On August 9th, 2001 I arrived safely in Bangkok Thailand and in the care of P.P. Somchai Teerasirisin and his family. We were all full of excitement and anticipation of our new lives together. I was told by many that the natives of Thailand were extremely friendly and now I can confirm that this statement without a doubt is true. The Tirasirisin’s took me under their wings and treated me like their own flesh and blood, which I am truly grateful.

My trip to Thailand took 27hours and everyone that knows me very well knows that I love to sleep (especially after a long trip like this one). So after I arrived and called my mother to let her know of my safe passage, I went straight to bed. I slept from about 3:30pm until 8:30pm the following night. The following day, which was Saturday, I cried like a baby, I thought I was going to be strong and not get homesick, but it was the complete opposite! I tried not to cry in front of my host family because I didn’t want to burden them with my problems, so I would go in my room and have my emotional sessions all by myself. After about four days, I became really strong. I believe it was because I kept telling myself that this experience will not harm me in any way, it will just make me a stronger person mentally and physically. After praying in the morning and at nighttime, the only thing I could thing of is, ‘Oh, The Places I’ll Go’.

I have totally adjusted to my surroundings and especially the food (mm mm good). Everyday I make it a point to try something new with the Thai culture. So far, I have tried many dishes such as Pad Poi Cian (Squid with grass noodle), Kaw Neo Kai Yang (Sticky Rice and chicken) and Keo Wan Kai Rard Kaw (Curry spread on rice) which is nothing like Bahamian Curry, but it’s really good! I have also joined Tai Kwan Do (a form of martial arts); my school’s (Bodindecha) Interact Club and I will be attending Thai dance classes in September (I have no time to get bored).

I started school on August 14th and I am enjoying every minute of it! I have five close friends (Som, Pin, Tim, Juk, and Poon) and they are doing their best to make sure that I am always happy. They also gave me a beautiful Thai name, Ploy. It means Precious Gem. I think that name fits my character very well, don’t you (smile)?

On August 19th I finally had my inbound orientation, where I got to meet 34 Y.E. students from around the world. At the orientation we introduced ourselves, exchanged pins and went over our schedule for the remainder of our stay in Thailand. Our Y.E. plans look very ‘sanook’ (fun) and educational. I am going to have a blast!

On August 21st I attended my host club, Suan Luang, meeting where I gave an introduction speech about myself, my country and I also exchanged Rotary Banners with the clubs President, Pat Poing. I think their meetings can be enhanced with a little laughter (they are too serious), but I got enjoyment out of the meal, which was ‘aroi’ (very delicious). The clubs President sends his regards and best wishes to Rotary District 6990.

I haven’t been sight seeing as yet, but I’ve visited one of the largest malls in Bangkok many times. Everything in Thailand is inexpensive, especially the food. Every day at school I pay 20 baht for tasty, hot lunch, which is equivalent to under .50US and back home in the Bahamas I pay $3.50 for lunch (what a difference)!

Thailand is a very unique country with beautiful people, but there is one downfall, ‘Pollution’. When I first arrived I had headaches upon headaches. So to solve that problem, when I go out I have to put a handkerchief over my nose. Despite this little problem, I love Thailand and I’m almost certain that the rest of my time here will be nothing less than adventures and exciting.
Until next time……Sawat dii ka (Goodbye).