This weekend the plans were to go to Khao Yai National Park with 40 international students to go hiking, swim at a waterfall, visit caves, and potentially see wild elephants and other animals. However, there is a flood warning for the Bangkok area and it was suggested that we reschedule, so we're going this coming weekend instead. This past weekend instead turned into a relaxing one which is welcomed after the nonstop two weeks that I feel like I've had. I experienced Bangkok's nightlife and visited the JJ market which is the largest market I've ever been to. This market is never-ending. I've now spent hours there and probably have not even seen half of the market. It can be overwhelming, but it's also one of my favorite things in Thailand. It's home to everything from clothes and food, to house ware and pets. I now want to come back to Thailand to buy things to decorate my house with.
I also went to Wat Arun which is a huge temple. It closed yesterday for 3 years as they renovate it. I am so glad that I got to see this beautiful temple. The stairs to climb to the top are so steep. I didn't have much trouble climbing up, but when I was ready to come down I felt shaky and like I was going to pass out. I clung to the railing and took it super slow!
This past week was my first week of classes. Going back to school is strange after having been on summer break for 4 and a half months. Stranger than that though, is having to wear a uniform. I am excited for this semester because I'm taking some interesting courses. Gender Roles in the Modern World, Moral and Ethical Studies, Introduction to Thai Language and Culture, and Fundamental Chemistry. My classes start every day at noon and finish at 3:50 Monday through Thursday. It's an excellent schedule and it doesn't seem like I'll have much homework. My school has a cafeteria and all the meals are 30 or 35 baht which is about $1. Thai portions are smaller, but it's still inexpensive. There are also delicious smoothie, fruit, baked goods, and tea.
Public transportation continues to be a struggle, but it's getting a little better. Taxis are just so convenient and inexpensive that I am less motivated to figure out the bus routes. I can, however, get to school and back, to Bangkok's Victory Monument, and to the Northern Bus Terminal by bus. It takes longer on a bus and often they don't have enough seats for everyone though. If there are enough people to fill up a cab then it's worth it because it's faster and still inexpensive. The farthest bus trip costs 20 baht which is less than $1. A cab trip into Bangkok is usually between 200 and 300 baht which is between 30 minutes and an hour depending on traffic. 300 baht is equivalent to $10. Crazy cheap!
When it's raining or if it's rush hour, taxis can be difficult to catch. Two nights ago at the market it was dark outside and raining. It took our group of 9 people nearly an hour to catch a cab that would turn the meter on and take us back home, which was about a 45 minute trip. When cabs don't turn the meter on they charge a flat rate which is always more than it should be.
No day is complete without a trip to 7-11. There aren't very many gas stations in Thailand but there are so many 7-11s. They are often be right across the road from each other. The closest shop to the housing that I live in is a 7-11, right at the entrance to the neighborhood. It's a two minute walk and always has international students in it. Our favorite items like beer, green tea, and easy grab meat sandwiches always seem to be out of stock.
I'm spending the next couple of days planning my weekends out for the rest of the semester. Laos, Cambodia, Myramar, Chiang Mai, potentially getting dive certified, taking a nice trip to the beach, and more. There are so many things to do here and I cannot wait! Until next time.
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