“One problem with gazing too frequently into the past is that we may turn around to find the future has run out on us.” – Michael Cibenko

So much to tell!

First of all, I ventured into Bangkok for the first time a few days ago. That was quite the experience! After quite the fiasco at the Human Resources department, I was feeling pretty upset. I've had quite the bout of homesickness/culture shock hit me and that meeting did not help at all. I was in the middle of crying about it when my friends knocked on the door to go into the city. I thought about just staying here, holed up in my room – but I knew I would regret it. So I quickly slathered on some sun screen, put on bug spray, and bolted out the door!

I barely made the bus – I was sure that I was going to miss it. On the bus, chance would have it that we met Roxy! She is half Thai and half American, and just transferred to ABAC from Portland, Oregon. She was a GEM! She speaks both languages fluently and took us shopping in Bangkok. We also ended up getting Thai massages and seriously, I didn't know my body could bend like that. I was a human pretzel.

Yesterday was quite the experience as well. All of the new teachers met downstairs so that we could be taken to Tesco-Lotus, which is the Thai version of Wal-Mart. First, we were an hour late leaving. There were so many people that we filled up the entire van. Well that's great and all.... except two hours later there were so many people that we filled up the entire van – PLUS all of our stuff that we bought. That means at least 1 comforter, 12-pack of water, laundry basket, and countless bags per person. Two people sat on the floor and frankly, I found the entire thing pretty hilarious.

However, I still have no cell phone. Because the Thai lady said that we could find them cheaper.

Oh well! Crossing my fingers for tomorrow?

This leads me up to today – which was orientation. It was about six hours with a small lunch break. We talked a bit about what we would be teaching, how to teach, and what to expect in our classrooms. Ron, an Australian man who has taught here for 3 years, informed us that Thailand is one of the unhealthiest nations in the world. Evidently, they are in the top for heart disease and overall heart problems. He also told us about one young girl who had a worm in her skull from eating an uncooked shrimp.

That was just great.

I've been feeling pretty homesick, but I'm hoping that I will adjust in due time. Trying to stay positive! Tomorrow it is off to the doctor's for my physical, and hopefully to Bangkok again for my first real clubbing experience in Thailand. More updates coming soon!

"I try to give people a different way of looking at their surroundings. That's art to me." – Maya Lin

Here is a small taste of ABAC! Enjoy!

"The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake – you can't learn anything from being perfect." – Adam Osborne

I am in Thailand!!!

After 35 hours of nonstop traveling, I have finally arrived in the Land of Smiles. The airport was a mess. First, I was in the wrong terminal. Then, both of my bags were over 10 pounds overweight.... Ian and I sat in the middle of the airport ripping through my suitcases. One of the reps felt sorry for me and brought us a giant bag to put my belongings in (Bless her.) Ian left with what could have been a third suitcase.

And then came security. After waiting in line for 45 minutes, I only had 20 more minutes before my flight took off. I frantically told this to one of the guards and she just shrugged and said that there was nothing she could do. "That's why you should have gotten here two hours early." ..... "Ma'am," I said, "I WAS here two hours early!" 

To save myself the pain of having missing my flight, I just jumped out of line and jumped right back in at the end of the line. I pleaded my case to the next people in line and they grabbed my bags for me to put them on the conveyer belt. "No good security guards. This line is ridiculous!"... THANK YOU! Agreed!

I then sprinted to my gate (which was on the other side of the terminal.... of course) and made it just in time. And that was only the first flight of the day!

35 hours, 3 plane rides, and a million headaches later, I landed in Bangkok, Thailand. I met a few people at the airport, and we spent the day translating our menus, eating questionable food, playing charades with the local Thai people, and exploring the campus.

Tomorrow..... Bangkok! Let the year begin!

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." – Susan Heller

Countdown: 5 days.

Yes, that's right. In FIVE days I will be on a plane ride to the other side of the world. I can see that I have been going through the famous "W" roller coaster. One day I am so excited and the next day I am scared half to death. Mostly excited though. :)

I got my immunizations yesterday. Thankfully I had my booster shot before I studied in London last year, so I only had to get Hep A, Typhoid, and H1N1. My arms have never felt so heavy! I also got some Malaria pills.... that I have to take for 28 days after I come out of a Malaria-infected region. That's going to be rrreeaaalllll fun!

Did I mention I leave in FIVE DAYS????

"Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice." – The Hangover

As if I wasn't excited enough for my trip – I just read this article.

Countdown to Thailand: 12 days

"A passport, as I'm sure you know, is a document that one shows to government officials whenever one reaches a border between countries, so the officials can learn who you are, where you were born, and how you look when photographed unflatteringly." – Lemony Snicket

Well – I've reached the 13 day countdown.

And I have officially started to freak out. The good news is that I have made a lot of progress on my to-do list. All that is left is to acquire my work visa and finish my vaccinations!

I can not believe that my flight is less than two weeks away. I am ridiculously excited and I can't wait to finally see my new home for the next 12 months!

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." – Marcel Proust

Yesterday was the most exciting day that I have had in quite some time. I officially got accepted to teach English at Assumption University in Thailand. I have 7 weeks to put my affairs in order and then fly half way around the world for the next year. To be honest, I don't think that it has really sunk in yet.... I'm still in a state of shock. There is so much that needs to be done! 

1. Find a subleaser for my apartment.

2. Somehow scrape together the necessary funds (and change into Baht.)

3. Book airline ticket.

4. Acquire work visa.

5. Find storage for my (few) belongings.

6. Pack (oh yeah, and that also means buying a suitcase....)

7. Say goodbye to family and friends.

8. Get this travel blog looking awesome.

Well, I definitely have my work cut out for me. 

And so it begins....