On the other side

Thailand is exactly 12 hours ahead of North Carolina. The change, to say the least, has really caught up with me on day three. I have been so excited to finally arrive in Bangkok. I barely slept a wink. I was also excited to meet my new classmates and practice some of my horrible Thai with the locals.

My TEFL/TESOL group consists of about 30 people, mostly South Africans, a few Brits, and only 3-4 Americans. I am still working on everyones name. Last night my group and I went out to the backpacking district in Bangkok, Khao San Road. Afterwards I was buzzing with the energy of the city. I continued to not sleep. My lovely roommate in Bangkok and I, ended up chatting for most of the night. I got up early, did my best to catch up on grad school back home. Then I went down to breakfast. Thai's don't eat breakfast food. I ended up making a salad and eating some rice from a large buffet. Then I hitched onto a 3 hour bus ride down to Hua Hin.

Hua Hin is a much smaller city, but still a city with lots of of motor bikes speeding by in every direction. Our apartment is only a few blocks from the ocean. A large mango tree is blooming right outside. Flower pots line the streets with tiny ecosystems, lotus flowers, and some have koi. My new roommate is also lovely and from South Africa. I am really enjoying all of the proper english. The use of the word porridge, cupboard, and the mixed in Afrikaans that I sometimes hear. Since I know a lot more Spanish than Thai I keep blurting out odd Spanish words when trying to communicate.

The first week of my course is introduction into Thai culture. I visited the TEFL school yesterday and today we are going to a sister company of the TEFL school. This is a rescue organization that helps stray Thai dogs and cats. As this is a Buddhist country, these homeless animals are everywhere. This organization goes out, feeds, provides medical care and spay/neuters the animals to help with the over populating. We are also going to a temple to I am currently trying to find an outfit that will allow me to enter (I must have my knees, shoulders, and back of heels covered). Also, its so hot, you are constantly sweating, which I love hot weather. I am bringing a few extra shirts to switch out. Check out the snaps tab for photos from the past few days. With love,

Felicia.

My flight over..