First Two Weeks in Thailand

     This first week in Thailand has been a complete whirlwind. The days have been simultaneously long and short. Throughout the first week, I was able to meet the twenty-five other XploreAsia participants. We come from all over the globe including USA, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Our instructors comprise of Mike (the owner of XploreAsia), Danny (manager of logistics), Paang (wife of Mike and in charge of placements), and Jaco (TESOL instructor).
     Throughout the first week, I have learned to communicate a little in Thai, brought pineapples to an elephant rescue to keep them fed, got blessed by a monk, and became a family with the rest of the group. To be completely honest, the first week was a lot more intense than I expected. Although it was created to give us some cultural immersion, we were having nine hour days. Fortunately, on our last day of the cultural week, we got to go see the beach for the first time and have a celebratory BBQ. I was very excited to find out that the water literally felt like a bathtub. Although it wasn't the prettiest, it was exactly what everyone needed.
     After the first week of cultural fun, it was time to buckle-down and get into TESOL training. Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed everything I've learned. I feel that by the time I get to my school, I am going to feel more than prepared. In fact, I am going tomorrow to teach English speaking lessons to underprivileged kids. It is a two day camp in which I will be teaching 8-12 year olds and kindergarten students with a partner.
      Last Sunday, a group of us went on an adventure to hike a waterfall. Of course I didn't think things through and wore white shorts! However, it was so beautiful and relaxing to be out in nature that I didn't mind getting a little dirty. We all jumped into the frigid cold water and were quickly surprised by having dozens of fish nibble at our legs and bodies. After hiking back from the waterfall, we all treated ourselves to fresh coconuts.
     Today, almost the entire group went out to hike up monkey mountain. It is known for having hundreds of monkeys living on this one mountain. We took our transportation down to the foot of the mountain, and proceeded to walk up too many stairs. Having traveled to India and experienced monkeys, I wasn't too keen on having them around. However, the hike was just what I needed.
     It is crazy for me to think that I am just starting my third week here. Although I understand that I am in Thailand, it still has yet to completely faze me. I recognize that things are different here, but basically having a set schedule every day makes things seem more familiar. I am excited for when I actually move to my placement and have to deal with things on my own.

Layover

Layover in Taiwan! The twelve hour flight was uneventful. No scary turbulence or surprises. Fortunately I was able to get some sleep. :) I am in the airport and already feel the humidity. These next seven months will be an adventure!

Packed

It's a Start

I have an obsession with checklists. As the countdown for my departure to Thailand is coming to a close, I realize just how much I have accomplished in the last month. Purchase a computer, check. Plan a month of travelling, check. Apply for a visa, check. I have continuously checked off my to-do list and created new lists. I am leaving for Thailand tomorrow!

Lately, the most common phrase I have been hearing is, "Raquel, what do you want to do before you leave?" While there are those I love that I am sad to leave, I am ready to go. Saying goodbye is never easy, but as I keep reminding myself and others, it is only for a couple of months. Before anyone realizes it, I will be back and ready for a new adventure.

I am viewing Thailand as a renewal, a new beginning. While this is not necessarily what I wish to do for the rest of my life, it's a start. I hope I am able to discover a new, stronger side to myself. Bring on the culture shock, humidity, and upset stomach. I am ready for a change.