http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae Giving up the "real world" for the real world! Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:33:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en For anyone who is interested, I thought that I would write a short update on the situation here in Bangkok... The weekend was a bit of an uncertain one; while there were hints that something big would go down, aside from a tear-gassing episode things remained largely peaceful on the surface. ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/escalation.html I'm not sure how much coverage it's all getting back in the states, but there is quite a bit of political unrest in Thailand right now.  The general issue is that the PAD (People's Alliance for Democracy, the government opposition group) is staging a massive protest in an attempt to ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/unrest.html   I've discovered the secret to staying sane while living in Bangkok, and it's called Ko Si Chang. Ko Si Chang is an island in the gulf that takes only 2 hours to reach by bus from Bangkok; by car it takes nearly half that time. I heard about it through ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/top-secret.html Let's revisit the transportation topic for a bit, shall we? This past weekend Gabe and I decided to check out the floating markets. Whereas this used to be a very viable form of market, thanks to local 'wet' markets and grocery stores they are not longer needed. They are, however, ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/transportation-part-2-through-11.html  Or maybe joke of the class? It's hard to tell when you don't speak Thai!  My teaching experience hasn't received much press time on this blog, but considering that I spend 40 hours each week immersed in it, I think that the time has come to change that. Teaching, as loyal readers ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/head-of-the-class.html One thing that I’ve learned in Thailand is that no matter how long it may take or how haphazard the method may be, someone will always make sure that you get where you’re going! A good example of this happened several weeks ago, as Gabe and I were trying to hail ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/the-journey-and-eventually-the-destination.html You should all have my flickr link, http://www.flickr.com/photos/26728799@N06/ (there are new photos up), but I wanted to send out Gabe's as well. You can check out his photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/outdoorgabe/, and should probably add it to your favorites. Enjoy! http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/visual-pleasure.html In most parts of the world, running is a test of physical endurance and mental strength. In Bangsue, running is a test of quick reflexes, high steps and the adaptability of the respiratory system! Although one of the most appealing aspects of the sport is the chance to let the ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/against-the-odds.html Just when you think you are adapting to the Thai lifestyle, avoiding the tourist priced eateries, learning useful phrases, knowing the roads, etc. YOU GET SCAMMED! I write this laughing because nearly all experienced backpackers think they are smarter than the rest. The only reason backpackers say it won’t happen ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/scammed-another-contribution-from-gbg.html After an entire two days back in Bangkok, Gabe and I were about ready for another trip. Gabe had been kind enough to go buy the bus tickets on Tuesday while I was at work, and seemed a bit unsure about things when I talked to him that night. There ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/allisonrae/ocean-front-food-comas.html