Presently, I am sitting in a little Internet cafe in Singburi, Thailand. Yes, I have arrived. My flight took off from Duluth Thursday morning at 6:15 and I arrived, Thailand time, Friday night at 11:55--we are 13 hours ahead of the central timezone. I made my way from plane to plane, got my luggage, exchanged my money, and found the person who was picking me up. He brought me to the White Orchid Hotel, in the heart of China Town in Bangkok. After settling in falling asleep became an issue. I had to be up at 5:30 for a bike/boat tour around Bangkok and sleep was the last thing that my mind was going to let me do. I was in Thailand for goodness sake! So, after a couple of hours of reading/journaling/sudoku, I got up and set out in Bangkok to my bike tour. I was placed in a group with seven other people, all from the Netherlands, and we set out on our 5 hour tour. Weaving in and out of the small streets and alleys in Bangkok was amazing... different smells around every corner. Some were mixes of sweat and spice, others floral arrangements, others dirt and must. All amazing. We also biked through some of the fields that are right outside of Bangkok as well--a two and a half foot cement pathway with water and mud on either side, I must say that my biking skills have improved. :) Half way through the tour we stopped at a small place to eat--my first Thai meal. Fried rice, beef curry, fried vegetables, and fresh pineapple. After the tour I made my way back to my hotel and told myself I would take a short nap. Pshhh. 2pm to 12am. There goes getting on Thai time.
After a nice hotel breakfast on Sunday I ventured out into Bangkok for a bit and then headed over to another hotel, the place in which I was to meet the people bringing me to Singburi-where my orientation is taking place.
This week will be full of new adventures: elephants, monkeys, temples, boat rides, hikes, tours, etc. etc. etc. There are about 25 other volunteers here with me, none from the United States and none from the Global Service Corps. The majority of them are from the Netherlands--I am getting in touch with my Dutch roots I guess--and the rest of them are from Germany, Sweden, England, and Israel. Immersion of culture! I love it. Today, after breakfast--which is at 8 during the week and 10 on the weekends, we had an introduction into the program and what we will be doing during orientation week and then we set out on a walking tour of the village. We also made bracelets from coconuts and then tonight we had Thai children dance for us and with us.

Much adjusting is still taking place, but I am beginning to love the people here and what we are doing. It is difficult, yes. Especially being alone, but this is good for me. I am learning so much and even though I have only been here for four days I know I have grown in so many ways--who knows what two months will do. At times, two months feels like quite a long period of time, but I am sure that when March 27th comes around I will not want to leave.

The weather here is insanely hot and humid. 33 C. Hot. Sooooo hot. I am waiting for the day that I begin to get used to this weather, if that day will come.

The country-side is breathtaking... greener than you could even imagine green could be.

Well, my Internet time is up and I will have to say goodbye until my next trip to this cafe. I love you all and you are all greatly missed!

Keep me updated!