A day in the life...

A typical day in the life.... I wake up each morning to the sounds of roosters. Yes, there are roosters all over this city. It still is quite charming, a fun, and quaint way to start the day. My brow is moist by the time I step outside, the contrast from the air-conditioned interior to the sauna-like heat is still quite stifling, but becoming familiar. I walk down my soi, which is more of an ally than a street, as many others are starting their day. There is a large diversity in the happenings. Men in business suits hop on the back of motor-taxis to be transported to the office, while women push their carts of fruit to the marketplace. Vehicles filled with construction workers fill the beds of trucks with standing room only on their way to one of many building sites around the city. All sorts of foods are being prepared, with smoky scents filling the street. My favorite is the grilled baby bananas, which produce a very sweet aroma. Children in uniform are heading to school; they smile and practice their English as they pass by, while I practice my Thai. Buddhist monks walk with their bright orange robes and bowls to receive alms, their food for the day. Women in robes and slippers assemble around the vegetable man, who announces his deals through a mega-phone, as he sells his goods out of the back of his truck. (If I am not aroused by the roosters, I am awakened from him!) After about a kilometer of this, I turn a corner, and am no longer in a timeless, extraordinary, old-world atmosphere, but back to the reality of a city, with honking horns, and busy drivers on their way to work.


I am happy, and feel that I am acclimating to Thailand quite well. At school we were given a lot of information on culture shock, and the many forms it takes, and symptoms it creates. I feel this culture has been a definite shock to my system, but I am slowly adapting and appreciating the experience.

School is great. I am working on my organization, as preparing for 9 different classes of many age levels is quite different than what I am used to. I am having fun, and enjoying the creative excitement that art brings to many children. My high school class, (I have just one), is amazing. The students are extremely respectful, hard working, and very talented. We are working on a challenging still-life drawing, and they are determined! It is very fulfilling.


The Klong, (channel) by my apartment, and a water taxi.

I am enjoying the other benefits of living in a city, as I will begin a yoga class next week, and am working on my Thai language skills. I try to find time each weekend to visit some site in the city, usually a temple. I have been experimenting with transportation, and have enjoyed the adventure and convenience of the water taxi. The first ride was an experience, as most signs at each stop are written in Thai. I would say that walking is still my favorite, as the sidewalk is where most of the action takes place!

So, thanks to all for keeping in touch. It is great to share this experience, and hear about all of yours. Enjoy your week!


Wat Arun, (Temple of Dawn)


Wat Po, (The Reclining Buddha)