I have now been in Thailand for over 6 weeks and I apologize
for not writing. This means 2 things,
one, I’m having a great time and don’t really have the extra time to write
(unlike China when I was bored out of my mind) and two, nothing that exciting
has really happened here….haha, just kidding.
I will start from the beginning and when I get to the end…stop.
Taxi Mafia: Phuket has was it called the Taxi Mafia. It’s run by the Russian mob, and is designed
to steal as much money from foreigners for a ride, as possible. After my long flight to Phuket, I just wanted
to head to my hotel to sleep. As I
stepped out of the Airport, I was ambushed by taxi drivers wanting to take me
to my destination. I was searching for a
taxi stand, but it was basically impossible with the waves of little brown men
attacking me. One of the men in charge
showed me a map of the island and showed me how far it was from the airport to
Naiharn Beach, and it was a ways. He
told me that is would cost 1900 baht. I
said it was too much, and he dropped it down to 1500. Well look at me. Bartering as soon as I got here. I was pretty proud of myself. Come to find out, everyone else on the trip
paid 800. I’m an idiot. The mafia got me.
The All Seasons Hotel Naiharn Beach, where I stayed for over
3 weeks was a beautiful location. The
water was warm and the waves were out of control.
Stray Cat Strut: There are so many stray cats and dogs on the island. And knowing my love of animals, I was bound
to get in trouble. One night after a few
cocktails, I ended going home with a friend…a little black baby kitten. I loved that kitten for all of one
night. The next morning I showed the
kitten to my Thai housekeeper and gave her some extra money (100 baht, which is
like $3) to take care of her. I went to
class that day and was so excited to visit my new furry pet during my
break. On my return, I was unable to
find the kitty. I went and found my
housekeeping lady to ask her about the cat.
She said “I was cleaning bathroom and cat went jump and run out.” Hmmm. This
kitten was all of 5 inches high and highly unlikey to have jumped off the bed
on her own. The next day in class there
was an announcement made. “Please do not
let the stray animals into your room. It
is against hotel policy”. Whoopsie!!
Lady Boys: I love me some lady boys.
They’re very popular around Thailand, and even more popular in my
heart. One night a friend and I asked a
Tuk Tuk (taxi) to take us to a bar. I
found my Oasis, the land of lady boys, karaoke, and a stripper pole right in
the middle of the stage. Best night
ever.
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| My Friend Robyn and I will my favorite ladyboy!! |
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| Me singing up a storm....Not sure what is on my head :) |
Phuket was like that for the next 3 weeks…amazing!!!
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| Amanda and I posing with a big ole elephant at the Phuket Elephant Camp. |
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| Me and a baby elephant. |
I have now settled in a town called Bua Bang Thong, right
outside of Bangkok. I am at school 48
hours per week and teach 24 classes each week, with 37 2nd, 3rd,
and 4th graders in each class. I am tired!
More to come
soon…
In other news, my book has finally been published...woo hoo!!
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| Click Here to Purchase Michael's Magic Globe |
Love and Miss you all,
Jamie
