Stepping off the plane in Bangkok was like entering a whole new world. A bright and coded and brilliantly loud one. The contrast from where I had come was jarring and exciting. From my first taxi ride to my last in Thailand, I felt at ease, intoxicated with the sensory overload – but content.
My first two nights I stayed at New Joe’s Guesthouse, just a block over from the infamous Kho San Road. The guesthouse was located on a little ally-like walking street; lined with street food vendors, coffee shops, massage boutiques, and jewelers. I paid just $10 a night and got to experience the “backpackers’ haven.” Kho San Road was a bargain shopper’s paradise. Cheap bags, clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and everything else you can imagine spilled over the sidewalks – catching thousands of tourists in its organized chaos and enticing deals. My first meal was yellow curry with vegetables and tofu over rice. It was so deliciously spicy I almost cried.
I also managed to get in touch with a girl I studied abroad with in the Balkans. She had been living and working in Bangkok for almost a year. We met up for dinner and drinks at a rooftop restaurant that hosted a breeze and an awesome live band (playing American hits). The next day I got to see where she works and we ate lunch (Thai food) and dinner (Mexican food) together.
One day I found a Dunkin Donuts. No, really, I did. Since I had been having reoccurring DD dreams I just had to go in and order an iced coffee. Dunkin Donuts in Thailand is much classier than back home. I didn’t get to custom design my iced coffee – it only comes one way – with condensed milk and lots of sugar – but I did get to sit and watch people delicately choose their spectacular donut creations. The donuts looked fake – they were so ornate and colorful!
On the third day of my trip I met up with my Auntie Carol at the posh Conrad Hotel. I felt way out of my element at first (remember I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer), but quickly adjusted to the luxury of it all (AC, plush beds, and a pool on the 7th floor). It was a teary/joyful reunion. I had never felt so anxious/excited to see family.
Carol and I spent the next few days exploring Bangkok’s tourist spots: the Grand Palace and Wat-Pho, the floating market, the Bride over the river Kwai, the Ancient City, the weekend market, and Siam Square. We took some amazing pictures and found some great gifts. It was remarkable to see the diversity of landscapes – city/countryside, ancient/modern. And it was remarkably hot!
On my seventh day (Carol’s 5th) we flew down to Phuket and checked into the Indigo Pearl Resort. The resort was beautiful and tropical – definitely my favorite part of the trip. For the next 3 days we did nothing but sit on the beach, sit by one of the three pools, eat delicious food and drink yummy cocktails. One of the (Adults Only) pools even had a bar in it – I’m talking swim up to the bar and sit on a stool underwater. It was at this lovely spot that I had a cocktail served to me in a coconut. Heaven!
When we sadly left Phuket we flew back to Bangkok and had one last meal together before Carol had to leave to fly home. My friend Lindsay met us and after teary goodbyes I left with Lindsay to stay at her apartment for my last 2 nights.
With Lindsay I experienced some of the less touristy stuff – mostly we shopped and ate and socialized. We also hung out in her rooftop pool. It was exhausting but very fun.
There was so much to do and see and experience in Thailand. Two weeks was great – but I could have easily spent a month there. The people were friendly and helpful (tons of people speak English). The public transportation was clean and fast and easy to use.
I got a haircut and a foot massage and a Thai massage and a pedicure. I definitely pampered myself but everything was so cheap! I also bought some new summer blouses and a sundress and a pair of sandals. It was so nice to see new fashion and new styles. I wanted to buy everything.
I owe my Aunt more thanks than I could ever say. She made this trip happen and we had a wonderful time exploring Thailand and trying new things together. I loved it all.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
TravelRoo
Roo is travel ready! Bought this cute little carrier at the little pet store by my apartment.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Thoughts...
I believe my idea of normalcy has become askew. What’s normal and who decides what’s normal anyway? My power just went out – it must be midnight. Earthquake trembles are as frequent as headaches. The water shuts off mid-shower and I just stop, all sudsy, and wait.
I dreamt of grocery shopping last night. I was having trouble filling up my basket because I was overwhelmed by choices and the store ended up closing. I then found myself in a Russian class and I couldn’t open my eyes; the class started laughing because they assumed I couldn’t speak Russian. I had to explain to them – in Russian – that I was tired from shopping, to make them be quiet. I woke up muttering “slushiteti menye pajalousta…ya ocheen ustala pa ta mushta…”
I’ve been immersed in learning and researching and preparing for Thailand. I’m traveling again soon. Thai culture and cuisine looks amazing and I can’t wait to be exploring and enjoying. I though the Russian language was difficult, but Thai seems impossible! Though the stories I’ve heard about the ease and convienece of traveling in Thailand have soothed away any insecurities. I’m so ready and so excited to go and to meet up with and spent time with my Auntie Carol. There’s no other person I’d rather do this trip with.
I dreamt of grocery shopping last night. I was having trouble filling up my basket because I was overwhelmed by choices and the store ended up closing. I then found myself in a Russian class and I couldn’t open my eyes; the class started laughing because they assumed I couldn’t speak Russian. I had to explain to them – in Russian – that I was tired from shopping, to make them be quiet. I woke up muttering “slushiteti menye pajalousta…ya ocheen ustala pa ta mushta…”
I’ve been immersed in learning and researching and preparing for Thailand. I’m traveling again soon. Thai culture and cuisine looks amazing and I can’t wait to be exploring and enjoying. I though the Russian language was difficult, but Thai seems impossible! Though the stories I’ve heard about the ease and convienece of traveling in Thailand have soothed away any insecurities. I’m so ready and so excited to go and to meet up with and spent time with my Auntie Carol. There’s no other person I’d rather do this trip with.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
PC Life Update
The winter is winding down here. My past few months have been spent working at my 2 NGOs, organizing a Women’s Empowerment Seminar Series, interviewing for my research, playing basketball with Ed’s English class, helping Matt with his Boys’ Winter Camp, and spending some time at the Center for American Studies.
Our Seminar Series was comprised of 3 1-day workshops on Violence Against Women (human trafficking, domestic violence, bride kidnapping, women’s rights/human rights), Career Skills (resume & cover letters, interview skills, leadership), and Women’s Health (family planning, abortion, nutrition, mental health). We invited local experts (NGO directors, doctors, lawyers, professors) to present to groups of 20 university girls and young professionals. It was a lot of work, but worth it.
This past Friday my good friend Justine left. She will be missed by locals and PCVs a like (check out her blog – www.justinekyrgyz.blogspot.com).
Anticipation for spring and new volunteers is keeping me going.
Rent just increased to 5,000com($125)/month! That’s 1,500com more than PC provides. I love my apartment and location too much to move though.
I finally got my 3rd small paper finished and approved. Must focus on my thesis now.
Congratulations to my friends at home who have recently gotten engaged and pregnant!
Our Seminar Series was comprised of 3 1-day workshops on Violence Against Women (human trafficking, domestic violence, bride kidnapping, women’s rights/human rights), Career Skills (resume & cover letters, interview skills, leadership), and Women’s Health (family planning, abortion, nutrition, mental health). We invited local experts (NGO directors, doctors, lawyers, professors) to present to groups of 20 university girls and young professionals. It was a lot of work, but worth it.
This past Friday my good friend Justine left. She will be missed by locals and PCVs a like (check out her blog – www.justinekyrgyz.blogspot.com).
Anticipation for spring and new volunteers is keeping me going.
Rent just increased to 5,000com($125)/month! That’s 1,500com more than PC provides. I love my apartment and location too much to move though.
I finally got my 3rd small paper finished and approved. Must focus on my thesis now.
Congratulations to my friends at home who have recently gotten engaged and pregnant!
Friday, January 16, 2009
A note to prospective cat owners overseas:
I thought I was doing a good thing when I adopted my tiny kitten over a year ago from a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer whose cat had a litter. If I didn’t take it, it’d probably end up on the street. I also thought I’d be gaining companionship and would have a little something to take care of, if for nothing else, to make me feel more responsible here, while living alone.
My precious Kyrgyz kitten was born with three ears (which I didn’t even notice until I brought her home). And eventually she earned her name Kangaroo – Roo for short, by spending hours inside my hoodies. She loved to borrow and cuddle against my belly; I would go about my household activities with her there.
Roo is a little over a year old now, and in heat. Imagine the most annoyingly excruciating sound and amplify it. Now, try living with this 24 hours a day for a week. For the past few nights I’ve felt sympathy for my neighbors (these old soviet-style concrete apartment buildings aren’t great at sound control) and have been effectively quieting my cat by distracting her every 30 minuets or so, all night long, by dangling a fake fish in front of her attached to a yellow plastic rod. The fish is on the floor, then with a flick of the wrist, the fish is on the bed. Back and forth until she’s tired and settles down for a bit. When there’s quiet I shut my eyes and pray my arms will work while I’m asleep.
On Tuesday I woke up nauseas; eyes bloodshot. Wednesday was better. Tonight I’m hoping for at least 5 consecutive hours of sleep. I googled “cats in heat” in the mists of my temporary insanity (from lack of sleep – remember I’m a PCV and am used to my usual 9-10 hours a night) and found articles detailing how to alleviate your cat with a Q-tip. It was more than disturbing. I know the humane thing to do is to get my cat spayed. Unfortunately for me, they don’t do that here – which may explain the plethora of strays.
So, my advice for all you animal lovers abroad is: get a male!
My precious Kyrgyz kitten was born with three ears (which I didn’t even notice until I brought her home). And eventually she earned her name Kangaroo – Roo for short, by spending hours inside my hoodies. She loved to borrow and cuddle against my belly; I would go about my household activities with her there.
Roo is a little over a year old now, and in heat. Imagine the most annoyingly excruciating sound and amplify it. Now, try living with this 24 hours a day for a week. For the past few nights I’ve felt sympathy for my neighbors (these old soviet-style concrete apartment buildings aren’t great at sound control) and have been effectively quieting my cat by distracting her every 30 minuets or so, all night long, by dangling a fake fish in front of her attached to a yellow plastic rod. The fish is on the floor, then with a flick of the wrist, the fish is on the bed. Back and forth until she’s tired and settles down for a bit. When there’s quiet I shut my eyes and pray my arms will work while I’m asleep.
On Tuesday I woke up nauseas; eyes bloodshot. Wednesday was better. Tonight I’m hoping for at least 5 consecutive hours of sleep. I googled “cats in heat” in the mists of my temporary insanity (from lack of sleep – remember I’m a PCV and am used to my usual 9-10 hours a night) and found articles detailing how to alleviate your cat with a Q-tip. It was more than disturbing. I know the humane thing to do is to get my cat spayed. Unfortunately for me, they don’t do that here – which may explain the plethora of strays.
So, my advice for all you animal lovers abroad is: get a male!
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