Culture Shock

Well, it's been a month, and I am adjusting... Actually things are going well. I arrived in Bangkok on July 14th. I survived the 24 hours of travel with a good friend from college, Cathy. Cathy and I had hardly seen each other in the last 3 years, so it was great to catch up. After an exhausting trip from Chicago to Tokyo, and then on to Bangkok, we spent the night at Sherry's. It was not too difficult adjusting to the 12 hour time difference, as we were ready for bed when we arrived, and it was conveniently 11:30 at night in Thailand. The following morning we took the Sky Train to Chatachuk, a weekend market where you can find anything... really. Cathy did a bit of shopping, and we took a break for our first Thai massage. We rushed through the afternoon and took a train that evening to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.



The night train in Thailand is always exciting... lots of travelers looking to save money on a place to stay for the evening bunk up on the coffin sized beds. Cathy introduced me to the smoking bar car, and we met many young travelers from all over the world while we enjoyed the local Singha beer. The following morning we met my brother Ben at a guest house in Chiang Mai. It was great to see a familiar face in a foreign land, and hear about Ben's adventures in Laos. That evening we took a tuk-tuk, (a small, exhaust-spouting, golf-cartesque taxi) to see a Thai boxing match. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and it is really quite brutal. The evening started with very young boys fighting, and progressed to young men as the night went on. The competitors can punch, kick, elbow, head-butt, knee, well pretty much use any part of their body to knock down their opponent. I had had enough by the end of the night, but Ben was intrigued, and went back the next afternoon for a grueling 3-hour course.

We spent a few days in Chiang Mai, mostly walking around, seeing temples and shopping, before we headed south for a layover in Bangkok, and a trip to the beach on the island of Ko Samet. Ko Samet is just a few hours from Bangkok, although the bus trip to Rayong dragged as some form of Thai karaoke blared over the bus speakers for the entire trip. We spent the night in Rayong, and caught a ferry to the island early the next morning.

Ko Samet was beautiful. It was just a nice, relaxing escape, and a time to unwind and adjust. I was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed with my decision to habitate in another extreme as the idea of Ben and Cathy leaving soon drew closer. A few days on the beach did us all well, and we returned to Bangkok for a few days before my friends headed home.



I have since started school, and moved into an apartment. My school is in a bustling area of Bangkok, just off of Sukhumvit Road. Although Sukhumvit continues across the country, creating one of the longest roads in the world, the area I am near is one of Bangkok's busiest commercial and shopping districts. Bangkok is hopping 24 hours a day. The streets and sidewalks are full of everything you could possibly imagine. My olfactory senses are constantly being attacked as I walk down the street while unidentifiable meat of all shapes and sizes are being cooked on open grills. Frogs, birds, and fish are often waiting on piles of quickly melting ice to be chosen for a snack. Grills become transportable as they are attached to the front wheel of bicycles, and ridden down the busy street. Beautiful fruit that I have never before seen, and can't wait to use in still-lifes, are being sold every few meters. I am quickly making up for my 2 years in the bush, where fresh produce was unheard of. For 10 baht, (0.25 US), I usually buy half of a pineapple for breakfast on my way to school, but I am trying new kinds all the time.

Men in orange vests congregate at corners offering rides on motor taxis. After a few weeks, I gained the courage to ride on the back of one, as it is a quick and convenient way to get around. The bikes wind through traffic, and I know that I am taking my life in their skilled and fearless hands. Today I attempted my first balancing act sitting side saddle as I rode in a skirt, everything is exciting! This town is never dull.




My apartment is in a 20+ story building, about a 15 minute walk from my school. My 2 balconies look out onto the city, and a canal that is frequented by speeding water-taxis. I have heard the water taxis are the cheapest way to get around the city, but not too visually stimulating, as a high curtain is pulled to protect the passengers from the toxic splashing water.



I am slowly taking in the cultural stimulus, and adjusting to the drastic change of pace… well pretty much everything. My body is adjusting to the heat, and suddenly a slight breeze feels cool.

School is keeping me busy, and my students are great. It is nice to have students excited to learn, who value, appreciate, and desire an education. My students are from all over Asia, and bonded in school through their ability to speak English. The most adorable, happy, young student is a 9 year old who shares the same name as a certain notorious Al-Qaida leader. It is hard not to smile when I see him. I am enjoying the challenge of teaching a wide-range of ages, as I am the art teacher for 1st through 12th grade. I am also sharing some of the challenges I faced in Alaska with a lack of supplies, but I am guessing that getting them here will be much easier.



I am off to bed, it is 12 hours earlier here, so I have already experienced your day… enjoy! I will post photos soon, so check back. Feel free to be in touch, my email is norellla@hotmail.com