Mai Pen Rai

Well, my mom convinced me to start a blog!

I have been in Thailand for 3 and 1/2 weeks now and it has been one crazy journey so far. I have had to be very flexible with all of the flooding in and around Bangkok. One thing I have learned is that Thai people are much more relaxed than us Americans. They have a saying, Mai Pen Rai, (much like Hakuna Matta from the Lion King) which means let it be/it's okay/that's life/no worries. So I have become very familiar with Mai Pen Rai as I moved from hotel to hotel during orientation... from one room apartment in the suburbs to island hostel... and back to flooded apartment and now to the home of a wealthy family in Central Bangkok. So maybe the lesson to learn is that if you are patient and flexible or shall we say "Mai Pen Rai", you too could end up in a Mansion at the center of Bangkok with two maids who cook for you, make your bed AND do your laundry. :)

I will be staying with this family until school starts. (If it ever does!) In exchange for room and board I will be helping their youngest daughter, June improve her English language skills. I will also be interviewing Thai High School students for an exchange program in the United States. I will be assessing their English Language skills and their open-mindedness and adaptability to help the program directors decide which students will be the best fit for the program. Pretty cool, right? I get to do all of this because I speak English- a valuable asset to success in Southeast Asia.

I will be sure to update you on what I learn about Thai culture and where I am traveling around the country. So far I love the food, hate the cab drivers and have a great tan!