Survived the first week!

When they say it is hot in Thailand, they aren't kidding! It is like walking right into a wall of heat and humidity. Everything I’ve heard or read about Thailand, so far, seems to be true; hot and humid, colourful cabs, lots of motorbikes, motorbike cabs, 7-11s on every street corner, no honking despite large amounts of traffic, lots of dogs (who I feel so sorry for because they always look so hot and tired) and so on. So far so good. There are many open markets here. One of the closest one which is a weekend market is pretty cool, it really does give you  taste of everything: clothing, food, knickknacks, people, and patience. . 

After staying at the motel for about 6 days I finally got an apartment in a building called '@ room'. It is pretty basic but functional and clean. I have a little balcony that looks onto the front street. I am a 3 min walk away from school. If my balcony faced the other way, I would be able to see campus from my balcony. I’ve got a little fridge, a wardrobe, vanity, decent bathroom (with a heater for hot water, wohoo), a t.v. (without English channels).and a/c.  I’m on the 4th floor (the top), and it’s even hotter up here than down on the ground level. 

View of my bedroom from one angle

View of my bedroom from another angle.

View of Bangkok City from my bedroom

Zoomed in view of Bangkok City

View of one side of the street from my bedroom

View of another side of the street from my window

View from my window

We went to Tesco yesterday afternoon to buy any additional furnishings. Tesco is a departmental store pretty much identical to Walmart. We spent our time picking out new pillows (since the ones they gave us are hard rock), a fan, a blanket (as the gave us a gigantic towel as a blanket) and other few house hold supplies(these are really important decisions... ‘should I get a pink fan or a sand one? What pattern do I want on my blanket/comforter?’ :P)

Everyone here (both Lertlah affiliated and strangers) seems wonderful. Janat, the supervisor and Alec, our key stage leader are both wonderful. They have both been here long and gave us a lot of tips on getting around and surviving in Bangkok. There are many different teachers working at Lertlah. There as students from Manitoba, certified teachers a few from Manitoba, two of us from Toronto, one from Victoria, BC and one from the US. 

My sleeping pattern here is a little weird but I guess good. I end up going to bed pretty early (which is good) and am usually up by 5am... Not sure why!. However, I do like the ample of time I have to get some stuff done. My first week on campus for orientation has been great. I met all the teachers and complete some team building activities. Students don’t return to school until May 17th, so it’s just orientation from now until then.