Still Here, Still Alive, Still Want To Be Here

I've realized I haven't updated in about two weeks, sorry for that.  I'm all set up at my new place.  Getting internet was probably the most aggravating thing I've had to do to this point.  The first time I went to 3bb (best internet provider in Thailand) and they told me I couldn't get it in my building.  I said "well I have 3 friends that live in my building and they all have 3bb".  She says "no, 40 people maximum".  Arguing in Thai/English is pretty complex so I left only to return 3 days later.  Luckily someone spoke very good in both languages and I was able to resolve the situation.  You'd think that would be it, but I had to wait 3 days, make over 10 phone calls and visit the front desk of my building twice before I finally had internet.

As far as the language barrier, my Thai is much improved.  However, people talk quite fast here and I usually have no idea what anyone is saying.  It will probably take a few more months before I can have conversations with people other than: my name, where i'm from, where i live, what i did today, what i ate today, how it tasted, and other basic things.

I went on another scooter ride recently which was a lot of fun.  We stopped by a scenic spot that had a lot of flower gardens and greenhouses.  I posted all the pictures I had on Facebook, but my camera ended up dying shortly upon arrival so I wasn't able to capture all of the beauty surrounding me.  It was a big fail on my part for not realizing my camera was on low battery before departure.

I don't have too many plans forthcoming.  I'd like to travel around other places, but there's this thing called money that kind of limits what I do.  For now the plan is to stay in Chiang Mai until at least January (probably more like March or April) and see where I'm at financially.

I think being on my own in an entirely new environment has been really good for me as a person.  It's been quite the experience.  I think even if I come home penniless and live under a bridge I'll look back and not regret my decision. Anyone who was in a similar situation as me (single, so so job, no debt), I strongly encourage to go and try something like this.   I actually regret waiting until I was 25 to pull the trigger.  Anyways, I'll stop with the motivational speech before it begins and conclude this blog.

I don't have any new photos to share this time around so my apologies for that.  I will do my best to take more in the future.  I miss all my friends and family from back home, and I hope you are all doing well.  Have a wonderful weekend everyone and stay classy (quote from Anchorman for those who don't know).

Scooter Ride

I rented a scooter today for about $8.  My friend Matt took me up the mountain past Doi Suthep (sp?), which is a temple or something.  It was the most fun and beautiful ride I've ever experienced.  These pictures don't even really do it justice, but it's hard to take pics while you're driving.  I had only practiced on a scooter once, so driving in Chiang Mai traffic was a bit challenging at first.  I'm still alive though, and felt pretty confident after the first 5 minutes or so.  I think taking a week long bike trip around Thailand is something I'd be really interested in.

Other than that I've just been having non-stop fun.  The nightlife is a good time here, but not as crazy as Bangkok i've been told.   Usually I'm staying up late and waking up late, and just living the dream basically.  They're so many good restaurants, and most of them are much cheaper than in the states.

I don't really have much else to say.  Rainy season will be ending shortly, and then I hear it will be "cold" for a while.  Pretty sure that means in the 70's and 80's F, but not positive.  Considering it will soon be 0 degrees and snowing in Chicago, I don't think I'll be coming home anytime soon.

Moved In!

I just moved into my new apartment.  It's nothing too special, just a studio, but it's in a good part of town close to my friends. Actually, it's in the same building as some of my friends.  It's still just a 5 minute walk to school as well, so I'll save on taxi's.  This will be the first time I'm living without roommates, should be interesting.

I'm pretty much set up now.  I know for the most part how to get around, although sometimes it's still hard to communicate with taxi drivers.  My Thai will only get better though, so I don't see that being an issue for much longer.  I've figured out where my "go to" restaurants are in the area.  A lot of good Thai places are a two minute walk from my door.  I'm still waiting to get better internet, but I should have that solved within a couple weeks.  Right now I'm just using the properties wifi which is decent enough.  Now that I'm set, I'm just enjoying my staycation.

I bought a tennis racket yesterday, and plan to start playing again. I also want to find some people to play basketball with.  I've heard whispers of such a group, but have not yet introduced myself.  Other than sports, I plan to take a few trips around Thailand.  They're aren't any beaches in my city, but lots of beautiful beaches if I take a lil trip.  They're also lots of scenic rides through the mountains I've heard.  Many things to do here, including just staying in the city and chilling.  So I'll just post pics of my place and move along.

view from my door, small lounging area and balcony in the back

 kinda small bathroom, but I'm not a woman so I don't need a lot of space for make up or anything

 kitchen area, no stove, but usually just as cheap to go out

 Free Toshiba Kleenex holder. Pretty sure it's the best brand of Kleenex holders, but to be honest I did not shop around

 TV/Computer area, had to use my dining room table as my TV stand so I could fit my computer/monitor

 

Life Is Great

I absolutely love it here thus far.  The food is great, things are cheap, most people are friendly, and I pretty much do whatever I please since I have no schedule.  I found a place to live for pretty cheap.  My negotiating skills are not that good, but I had my friend Billy do it for me.  He saved me about $75/month on rent which is pretty substantial since the place was cheap already.  I start moving in Monday, so as soon as I get some photo's I will post them.

I started Language a few days ago and have had a total of two lessons.  I'm enjoying it so far, it seems like an easy enough language and after a few months I should be able to communicate decently.  My teacher is a ladyboy which threw me a bit at first.  It was the first one I encountered here, so I was studying and trying to make sure.  She's really nice though and a good teacher.

I could definitely see myself here long term.  I think 3 years is very reasonable and I'm already thinking about vacationing other places.  I really want to go to my homeland of Italy.  Australia and New Zealand seem like mandatory visits since they're so close.  We'll see how things go though, I should probably make some money first.

I'll end with a few photos.  Look for another update next week :)

Pad Thai

 walkway to restaurant

 the pink tuk tuk

 Thailand sidewalks are tough to navigate