, although I think I was the only one. I just kept flashing back to counting heads, buddy systems, and parent chaperones. It amazes me how careful we are in America sometimes - in Asia kiddos ride their bikes to school in very scary traffic, take the public bus, go here and there alone, and no one thinks a thing about it. China seems safe, but Thailand with all the sex trade and scandolous looking characters? Not so sure I'd be as relaxed with all those precious little charges.

For now - I just have to look after one, and in a few weeks 2.... that'll keep me busy enough!