Things that are going on:
1. Water fight! This week starts Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. Since April is the hottest month of the year, people use the opportunity to throw water at one another all week. Works for me. Now people won't be able to tell if I'm wet because I'm sweating from pores I was unaware I had or if someone just splashed me. It's a time for cleaning, preparing for a new year. Many people visit the wats, or temples, and give food to the monks to receive merit. In other words, it's good for their karma. It's also a great time to get drunk, apparently. The Thai government has begun educating its citizens on the dangers of drunk-driving through a PSA on TV featuring Thai celebrities. All I know is that it may not be such a bad idea to wear my awesome bike helmet at all times. Last year, there were 3,500 road accidents, according to the Bangkok Post. Also, this is one of the two most popular times of year for girls to lose their virginity. Not surprising since it's like a week long wet T-shirt contest here.
2. Thai-dancing. Ooh la la. Yesterday I had my first lesson in Thai dancing. One of my co-teachers also runs a shop for making Thai dance costumes and wanted to show me some of them. So, I spent a few hours fumbling around her store trying to bend my hands in weird ways. It's very beautiful though. I had a good time and have now considered changing career paths once I return home. Yeah, I'm that good. Kidding. She asked me if I wanted to help make a costume for myself as well. Uh, heck yeah. So, my Saturdays for the next month are booked. On a more terrifying note, everyone told me that if I get good enough, I can perform the dances in front of my school. Alone. Thanks but no thanks. May have to feign a sprained ankle at some point.
3. Running. Not only is it good for your heart, but it can also get you projects in your 'hood. I go running every evening (ok, that's a lie) in front of the police station around the corner from my house. One day, a couple of officers approached and asked me if I could teach English to the officers because my area is frequented by foreign tourists. So, I have spent the last week making lesson plans with my co-teacher, who is way beyond nice in helping me with the various things I have to do. I really lucked out there. Although I will say I was a little surprised when she told the police chief that I wanted to join them when they play soccer in the afternoons. (I don't, and believe me, they wouldn't want me too.)
4. Thai dramas. Really weird. Filled with ghosts and the lamest attempts at special effects that I may have ever seen. Also, what Thai people find to be comedic is so weird to me. You know those old comedies where people would back into one another in a scary house and scream and the audience would howl? Yeah. It's like that. Sigh. I miss "30 Rock."
5. It's hot. Did I already mention that one?
1. Water fight! This week starts Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. Since April is the hottest month of the year, people use the opportunity to throw water at one another all week. Works for me. Now people won't be able to tell if I'm wet because I'm sweating from pores I was unaware I had or if someone just splashed me. It's a time for cleaning, preparing for a new year. Many people visit the wats, or temples, and give food to the monks to receive merit. In other words, it's good for their karma. It's also a great time to get drunk, apparently. The Thai government has begun educating its citizens on the dangers of drunk-driving through a PSA on TV featuring Thai celebrities. All I know is that it may not be such a bad idea to wear my awesome bike helmet at all times. Last year, there were 3,500 road accidents, according to the Bangkok Post. Also, this is one of the two most popular times of year for girls to lose their virginity. Not surprising since it's like a week long wet T-shirt contest here.
2. Thai-dancing. Ooh la la. Yesterday I had my first lesson in Thai dancing. One of my co-teachers also runs a shop for making Thai dance costumes and wanted to show me some of them. So, I spent a few hours fumbling around her store trying to bend my hands in weird ways. It's very beautiful though. I had a good time and have now considered changing career paths once I return home. Yeah, I'm that good. Kidding. She asked me if I wanted to help make a costume for myself as well. Uh, heck yeah. So, my Saturdays for the next month are booked. On a more terrifying note, everyone told me that if I get good enough, I can perform the dances in front of my school. Alone. Thanks but no thanks. May have to feign a sprained ankle at some point.
3. Running. Not only is it good for your heart, but it can also get you projects in your 'hood. I go running every evening (ok, that's a lie) in front of the police station around the corner from my house. One day, a couple of officers approached and asked me if I could teach English to the officers because my area is frequented by foreign tourists. So, I have spent the last week making lesson plans with my co-teacher, who is way beyond nice in helping me with the various things I have to do. I really lucked out there. Although I will say I was a little surprised when she told the police chief that I wanted to join them when they play soccer in the afternoons. (I don't, and believe me, they wouldn't want me too.)
4. Thai dramas. Really weird. Filled with ghosts and the lamest attempts at special effects that I may have ever seen. Also, what Thai people find to be comedic is so weird to me. You know those old comedies where people would back into one another in a scary house and scream and the audience would howl? Yeah. It's like that. Sigh. I miss "30 Rock."
5. It's hot. Did I already mention that one?
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