Waiting in Bangkok

So the trip plans took a bit of a turn when Ceci realized her passport was expired so I ended up flying to Seoul by myself. My layover in Seoul was a blast though. I got hang out with my friend Jun and we went out all night, alternating between feasting on delicious Korean food and bars. The hangover that resulted from our 4am night and my jet lag kept us from doing much and I eventually made it back to the airport where I just passed out. Things are working out for Ceci now so she should be arriving in Bangkok within the next few days. In the meantime I am trying to explore a bit. It is so hot and humid here! I guess I will be having to get used to this kind of weather... I got up early today and saw a few temples, had some pad thai and fresh fruit for a dollar. I am looking forward to getting out of this city though, so smoggy! Well my time is up at the internet cafe.

First conversation with an alumni

I finally talked with Mona today, the girl who volunteered at PKBI a couple years ago through VIA (Volunteers in Asia). I have been trying to expect the unexpected but am pretty glad I did talk to her because some of her advice really threw me for a loop. I can now look forward to: bathing by ladling water over my head, having to sneakily purchase single beers in the Chinese market areas only, have strangers line up to take pictures of me, work in an office with barefoot co-workers, eat with my fingers, and not use toilet paper... Still, I am even more excited in anticipation of this different experience. Easily said, it really will be nothing like living in Kyoto. I was also told there will be three, maximum four other Westerners in the entire city. Of course, I am sure knowing this in advance won't change my experience or my planning much. I still have neglected to begin learning much Bahasa Indonesia and have weeks of "training" before I set foot in the provincial capital of Jambi. Plus, my five weeks in Thailand begins in only a few days!