It has been a busy past couple of months. I was able to visit Hong Kong for a long weekend with some collegues. I really enjoyed the cleanliness and environmentalism happening in the city. Hong Kong Island is where the business district is, as well as the shopping! It's not a market sort of place, however there is a Ladies Market on Kowloon (the mainland part of Hong Kong). I shopped around my favorite stores and only bought a couple of t-shirts. BO-Ring! I was more concerned about the sights than the shopping, but know I can go back to shop if I want, which is nice.
It was rainy the first day we were there, but it didn't stop us from taking our umbrellas and heading to Hong Kong Island anyway. By mid-afternoon the rain had ceased and we were free to wander. It seems that each of us had our own agenda for the trip, so we basically started off as a group and branched off as people wanted to do different things. The first day we took the hotel shuttle to the waterfront, had some coffee and walked to the Star Ferry which crosses the bay to Hong Kong Island. After some walking around and shopping, we went back to Kowloon to our hotel and just relaxed.
The second day I spent walking around Kowloon and did a little bit of shopping. Hong Kong is FULL of tall, close-together buildings. It was mostly interesting to walk around and see how the city is laid out. I didn't do much other than walk, take photos, eat and a little bit of shopping. The evening of the second night we took in the lights show, sitting at the waterfront of Kowloon and watching the buildings light up and change colors choreographed to music that was broadcast. It's the world's best light show, according to the announcement and it was nice. The rest of the days were more walking around and actually buying a couple of things: shoes, shorts, t-shirts, art, trinkets, etc. I also ate quite a bit of western food, which was a nice treat!
The city is so spectacular at night, I really had fun. Hong Kong is nice because it's on the ocean, has mountains, has big city life, excellent shopping, it's very clean and organized, they value the environment and has outstanding public transportation. It would be a very livable city with a good mix of Asian and European influence. I really loved Hong Kong and can't wait to go back and make it up The Peak which is a great view of the city and the bay.
After Hong Kong it was back to school for 9 more weeks of the term. The term has gone well, the boys have come so far. They are still quite playful and are a lot of fun to be with and teach. Just before exams I had a visitor stop in on his way home (to USA) from a tour of Vietnam. After exam week (the last week of Term One), my friend Sarah D. came for a four week visit. We just returned from four days in Hanoi, Vietnam. What a crazy place!
The first thing you notice immediately after landing in Hanoi is the smokey smell... and after going through the visa and immigration process, you actually see the haze. It comes from the burning of nearby fields/crops after harvest. I think they grow wheat, but I'm no farmer, so I don't know for sure. The next thing you notice is the crazy traffic.
I have it all figured out. If you want to drive (your motorbike or bicycle or taxi or minivan...) there are a few rules to go by. FIRST, don't worry about stopping at intersections because most don't have any sort of stop signs or stop lights (there were about four in the whole city). Next, you just drive. Drive and be SURE that you don't look, except to look where you're going. If another motorbike comes at you, don't move, only HONK HONK BEEP BEEEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP your horn. Actually, don't ever STOP beeping your horn, you'll need it so people hear you coming because you're not going to notice them at all, so they should notice you... via your horn, of course. Last, if there are pedestrians trying to cross the road, remember you don't look at them either, instead drive directly at them and if they don't move, just scrape by them. They'll get the point. And bottom line: the more aggressive you can drive, the better!
The trafffic was totally uncontrolled (except at those very few stop lights) and they don't drive particularly fast but they do NOT want to stop and will just swerve to avoid whatever might get in front of them. When you want to cross the street just step into the road and look at the motorbikes and cars and buses coming at you and move accordingly. Above all, do NOT run... keep a steady pace and you'll make it across, hopefully without getting hit. :)
We did the normal tourist thing, walked the around one of the lakes near the Old Quarter and has some strong coffee, ate some delicious croissants. After moving hotels, we went to see Ho Chi Mihn's mausoleum (didn't see his body) and the grounds where he worked, including the Presidential Palace and his alternative homes and gardens. We didn't make it to the HCM Museum before it was closed, so from there we just walked back to the Old Quarter, passing loads of wonderful, colorful shops and plenty of food stalls and restaurants. Hanoi is not a particularly modern city. The only American food chains that I saw were KFC and Gloria Jeans Coffee shop. We ate some pho (noodle soup) and it was outstanding! We booked a two-day, one night tour of Halong Bay and were picked up in the morning and driven the three hours to the Bay. Once there we boarded a boat and ate some lunch. Regardless of what the brochures and tour sales girl said, we only got the food they provided and had to pay additional for any drinks that we wanted to purchase, including water. So our first meal we didn't drink anything other than the little bit of water that I'd brought onto the boat.
After lunch we were brought to two caves (inside the islands) and had a chance to swim where we were anchored to sleep for the night. Sarah and I jumped right in and most of the others onboard just watched us, saying that the water was too dirty. It just seemed very salty to me. Only later, in another part of the islands, did I see all the debris and oil/gas floating in the water. Oh well. It was great to swim in the deep ocean. We survived just fine.
At dusk we ate dinner (buying our own drinks this time) and watched the water at night before heading off to bed. We woke early to pouring rain and had our breakfast (bread with jam and greasy eggs) which included either coffee or tea this time! During breakfast we sailed to another part of the bay and were able to kayak around the islands a little bit and then we sailed to a place where we could take a small boat to see a water school and another cave. But since Sarah and I were the only ones interested in going (hence not so much money for the boat driver) they didn't stay and we just sailed back to Halong Bay City to have lunch and catch the minibus back to Hanoi.
Back in Hanoi we went to dinner (we arrived back around 5 pm) and then went to shop at the great shops we'd seen on our first day, but they were mostly closed due to a massive celebration in the streets to celebrate the 999 year anniversary of Hanoi being named Hanoi. Let me tell you, this made traffic laughable and annoying to try and avoid. Since the shops were mostly closed and the smoke was bothersome, we headed back to our hotel and arranged a taxi to the airport for early the next morning and headed off to bed. The next morning we were feeling quite ill, probably from the smoke and possibly the food we ate, but caught our taxi to the airport and got our flight back to Bangkok.
I really enjoyed seeing Vietnam and will plan to go back to see the southern part, where Ho Chi Mihn City (Saigon) is, at a later date. I don't want to candy coat it, but I did enjoy myself. Other than the smoke and crazy traffic, Hanoi was very dusty and the people seemed generally intolerant and impatient. On several occassions when I spoke to people they'd just shake their heads "no" and turn their back to me or just ignore me altogether. Smoking cigarettes is still very popular, though mostly with men. Vietnamese halkers are relentless. Whether it was the women coming to the boats to sell western junk food or the people selling various good throughout the city, they stick around and BEG you to buy something. It bothers me when they won't go away UNTIL you're rude to them, so I tried very hard to just keep saying no until they went away. Most wouldn't leave until I physically turned my back to them. That was hard.
There were those diamonds in the rough that were very kind and helpful, but it seems most people are just trying to get tourist money or not deal with tourists at all. I can understand that, but there was a lack of tact. They'll learn, hopefully. It was, in general, an enjoyable experience and I'm so glad we went!!
Now we're getting ourselves organized to head to the southern islands and do some beachy RELAX time. Just what I need! In the taxi back to my apt. in Bangkok I realized I need time to just be still. It's been go go go go since Hong Kong. It was all good, it's just now time to really sit still and relax. :) YAY!!
Hope you're all doing great. Sorry to see that there's SNOW in Minnesota already! Suckers. Haha! Just teasing.
Halloween is coming soon! What should my costume be this year??!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Hello, Happy Labor Day weekend!
I bet all you lucky MNans are enjoying the last bits of weekend fun at the cabin or just enjoying a barbecue. Or maybe the Fair. I hope you have a wonderful long weekend.
I'm excited for those of my teacher friends starting another new school year. Let me say, I can't wait to join you in the future!
I spent the majority of my Sunday uploading photos to flickr. I will post more but it took a long time just to add that set.
Blog of Hong Kong this week! Promise!
Lots of love. Miss you all!!
P.S. I just took at look backwards at my photos and am feeling really thoughtful about all that I've been through traveling and living across the world. How time flies! Those of you that were able to visit last time should take a look back as well. So many memories come back. Wow! :)
Little tear.
I'm excited for those of my teacher friends starting another new school year. Let me say, I can't wait to join you in the future!
I spent the majority of my Sunday uploading photos to flickr. I will post more but it took a long time just to add that set.
Blog of Hong Kong this week! Promise!
Lots of love. Miss you all!!
P.S. I just took at look backwards at my photos and am feeling really thoughtful about all that I've been through traveling and living across the world. How time flies! Those of you that were able to visit last time should take a look back as well. So many memories come back. Wow! :)
Little tear.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Screaming down the road
It's been a hectic two weeks since I returned from a long weekend in Hong Kong. I will give a detailed account of the trip, I had an amazing time, but not until my mind has some breathing room.
I just wanted to write a short note to say that despite my previous excitement to go home for Christmas, I won't be making the trip. Nobody is more disappointed than I am that I won't be with my most treasured people for the holiday season. I am truly sad but I think it's best in the end.
I miss you all. Check back in the coming days for a post on August.
Happy Fair Days and back-to-school to everyone. Somebody eat a slice of Vescio's for me!!
Love.
I just wanted to write a short note to say that despite my previous excitement to go home for Christmas, I won't be making the trip. Nobody is more disappointed than I am that I won't be with my most treasured people for the holiday season. I am truly sad but I think it's best in the end.
I miss you all. Check back in the coming days for a post on August.
Happy Fair Days and back-to-school to everyone. Somebody eat a slice of Vescio's for me!!
Love.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Happy Mother's Day, Mom!!
Hello, Sawatdee kah.
Today is Mother's Day in Thailand, which coincides with the Queen of Thailand's birthday. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! We have three days off which bumps up to a weekend and I'm off to Hong Kong for the first time. I cannot wait to see the views, taste the cuisine and, of course, shop. Some of you may know that I had hoped to move to Hong Kong this year but my job opportunity fell through and I decided to return to Thailand. So, I'm doubly excited to see what HK has to offer! Maybe it will be my next home?
Since the last post I've been busy with school and a trip to Chiang Mai, a northern mountain town which I just love! It's probably the most artistic city in Thailand and I love to shop there. I went with two collegues and we had a great time, despite poor weather for two of the five days. We took an overnight train to get there and a plane home. While we were there we rented motorbikes (I feel completely comfortable driving in Thailand now... even feel I could tackle Bangkok traffic) and went into the mountains to see the baby panda at the Chiang Mai zoo and took a trip up to the mountain-top temple Doi Suthep. We enjoyed many outrageously delicious coffees at our guesthouse, which houses 10 cats!! The coffee shop there was called Coffee Cat and along with the live cats, there were cat figurines and cat artwork everywhere. I was in cat heaven.
Chiang Mai is, in my opinion, the best shopping in SE Asia (though to be fair I haven't made it to Myanmar or Vietnam yet) so we went to all the markets and my most favorite shops near the Taipei Gate (one of the gates on the moat). We stayed outside the moat this time, a bit of a drive from the main areas. I was able to eat many meals at my favorite Art Cafe (YYYYUmmmy pancakes and eggs. More heaven). This time we went for Miguel's Mexican and over-ate there, on a couple different occassions. I haven't had better Mexican food in Thailand (though the best burrito I've ever eaten was had in Cambodia, fun fact).
Along with shopping, eating, sightseeing and motorbiking (I drove myself all the way up the mountains and back... such an amazing feeling!), we were also able to take advantage of the rainy downtime with reading and getting spa treatments. It was a truly wonderful vacation and made going back to work difficult. :) Photos should be posted soon. Please remember to log in if you'd like to see hidden photos.
Exams came shortly after the break and the boys did well, for the most part. It's a good thing because it serves as a sort of awakening for the boys that just think school is for playing and being silly. Everyone did fine, though, and they're taking classwork more seriously (or as seriously as a six year old can).
Yesterday morning the school had a whole school assembly for Mother's Day and it's a touching event. One mother and son represent each class in the school. They celebrate Mother Mary, The Thai Queen's birthday and Mother's Day. I have taken short videos and some pictures of the event. They will be hidden on flickr. Please sign in. :)
I look forward to Hong Kong and then two friends visiting shortly after, beginning in late September. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed and continues to fly by. I hope you're all well and enjoying the last weeks/month of summer. Please send an email to let me know how you're doing and what you're up to. Many of my friends have announced their second pregnancies, so congratulations to all of them! I'm very excited for you!!
Check back soon for a report on Hong Kong!! Yay! I can't wait!!
Happy Mother's Day.
Today is Mother's Day in Thailand, which coincides with the Queen of Thailand's birthday. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!! We have three days off which bumps up to a weekend and I'm off to Hong Kong for the first time. I cannot wait to see the views, taste the cuisine and, of course, shop. Some of you may know that I had hoped to move to Hong Kong this year but my job opportunity fell through and I decided to return to Thailand. So, I'm doubly excited to see what HK has to offer! Maybe it will be my next home?
Since the last post I've been busy with school and a trip to Chiang Mai, a northern mountain town which I just love! It's probably the most artistic city in Thailand and I love to shop there. I went with two collegues and we had a great time, despite poor weather for two of the five days. We took an overnight train to get there and a plane home. While we were there we rented motorbikes (I feel completely comfortable driving in Thailand now... even feel I could tackle Bangkok traffic) and went into the mountains to see the baby panda at the Chiang Mai zoo and took a trip up to the mountain-top temple Doi Suthep. We enjoyed many outrageously delicious coffees at our guesthouse, which houses 10 cats!! The coffee shop there was called Coffee Cat and along with the live cats, there were cat figurines and cat artwork everywhere. I was in cat heaven.
Chiang Mai is, in my opinion, the best shopping in SE Asia (though to be fair I haven't made it to Myanmar or Vietnam yet) so we went to all the markets and my most favorite shops near the Taipei Gate (one of the gates on the moat). We stayed outside the moat this time, a bit of a drive from the main areas. I was able to eat many meals at my favorite Art Cafe (YYYYUmmmy pancakes and eggs. More heaven). This time we went for Miguel's Mexican and over-ate there, on a couple different occassions. I haven't had better Mexican food in Thailand (though the best burrito I've ever eaten was had in Cambodia, fun fact).
Along with shopping, eating, sightseeing and motorbiking (I drove myself all the way up the mountains and back... such an amazing feeling!), we were also able to take advantage of the rainy downtime with reading and getting spa treatments. It was a truly wonderful vacation and made going back to work difficult. :) Photos should be posted soon. Please remember to log in if you'd like to see hidden photos.
Exams came shortly after the break and the boys did well, for the most part. It's a good thing because it serves as a sort of awakening for the boys that just think school is for playing and being silly. Everyone did fine, though, and they're taking classwork more seriously (or as seriously as a six year old can).
Yesterday morning the school had a whole school assembly for Mother's Day and it's a touching event. One mother and son represent each class in the school. They celebrate Mother Mary, The Thai Queen's birthday and Mother's Day. I have taken short videos and some pictures of the event. They will be hidden on flickr. Please sign in. :)
I look forward to Hong Kong and then two friends visiting shortly after, beginning in late September. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed and continues to fly by. I hope you're all well and enjoying the last weeks/month of summer. Please send an email to let me know how you're doing and what you're up to. Many of my friends have announced their second pregnancies, so congratulations to all of them! I'm very excited for you!!
Check back soon for a report on Hong Kong!! Yay! I can't wait!!
Happy Mother's Day.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Sawatdee kah. Happy Summer (Officially) to all of you at home. I hope your summer has gotten off to a good start, the grass is green and the lakes are warming up! It's hard to dislike a Minnesota summer. There is always something fun to do outside or a nice comfy chair to sit in and just enjoy. Welcome to warmer weather, yay!
All is very well here in Bangkok. The political storm is over (as far as I'm concerned) and school is in full swing. The boys are wonderful and wonderfully challenging. I love all their charm and character but some days I just wish they'd sit still and listen like proper college students, ha! I'm once again very attached to them and enjoy all the joy that children bring. They are a more advanced group as far as the English skills they had before Grade One. Many have attended an English Kindergarten or other camps and programs.
On another note, H1N1 finally arrived here and masks are seen throughout the school. The novelty of it wore off by Thursday last week and no one in my class is wearing them anymore. Poor little fellas all had to have mandatory flu shots. (Don't ask why, it's just Thailand. It makes sense to them.) There were tears and looks of fear. I did feel for them. It's a "little boy becomes Big Boy" moment. They try to hold a brave face for their friends. *sigh* I love my job.
There was a special Teacher Day in Thailand two weeks ago. It's called Wai Kru Day, literally Respect Teacher Day. There was a big whole school assembly and we were honored with flowers from the boys and their families. It's a nice holiday, something very different from home. I took photos and some video to show how many boys there are sitting all in perfect lines with their identical uniforms and haircuts. It's quite a spectacle. The video was meant to show the traditions (bowing at the feet of the Brothers) and the music. It's a touching part of their culture, I think.
The last time I wrote was about Songkran in April. Since then I was able to travel south to the island that I love, called Koh Pha gnan. I went with a colleague and we stayed in our own little bungalows and rented motorbikes to mosey around the island. The guesthouse owner was very kind and the food was good. They call grilled cheese "cheese toast"... I still dream of that cheese toast. It was SO stinking good. I ate it at least once a day. I noticed that a lot has changed throughout the island. Some streets I hardly recognized because of all the new construction. I mentioned the changes to a local and he told me that the limit for development has been met and the projects in progress now should be the last. Then he repeated "should be the last. It depends how much money you have."
I was pretty disappointed because the island used to be so much more natural and more beautiful. It still has the best roads and view for motor biking (at the speed that I'm willing to drive). I will return again and again. This time around I attended the Half Moon party and it was in the jungle, not on the beach. It was one stage with a concert of reggae music and then a DJ. Fun time. If you know me well, you know I love to dance. I enjoyed it and made new friends from Sweden, France and Germany that night. I hope to stay in touch with the couple I met from Sweden. They were two of the kindest, most caring people I've met. Who knows, maybe they can help me get a job to teach in Sweden next!? It was a super fun six days.
School began shortly after the trip and I was excited to get into the curriculum and routine of regular school year. Everything has been going pretty well and late May we had Open House where I met all the parents. They are really great, very involved and dedicated to their sons' education. Many of the parents have been to the U.S. for more than just a visit and were happy that I’m American. It feels nice to be more understood by the parents this time around. Their English is notably more advanced. I’ve already established nice relationships with most of the mothers and a couple fathers. They visit and say hello every morning. I just feel so lucky, they are so kind.
Other than working, I’ve been attending lots of birthday events. One friend turned 30 this month and we had a couple nice birthday dinners for her and couple others from work. It was many people’s birthday at home also, so Happy Birthday to you all!! I toasted my morning coffee to each of you. :o) I did. Really.
I’ve also decided to get back in shape and took up a regular running routine at the park on weekends and the gym throughout the week. It feels good to use these old muscles. Ha ha. The weekend before this one, I ran a 5k and I was top-to-bottom unimpressed with myself but it gives me the two things I needed: a goal and MO-TI-VATION!
Running in the park has been glorious. There are so many different activities going on and people of all ages walking, chatting, lounging, doing tai chi, doing Japanese fan dancing (is it dancing?), playing checkers (older men mostly), gossiping about the farang (me) who wears *GASP* sleeveless running shirts, some sort of martial art, a big crowd does techno-style aerobics at the entrance to the park and more activities that can’t even be described properly. It’s a wonderful mix of cultures and people exercising. Elderly people in Thailand are still quite active, though slow. They are really fun to watch. Their traditions are amazing. One group of people do this arm shaking thing and randomly shout out “arrrrrr” “rraarrrr”… quite entertaining to say the least. Every time I get there I kick myself for not bringing my camera and vow to go one weekend just to take photos and videos to share with you all. It’s a really special break from my work week and weekend activities.
My American friend Janine and I were up early Sat. (yesterday) and took a river boat to Chinatown to have a look around since she’d never been. Then grabbed a taxi to the backpacker area as I hadn’t been there since I’ve returned and have been wanting to eat at this great Israeli restaurant that a friend got me hooked on. I found Khao San (this area) a bit changed, the same as the rest of the city… it’s something in the air… the attitude of the people, really. I actually enjoyed my day there. Janine and I ate lunch, she got a massage and I did some mental work at the coffee shop, lists and things… and then we went home to watch a newly purchased movie. He's Just Not That Into You, funny and frustrating all at once. I liked it.
Today I was able to see my friend Nina who works at another school now but who used to work at Assumption. We had a fun makeover session and some lunch. My eyes are still burning from all the makeup they put on me. It wasn’t my favorite look but it was really fun! I hope to do more outings on the weekends. I just haven’t been out of the area much since school started, so this weekend was a nice change. And that brings us up to the future. I look forward to a 5-day weekend in July (in two weeks, actually) which Angus, Janine and I will go to Chiang Mai. I’m very excited about that trip! I’m excited about the guesthouse where we’ll stay, they have cats!! Then in August I’ve booked a flight to Hong Kong for our second 5-day weekend and also really look forward to that. I’ve been wanting to see Hong Kong for a long while since I really wanted to move there, so I’ll have a good look around!
I hope all is well on your side of the globe. Congratulations to my cousin who is getting married and my cousin who just had her first child. I am really ecstatic for you both and sad to miss such important events. My heart is with you and I send you BIG cyber hugs. Congratulations to a good friend who recently purchased her first home. LUCKY! Also to a friend who showed his great art for the first time at a couple art fairs in the city. That is so cool!
Lastly, a Very Happy Father’s Day to my Pappy. I will look forward to a nice long bike ride when I return (maybe not at Christmas, though) and a good brunch somewhere to celebrate you. Lots of love, Dad. I miss you!! Not to give you jobs on Father’s day, but hug my cat and mother please. :o)
Love you all.
Email me to say how you’re doing and what’s new with you!!
All is very well here in Bangkok. The political storm is over (as far as I'm concerned) and school is in full swing. The boys are wonderful and wonderfully challenging. I love all their charm and character but some days I just wish they'd sit still and listen like proper college students, ha! I'm once again very attached to them and enjoy all the joy that children bring. They are a more advanced group as far as the English skills they had before Grade One. Many have attended an English Kindergarten or other camps and programs.
On another note, H1N1 finally arrived here and masks are seen throughout the school. The novelty of it wore off by Thursday last week and no one in my class is wearing them anymore. Poor little fellas all had to have mandatory flu shots. (Don't ask why, it's just Thailand. It makes sense to them.) There were tears and looks of fear. I did feel for them. It's a "little boy becomes Big Boy" moment. They try to hold a brave face for their friends. *sigh* I love my job.
There was a special Teacher Day in Thailand two weeks ago. It's called Wai Kru Day, literally Respect Teacher Day. There was a big whole school assembly and we were honored with flowers from the boys and their families. It's a nice holiday, something very different from home. I took photos and some video to show how many boys there are sitting all in perfect lines with their identical uniforms and haircuts. It's quite a spectacle. The video was meant to show the traditions (bowing at the feet of the Brothers) and the music. It's a touching part of their culture, I think.
The last time I wrote was about Songkran in April. Since then I was able to travel south to the island that I love, called Koh Pha gnan. I went with a colleague and we stayed in our own little bungalows and rented motorbikes to mosey around the island. The guesthouse owner was very kind and the food was good. They call grilled cheese "cheese toast"... I still dream of that cheese toast. It was SO stinking good. I ate it at least once a day. I noticed that a lot has changed throughout the island. Some streets I hardly recognized because of all the new construction. I mentioned the changes to a local and he told me that the limit for development has been met and the projects in progress now should be the last. Then he repeated "should be the last. It depends how much money you have."
I was pretty disappointed because the island used to be so much more natural and more beautiful. It still has the best roads and view for motor biking (at the speed that I'm willing to drive). I will return again and again. This time around I attended the Half Moon party and it was in the jungle, not on the beach. It was one stage with a concert of reggae music and then a DJ. Fun time. If you know me well, you know I love to dance. I enjoyed it and made new friends from Sweden, France and Germany that night. I hope to stay in touch with the couple I met from Sweden. They were two of the kindest, most caring people I've met. Who knows, maybe they can help me get a job to teach in Sweden next!? It was a super fun six days.
School began shortly after the trip and I was excited to get into the curriculum and routine of regular school year. Everything has been going pretty well and late May we had Open House where I met all the parents. They are really great, very involved and dedicated to their sons' education. Many of the parents have been to the U.S. for more than just a visit and were happy that I’m American. It feels nice to be more understood by the parents this time around. Their English is notably more advanced. I’ve already established nice relationships with most of the mothers and a couple fathers. They visit and say hello every morning. I just feel so lucky, they are so kind.
Other than working, I’ve been attending lots of birthday events. One friend turned 30 this month and we had a couple nice birthday dinners for her and couple others from work. It was many people’s birthday at home also, so Happy Birthday to you all!! I toasted my morning coffee to each of you. :o) I did. Really.
I’ve also decided to get back in shape and took up a regular running routine at the park on weekends and the gym throughout the week. It feels good to use these old muscles. Ha ha. The weekend before this one, I ran a 5k and I was top-to-bottom unimpressed with myself but it gives me the two things I needed: a goal and MO-TI-VATION!
Running in the park has been glorious. There are so many different activities going on and people of all ages walking, chatting, lounging, doing tai chi, doing Japanese fan dancing (is it dancing?), playing checkers (older men mostly), gossiping about the farang (me) who wears *GASP* sleeveless running shirts, some sort of martial art, a big crowd does techno-style aerobics at the entrance to the park and more activities that can’t even be described properly. It’s a wonderful mix of cultures and people exercising. Elderly people in Thailand are still quite active, though slow. They are really fun to watch. Their traditions are amazing. One group of people do this arm shaking thing and randomly shout out “arrrrrr” “rraarrrr”… quite entertaining to say the least. Every time I get there I kick myself for not bringing my camera and vow to go one weekend just to take photos and videos to share with you all. It’s a really special break from my work week and weekend activities.
My American friend Janine and I were up early Sat. (yesterday) and took a river boat to Chinatown to have a look around since she’d never been. Then grabbed a taxi to the backpacker area as I hadn’t been there since I’ve returned and have been wanting to eat at this great Israeli restaurant that a friend got me hooked on. I found Khao San (this area) a bit changed, the same as the rest of the city… it’s something in the air… the attitude of the people, really. I actually enjoyed my day there. Janine and I ate lunch, she got a massage and I did some mental work at the coffee shop, lists and things… and then we went home to watch a newly purchased movie. He's Just Not That Into You, funny and frustrating all at once. I liked it.
Today I was able to see my friend Nina who works at another school now but who used to work at Assumption. We had a fun makeover session and some lunch. My eyes are still burning from all the makeup they put on me. It wasn’t my favorite look but it was really fun! I hope to do more outings on the weekends. I just haven’t been out of the area much since school started, so this weekend was a nice change. And that brings us up to the future. I look forward to a 5-day weekend in July (in two weeks, actually) which Angus, Janine and I will go to Chiang Mai. I’m very excited about that trip! I’m excited about the guesthouse where we’ll stay, they have cats!! Then in August I’ve booked a flight to Hong Kong for our second 5-day weekend and also really look forward to that. I’ve been wanting to see Hong Kong for a long while since I really wanted to move there, so I’ll have a good look around!
I hope all is well on your side of the globe. Congratulations to my cousin who is getting married and my cousin who just had her first child. I am really ecstatic for you both and sad to miss such important events. My heart is with you and I send you BIG cyber hugs. Congratulations to a good friend who recently purchased her first home. LUCKY! Also to a friend who showed his great art for the first time at a couple art fairs in the city. That is so cool!
Lastly, a Very Happy Father’s Day to my Pappy. I will look forward to a nice long bike ride when I return (maybe not at Christmas, though) and a good brunch somewhere to celebrate you. Lots of love, Dad. I miss you!! Not to give you jobs on Father’s day, but hug my cat and mother please. :o)
Love you all.
Email me to say how you’re doing and what’s new with you!!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Songrkan and Protests - Written April 16th, I think
A very warm greeting to you all! Rest assured that Bangkok is calm and quiet, for now. :-) It has been less-than-desirably hot the past couple of days but one can't complain. The rain has gone for now. It should hopefully arrive back in time for the rainy season. Let's hope, Mother Nature!
After the 'red shirt' protests canceled school (and the all-school water fight! boooo.) my friend's and I headed north-east to Petchabun province early, to avoid traffic. We encountered slow-downs here and there but the drive was straight forward and enjoyable. Bom, her Auntie Boo, Andy and I arrived in time for dinner at a local BBQ place. Now BBQ means something a bit different here in Thailand. We went to a place that puts a grill on your table and you go up to the buffet of meats and veggies and cook your own at your table. Boiling some things and grilling others. I particularly enjoyed some fish cube things... they look like tofu... and boiled veggies and ICE CREAM! (No, we didn't cook the ice cream.)
After a nice dinner we went home for a glorious sleep and woke to have a lovely breakfast made by Bom's aunts. Later we drove all the family's vehicles to another side of their property (they're farmers) and did the traditional 'washing of the vehicles' for Songkran festivities. I actually don't know the meaning of washing the cars, but it was fun anyway. Afterwards we had lunch in another city and then shopped 'in town' for water pistols for the kids. As Andy and I are two of the only white people 'in town', we are quite a spectacle when we go anywhere. Everyone stops to stare, literally, and then nudges their friends to stop and have a good look at us as well. It's really strange. At those times I just feel lucky not to have paparazzi in the mix. I cannot imagine how it feels to be a celebrity. EEK! Anyway, after returning to Bom's parent's house, we walked to Bom's father's side of the family (about a block or two away) and hung out with them, said hello, accepted drinks and laughed and laughed. They're a bit rowdier than her mother's side. Typical, right? ;)
After visiting her father's family, Bom took me, and her brother Boy took Andy on their motorbikes and they showed us around the area. It was fun! I learned that Bom is (pretty much deathly) afraid of "the cows. I'm scared." She pulled WAaaay over in the ditch to let a cow herder pass with his 'flock'. I still giggle. Bom is usually so tough about everything else. He-he-hee. So, with not much left to the day, we returned to Bom's home and had a nice dinner. It's always a nice meal with her family. I try many new things. After dinner is the time when we are to leave the elders alone and play with the kids, Bom's cousins. Last year I brought the Cranium game called Whoonu and left it for the family. (It's funny because they can't really communicate with me directly but they definitely remember and associate me with things... like Andy, Whoonu, not eating meat but 'okay with fish', that I love morning glory in oyster sauce... and my Songkran shirt.) They had the game all ready to play but I had brought them a new game: Boom-O. It's a card game and is fun, but definitely more of a game for kids than adults. So we spent the evening teaching the kids this new game... and they loved it! I caught them the next morning playing together.
(Sorry if this is painstakingly detailed. I didn't blog about last year's visit, so thought I'd really share about this year's visit. They are truly lovely people who I wish you could all meet.)
After playing with the kids we were told we'd be up by 8 am to go on a new adventure the next day. So the next day, we were all up and ready to eat breakfast and head out for a day trip into the mountains, but the opposite direction that we went last year. Last year the family took Andy and I up to see the Hmong villages (I was SO excited to see where many of our MN-an immigrants come from!) and completely understand why they stick to farming in MN. It's what they know. It's what they do in their home countries. They are really big into growing cabbages now as opposed to growing Poppies for Opium back in the day. Their fields go up and down even the most dangerous mountain slopes. It was incredible.
Anyway, this year we went the opposite direction (east I think) to a mountain lake. The aunties brought tons of drinks and snacks that we'd bought the day before when we were 'in town.' After almost three lovely hours of driving through the mountains we stopped at a lake and Bom and her aunts ordered some (lunch) food and we loaded all the stuff onto a bamboo raft!! It was really fun! Once everyone was aboard, with the snacks and drinks we brought, a long tail boat brought us to a location in the middle of the lake and dropped a HUGE stone and we just floated on the lake on this covered bamboo raft and the long tail zoomed off.
When we needed to use the bathroom (on land) or wanted more food (or even when the ice cream boat went by) we'd put up our flag and someone would come immediately to us in a long tail boat. They ordered a fair amount of food for lunch, so at first we had several boats drop by with food for us. After eating it was time to relax and just float. The owners of the rafts provide pillows to lay on and it was really relaxing and beautiful. We were on a lake in the middle of the Thai mountains. I would recommend it to anyone and hope to someday find something similar to bring my guests. While the girls relaxed, Andy and (Bom's brother) Boy decided to swim to pass the time. It was just so much fun! See pictures here.
After spending several hours on the lake floating around, it was time to head home for dinner and an update on the protests. There were always updates on the red shirt's protesting in Bangkok. It was a bit of a nervous time not knowing how out of control it might get. They burned stuff... buses, tires, junk. They walked all over the army tanks that rolled into the popular shopping district. They just seemed very out of control. No one knew what would happen. They show things on Thai TV that we wouldn't see in America, like dead people or people causing violence. So we saw a lot more than I expected. I watched a man yank a woman around on the ground by her hair. I watched the army shoot 'blanks' above the protesters. It was crazy. Oh yea, they decided to threaten the safety of innocent people by blockading a major road with a gas tanker and threatened to blow it up. Nice. Not crazy at all.
The next day, Monday, was the first of the actual Songkran festival holiday, which is normally three days. When I woke up, I looked out the window and saw Boy at the edge of the driveway with a barrel of water, already throwing water at people in cars, trucks and on motorbikes that drove past. I scrambled to get my clothes on and went down to join him. This is something we didn't do last year, standing at the driveway throwing water. I was ALL in!!
Well, no sooner than I joined Boy and the others came too, with their loaded water pistols, it started to pour rain and I thought we'd never get into town for water fighting. It's really really fun! So we all sat around under cover and watched the rain pound the mountainside and farms around us, it lasted an hour or two and put quite a 'chill' in the air. The kids were restless, so we played games with them.
After the rain finally stopped, we were preparing to go, and I didn't see but heard Boy walk by with this crinkling noise. I looked at him funny when he walked by again and he lifted his shirt to show us all that he'd put some holes (for his head and arms) in a big garbage bag and had it under his clothes, tucked into his pants to keep himself a little warmer. When we saw this, we all wanted one and he made them for us. So if you see the plastic under my clothes... it really did keep us warmer since temperatures had cooled quite a bit. A lot of people who stand on the side of the road with water fill it with ice and it is SHOCKING to get smacked with it when you're trapped in the back of a truck. All you can do is scream. They love it! Haha.
Everyone (Boy, Andy, Bom and Bom's smaller cousin) hopped into the back of a caged pickup truck with a full barrel of water and headed for some action. What happens is that we throw water (using big plastic bowls or our water guns) at people waiting on the side of the road or in other trucks and they throw it back at us. If someone is close enough, they will sometimes put wet, white powder on your cheeks. I don't remember the tradition in this... but all the traditions are quite distorted by this day and age. SO, we made our way in and out of the roads 'in town.' Unfortunately, I'm a dead give-away with my blond-ish hair and people stare in combination with really going crazy on us since we're 'falong, FALONG! HEllo! I love you! Very Beauty-fool.' If it's the icey-cold water, then we're going to get hit with it much more than the rest of the people. Basically, we're a target. It's fun. A little overwhelming. But it was fun. After a while Andy said to stop making us such a target (as a joke) and I put a hat and sunglasses on... no one knew the difference and I could enjoy the water fighting from more of a neutral perspective. It was SO so much fun. (Much better than getting doused in Bangkok when clearly you're not dressed to water fight and you're just trying to get to a restaurant for dinner.... but in their defense, you know it's going on and should just tolerate it...?) It was a highlight of the trip for me.
After the 'red shirt' protests canceled school (and the all-school water fight! boooo.) my friend's and I headed north-east to Petchabun province early, to avoid traffic. We encountered slow-downs here and there but the drive was straight forward and enjoyable. Bom, her Auntie Boo, Andy and I arrived in time for dinner at a local BBQ place. Now BBQ means something a bit different here in Thailand. We went to a place that puts a grill on your table and you go up to the buffet of meats and veggies and cook your own at your table. Boiling some things and grilling others. I particularly enjoyed some fish cube things... they look like tofu... and boiled veggies and ICE CREAM! (No, we didn't cook the ice cream.)
After a nice dinner we went home for a glorious sleep and woke to have a lovely breakfast made by Bom's aunts. Later we drove all the family's vehicles to another side of their property (they're farmers) and did the traditional 'washing of the vehicles' for Songkran festivities. I actually don't know the meaning of washing the cars, but it was fun anyway. Afterwards we had lunch in another city and then shopped 'in town' for water pistols for the kids. As Andy and I are two of the only white people 'in town', we are quite a spectacle when we go anywhere. Everyone stops to stare, literally, and then nudges their friends to stop and have a good look at us as well. It's really strange. At those times I just feel lucky not to have paparazzi in the mix. I cannot imagine how it feels to be a celebrity. EEK! Anyway, after returning to Bom's parent's house, we walked to Bom's father's side of the family (about a block or two away) and hung out with them, said hello, accepted drinks and laughed and laughed. They're a bit rowdier than her mother's side. Typical, right? ;)
After visiting her father's family, Bom took me, and her brother Boy took Andy on their motorbikes and they showed us around the area. It was fun! I learned that Bom is (pretty much deathly) afraid of "the cows. I'm scared." She pulled WAaaay over in the ditch to let a cow herder pass with his 'flock'. I still giggle. Bom is usually so tough about everything else. He-he-hee. So, with not much left to the day, we returned to Bom's home and had a nice dinner. It's always a nice meal with her family. I try many new things. After dinner is the time when we are to leave the elders alone and play with the kids, Bom's cousins. Last year I brought the Cranium game called Whoonu and left it for the family. (It's funny because they can't really communicate with me directly but they definitely remember and associate me with things... like Andy, Whoonu, not eating meat but 'okay with fish', that I love morning glory in oyster sauce... and my Songkran shirt.) They had the game all ready to play but I had brought them a new game: Boom-O. It's a card game and is fun, but definitely more of a game for kids than adults. So we spent the evening teaching the kids this new game... and they loved it! I caught them the next morning playing together.
(Sorry if this is painstakingly detailed. I didn't blog about last year's visit, so thought I'd really share about this year's visit. They are truly lovely people who I wish you could all meet.)
After playing with the kids we were told we'd be up by 8 am to go on a new adventure the next day. So the next day, we were all up and ready to eat breakfast and head out for a day trip into the mountains, but the opposite direction that we went last year. Last year the family took Andy and I up to see the Hmong villages (I was SO excited to see where many of our MN-an immigrants come from!) and completely understand why they stick to farming in MN. It's what they know. It's what they do in their home countries. They are really big into growing cabbages now as opposed to growing Poppies for Opium back in the day. Their fields go up and down even the most dangerous mountain slopes. It was incredible.
Anyway, this year we went the opposite direction (east I think) to a mountain lake. The aunties brought tons of drinks and snacks that we'd bought the day before when we were 'in town.' After almost three lovely hours of driving through the mountains we stopped at a lake and Bom and her aunts ordered some (lunch) food and we loaded all the stuff onto a bamboo raft!! It was really fun! Once everyone was aboard, with the snacks and drinks we brought, a long tail boat brought us to a location in the middle of the lake and dropped a HUGE stone and we just floated on the lake on this covered bamboo raft and the long tail zoomed off.
When we needed to use the bathroom (on land) or wanted more food (or even when the ice cream boat went by) we'd put up our flag and someone would come immediately to us in a long tail boat. They ordered a fair amount of food for lunch, so at first we had several boats drop by with food for us. After eating it was time to relax and just float. The owners of the rafts provide pillows to lay on and it was really relaxing and beautiful. We were on a lake in the middle of the Thai mountains. I would recommend it to anyone and hope to someday find something similar to bring my guests. While the girls relaxed, Andy and (Bom's brother) Boy decided to swim to pass the time. It was just so much fun! See pictures here.
After spending several hours on the lake floating around, it was time to head home for dinner and an update on the protests. There were always updates on the red shirt's protesting in Bangkok. It was a bit of a nervous time not knowing how out of control it might get. They burned stuff... buses, tires, junk. They walked all over the army tanks that rolled into the popular shopping district. They just seemed very out of control. No one knew what would happen. They show things on Thai TV that we wouldn't see in America, like dead people or people causing violence. So we saw a lot more than I expected. I watched a man yank a woman around on the ground by her hair. I watched the army shoot 'blanks' above the protesters. It was crazy. Oh yea, they decided to threaten the safety of innocent people by blockading a major road with a gas tanker and threatened to blow it up. Nice. Not crazy at all.
The next day, Monday, was the first of the actual Songkran festival holiday, which is normally three days. When I woke up, I looked out the window and saw Boy at the edge of the driveway with a barrel of water, already throwing water at people in cars, trucks and on motorbikes that drove past. I scrambled to get my clothes on and went down to join him. This is something we didn't do last year, standing at the driveway throwing water. I was ALL in!!
Well, no sooner than I joined Boy and the others came too, with their loaded water pistols, it started to pour rain and I thought we'd never get into town for water fighting. It's really really fun! So we all sat around under cover and watched the rain pound the mountainside and farms around us, it lasted an hour or two and put quite a 'chill' in the air. The kids were restless, so we played games with them.
After the rain finally stopped, we were preparing to go, and I didn't see but heard Boy walk by with this crinkling noise. I looked at him funny when he walked by again and he lifted his shirt to show us all that he'd put some holes (for his head and arms) in a big garbage bag and had it under his clothes, tucked into his pants to keep himself a little warmer. When we saw this, we all wanted one and he made them for us. So if you see the plastic under my clothes... it really did keep us warmer since temperatures had cooled quite a bit. A lot of people who stand on the side of the road with water fill it with ice and it is SHOCKING to get smacked with it when you're trapped in the back of a truck. All you can do is scream. They love it! Haha.
Everyone (Boy, Andy, Bom and Bom's smaller cousin) hopped into the back of a caged pickup truck with a full barrel of water and headed for some action. What happens is that we throw water (using big plastic bowls or our water guns) at people waiting on the side of the road or in other trucks and they throw it back at us. If someone is close enough, they will sometimes put wet, white powder on your cheeks. I don't remember the tradition in this... but all the traditions are quite distorted by this day and age. SO, we made our way in and out of the roads 'in town.' Unfortunately, I'm a dead give-away with my blond-ish hair and people stare in combination with really going crazy on us since we're 'falong, FALONG! HEllo! I love you! Very Beauty-fool.' If it's the icey-cold water, then we're going to get hit with it much more than the rest of the people. Basically, we're a target. It's fun. A little overwhelming. But it was fun. After a while Andy said to stop making us such a target (as a joke) and I put a hat and sunglasses on... no one knew the difference and I could enjoy the water fighting from more of a neutral perspective. It was SO so much fun. (Much better than getting doused in Bangkok when clearly you're not dressed to water fight and you're just trying to get to a restaurant for dinner.... but in their defense, you know it's going on and should just tolerate it...?) It was a highlight of the trip for me.
After water fighting, we just relaxed at home and enjoyed another fine dinner and some game time with the kids. Updates on the protesting had us nervous about going back to Bangkok the next day but we decided to make a decision about going in the morning. We just enjoyed a nice night relaxing with the family, keeping an eye on the news.
Tuesday morning we were up and packed up the car, had breakfast and drove home. We woke up to hear that the protests had been called off after too many leaders of the red shirts had been taken into custody. They called everything off. And thank goodness! So what ended up happening was that we left town just before it all started and got back into town just after all the madness was over. We were really lucky, I guess.
It was another lovely trip to Petchabun province with Bom and Andy to spend time with her family for the holiday. A very special memory for me. Thanks Bom and family, and Andy!!
Yaaay! My first video upload that was successful! You'll notice that giggling is the best form of communication. I LOVe it!! Whoooopieee!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Update
Chakri is one of the King's daughters and it is her birthday, thus "Chakree" Day. Saw it in the Bangkok Post.
Good day!
Good day!
Monday Off
Sawatdee kah! It's Chakree Day here in Thailand and we are off of school. After looking up the meaning of the holiday, I'm still unsure. I didn't find an answer. I can say that the streets are quieter and I heard a drum procession go by earlier this morning, maybe a wake up call?
School is busy. I was able to have the boys for English and Math lessons Monday through Thursday and we had an excursion (field trip) on Friday to the Children's Discovery Museum. I took some photos and videos and will post those (hidden) on the flickr page. The museum was very educational. The boys learned how blue screens work in a live TV studio. They were "flying" on a magic carpet. There was a mars space lander model (??). They learned about using energy (their own on a bicycle) to create light and to move an object. There were historical costumes and houses that they could play in and on. There were some outdoor parts that I can't remember very well. It was a really hot day and I just remember sweating a lot. Ha ha. It was a fun trip where I was able to socialize with the boys. They are a very energetic bunch and it is evident that grandma has been raising some of them, those few have very little discipline, which makes it very tough for me... who doesn't speak their first language, nor is allowed to. Eek. Please pray for patience. It will all get more serious and "official" once they are in their uniforms and actual school has started. For now I have a lot to get through and it seems that time is moving quickly!
The weekend brought a birthday celebration for Richard and a nice Sunday with Evelyn. We made it to a new mall/market that I hadn't been to before. It's one that is more popular with Thais than tourists and has very good deals. I'm in love! I didn't get to buy anything but I have my eye on what I will go back for when the paychecks start coming in.
I have found the place where I'd like to live and will see if there is still an apartment available for me. It's a little bit farther from school but still very walkable and very much quieter than the place where I'm staying now. It's a nice tree-lined residential street but the busy streets are just nearby. It will be close to my gym and a straight shot to the skytrain, two necessities. I will take a one bedroom and it has a kitchen (two burners!!), HUGE bedroom, small living and dining area and TONS of storage. I'm excited!! I'm back to lots of brown wood but brown is my favorite color, so doesn't much matter. Gotta have a place to put all these suitcases. Ha. I'll move in as soon as I get paid, in a few more weeks.
There have been some very intense thunderstorms here the past few weeks. It isn't a good thing, though I love a good storm, because this is the hot/dry season and the weather is not cooperating. Good ole Global Climate Change, I guess.
We have Songkran coming up in another week. There will be a massive school-wide water fight which I am very much looking forward to, more fun!! After that I will travel to my Thai friend's family's house a bit north and east of Bangkok. This is where I spent last Songkran holiday, Thai New Year (April 2008) and I'm excited to return again. It was a fantastic time and I'm not sure that I blogged about it, but I will this time. :)
It's been a great week here... how are things there? I saw some snow (more, heard about some snow) and so will send you some warmer weather.
Lots of love.
PS> I have tried uploading pics on this and the past few blogs but they won't post. Does anyone know Blogger well... and what might be the problem? I'm stuck!! Boo.
School is busy. I was able to have the boys for English and Math lessons Monday through Thursday and we had an excursion (field trip) on Friday to the Children's Discovery Museum. I took some photos and videos and will post those (hidden) on the flickr page. The museum was very educational. The boys learned how blue screens work in a live TV studio. They were "flying" on a magic carpet. There was a mars space lander model (??). They learned about using energy (their own on a bicycle) to create light and to move an object. There were historical costumes and houses that they could play in and on. There were some outdoor parts that I can't remember very well. It was a really hot day and I just remember sweating a lot. Ha ha. It was a fun trip where I was able to socialize with the boys. They are a very energetic bunch and it is evident that grandma has been raising some of them, those few have very little discipline, which makes it very tough for me... who doesn't speak their first language, nor is allowed to. Eek. Please pray for patience. It will all get more serious and "official" once they are in their uniforms and actual school has started. For now I have a lot to get through and it seems that time is moving quickly!
The weekend brought a birthday celebration for Richard and a nice Sunday with Evelyn. We made it to a new mall/market that I hadn't been to before. It's one that is more popular with Thais than tourists and has very good deals. I'm in love! I didn't get to buy anything but I have my eye on what I will go back for when the paychecks start coming in.
I have found the place where I'd like to live and will see if there is still an apartment available for me. It's a little bit farther from school but still very walkable and very much quieter than the place where I'm staying now. It's a nice tree-lined residential street but the busy streets are just nearby. It will be close to my gym and a straight shot to the skytrain, two necessities. I will take a one bedroom and it has a kitchen (two burners!!), HUGE bedroom, small living and dining area and TONS of storage. I'm excited!! I'm back to lots of brown wood but brown is my favorite color, so doesn't much matter. Gotta have a place to put all these suitcases. Ha. I'll move in as soon as I get paid, in a few more weeks.
There have been some very intense thunderstorms here the past few weeks. It isn't a good thing, though I love a good storm, because this is the hot/dry season and the weather is not cooperating. Good ole Global Climate Change, I guess.
We have Songkran coming up in another week. There will be a massive school-wide water fight which I am very much looking forward to, more fun!! After that I will travel to my Thai friend's family's house a bit north and east of Bangkok. This is where I spent last Songkran holiday, Thai New Year (April 2008) and I'm excited to return again. It was a fantastic time and I'm not sure that I blogged about it, but I will this time. :)
It's been a great week here... how are things there? I saw some snow (more, heard about some snow) and so will send you some warmer weather.
Lots of love.
PS> I have tried uploading pics on this and the past few blogs but they won't post. Does anyone know Blogger well... and what might be the problem? I'm stuck!! Boo.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Not to worry
There are currently demonstrations going on all over Thailand, this is a fact. I just wanted you to know that I haven't seen any demonstrations at all as Bangkok is massive and my life is not affected by them in any way. I have direct up-to-date information coming from the American Embassy. Please have no worry about my safety, everything is as normal in my little world here. The demonstrations are peaceful which coincides with Thai culture. There is nothing else to say about this other than Not to worry.
Love.
Love.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Week One Summer School
Sawatdee kah! Hello to you. I write this from the room right next door to the apt. where I lived last time. I've moved into my own apt. after orientation and feel a little more settled in Bangkok. I have my own place again! It's been a year since that's happened! I lived at other people's homes while I was in Minnesota. Fun fact.
This new apt. is totally void of brown wood, which is a nice change since the last place was entirely decorated with wood. I'm in a two-toned turquoise room that is quite pleasant. It has all brand new furniture, including a nicely sized kitchen cabinet with an actual exhaust fan, complete with three speeds and a bunch of lights! Now I just need a couple of burners and I'm set!
The apt. is not broken into two parts like the last one. I have one huge studio room with a lot of nice white furniture and a big bed and new lime green couch. Trust... it all looks very nice to me. I'm happy with the choices. A glass table with four chairs (FOUR!) completes a dining/work area and I have a bathroom exactly like the one in the old room. It is one cute little room. I'm pleased to have a place to call my own. Now, I vowed to not stay in this apt. building and have been looking for a place in the neighborhood. Maybe a one or two bedroom place. I've seen some nice places but yet to choose one. I've got a couple more weeks in this school-provided apt. I can always stay here if I can't decide on a different place. Prices are high in the area near school and I've decided that I want to be able to walk to school and the gym, so it's this area that I'll stay. I'm starting to get so cozy in this place that I may just stay here a couple more months until visitors start arriving. VISITORS: when are you arriving??? :)
School last week was quite uneventful. The Thai teachers had the boys for the majority of the week. I spent a little bit of time with them the first day and that was it. They had various activities all week including learning the school songs, a science presentation, practicing lines and playing cool games. Each day was something different. I hope to start right off on Monday with some basics and get through a lot by Thursday. It's a more laid back atmosphere in summer but this is the beginning for these boys in Grade one and I want them off to a good start.
I did spend a little bit of time with the class when they were playing games and chatted with a few boys, discovering that I have a boy who speaks and understands English quite well, so happy about that! A helper! I would almost guess that, if he hasn't gone to English Kindergarten, he's got an English speaking parent. And I must say... he and ALL of the rest of the boys are ADORABLE. Absolutely adorable. Something else notable is that I have one half of three sets of twins in my class. One of the sets of twins are the younger brothers to one of my former students and all three of them look identical. All in all, the class is shaping up quite nicely. There are two, maybe three notably 'hyper' boys who like to wiggle quite a bit... will deal with that in due time.
Something else quite odd is that when I entered my classroom, which is the same room I had last time, it looked/looks EXACTLY like I left it. The teacher last year changed not a single dingle thing. Some of the paper on the bulletin boards was ripped, so I spent fair time ripping things down and washing them (dusty!) and changing things how I want them for this year. It's so exciting to have the same room and all my stuff that I left (all that hard work) and to just be able to jump right in and feel comfortable. I even have the same Thai co-teacher that I had for the last school year. She's lovely and is speaking more English and actually refused to translate for me (which is GOOD!! Total immersion is best!), so there really have been many improvements. I have to say it was a little bizarre to walk into my classroom and have it look exactly as it did the last time I walked out of it. :) Funny.
With summer school comes free Thai lessons for the Newies and whomever else would like them. I attended and am hoping to become much more fluent with Thai this time around. It's really fun to practice with taxi drivers or whomever is willing to speak to a white person. (Literally some store clerks will ignore me out-right, from fear of being confronted with English and being embarrassed because they don't understand.) Evelyn is teaching us Thai which is extra fun because it's pretty informal.
What else is new? Hmm. Oh. I've noticed several changes since last time. First, is that Thai people in the markets aren't saying "hello" anymore but "hi" which is a little strange for some reason. I've noticed that more young Thai couples are showing more affection in public. Holding hands and cuddling a little on escalators and I've even seen a couple of kisses. I should mention that I see this behavior only in the high-end mall area of Bangkok called Siam. The next thing I've noticed is that after dining and asking for the "check bin duai ka" (check please) the server will bring the bill to the table and walk away. In the past the server would bring the bill and stand firmly next to the table, no matter if you've asked for a few minutes or not, and wait for the money to be paid. I prefer that they stand and wait for the money because it then gets things moving a little more quickly. If we want to sit and chat it's still fine to do after paying the bill. The restaurant etiquette here is much different than at home. After food is ordered it comes piece-meal, as the food is finished in the kitchen, instead of all at once. It's definitely different.
The last thing that is notably different is that the city is void of cockroaches, or there are very few at all. They used to scurry about under and near your feet all night long, mostly in the areas near sewer grates or garbage piles. But now they are all gone. I haven't seen a single rat either. I asked one of my coworkers and he said that some prisoners came through and cleaned the gutters and then they sprayed the whole sewer system to kill the pests. I am not quite sure how this effects the environment or my own health but it has certainly worked very well. Translation: don't swim in the nearby river, not that you would've anyway.
Now is it Sunday, my favorite day in Thailand. Everything slows down and weekend markets come out. I purchased a couple dishes today on uber clearance and had a cheap breakfast with my friend and next door neighbor. Luke is back in Bangkok before heading home to Montana (where he's been staying with a friend). He and I spent a good part of yesterday bumming around the city. Who knows what this evening will bring but I'm hoping to read, read, read!
Have a great week and hope to hear from you soon!
Lots of love!
This new apt. is totally void of brown wood, which is a nice change since the last place was entirely decorated with wood. I'm in a two-toned turquoise room that is quite pleasant. It has all brand new furniture, including a nicely sized kitchen cabinet with an actual exhaust fan, complete with three speeds and a bunch of lights! Now I just need a couple of burners and I'm set!
The apt. is not broken into two parts like the last one. I have one huge studio room with a lot of nice white furniture and a big bed and new lime green couch. Trust... it all looks very nice to me. I'm happy with the choices. A glass table with four chairs (FOUR!) completes a dining/work area and I have a bathroom exactly like the one in the old room. It is one cute little room. I'm pleased to have a place to call my own. Now, I vowed to not stay in this apt. building and have been looking for a place in the neighborhood. Maybe a one or two bedroom place. I've seen some nice places but yet to choose one. I've got a couple more weeks in this school-provided apt. I can always stay here if I can't decide on a different place. Prices are high in the area near school and I've decided that I want to be able to walk to school and the gym, so it's this area that I'll stay. I'm starting to get so cozy in this place that I may just stay here a couple more months until visitors start arriving. VISITORS: when are you arriving??? :)
School last week was quite uneventful. The Thai teachers had the boys for the majority of the week. I spent a little bit of time with them the first day and that was it. They had various activities all week including learning the school songs, a science presentation, practicing lines and playing cool games. Each day was something different. I hope to start right off on Monday with some basics and get through a lot by Thursday. It's a more laid back atmosphere in summer but this is the beginning for these boys in Grade one and I want them off to a good start.
I did spend a little bit of time with the class when they were playing games and chatted with a few boys, discovering that I have a boy who speaks and understands English quite well, so happy about that! A helper! I would almost guess that, if he hasn't gone to English Kindergarten, he's got an English speaking parent. And I must say... he and ALL of the rest of the boys are ADORABLE. Absolutely adorable. Something else notable is that I have one half of three sets of twins in my class. One of the sets of twins are the younger brothers to one of my former students and all three of them look identical. All in all, the class is shaping up quite nicely. There are two, maybe three notably 'hyper' boys who like to wiggle quite a bit... will deal with that in due time.
Something else quite odd is that when I entered my classroom, which is the same room I had last time, it looked/looks EXACTLY like I left it. The teacher last year changed not a single dingle thing. Some of the paper on the bulletin boards was ripped, so I spent fair time ripping things down and washing them (dusty!) and changing things how I want them for this year. It's so exciting to have the same room and all my stuff that I left (all that hard work) and to just be able to jump right in and feel comfortable. I even have the same Thai co-teacher that I had for the last school year. She's lovely and is speaking more English and actually refused to translate for me (which is GOOD!! Total immersion is best!), so there really have been many improvements. I have to say it was a little bizarre to walk into my classroom and have it look exactly as it did the last time I walked out of it. :) Funny.
With summer school comes free Thai lessons for the Newies and whomever else would like them. I attended and am hoping to become much more fluent with Thai this time around. It's really fun to practice with taxi drivers or whomever is willing to speak to a white person. (Literally some store clerks will ignore me out-right, from fear of being confronted with English and being embarrassed because they don't understand.) Evelyn is teaching us Thai which is extra fun because it's pretty informal.
What else is new? Hmm. Oh. I've noticed several changes since last time. First, is that Thai people in the markets aren't saying "hello" anymore but "hi" which is a little strange for some reason. I've noticed that more young Thai couples are showing more affection in public. Holding hands and cuddling a little on escalators and I've even seen a couple of kisses. I should mention that I see this behavior only in the high-end mall area of Bangkok called Siam. The next thing I've noticed is that after dining and asking for the "check bin duai ka" (check please) the server will bring the bill to the table and walk away. In the past the server would bring the bill and stand firmly next to the table, no matter if you've asked for a few minutes or not, and wait for the money to be paid. I prefer that they stand and wait for the money because it then gets things moving a little more quickly. If we want to sit and chat it's still fine to do after paying the bill. The restaurant etiquette here is much different than at home. After food is ordered it comes piece-meal, as the food is finished in the kitchen, instead of all at once. It's definitely different.
The last thing that is notably different is that the city is void of cockroaches, or there are very few at all. They used to scurry about under and near your feet all night long, mostly in the areas near sewer grates or garbage piles. But now they are all gone. I haven't seen a single rat either. I asked one of my coworkers and he said that some prisoners came through and cleaned the gutters and then they sprayed the whole sewer system to kill the pests. I am not quite sure how this effects the environment or my own health but it has certainly worked very well. Translation: don't swim in the nearby river, not that you would've anyway.
Now is it Sunday, my favorite day in Thailand. Everything slows down and weekend markets come out. I purchased a couple dishes today on uber clearance and had a cheap breakfast with my friend and next door neighbor. Luke is back in Bangkok before heading home to Montana (where he's been staying with a friend). He and I spent a good part of yesterday bumming around the city. Who knows what this evening will bring but I'm hoping to read, read, read!
Have a great week and hope to hear from you soon!
Lots of love!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
it shall all begin soon!
Very soon, indeed! Summer school will begin this coming Monday and I am very excited about being back for another year! I've spent some time looking at apartments in different areas of Bangkok that are near the school. It's been difficult to decide but I don't have to choose quite yet. Will take the school-provided apartment for a month and 'buy' some time. I stayed at that apt. building the entire contract when I was here last. It was nice and all but I'd like a little more room for visitors (so come visit!!) and a proper kitchen. Maybe even a washing machine, too! There are loads of options, it's just a lot to think about! Will let you know what I choose when I choose it!
The "newies" (Australians add an "ie", "ies" or s to the end of nearly everything) had orientation today. I am not technically new but wasn't here last year, so am grouped with them. It was lovely to meet all the (6) new teachers. ALL of them are Aussie. Yes, more Aussies. I do have something like 4 or 5 other Americans on staff to "understand" me better. Evelyn and I regularly find places to eat Nachos and talk about American television. It's really great to have a close American friend. ... who speaks fluent Thai, too!
We will have orientation with the full staff tomorrow and prepare for Monday's first day of summer school! As a Grade One teacher I will have my full class of 20 and it is their first official day of school (other than the three years of kindergarten that they do here). We'll focus on routines (come in, take off your shoes and stand behind your desk), sight words (book, chair, sit, quiet...) and beginning math (of course the rest of the world calls it maths)... numbers and counting. It's really a great time to establish my rules and expectations and demonstrate them repeatedly. Over and over. In clear, simple English. And then again. Even slower and with lots of actions and gesturing. :) It really is fun!!
Have been suffering a bad headache (probably from heat and dehydration) for the past couple of days, so if you haven't heard from me, I've been bed ridden and not doing much internet.
Have a great weekend!! More to come, stay tuned!
The "newies" (Australians add an "ie", "ies" or s to the end of nearly everything) had orientation today. I am not technically new but wasn't here last year, so am grouped with them. It was lovely to meet all the (6) new teachers. ALL of them are Aussie. Yes, more Aussies. I do have something like 4 or 5 other Americans on staff to "understand" me better. Evelyn and I regularly find places to eat Nachos and talk about American television. It's really great to have a close American friend. ... who speaks fluent Thai, too!
We will have orientation with the full staff tomorrow and prepare for Monday's first day of summer school! As a Grade One teacher I will have my full class of 20 and it is their first official day of school (other than the three years of kindergarten that they do here). We'll focus on routines (come in, take off your shoes and stand behind your desk), sight words (book, chair, sit, quiet...) and beginning math (of course the rest of the world calls it maths)... numbers and counting. It's really a great time to establish my rules and expectations and demonstrate them repeatedly. Over and over. In clear, simple English. And then again. Even slower and with lots of actions and gesturing. :) It really is fun!!
Have been suffering a bad headache (probably from heat and dehydration) for the past couple of days, so if you haven't heard from me, I've been bed ridden and not doing much internet.
Have a great weekend!! More to come, stay tuned!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hello Tuesday
hello happy friends. i've return to the coffee world cafe (which has no public bathroom. geez, we're dealing with coffee here, people) to post another quick blog after trying, unsuccessfully, to post my photos. it simply would not upload them to flickr. Maybe I can post a couple here on blogger....?
Whooops, I'll get rid of the all-lowercase. Forgot, solly. (sorry)
I've spent the past weekend and few days of this week mostly at the house where I'm fish-sitting. I met a Thai friend for a (HORRIBLE) man movie, Watchmen (NOT for children), lunch and shopping!! We spent eight hours at the mall. We had ramen in these MASSIVE bowls. It was fun. Photo is me with massive bowl of Tom Yum (veg) Ramen. Spicy!!
The rest of the time I've been at the house reading. I finished an awesome book called Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan. I highly recommend it, it's about Frank Lloyd Wright's love affair with a woman named Mamah (may-mah). Incredible ending. Almost unbelievable.
Now I'm reading The Secret History, but Donna Tartt. It's decent. A big gripping since it's about some friends who murder one of the friends in their "group". Almost finished with that one. Both are book club choices that I hadn't finished.
The people who rent the house I'm in have a lovely DVD collection and I've enjoyed some movies: Rachel Getting Married (thumbs middle), Seven Pounds (thumbs down), Lost in Translation (thumbs up), House Bunny (thumbs down), Madagascar 2 (thumbs up)... and more I can't really remember. ALSO, I've had the opportunity to watch a couple seasons of How I Met Your Mother and find it much like a car crash... horrible but hard not to watch. The people in that show are annoying, dramatic and my age. Puh-lease. BUT, Britney was in a couple episodes (insert Barb, Beth and Sarah D dancing to Britney) so I guess that makes it a little better? Yes I like her. Don't be a hater. She has issues like the rest of us. (lol)
THen, yesterday I watched two seasons of Entourage (yes, I stayed on the couch the entire day) and can finally understand why people like that show. It's like the TV version of US Weekly... entertaining but not my favorite. It seems like "everyone" does a cameo on that show. Amazing, really.
Last night I told myself I HAD to physically leave the house and check internet. I hadn't been back since last post. I did spend all of Saturday out, though, remember.
I'm very excited for summer school to begin and my friends to return to the city. A whole new set of cute little clueless Thai boys under my care for another year. Can't wait!!
I saw this in the Bangkok Post. Stinks to be her today, I guess. Whoa.
Whooops, I'll get rid of the all-lowercase. Forgot, solly. (sorry)
I've spent the past weekend and few days of this week mostly at the house where I'm fish-sitting. I met a Thai friend for a (HORRIBLE) man movie, Watchmen (NOT for children), lunch and shopping!! We spent eight hours at the mall. We had ramen in these MASSIVE bowls. It was fun. Photo is me with massive bowl of Tom Yum (veg) Ramen. Spicy!!
The rest of the time I've been at the house reading. I finished an awesome book called Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan. I highly recommend it, it's about Frank Lloyd Wright's love affair with a woman named Mamah (may-mah). Incredible ending. Almost unbelievable.
Now I'm reading The Secret History, but Donna Tartt. It's decent. A big gripping since it's about some friends who murder one of the friends in their "group". Almost finished with that one. Both are book club choices that I hadn't finished.
The people who rent the house I'm in have a lovely DVD collection and I've enjoyed some movies: Rachel Getting Married (thumbs middle), Seven Pounds (thumbs down), Lost in Translation (thumbs up), House Bunny (thumbs down), Madagascar 2 (thumbs up)... and more I can't really remember. ALSO, I've had the opportunity to watch a couple seasons of How I Met Your Mother and find it much like a car crash... horrible but hard not to watch. The people in that show are annoying, dramatic and my age. Puh-lease. BUT, Britney was in a couple episodes (insert Barb, Beth and Sarah D dancing to Britney) so I guess that makes it a little better? Yes I like her. Don't be a hater. She has issues like the rest of us. (lol)
THen, yesterday I watched two seasons of Entourage (yes, I stayed on the couch the entire day) and can finally understand why people like that show. It's like the TV version of US Weekly... entertaining but not my favorite. It seems like "everyone" does a cameo on that show. Amazing, really.
Last night I told myself I HAD to physically leave the house and check internet. I hadn't been back since last post. I did spend all of Saturday out, though, remember.
I'm very excited for summer school to begin and my friends to return to the city. A whole new set of cute little clueless Thai boys under my care for another year. Can't wait!!
Oh yea, here's something interesting. He he.
I saw this in the Bangkok Post. Stinks to be her today, I guess. Whoa.
I will post again soon.
Thank you for your messages and updates!! Lots of love. :)
Thank you for your messages and updates!! Lots of love. :)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Is this really real? (I still babble. Reader Beware.)
I've made it! I've arrived. And, as you might notice, decided to save you from the all lowercase and will use correct capitalization this time around. Or I'll try.
After many sad goodbyes I left Minnesota with my dear friend Barb on Friday, 20 February. (A little taste of how they show dates here... day first.) We enjoyed our flight from MSP (MN) to NRT (Tokyo) in our own row! One seat between us! Lucky for the both of us, Barb's flight attendant friend was working first class and he made many stops back to economy to say hello and see how we were doing. It was a really special treat, one of many on our journey from Home to Second Home (Thailand). After arriving in Tokyo (I love Japan... the airport at least), Barb exchanged some US$ for yen and we interneted for a brief time before sitting at the gate for our next flight from NRT (Tokyo, I love airport codes) to BKK (know this one?? Bangkok). I couldn't believe I was in Asia again! WHOA! It's still all some dream I'll wake up from, right? (It happened so fast... but I'm happily here now.)
We arrived to Bangkok very close to 1 am (their Sunday AM... your MN Sat. 12pm) and waited (already feeling the HEAT!) in the long line for immigration then gathered our (my) many bags (3 suitcases and two carryons... what? that's not normal?) and saw our way effortlessly 'through' customs and into the madness that is Thai drivers trying to rip us off. NOT THIS TIME, I said. We passed them by and went to the public taxi stand... to get nearly ripped off there. Welcome back to Thailand, farang! (farang = foreigners, pronounced fah-rong, or in thai accent fah-long, you'll learn.)
With some effort, we tried to bully the taxi driver into being HONEST and putting on the meter, which he did after I made a phone call to my American friend, Evelyn (the school librarian who is fluent in four languages, including Thai, thank goodness!) who explained where to go to get to her house and not to rip us off. The driver wanted extra money because of the "many bag" that we had. WhateV! Luckily sweet Evelyn got him on the same page as us and we were finally moving at the speed limit, maybe a little above. (anyone know if there actually is a speed limit in Thailand?)
We made it to Evelyn's house and she (and her maid) helped us and ALL my bags in and showed us the room we'd sleep in for the night, complete with air CON! (Unfortunately no one knew the AC didn't work, or didn't cool, it blew air. Hot Bangkok air. :) But OH were we grateful and not going to complain.) I had a shower and we tried to sleep. Jetlag. Boy, it's really something when you've traveled for 20+ hours. It really gets confusing after a point. They do you a favor and make the whole plane dark like night but this silly (old) DUDE must've had issues because he kept opening his window shade exposing the ENTIRE cabin to a bright beam of light. He woke me up more than once until I announced that he was causing the rest of us discomfort. Then he didn't really do that again until the lights were back on. Oh the Minnesotan passive aggressor in me. ICKO!! Sorry guy!
In the morning we (I) packed a smaller bag from the 3... no, 4 larger bags and we took off to meet my friend Angus (a colleague and close friend of mine. yes friend, thank you.) for a reunion and a coffee. It was great to catch up, briefly and we wandered the Old Neighborhood and I floated on cloud 9. I do really love Thailand. Barb and I giggled about the smells (you learn which places to just simply hold your breath) and scattered random dog poo... or stray disgusting dog... to step around. It all came back to us.
After meeting Angus and a quick internet check-in session, we collected our bags (her one and my one) and returned to the airport for our flight to PHUKET! (please people it is NOT an "F" sound, in any way. The Ph is a sort of soft, breathy P sound... Poo-ket.) Barb and I spent New Year's Eve of 2008 in Phuket and really enjoyed our stay, so planned to spend most of Barb's current visit there, on the BEACH!! Which is exactly what we did.
I don't want to dwell on the flight. Since planes keep going down here and there I was a very annoying nervous passenger. I tried to just ignore my thoughts and prayed. At take-off, in the middle, at several (20) minutes before landing. So yea, I don't want to dwell on it, but it was the worst landing I've ever experienced. I didn't think they were going to stop and I ALmost screamed. But pushed on the back of the seat in front of me instead. Mature, I know. My super cool, calm and collected flight attendant instructor friend informed that (thank GOODNESS!) that they had merely used the entire runway to stop. (Sorry Barb, I feel like I need to educate people, it was nothing to really be scared of, right?) ;) Nothing big. SO, I picked my heart up off the floor and stuffed it back down my throat and we got our stuff and found a taxi to our guesthouse (same one we stayed at before. we liked it! Sawasdee Guesthouse on Kata Beach.) We checked in and ... then the air con was on and I think we fell asleep and slept the entire night. OOOOooooooops! No dinner. With jetlag lingering... I slept like an anvil and poor Barb spent some quality time with her handheld Tetris game.
When a decent morning hour arrived (that night is a blur to me, maybe Barb could clear it up for me) we got ourselves together and ventured out for some breakfast. We ate across the street at the more resort-y part of the guesthouse (they're owned by the same company I think) and were in awe at the beauty of the place. (We ate breakfast there every morning.)
When we arrived at the guesthouse we had noticed that road construction that was present during our first visit was cleared, so we decided to walk that way (as we never had before) to see what we would discover. Nothing much to note there. Just hops, more hotel/resorts and a busy main street at the top of the hill that the street makes. We bought some necessities at a Big One Stop shop (something like that) and went back to prepare ourselves for the first day at Kata Beach. It is SO beautiful and wonderfully relaxing there. A slice of my own little heaven. (video and pictures will be posted once I upload them.)
We spent that day and the the next at the beach. When you arrive you choose a pair of beach chairs, pay the guy (who must own them??) 100 baht per chair (35 baht = $1) and stay there allllllll day. We read, we swam, we SHOPPED (!!) we chatted, we had some waters (wink) and reapplied our sunscreen at reasonable intervals. :-D
Skerrrrch. Back to the shopping. It is entirely possible to shop for things like mini-brooms to sweep your beach chair, musical instruments (do you like the flute, Dirk?), sunglasses, headbands, jewelry, and ... what we were most interested in: sundresses!!! You bargain for your price, your "la pri. sheep sheep for you. heppy hou" (last price. cheap cheap for you. happy hour.) and then it's yours. Right there, lazily sitting in your beach chair. My own little slice of heaven. We got the cutest dresses. (Photos posted soon.)
So, we spent our days that way and nights having food and checking out the local markets. Great shopping, Thailand.
On our second day we shopped around for a snorkeling tour to attend and signed ourselves up to go the next day. It was similar but different than the snorkeling tour we did the first visit. It was very fun, though the hour-long boat ride to the first island stop (Maya Bay... the beach from the movie The Beach, we visited it last time also) was very choppy and the boat slammed violently on each subsequent wave. We made it, though and the rest of the trip was nice. We snorkeled and saw the most beautiful amazing fish and sea life. The photos will be better descriptors of the tour. It was great fun.
Okay, long-winded. Barb and I spent the next and last day in Phuket at the beach, enjoying the perfect waters of Kata Beach. (By the way, these Thai beaches have the most INsane people watching. OMGoodness.) We enjoyed a leisurely lunch and raced to the airport. We made it back to Bangkok later that evening and enjoyed a nice sushi dinner and dancing out with Angus and Evelyn, for Barb's last night in Thailand. The next day Barb and I saw Wat Pho (with the massive Reclining Buddha which symbolizes Buddha's death) and shopped for more souvenirs. After too much heat and who knows what else, I became very ill, stomachache and headache, full force which reduced me to a pathetic puddle. Barb helped me move my Many Bags to my friend Richard's house where I have spent the remaining time I've spent in Bangkok since Barb left, later that night.
At this point I'm frustrated since I revised and added to this post, then posted it and the changes were not saved. BOO! So I will write more later.
After many sad goodbyes I left Minnesota with my dear friend Barb on Friday, 20 February. (A little taste of how they show dates here... day first.) We enjoyed our flight from MSP (MN) to NRT (Tokyo) in our own row! One seat between us! Lucky for the both of us, Barb's flight attendant friend was working first class and he made many stops back to economy to say hello and see how we were doing. It was a really special treat, one of many on our journey from Home to Second Home (Thailand). After arriving in Tokyo (I love Japan... the airport at least), Barb exchanged some US$ for yen and we interneted for a brief time before sitting at the gate for our next flight from NRT (Tokyo, I love airport codes) to BKK (know this one?? Bangkok). I couldn't believe I was in Asia again! WHOA! It's still all some dream I'll wake up from, right? (It happened so fast... but I'm happily here now.)
We arrived to Bangkok very close to 1 am (their Sunday AM... your MN Sat. 12pm) and waited (already feeling the HEAT!) in the long line for immigration then gathered our (my) many bags (3 suitcases and two carryons... what? that's not normal?) and saw our way effortlessly 'through' customs and into the madness that is Thai drivers trying to rip us off. NOT THIS TIME, I said. We passed them by and went to the public taxi stand... to get nearly ripped off there. Welcome back to Thailand, farang! (farang = foreigners, pronounced fah-rong, or in thai accent fah-long, you'll learn.)
With some effort, we tried to bully the taxi driver into being HONEST and putting on the meter, which he did after I made a phone call to my American friend, Evelyn (the school librarian who is fluent in four languages, including Thai, thank goodness!) who explained where to go to get to her house and not to rip us off. The driver wanted extra money because of the "many bag" that we had. WhateV! Luckily sweet Evelyn got him on the same page as us and we were finally moving at the speed limit, maybe a little above. (anyone know if there actually is a speed limit in Thailand?)
We made it to Evelyn's house and she (and her maid) helped us and ALL my bags in and showed us the room we'd sleep in for the night, complete with air CON! (Unfortunately no one knew the AC didn't work, or didn't cool, it blew air. Hot Bangkok air. :) But OH were we grateful and not going to complain.) I had a shower and we tried to sleep. Jetlag. Boy, it's really something when you've traveled for 20+ hours. It really gets confusing after a point. They do you a favor and make the whole plane dark like night but this silly (old) DUDE must've had issues because he kept opening his window shade exposing the ENTIRE cabin to a bright beam of light. He woke me up more than once until I announced that he was causing the rest of us discomfort. Then he didn't really do that again until the lights were back on. Oh the Minnesotan passive aggressor in me. ICKO!! Sorry guy!
In the morning we (I) packed a smaller bag from the 3... no, 4 larger bags and we took off to meet my friend Angus (a colleague and close friend of mine. yes friend, thank you.) for a reunion and a coffee. It was great to catch up, briefly and we wandered the Old Neighborhood and I floated on cloud 9. I do really love Thailand. Barb and I giggled about the smells (you learn which places to just simply hold your breath) and scattered random dog poo... or stray disgusting dog... to step around. It all came back to us.
After meeting Angus and a quick internet check-in session, we collected our bags (her one and my one) and returned to the airport for our flight to PHUKET! (please people it is NOT an "F" sound, in any way. The Ph is a sort of soft, breathy P sound... Poo-ket.) Barb and I spent New Year's Eve of 2008 in Phuket and really enjoyed our stay, so planned to spend most of Barb's current visit there, on the BEACH!! Which is exactly what we did.
I don't want to dwell on the flight. Since planes keep going down here and there I was a very annoying nervous passenger. I tried to just ignore my thoughts and prayed. At take-off, in the middle, at several (20) minutes before landing. So yea, I don't want to dwell on it, but it was the worst landing I've ever experienced. I didn't think they were going to stop and I ALmost screamed. But pushed on the back of the seat in front of me instead. Mature, I know. My super cool, calm and collected flight attendant instructor friend informed that (thank GOODNESS!) that they had merely used the entire runway to stop. (Sorry Barb, I feel like I need to educate people, it was nothing to really be scared of, right?) ;) Nothing big. SO, I picked my heart up off the floor and stuffed it back down my throat and we got our stuff and found a taxi to our guesthouse (same one we stayed at before. we liked it! Sawasdee Guesthouse on Kata Beach.) We checked in and ... then the air con was on and I think we fell asleep and slept the entire night. OOOOooooooops! No dinner. With jetlag lingering... I slept like an anvil and poor Barb spent some quality time with her handheld Tetris game.
When a decent morning hour arrived (that night is a blur to me, maybe Barb could clear it up for me) we got ourselves together and ventured out for some breakfast. We ate across the street at the more resort-y part of the guesthouse (they're owned by the same company I think) and were in awe at the beauty of the place. (We ate breakfast there every morning.)
When we arrived at the guesthouse we had noticed that road construction that was present during our first visit was cleared, so we decided to walk that way (as we never had before) to see what we would discover. Nothing much to note there. Just hops, more hotel/resorts and a busy main street at the top of the hill that the street makes. We bought some necessities at a Big One Stop shop (something like that) and went back to prepare ourselves for the first day at Kata Beach. It is SO beautiful and wonderfully relaxing there. A slice of my own little heaven. (video and pictures will be posted once I upload them.)
We spent that day and the the next at the beach. When you arrive you choose a pair of beach chairs, pay the guy (who must own them??) 100 baht per chair (35 baht = $1) and stay there allllllll day. We read, we swam, we SHOPPED (!!) we chatted, we had some waters (wink) and reapplied our sunscreen at reasonable intervals. :-D
Skerrrrch. Back to the shopping. It is entirely possible to shop for things like mini-brooms to sweep your beach chair, musical instruments (do you like the flute, Dirk?), sunglasses, headbands, jewelry, and ... what we were most interested in: sundresses!!! You bargain for your price, your "la pri. sheep sheep for you. heppy hou" (last price. cheap cheap for you. happy hour.) and then it's yours. Right there, lazily sitting in your beach chair. My own little slice of heaven. We got the cutest dresses. (Photos posted soon.)
So, we spent our days that way and nights having food and checking out the local markets. Great shopping, Thailand.
On our second day we shopped around for a snorkeling tour to attend and signed ourselves up to go the next day. It was similar but different than the snorkeling tour we did the first visit. It was very fun, though the hour-long boat ride to the first island stop (Maya Bay... the beach from the movie The Beach, we visited it last time also) was very choppy and the boat slammed violently on each subsequent wave. We made it, though and the rest of the trip was nice. We snorkeled and saw the most beautiful amazing fish and sea life. The photos will be better descriptors of the tour. It was great fun.
Okay, long-winded. Barb and I spent the next and last day in Phuket at the beach, enjoying the perfect waters of Kata Beach. (By the way, these Thai beaches have the most INsane people watching. OMGoodness.) We enjoyed a leisurely lunch and raced to the airport. We made it back to Bangkok later that evening and enjoyed a nice sushi dinner and dancing out with Angus and Evelyn, for Barb's last night in Thailand. The next day Barb and I saw Wat Pho (with the massive Reclining Buddha which symbolizes Buddha's death) and shopped for more souvenirs. After too much heat and who knows what else, I became very ill, stomachache and headache, full force which reduced me to a pathetic puddle. Barb helped me move my Many Bags to my friend Richard's house where I have spent the remaining time I've spent in Bangkok since Barb left, later that night.
At this point I'm frustrated since I revised and added to this post, then posted it and the changes were not saved. BOO! So I will write more later.
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