Fall in Bangkok
Time Flies. Today marks the first quarter of the school year. It is hard to believe how fast the last three months have passed... Things are going well in Bangkok. I am feeling very refreshed after a weekend on the beach with 13 other teachers from ASB. Friday afternoon I left school to catch a bus to Rayong, about 200 km. south of Bangkok. From there we hired a speedboat to take us to Ko Samed in the dark of night. 9 of us met up with a few other teachers for dinner on the beach after settling into bungalows. After dinner we headed to a bar/dance club right on the beach for copious buckets of alcohol and dancing. Yes, they sell alcohol by the bucket here... we share. Saturday was a much needed, relaxing day spent on the water. After a few hours of early rain, the sun peaked out, it felt great. Dinner was an adventure to the other side of the island. The restaurant was a floating structure about 100 yards from the shore. A small Thai man pulled 12 of us across the water on a small raft while we tried to stay balanced. Once we made it, we were seated on low tables that met our laps as our feet hung underneath over the open water. It was a great atmosphere, and I really enjoyed the company getting to know my co-workers outside of school.
The weekend before my good friend Gina was in town. She made it in on Wednesday evening, as I was recovering from a bout of food poisoning. I was on the uphill, so as I spent Thursday and Friday at school, Gina adventured out around the city. We stayed busy in the evenings checking out different shopping areas, massage parlors, and restaurants… Friday we went to Patpong, the notorious sex-district. We stayed out of the go-go bars, while opting for a more virtuous dinner with traditional Thai-dancing.
Saturday we went to Chatachuk weekend market, and then on to Wat Arun. From there we hired a boat to take us around the canals, as most of Bangkok is connected by water. We then headed to Khao San road, a bustling area of guesthouses and hostels, well known in the young backpacking community. We walked around a bit, had our hair washed, and had one last good-bye Thai dinner. Gina headed out early Sunday morning, a short but sweet visit. I really had a good time. I have been putting off some “touristy” things now that I am a resident of Bangkok, but this town has so much to see, I had a good time exploring with Gina.
I am currently researching for my October break coming up at the end of the month. I had planned to travel to Laos solo, but revised my thoughts when I realized that Laos was one of the only countries that my mom has not traveled to, (at least in Asia). So, as I am expecting her, (and hopefully Tim too) to visit sometime next spring, I am now thinking Cambodia. As I have read that Cambodia is not quite as safe for a woman traveling alone, I will travel with a friend I work with.
I hope to spend a few days in and around Siem Reap, checking out Angkor Wat and other temples. If possible, maybe travel to the countryside… but Emily and I are keeping our schedule pretty open to what comes along.
Soooo… as the rains here continue to fall profusely, I am missing the changing colors of fall, but enjoying my experiences. I am planning to head back to the good ol’ USA for Christmas, which I am really looking forward to. I will be able to spend my birthday with my folks for the first time since high school.
I offer a standing invitation to any friend or family, (or combination of the two) to come on over to Bangkok. I guarantee an interesting experience… Enjoy your week.
The weekend before my good friend Gina was in town. She made it in on Wednesday evening, as I was recovering from a bout of food poisoning. I was on the uphill, so as I spent Thursday and Friday at school, Gina adventured out around the city. We stayed busy in the evenings checking out different shopping areas, massage parlors, and restaurants… Friday we went to Patpong, the notorious sex-district. We stayed out of the go-go bars, while opting for a more virtuous dinner with traditional Thai-dancing.
Saturday we went to Chatachuk weekend market, and then on to Wat Arun. From there we hired a boat to take us around the canals, as most of Bangkok is connected by water. We then headed to Khao San road, a bustling area of guesthouses and hostels, well known in the young backpacking community. We walked around a bit, had our hair washed, and had one last good-bye Thai dinner. Gina headed out early Sunday morning, a short but sweet visit. I really had a good time. I have been putting off some “touristy” things now that I am a resident of Bangkok, but this town has so much to see, I had a good time exploring with Gina.
I am currently researching for my October break coming up at the end of the month. I had planned to travel to Laos solo, but revised my thoughts when I realized that Laos was one of the only countries that my mom has not traveled to, (at least in Asia). So, as I am expecting her, (and hopefully Tim too) to visit sometime next spring, I am now thinking Cambodia. As I have read that Cambodia is not quite as safe for a woman traveling alone, I will travel with a friend I work with.
I hope to spend a few days in and around Siem Reap, checking out Angkor Wat and other temples. If possible, maybe travel to the countryside… but Emily and I are keeping our schedule pretty open to what comes along.
Soooo… as the rains here continue to fall profusely, I am missing the changing colors of fall, but enjoying my experiences. I am planning to head back to the good ol’ USA for Christmas, which I am really looking forward to. I will be able to spend my birthday with my folks for the first time since high school.
I offer a standing invitation to any friend or family, (or combination of the two) to come on over to Bangkok. I guarantee an interesting experience… Enjoy your week.
posted by Norel at 5:20 AM
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