Chapter 23: Thailand

 Bangkok’s full name in Thai:

Krungthep – maha nakorn – amorn ratanakosindra – mahindrayudhya – mahadilokpop noparatana rajdhanee – buririom – udom rajnivet mahastan – amorn pimarn avatarn satit – sakkattiya vishnukarm prasit

Which can be translated into english as following :

The city of angels – the great city – the residence of the Emerald Buddha – the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya ) of god Indra – the grand capital of the world endowed with mine precious gems – the happy city – abounding inenormous reigns the reincrnated God – a city given by Indra and built by Vishukarm…and fashion city haha

Jess- I think that beats your Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.  I dunno If I can find a tee with that on it, but I’m sure as hell going to learn it before I leave.

I ordered a Thai fettuccine dish last night, with little spice, (nid noi phet ka) and it burned my mouth off.  I think I may have finished 5 bottles of water at dinner.  It’s taste was worth it though and it truly cleansed my palate.  We also walked through the “red light district” last night.  Much different at night.  The red light special now has a completely different meaning to me.  I’ve learned a few new words and practiced them with a small Thai boy trying to sell us flowers and voodoo dolls.   He joined our table and his smile was endless…reminds me of why I’m here.  Orientation lasts the next 5 days…so classes during the day.   Anxiously awaiting to get to my site and out of Bangkok.  Shoke dee ka! (Cheers)

k

Yes, it surprised me too, but there is still a starbucks on every corner in Bangkok.  After a 13 hour flight plus six more from Tokyo and close to 10000  miles later, I’ve finally arrived in destination Bangkok.  Seems like a ways…but I feel better knowing I’m still just a skype, email, or phonecall from home…remember that.  Bangkok is just another dirty city.  All you city girls- you’re not missing much.  It’s New York City’s oriental twin, with the exception of Thai signs rather then English ones.  I’ve met up with a few girls from the program, one of whom is my roommate.  We attempted the train today and ventured to the markets.  The train is easy…much like the subway or metro and most of the signs have pictures.  The markets are cheap so anyone wanting presents…make a list.  By 3 pm ,we finally got food.  No, not at a street vendor…not sure if my stomach is ready for that yet.  In a few minutes we’re headed to the night bizarre across the street.  Supposedly it’s a great place at night–food, drinks, karaoke.  I could really use a cold beer…considering the 90 degree weather, plus humidity.

Overall, I am doing fine.  Very culture shocked and over stimulated…kind of like a baby seeing color for the first time.  Homesick and desperately missing everyone.  Thank you for the support and kind words of encouragement…they truely get me by. much kwahm ruk (love)

k

 ps look under : “blog roll ” to the right to see recent photos via facebook

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