I am staying at a hotel/resort in a town outside of Hang Dong (yes, that's the name), which is outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai is the second biggest city in Thailand and some say the cultural center. It has a bit of Austin flavor as there is a river in the heart of the city, lined with cool clubs and amazing restaurants. There are a lot of outdoor pubs with hanging lights and it has a generally laid back atmosphere. I haven't been able to explore as much as I would like because the course is so intense, but what I have seen, I have really enjoyed. I am staying in Chiang Mai proper the weekend after my course is over, and one of my new friends is going to take me to a lake where people hang out, drink beer and relax (like the greenbelt). I'm also going to see the Pandas at the Chiang Mai Zoo and I am so excited! There are rumors that the female panda might be pregnant!
The course continues to be very intense but I am learning so much and I am happy that I am taking it. I was able to get out of the grounds last Sunday and went for a walk. I guess I was excited because I didn't stop walking- I explored over 9 miles and was gone for more than 5 hours! I ate pizza twice because I had an intense craving for western food. I had a prisciutto and arugula (or rocket as they call it here) pizza which is my absolute favorite and it was delicious. I will say that Thai food is very good and I don't really tire of it... I just need my pizza fix every now and again. I found a go-cart track where I raced a couple of 7/8 year-old kids. Let me just say that they don't have governors on their go-carts here and those suckers go FAST! I got my ass kicked by the kids because I was too scared to go that fast. I had some amazing ice cream, found some good wine and had an all-around great day. It was so nice to see something new... I've felt kind of stuck here. It would have been perfect if I hadn't gotten huge, 1 inch blisters on both of my feet. They are just now starting to feel ok, but it was totally worth it!
Tomorrow is Friday and it is the end of my third week in the course, which means I only have one more left! Then, it's off to Bangkok to find a job and a place to live and really start my new life in Thailand. It is going to be weird because I have grown accustomed to my new friends and fellow teachers whom I see everyday. Not knowing anyone in as big of a city as BKK is a bit daunting but I know I will meet people at my job and hopefully have someone to hang out with! I am also looking forward to finding some place to volunteer. The Thai people are so warm and accommodating that I just can't help but want to give something back. I miss the street food from Bangkok as well. I know that's weird but it's definitely the best bang for your buck, quality and price-wise, of any food I've ever encountered.
One more lesson to part with: instant coffee is all they have here and Folgers is considered premium. I thought I was a coffee snob before I left, but I think Thailand will change that. Just. Need. Caffeine.
Love you all!
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