Update: first week

We'll I would have updated sooner, but I had some trouble with getting any internet had this five star resort...haha it was one of those resorts where the website photos look better than what you see in person. Funny story actually my friends and I decided to move to this resort together and we had to walk all of our things over which taught me a very valuable lesson to pack lightly. It was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. I had two large suitcases, a back pack and my purse. I am pretty sure the locals thought I was a dumb tourist, but I thought it was silly to get a taxi for a walk down the road. However, by the end of it my forearms were hurting so bad, and being that it is 80+ degrees and very humid, I was burnt out and sweating beyond belief. That was an adventure in itself haha. Also after getting to this resort I ended up having to sleep on two chairs pushed together because there was three of us and only one queen bed, and no internet access. We made an agreement with an employee to pay the deposit up front and then pay the rent at the end of our 1 month stay. However, she agreed to it apparently without even knowing what she told us. The very next day she asked where the rest of the money was. She pulled out this contract which we had never seen, but apparently by paying the deposit we agreed to all of it. So I literally spent 2 hours trying to explain to her in very simple English as well as trying to use my Thai phrase book that my mom luckily bought me for Christmas. The woman never really understood what I meant even the managers. So my friends and I ended up having to pay a 900 baht fee for an early cancellation. After all that there was no way I was staying there for a month. It was tough, but a good learning experience. We were taught to say Mai Pen Rai which is another version of Hakuna Matata in Thai. I am having a wonderful time so far. I have traveled to a resort by the name of Merlin Beach, Patong Beach, Phi Phi Island and Long Beach so far. Thailand is one of the most beautiful places I have yet to see. I am so glad I made this decision. I am learning a lot from both the Thai people and the new friends I have made from European countries. I was also able to visit a Thai Safe House which was a place for children to go when they have no parents due to an addiction, abandonment, or because they might be in jail. It was so hard to think they were left with so little, yet they were all so happy. They sang and danced for us after the Asia Exchange program donated money to their foundation. They were all so adorable, I wanted to take some of the children home with me. I hope that one day I will have the opportunity to help children just like them. Some good things to know about the Thai culture is that they do have black and white rules or standards for things like we do in America. They are never really exact on directions or on time. They think that because we are white we have more money so they try to give you a tourist price, but there are ways of getting around that. Overall though they value peace over anything. They think when you argue with someone you should never show that you are angry. If you do that means you lost the argument. They are always happy even in times of loss, we saw images of a flood that happened not too long ago and there were Thai children swimming in the water. Instead of focusing on the negatives like we always do in America, they accepted things for what they were and moved on. I love that about them they are also very dependent people. When they see you eating alone they think that means you have no friends. I have learned a lot my first week here, but I am looking forward to tomorrow my first day of classes. Thai as Foreign Language should be a great experience, and will hopefully help me when I need certain things like a restroom haha. I love that they are so respectful of everyone they meet, and they are so friendly. I have also had those strange looks like who are you...? I just think of it like this they might just be interested to know more about me. I am so excited to see what is in store for me here in Thailand, and how much I will grow from all of this. I have met so many nice people from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, and Austria. All I know is there can only be good things ahead, and that's what I will focus on. Thanks for reading. :) Keep in touch!