Hey everyone! Sawatdeekaa (hello in Thai)! I officially survived my first day in Bangkok :-D I got to see a bit of the city today with two local students, Nu and Joon, who are helping me with my research. For lunch we went to a huge shopping center/mall in the center of the city called Lotus. In addition to great deals (the Baht/Dollar exchange rate is ridiculous) the mall also had a McDonalds with a huge statue of Ronald with his hands folded in prayer (a standard Thai greeting). I was actually pretty surprised at how many western brands are here, it seems like there is a Dunkin Donuts or Pizza Hut on every corner.
After interviewing one of Nu's Buddhist friends we headed to the Thai Islamic Center and talked to some gentlemen there about the current tension/conflict between Buddhists and Muslims in southern Thailand. One of the men, Mr. Niti Hasan, actually visited Georgetown last month where I met him at an event called "Islam in Southeast Asia." At the end of the visit he brought out his photo album from his trip to DC and I found myself in the background of a couple of the pics! Haha it was like Where is Waldo except I didn't have a sweet red and white striped shirt/hat.
K I'm gonna turn in a little early tonight (I thought I could trick jetlag by staying awake on the plane and sleeping last night but it's catching up with me...), will write more soon!
My Last Breakfast
15 years ago
SABS! i'm sorry i missed you before you left, but reading this blog is almost as good, i can just HEAR you talking about carmen sandiego and your straightener!! [which btw i hope you didn't take with you -- work that curly hair, girl!] so all of your entries so far are really interesting, i can't wait to see pictures... of food? :) i know your cousin's wedding will have tons for sure!! anyway if i run into mama or papa bas, i will be sure to ask for updates on your travels, & i hope the rest of your time in thailand is just as great! <3 you, swedes [p.s. while you're saving the world, i'm watching the new season of the bachelorette -- it's jillian!]
ReplyDeleteSABS!!!!!! oh I love you. and why did I not know about this blog earlier?!!!! luckily, tina zhang came to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteyou amaze me, know that?
sabalabala!! i am already in awe. :) that was an adorable entry and very informative as well.. i went to thailand for a few days last semester and i cannot believe i didn't even bother to learn hello in thai! -_- hope you catch up and defeat that jetlag!!
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