“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!