Thailand

Highlights of Thailand so far:

- The food! You can get some really amazing soups/noodles/rice dishes for about $1-2.

- Got a food massage at a women’s prison. The money they receive goes back to them when they are released in 6 months or less. 

- Temples. Okay, I have to admit that after the 3rd temple, you’re just kind of bored, but the architecture is still pretty cool.

- Markets! We’ve been to 3 or 4 different markets and they’re all a lot of fun. Cheap food, cheap clothes, etc. We just have to work on our bargaining skills.

I have to admit that being in Thailand after India is a little underwhelming. Becca and I both are excited to go home. Chiang Mai (the province we were first in) was a little annoying to be in because it was basically just a backpacker-party scene. After being in India for four months, we’re not really into that. Bangkok has been a little bit better because we’re not sharing our room with anyone and don’t have to feel weird for not wanting to go out drinking until 4am every night. 

Here are some pictures from our trip so far: 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150819836818142.467793.709858141&type=1&l=21f5bf6752

Last Thoughts on India

I left India a week ago, and it’s amazing how much I miss the country. I’m in Thailand right now, which is beautiful and full of culture but, to be honest…I find it a bit dull. I miss the thrill of just walking on a street in India, facing the hordes of beeping cars and bikes and buses. I miss having to avoid the piles of cow shit and cows themselves. I miss the ridiculous signs that butcher the English signs and always brought about an unanticipated smile or laugh. And, as annoying as it was, I miss being laughed at and pointed at for being white. It was like I was thrown into this incredible sensory experience, full of life and color and now I’m back to living in black and white. Don’t get me wrong, India has so many problems and my three and a half months there has taught me to be so much more appreciative of things (like constant power, safe water, access to toilets, the freedom of women in the United States, etc.), but I feel as if my perspective on life has completely changed since my time there. I can’t wait to go back one day in the near future. I had an amazing study abroad experience and am so happy with my decision to travel to India. 

Signs of India (Are Hilarious)

We’ve experienced a lot of long drives along the Indian highway. When not dozing or fearfully watching our driver dodge cows and buses by going onto the wrong side of the road with 5 motorcycles headed our way (“DON’T PASS! IT’S FINE!!!”), we’ve seen a lot of strange and amusing signs. Many butcher the English language and leave us scratching our heads in befuddlement. Here’s a small collection of them for your amusement.

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If you want to stay married, divorce speed. 

Wear a helmet or become a hell mate. 

Goa is like fridge: everywhere you go, you just chill. 

Guess what’s coming here to quench your!!!!!!!! (Couldn’t fit in that last word I guess?)

Two wheelers for two only! (Reminder that motorcycles only safely fit two people…doesn’t stop families of 4 though!)

STATUTORY WARNING: Holidays can be hazardous to your health. 

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Plus a couple non-roadway signs….

PULL (to burn calories!) (Sign on a door at a coffee shop)

If these walls could talk, they’d join your conversation. (Chennai International Airport…still counts)