Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Farangs
I went with a group of friends to the Chiang Mai Zoo yesterday. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was! There was almost no one in the park, and the animals' habitats were amazing. While we were walking throughout, we stumbled upon an elephant and its keeper just wandering around the park! We all took turns feeding him. So cool!
Last night, we went to a Muay Thai boxing match. This was something I was a little unsure about, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. It seemed to be a tourist hot spot, since there were a lot of white people ("farangs") there. The best part was when four guys were in the ring, and they were all blindfolded! They aimlessly kicked and punched in the air until they found another boxer. Hilarious!
It's still really hot and humid here. It's been a little difficult getting used to the food, since there isn't much variety. I've been sticking to vegetarian options, since I don't know if I trust the meat yet. My friends and I have already been craving Mexican food, desserts, pizza, etc. This isn't a good sign so early into the trip.
Last night, we went to a Muay Thai boxing match. This was something I was a little unsure about, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. It seemed to be a tourist hot spot, since there were a lot of white people ("farangs") there. The best part was when four guys were in the ring, and they were all blindfolded! They aimlessly kicked and punched in the air until they found another boxer. Hilarious!
It's still really hot and humid here. It's been a little difficult getting used to the food, since there isn't much variety. I've been sticking to vegetarian options, since I don't know if I trust the meat yet. My friends and I have already been craving Mexican food, desserts, pizza, etc. This isn't a good sign so early into the trip.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Some Pictures!
Picture 1: Pottery factory
Picture 2: The Night Bazaar
Picture 3: Me, Stephanie, and our new friend Poi from Chiang Mai University!
Keep reading below!
Hot and Sweaty is In Fashion
Today's activity:
11 km hike plus 306 steps up to Wat Doi Suthep (exhausting! but so worth it.)
This was my first experience in a Buddhist temple. The wat (temple) was pretty much what I had imagined it to look like: gold, ornate designs and many statues of Buddha. I got blessed by a monk, too! Outside the temple there were many vendors (selling food, t-shirts, figurines, etc.). I bought a banana surrounded by waffle on a stick! So delicious.
My days have been pretty much packed with outings and activities, and this is the first day I have actually taken some time off to nap. Tomorrow is my first day of classes, which should be nice. It'll be interesting to incorporate some structure into my days here. Tonight, I'm off to the famous Sunday market! I'm ready for some shopping galore!
My new found favorite food: mango sticky rice
11 km hike plus 306 steps up to Wat Doi Suthep (exhausting! but so worth it.)
This was my first experience in a Buddhist temple. The wat (temple) was pretty much what I had imagined it to look like: gold, ornate designs and many statues of Buddha. I got blessed by a monk, too! Outside the temple there were many vendors (selling food, t-shirts, figurines, etc.). I bought a banana surrounded by waffle on a stick! So delicious.
My days have been pretty much packed with outings and activities, and this is the first day I have actually taken some time off to nap. Tomorrow is my first day of classes, which should be nice. It'll be interesting to incorporate some structure into my days here. Tonight, I'm off to the famous Sunday market! I'm ready for some shopping galore!
My new found favorite food: mango sticky rice
Saturday, March 28, 2009
I'm Here!
I am officially in Thailand! This is actually my third day here, but I haven't been able to go online until now. This country is unquestionably different than the United States. It's very laid back, hot/humid, and everyone rides motorcycles. These are, of course, just a few of the differences. We went to Chiang Mai University yesterday and were able to talk to some of the students. The Thais are so friendly! Today, the whole group went to different factories (silk, silver, wood carving, and gems) where we were able to see the Thais perform their impressive work. I'll post pictures soon!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hello Everyone!
This is the blog that I will be updating while I'm in Thailand. I hope to fill you all in as much as possible! Feel free to comment on my blog posts, or you can email me at KWHelm@calpoly.edu. I leave tomorrow, so wish me luck!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
