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Published: February 13th 2011
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Leaving Seattle...
Saying good-bye, flying by Mt. Ranier... Day 10...
It is my 10th day here is Thailand... and I am a bit lazy. I have been recovering from a cold I got a few days ago, and for some reason, just woke up not wanting to do much... so what a perfect day to FINALLY start my blog. So far, Thailand is much of what I expected it to be, and in some ways not at all like I expected it. Having only been in Bangkok so far, there is this mystique I hold for the rest of the country. It almost seems like there is Bangkok... then there is everywhere else in Thailand.
I have a few weeks before I get to enjoy the "everywhere" else part. I am taking an intensive Teaching English as a Second Language Course. It is a month long, and literally, you can spend 50hrs a week on the classes and homework. It's a good course so far, with lots of opportunity to practice teaching and observe others. This course seems to occupy most of my time... while the rest of it has been sleeping and trying to adjust to the time change. This has not been easy... Thailand is
Carmel Machiato from a Chinese Startbucks!
Layover in Hong Kong... had to try my favorite drink "made in China." 15hrs ahead and I can't believe that it has taken me over a week to adjust...
It is my 10th day here is Thailand... and I am a bit lazy. I have been a recovering from my cold I got a few days ago, and for some reason, just woke up not wanting to do much... so what a perfect day to FINALLY start my blog. So far, Thailand is much of what I expected it to, and in some ways not at all like I expected it. Having only been in Bangkok so far, there is this mystique I hold for the rest of the country. It almost seems like there is Bangkok... then there is everywhere else in Thailand.
I have a few weeks before I get to enjoy the "everywhere" else part. I am taking an intensive Teaching English as a Second Language Course. It is a month long, and literally, you can spend 50hrs a week on the classes and homework. It's a good course so far, with lots of opportunity to practice teaching and observe others. This course seems to occupy most of my time... while the rest of it has been sleeping
and trying to adjust to the time change. This has not been easy... Thailand is 15hrs ahead and I can't believe that it has taken me over a week to adjust...
My time here has been pretty special in spite of my Course focus and sleep habits. I am amazed by the sights and sounds of Bangkok, and of course a little bit intimidated by it as well... I can barely say "hello" (sa-wut dee ka) in Thai, and well, because the wonderful Thai people are so forgiving... I have still managed to get by... They really do smile a lot here in the "Land of Smiles."
Besides my friends and family, I miss the variety of food back home the most. Next I miss the convenience of having my own home and kitchen. But I am adjusting to my Guesthouse. I spent hours cleaning and doing laundry yesterday and that investment has made me feel a little more at home here. The Manager of the guesthouse is a hoot, who appears to be out of it most of the time, but still manages to get a little done... Clean however, this place is not… and it is
Starbuck Marketing
Just like back home... run down and well a former bordello, with a round mirror above my bed to boot! I get to wake up each morning staring at myself in the ceiling… Very sexy, let me tell you.
John (the manager) hosted a fun barbecue the other night, and unbeknownst to me, was extremely kind to make not just one, but two vegetarian dishes on my behalf. I couldn't believe how sweet that was... myself and the other Farangs were very delighted to hang out amongst the Thai guests also part of the evening... They LOVE taking pictures, and I felt like a little of a celebrity as one-by-one, they would come up to me and ask to take a picture with them. Michael (a fellow student at the school also at the Lodge), and I brought out our camera's and they all hammed it up!! We could barely talk to one another, but they were very kind and really tried to get me to drink!!! Being sick, I only had one and a half wine coolers that John gave to me...
As for the rest, I will let pictures tell the story of the first ten days... I am grateful
Starbucks Art
Just like back home... Chinese style! to be here, and really look forward to making somewhere in Thailand (likely NOT in Bangkok) my home. However, until I leave Bangkok.. I will absolutely explore this city of 11 million people, and discover the spirit and the yin and yang that embodies this society…
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mary lou mills
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made in China
Did you get to order the caramel macchiato with extra caramel, stirred, or just point and drink it? Love the blog post and look forward to the pictures. Sorry to hear about the cold and glad you are recovering. Enjoy