GALWAY–On Wednesday, November 20th, James Greisler, a former Galway student, visited Mrs. Decker’s 7th grade and Mrs. DeLuca’s 8th period Global classes to talk about his travels.  James was salutatorian of the class of 2006. After graduating, James went to Hamilton College to become a chemist.  Later, he realized, chemistry was not what he wanted to do so he pursued a degree in theater.  After graduating, he opted to teach abroad and gain travel experience rather than struggling for a break as an actor.

During James’ visit he told the students of Galway about all the countries he has been to and taught at.  James has taught in South Korea, The Republic of Georgia, and Malaysia.  As a tourist he has been to the following countries: Canada, The United Kingdom, France, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova, Greece, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Armenia, Cambodia, Australia, Indonesia, and Nepal.  

James talked to some classes about the customs in Georgia.  In 4th period, he mostly talked about Malaysia, the country he had just flown back from the week before after 36 hours of travel time.  Malaysia’s capital is called Kuala Lumpur which means “meeting place of muddy rivers.”  James taught English at  a school in the town of Slim River, about 1 1/2 hours north of Kuala Lumpur.  James said there were three groups of people in Malaysia:  the Chinese, the Malays and the Indians.  These groups struggle to co-exist.  There are also people native to Malaysia that are called “The Orang Asli”.  Orang means “people” and Asli means “original or natural” in Malaysian.  James had the opportunity to introduce Secretary of State John Kerry to two Orang Asli students last month.  The time the students spent in the 5 star hotel in anticipation of the visit was quite different from their usual experience, living in a bamboo hut they used a short ladder to get in to.  James was the first Westerner to visit their village.

The people of Malaysia have a special part of their ceremonial dress called the keris.   When the Dutch invaded the nearby island of Bali (in Indonesia), the Balinese Royal Family pulled out their kerises (curved daggers), and pointed them at the invaders thinking they were enchanted and the magic would kill the Dutch! When they didn’t, according to legend, the Royal Family took drastic action and used the kerises on themselves.

Malaysians eat with their hands, shaping them like spoons.  James often ate without utensils while there. The Orang Asli use blowguns to hunt.  They place poison on the tip of the dart to kill small game.  7th grader Siela Zembsch and 10th grader Matt Zehl had the opportunity to use the blow dart as part of the demonstration. 

James will be returning to Malaysia in January to serve a second year in the Fulbright program.  The Fulbright program was formed after WWII to help unify the world through English and education.

James Greisler’s visit to our school was not only enjoyable but very informative. He is an inspiration for all to someday travel the world.

Please post below your comments about his visit!