Week One in Thailand

Week One, I started school, learned some Thai, spent time with my host family, did cross fit, and went rock climbing, a whole lot in just a little time. I start school everyday at 8am and have breakfast at 6am after which my host mom drops the two girls at school and then me. At school I have 4 hours of Thai class! It is a hard language to learn because of the importance placed on tones. I'm beginning to pick it up, can count, and can generally figure out what my family says to me, although a lot of the time I'm lost. Luckily my host sister is helping me, she is very sweet and it is so funny to practice with her. After Thai class I learn about Thai culture and Chiang Mai. On Monday's and Wednesday's I do CrossFit, and oh man am I sore! The hardest part about it is adjusting to the humidity, after barley moving I'm already sweating because it is so hot. I am glade to be doing it as it will put me in good condition for hiking through Thailand. On Friday we went rock climbing in a cave an hour from school where we also went zip lining. Although I'm pretty scared of heights I was able to put aside my fear and enjoy zipping over, then belaying down a 30 foot drop. I was truly an amazing experience. On Friday night I spent time with my sisters and taught them some American games, which they thought were very funny. Over all a pretty good week. I'm adjusting to the culture shock and really enjoying this very new experience!

A Weekend in Chiang Mai

This weekend my host family took me to a monkey show, alligator show, AND a snake show! The monkeys did magic tricks, played basket ball and interacted with the audience. It was very odd to see so many monkey in such a small location. It was hard for me to see these animals in captivity, as they are bread and trained where the shows are held. At the alligator show a man sat on alligators, put his head and hands in their mouth and showed how quickly they can bite. I wondered how they trained the alligators against their nature in that way! After the show the audience was allowed to sit on the alligators and take pictures, I went with my host sisters and held the baby gators instead. My sisters loved this the most. At the snake show my sisters where very scared and the 12 year old hid behind me for most of the show! They really freaked out when a man threw, what we though to be, a snake, but what was actually a rope into the audience!

After the shows we went to a HUGE restaurant that was completely organic. Once the meal was over we could go behind the restaurant and see the farm and meet all the animals. That level of freshness is hard to find in America!

On Sunday we mainly laid low and around mid day I accompanied my host sister to their music lesson. The eldest is learning to sing, and is very good, and the youngest is being taught piano.

First Days in Thailand

In Chiang Mai! Took a 2 hour flight, a 15 hour flight, and a 6 hour flight to get here but I made it! For most of the flying we chased the sun around the world. The 15 hour flight was on a two story plane, it was huge, the stewardess where lovely and so helpful the whole way. Once I arrived in Chiang Mai I went with my group to a resort where we spent the night and in the morning went to orientation. I have been a little jet lagged but not too bad luckily. Once orientation was over my host family picked me up, they are very, very sweet. I live with a mom, dad, two sisters (ages 6 and 12) a live in maid and 3 dogs! They all speak a little English, although the 12 year old seems to understand me the best, I've been mainly communicating through her. The food is very yummy and my host mom wants me to eat, eat, eat! They have very much welcomed me into their family, and are giving me privacy to get used to everything. I've been adjusting to the new culture and new environment slowly, it is odd to be so far from home. All the new that things I have seen, although there is little, makes me very excited to show my mom when she arrives in December.
On Monday school starts and I will begin learning the language, I hope to pick it up quickly so I can better communicate with my host family!

On My Way

Getting ready to travel to Thailand! All my shots are done and my bags are packed (kind of), I'm looking forward to getting to Chiang Mai but the pre plane prep has been stressful. I've gotten organic sleep helpers and jet lag tablets from Whole Foods, as well as yummy smelling creams for relaxing. I've never really liked to fly so the prospect is stressful but luckily I'm traveling with a lovely friend, which should make it better. Aside from the plane I'm very excited to start this new adventure. Though leaving Kalamazoo, where I lived for the summer, was very, very hard --I'll admit some tears where shed-- I am very grateful for the lots of laughs and smiles I shared with my amazing housemates.   

As of now I'm in New York City spending time with my mom, who is a traveler herself, and has been a wonderful support putting up with my under packed panics and other craziness. Manly I've been reconnecting with my old home, trying to live in the moment and let it all sink in before I leave for 6 months.