Bangkok, Thailand>, May 25, 2009
I have been in Thailand for a little more than a week now, and although I’m not necessarily missing Holland, I’m starting to miss western culture. How in the world am I supposed to live in Thailand for nine months?! No on speaks English here, and I sure as hell don’t speak Thai. I’m taking a course in Thai this semester, but the communication barrier is something I will experience for the entirety of my stay. How is it possible that students and faculty at school don’t even speak proper English when I am attending an English-speaking school? There is some kind of complicated procedure involving my visa, but because I can’t understand the guys English, I’m not sure what I need to do!
People’s mode of communication is different as well; I’m not quite sure how it works, but I’m eager to find out in my Thai class so that I may understand more of their habits, and also understand which behaviors are considered to be rude etc.
Yesterday I went shopping for some clothes in the Siam mall. This mall doesn’t have Thai prices by any means, but I’m so large here that buying clothing at the cheaper prices is proving to be rather difficult, especially when these kiosks don’t have changing rooms or sizes. For those of you who are wondering, yes I have my school uniform. Its hanging in my closet, all nice and clean. On Tuesday when I put it on I will take a picture and post it. My prediction is that I look like a Catholic schoolteacher. Improvements might need to make a few adjustments.
Have I mentioned my apartment yet? Its extremely nice. The hotel “Interplace” was rather shabby in the sense that walls were cracking, and showerheads were completely calcified. Also, the carpet smelled like pee and I was getting mysterious bites in my sleep. All in all, not a good situation for nine months! Unfortunately the only alternative in this area is the apartment complex I am in now. The prices are comparable to those in Holland, but the living conditions are soo much nicer! I even have doormen. I’m living with Charlene in a two-bedroom condo with two bathrooms, a small kitchen area, and a living room. We live on the 16th floor with a view over entire Bangkok. Check out the pics 
The weather here is rather tricky. Evidently its really hot outside today, but you would never guess based on the cloudiness. These lovely clouds also ensure for the unexpected torrential downpour. I’m not kidding; the streets were flooded today and yesterday morning! I have been lucky so far, but if you’re out in the open when the rain starts without any near-by shelter, you better hope you can’t melt. Julien, Remco’s roommate, had to jump over a fence last night to avoid this huge puddle, but in the process of doing so, he got stuck at the top of the fence, ripping his jeans and boxers, and making his ass bleed. This rather amused me however. ☺
Other amusing things seen in Thailand? Well, 7eleven can be found at every street corner here, and has even in the form of a hairdresser! Can you imagine going to the 7eleven for a haircut?
I saw three donkey’s walking in the middle of the highway yesterday- against traffic.
I witnesses a Thai fashion show in the Siam mall- girls were squealing at impeccably high tones, and the clothing was hideous.
Peanut butter is not present in this country, although they harvest peanuts. BTW, I’m going through withdrawals here… (hint hint)
Well, that’s it for now. I’m going to a club tonight with some internationals. Its supposed to be the most prestigious club in Thailand (“dress to impress) so I’m rather curious.
oh, never mind. I just got an update concerning the boys; Julien was robbed and is now broke. Remco (still asleep at five pm.) spent all his money on God knows what. Eitherway, Cherlene and I are buying dinner tonight…
Peace and love everyone. I’m thinking of you.