Apartment Pics

A couple of very exciting things have happened:

1. I have actually started taking my things over to my apartment.
2. I got a new computer!

To celebrate, here are a few pics of the apartment where I will now be using the aforementioned new computer:






I'm missing a pic of the mini-hallway that has a corner table by the kitchen, but.. you get the idea.

Much love!
-Paige

Wat Mahathat

I went to Wat Mahathat on Tuesday which is over near the Grand Palace and Silpakorn University.

The temple is on the grounds of a monastery, and there are tons of buildings and different things going on - most of which I couldn't tell you about - but in section 5 they have meditation for foreigners. The woman who was leading the meditation in English said they usually get either one or two or no foreign students each day.

It was nice to see the daily rhythms of the monastery cranking along - and I was also really proud of myself for getting there. The Chao Phraya is the river that runs through Bangkok, and there are boats that run like buses up and down it -- and this was my first time using them for utilitarian purposes. I was psyched.

Here's what the boat looks like --



Had my first day substitute teaching yesterday - which I have very mixed feelings about, and I'm working on getting a new computer.

Love to you all!
-Paige

Chatuchak Market

Went to Chatuchak Market (which is alternatively called Jatujak or JJ market) -- and I think I might have to make it a weekly trip while I'm getting settled.

The market covers 35 acres, and can hold up to 15,000 vendor stalls. You can buy anything from a pet iguana to patio furniture, and there are just thousands and thousands of people there. I found a quilt for my bed that has little elephants sewn all over it, and some lights and other things for my room.

I went with another girl who I've met, and is really nice - and it was definitely helpful to have someone else there so that it wasn't completely overwhelming.

Here are a couple of pics and my new bedspread:





After a couple of years not being able to afford much on the island it's kind of weird, to be somewhere that I can buy a skirt or a mug for $3 - and also kind of fun (even for a non-very-big shopper).

Getting my computer fixed.

I'm in the process of getting my computer fixed, and hopefully it will be up and running by tomorrow.

Had my first two days of teaching as a part of an English camp, and I think that the school and the folks who I'm working with will both work out well. It was nice to get an idea of how things will go, and what it will be like working with kids from a completely different culture.

I've been going to the gym a good bit, and last night went out with some of the folks from work since it was one of them was having a birthday thing. Nice to be getting out and about.

And here's a picture:



Pretty flowers in front of a poster about foot reflexology. Nice.

California WOW!

I am now a proud card-carrying member of California WOW! Women’s Fitness.

I had never envisioned myself negotiating my gym membership, but.. that happened.

Since I didn’t expect to make them an offer, I was mostly confused, kind of uncomfortable, and repeatedly tried to leave during said negotiations - but in the end my very nice gym-tourguide Cake got her general manager involved, and I think it ended up being ok.

.. so I am now going to a gym that includes a hairdrying/ make-up room which is 2.5 times the size of my apartment. hilarious.

Time will tell whether I still got taken, but there are lots of grrl pwr inspirational quotes on the walls from the likes of Princess Di, Oprah, and Plato to cheer me up if that’s the case.

Also, here’s the Belgian chocolate place that’s on the first floor of the gym’s building.. which I think is brilliant/ kind of cruel.

The Queen's Park

Went and got some basics for my apartment this morning: sheets, towels, dishes, etc. Feels nice to be thinking about getting settled! I might also take over a cd of pictures to get printed so that I have some familiar faces and scenes around, too.

Also went for a little walk around the Queen's Park to see if it might be a good place to run. It's a small loop, and so it would kind of be similiar to running laps on a track.

aaand here it is:

AWC Gala

Last night was the American Women’s Club Gala at the Erawan Hotel. The ambassador and his wife were in attendance (swanky), and the hotel was very impressive with an open, airy lobby and a couple of 3-headed bronze elephants greeting you at the door.

Please note Dad's flashy cumberbund, because - yes.. those are sequins. The theme was "Broadway" and Lili had a matching flapper-style dress. My get-up was a little more subdued, but as the chair-person of the event Lili went big and it was a big hit.





Much love!
-Paige