So I thought the bus was going to be like a school bus or a public transportation bus, luckily I was wrong. The bus was like one of those expensive tour buses, thank god! So, of course, being on Thai time, the bus didn't leave the station until about 20 minutes after the said departure time, so all that previous stressing and running wasn't totally necessary, but I suppose better safe than sorry! I got on the bus, and I of course I got the usual stares from the entire cabin. The seat next to me was empty, and I hoped it wouldn't be filled but of course it was. (Golee's House)
On the bus they gave us water and a little box of crackers and a blanket. It was pretty much like an airplane. It was especially comfortable but better then most. I had my backpack at my feet too because it wouldn't fit overhead and plus I wanted to keep it close to me (as it contained all my important documents). We finally left the bus station around 8:30pm, and I sat up watching the city as we headed to the second stop to pick up more people, including the lady who would be sitting next to me the whole trip.
After that I slept all the way until the bus stopped around midnight for people to get off and use to bathroom and to get food. As part of the ticket they gave us a coupon to get food here. However, I was too nervous, too tired and too afraid that if I left the bus I wouldn't know when it was going to leave and be stuck in the middle of who knows where with no cell and no Thai to speak. So I played it safe and stayed on the bus and ate the snacks I had brought. Thankfully, a lady came on board and offered some juice to those of us who hadn't gotten off the bus to use our coupons. I felt very out of place on the bus though and the stuartess didn't seem to appreciate me being there at all. Also the old lady in from of me kept turning around to stare at me and give me funny looks. It's a very strange feeling to be completely foreign. (My Street)
We were soon back on the road and I was soon back to sleep, although it could hardly be called sleep. I tossed and turned for the night but got about a good as sleep as you can get. I woke up just before we got into the town. Let me tell you, this place was in the middle of NOWHERE! Talk about the boonies. Just fields and fields with the occasional hut. It was mostly grass and a couple trees. Being the kind of person who loves the city, and noise and being around people, I wasn't too impressed at this point.
Finally around 7:30am I arrived at the bus station. Golee was there to pick me up right away, which I really appreciated being that the alternative would be me standing around with two huge suitcases not knowing what to do or who to call in a new town where I stuck out like a sore thumb. But she was there, so we loaded up the bags and headed to her home (and my new residence) which was about a 2 minute drive. She showed me my room and around the house real quick but once she showed me my bed I was out like a light. I slept until about 3pm that day. (My Room)
When I got up my roommate Pat was around and she took me to Nanaphan Market to get something to eat. It was a short walk across the street and down the block a bit. We ended up just getting some fruit smoothies and heading back. When I got back I met Fon, Lukmee and Jah (other house mate). We all worked on making a fruit salad/drink thing for the devotional meeting that was going on that evening. We juiced oranges and passion fruits and cut up apples and put it all together; it was actually really good. Soon Arm and Mook showed up. Arm I had met at the Youth Camp so it was cool to have someone I already know around, although he didn't talk much to me at all. When Golee returned from a Junior Youth Group we had the devotional and at the salad. It was nice.
After the devotional I was still hungry so Fon took me on her motorbike to the street market in town. I didn't know what to get so I told her to get me whatever she got. Of course, that ended up being some noodles and beef. By then I'd pretty much given up being a pseudo-vegetarian, I couldn't afford to be picky at the camp when they served pork or beef so I had learned to love it. I had been eating chicken off the bone, beef and pork regularly. Mook, Pat and Mook's friend Chom Pu soon joined us. We all ate and then they showed me around the market a bit and then Fon took me to her Aunt and Uncles house. (The Kitchen)
Once we were there Fon and I watched some TV and then her Aunt wanted us to eat more! I was already so full but I couldn't be rude, so I had to eat more. They were very nice and invited me back to their house again for dinner. We hung out a bit and Fon tried to teach me some Thai. Finally, we headed home. But then I went to 7-Eleven with Jah and her friend for a quick trip. (My Shower)
Finally home! I was tired after a very busy first day and ready to take a shower and get to bed. Surprise! The bathroom contained no shower head. There was simply a big barrel of water and a scoop (the same scoop you use to scoop water into the toilet to flush it). Well, what can I do right?! So I took my first shower, via bucket and let me tell you it wasn't my normal 20min luxurious shower that I use to take at home, but hey I got clean.
First day: I felt really out of place here. I don't know how to be comfortable even though everyone is very nice. It's a strange feeling to be an outsider. Whenever I walked around in public, people would stare and kids would point. It's a good way to make someone feel akward, I don't know if it's because I'm doing something wrong or if I'm just different and interesting to them. I had gotten comfortable in the condo in Nonthaburi too, so I missed that now. No matter how akward or strange I felt I was looking forward to the days ahead. 
(Clockwise from left: Golee, Wee, Jah, Golee's friend, Pat) (below: Mixie)
1 comment:
Love the shower! I bet the water cold as well, but I guess it feels good when it is hot outside.
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