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Published: August 26th 2014
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Sunrise... before it's hot
That's about ten minutes later. I've been living in Bangkok for a year now. The time has really flown--it feels like only a few weeks ago that I stepped off the plane and (gratefully) picked up all my luggage. There have been ups and downs and a few bumps in the road, of course. But I think it's only appropriate to look back on this experience with a bit of humor.
When I was preparing to move here, I'd already visited Bangkok (and other parts of Thailand) several times. I'd even done my CELTA here a year prior, giving me a month to experience real life versus the life of a tourist. So I came, full of hopes, dreams, and ambitions. How'd I fare? Let's find out:
1. The dream: Drinking coffee and watching the sun rise from my balcony, without being eaten alive by mosquitos.
The reality: While there are few mosquitos this many floors up, this didn't quite work out how I'd hoped. Depending on the month, the sun can rise quite early. In summer, it's well above the horizon by 6am. Unless I have something truly spectacular (like a volcano or the ocean) to see the sun rise
over, I'm not getting up that early. Also, due to my awesome eastern facing balcony with no shade, the temperature is often passed 30 deg C (86 F) by 7 or 8am. The heat index is even higher. I'm not sure what's hotter, my coffee or me in the morning sun.
No, thanks.
2. The dream: I can stop at cute little food stands for meals and treats anytime I want!
The reality: Food stands, while prevalent, are not everywhere. And it's quite likely that when you want pad thai, there won't be an open pad thai stand to be found within a 5km radius. But you can probably get fruit or tea.
I'm lucky in that I do have a pad thai stand not far from home and work that's open from lunch until late. The family and I have a good relationship.
3. The dream: I won't get stared at as much as I did in China.
The reality: This has been mostly true, but it's mostly because of all the tourists. So rather than get noticed simply for being not Thai, I get noticed and associated with all the tourists--both good
and bad. Or I get ignored because I'm just another non-Thai face who doesn't speak the language. Fortunately, those incidents are few and far between.
4. The dream: No more mystery meat surprises in my dinners.
The reality: There's still pork in a lot of things. Or chicken. But, if I ask, I can usually get an answer without the person looking at me like I have 3 heads. There's a vegetarian population here and even a vegan holiday in October, so they understand the concept here far better than they did in China. And most are respectful of my questions and requests. I'm sure tourism has helped, too.
5. The dream: When I miss China or Chinese food, I can pop over to Chinatown. (This was a factor in moving here, actually.)
The reality: I've visited Chinatown, but more for the fun of exploring than anything else. It's a great area to wander and take photos. But I've only eaten there once. However, I did buy some tea.
6. The dream: People will line up for things, rather than pushing and shoving like it's a last chance. No one will run into you with
their elbows and look at you like it's your fault for existing.
The reality: People here are very polite. Even with huge crowds, people line up. I've been tempted to photograph it a few times, but I've restrained myself. If they bump you, they apologize. And now there are signs suggesting standing on the right of escalators so people can pass on the left--they're slowly gaining ground.
All in all, the dream has been what I was hoping for. Well, mostly. For that, I am quite happy and grateful.
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Jeremy Chiron
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Were you teaching in Bangkok?
How was it to work with local Kids? Are they eager to learn English? How does it compare to teaching in China (assuming you did so)?