Wow, looks like it’s been a whole month since the last time I put up an update here, eh?
As you might guess, a lot has been going on, but now I finally have the time to sit down and type out about how things have been since my arrival here in Thailand. Navigating the airport at Bangkok felt a lot easier this time around, and getting through customs was a breeze. After a short wait for my luggage, I was greeted by the hubby on the other side of the gates and we were off to the hotel.
The D&D Inn is a bit of a well-known site for the tourists in Bangkok, nicely nestled in the bustling Khao San Road. The rooms are modest but comfortable, and well worth the affordable price. We stayed there for about ten days, while getting my school paperwork sorted out as well as just enjoying ourselves in Bangkok. Didn’t do very much sightseeing, as our stay in Bangkok at that moment wasn’t really tourist in nature, but we got to enjoy some nice local sights. There was a nice amount of beefcake and eyecandy strolling around, I must say, though we’re still not as skilled as some in the art of taking surreptitious photographs. Which is a pity, because damn would I have liked to have some pictures of some of the lookers we spotted.
We took a bus out of Bangkok to head back to where we’d be living, Udon Thani. Chan Tours is a really nice bus company, and for 500 Baht you get to ride in luxury with massaging seats, video screens and in-trip meals on a double decker bus with bathrooms. We will definitely be making Chan Tours our default bus company for long trips, at least until we find a company with even better offers.
Once in Udon Thani, we got to settling into the place we were renting. Since money is a tad tight, we’re staying in a bit of a small place for now, but its workable. Purchased the necessary electronics and kitchen gear, and did repairs where needed. Honestly, it’s a place that works wonderfully for a single person, but definitely is a bit cramped for a couple. Setting up the kitchen has been somewhat annoying, since we have to place it outside on the balcony, and it’s the start of the rainy season, which means we’ve also had to set up a tarp for when it rains. But well, necessity is the mother of invention, and we’re already implementing a few “creative” solutions for our little space issues.
Other than that, the local atmosphere seems very quiet and enjoyable in the neighborhood. We’re within walking distance of a local outdoor mall with many varied and interesting stores and stalls, and a longer walk away from the larger shopping centers. Prices for food and day to day items are quite acceptable, though obviously, import items will always be relatively expensive. So it’s all a matter of putting together a diet that works with the current selection that is available and affordable. Adaptation as always. It’s been going well so far.
Classes so far have been rather informal, since the group class that is ongoing still has to finish its current circuit before it comes back round again to the first beginner’s lessons, which is where I’ll join in. The teacher I have been practicing with is quite patient, and definitely a very enjoyable person to work with, and I am slowly building up my thai vocabulary. I must admit that the thai alphabet and syntax are intimidating to me, but I suppose it’s nothing that some diligent study and application can’t handle.
I’ll do more updates as things happen. You cats stay chill!
