Out of the 22 original fellows selected internationally by Rotary, only 17 of us remain. After the program got postponed due to the civil unrest a couple of months ago, a handful could not make the switch due to other obligations.
By mid-morning a small group of us took off to the city centre where we checked out a posh gym. Although it’s a little steep for Bangkok and the U.S., it’s something a few of us are considering. After we check out the university gym tomorrow, a decision will be made. They have YoChi, which is a combination of yoga and tai chi. Cool, huh? Well, I finally have internet service, someone will be cleaning my living space everyday and I will be having my laundry sent out to be washed and ironed! I also have unmanageable hair, which may have to be cut shorter, will sweat uncontrollably for the next three months, have critters in my hostel, and will be over-stimulated with shopping, shopping, shopping!!!! My host Rotarian Counselor, Srifa, called me this afternoon to see how I was doing, which was nice; we’ll also be meeting a group of Rotarians this Sunday. Thais are super super nice! A good handful stopped me and one of my classmates to help, translate and just chat!! The Rotarians are overly accommodating and hospitable, so it’s been a wonderful experience! I’ve always said that when you are involved with Rotary in programs such as these, there’s a sense of always walking on a red carpet. Yes, like a princess!!! ;o)
Seeing as though the movie Eat, Pray, Love will be coming out this fall, I should write about my three months in Thailand. The book would be entitled Eat, Sweat, Shop! Today, I had a fresh coconut juice slush, fresh mangos, a crepe with banana, egg and raisins (from a man who was making it by the side of a road), and for dinner I had Vietnamese food. On the way over to dinner at the MBK Center (Thailand’s legendary shopping mall), Martin, Maria and I were speaking in Spanish and Andrezza and I were speaking in Italian. It was awesome!!!!!!!!! And dinner … delicious!!!!! The entire time was spent sweating, like droplets of sweat trickling down my back and forehead (sorry for the details). Those of you who know me well get that visuals are extremely important! Despite the sweat, there’s no place I’d rather be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
