Solo Trip to Thailand

I leave for Thailand tomorrow.  This will be my first long distance solo trip.  I've taken a lot of interest in travel blogging over the past year, and Thailand is a popular spot for people from all over the world.  Blogs like this www.nomadicmatt.com and www.oneikathetraveller.com  have influenced my decision to travel to Thailand.   I'm looking forward to beautiful beaches, cheap massages, and visiting elephants on this trip.

I've decided to keep my packing simple.  I will take 2 carry on bags and won't check any luggage.  I've taken huge bags before and forgotten what clothes I even had with me because I had so many clothes.  This is a casual, relaxing trip.  I've created a simple packing list for myself.

Eagle Creek Packing Cube
with 5 bottoms and a swimsuit.

  Tops

-2 tanks

-2 short sleeve tops

-1 long sleeve shirt

-1 long sleeve pullover jacket

Bottoms

-2 pair yoga pants

-1 skirt

- 2 pair shorts

Electronics

-conair travel smart converter

-chargers for various devices, back up charger

-cell phone

-Nook e-reader

-laptop

-selfie stick

-earbuds and headphones

Misc

-2 bras, 7 pair panties

-swimsuit

-1 nightgown

-tylenol AM & PM

-Pepto

-bandaids

-passport

-AAA international driver’s license

-1 bag powder detergent to wash clothing

-travel sized toiletry bag

I will arrive in Thailand on Saturday. In Bangkok, I'll visit local tourist spots including the Grand  Palace and floating markets.  On Monday, I'll fly to the island of Phuket (pronounced Poo-ket). From Phuket, I travel to a smaller Island called Koh Yao Noi. I'll participate in a weeklong Yoga Retreat.  I will have plenty of free time to explore the island, participate in optional excursions, get hour-long $10 massages, and relax on the beach.  I have a couple of unplanned days when I might explore the Island of Phuket.  I'll fly back to the mainland and travel by train to Kanchanaburi. Thailand has a big animal tourism industry.  People like to ride elephants and pet tigers.  I have read that some of the elephants are treated inhumanely in the locations where they give tourist rides all day.  I'm going to pass on riding the elephants, but I will visit a sanctuary for old and abused elephants call Elephants World. 

I will end my trip with a super-long layover in Sri-Lanka as I return home on January 1st.  I will try to write a post or two while I am gone.  Merry Christmas! Safe travels! 

The Elephant in the Room Wearing a Santa Hat

In America, December is often synonymous with Christmas.  Television shows have a holiday theme. Regular programming is exchanged for holiday movies.  Salvation Army bell ringers stand at retail stores and compel us to give as we enter and exit stores.  It is common to hear Christmas Carols playing as you do your shopping.  In schools, Santa photos are often an icon on the calendar.   In our politically correct day and age, teachers in US schools are taught to be sensitive to the fact that all children don’t celebrate Christmas.  We talk about how different holidays are celebrated during the month of December.  Christmas and Hanukkah themed lessons, crafts, and games are acceptable as long as they are assigned in moderation and have some educational value. 

My bulletin board features little penguins.  Penguins are an acceptable winter theme with no holiday association. 

I wondered what Christmas would be like in Kuwait.   This is a Muslim country.  There is no separation of church and state like there is in America, so the laws and holidays are guided by Muslim principals.  Christmas is not a holiday in Kuwait.  It is just a Friday.  I will not be working that week, because my school has a two week break this time of year, just like schools in America. However, Kuwait has a huge population of people like me.  This country is full of expatriates and immigrants who celebrate Christmas.  Non-Kuwaitis outnumber Kuwaitis here.  Therefore, we can find Christmas trees in stores for sale and hear Christmas carols playing in some British and American stores in the mall. 

I know I am biased saying this, but Christmas is just too awesome to be ignored completely.  Whether you recognize it as religious or secular, Christmas has fun associations for everyone.  There are songs, games, tasty treats, and movies.  There are crafts.  There are sleigh rides and holiday lights and crafts.  There is Santa!  My parents didn’t even tell us about Santa as children, but the legend was still fun!  I haven’t even gotten to family gatherings and presents yet.  All of that  is just the secular stuff.  Christmas is the holiday with the best songs EVER.  Let’s not forget the fact that it all began because of a Savior named Jesus in the first place.  God in the form of a man! A child who would save the world!

I’ve learned that most of my students know about Christmas.  Although 13 of my 15 students are Muslim, some of them even celebrate Christmas in one way or another.  I can tell them that it is a holiday that I celebrate, but we don’t teach them about it.  At my school, it is a bit like an elephant in the room.  The giant pine tree at the school entrance with ornaments on it is a “holiday tree”.   My kids took one look at it an said “oooh a Christmas tree!” The students have a concert in which they dress in red, green, and white, but it is a “Winter Concert”.   By the way, our kindergarten stole the show!  I just want to throw in that fact as a totally unbiased kindergarten teacher.

My school goes all out when it comes to holiday decorations.  Check out this festive "holiday" hallway 

my students are preparing for their Winter Concert

Our PSTO hosted a fabulous Winter Wonderland.  The event featured photos with Santa, train rides, decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, inflatable slides, and an awesome snow room.  But don’t get confused.  It isn’t a Christmas Carnival. It’s a “Winter Wonderland”.  You can wish “Happy Holidays” to participants.  Just don’t say “Merry Christmas”.  I am really  tempted to question all of this and roll my eyes. But I have to remember that I am a guest in this country.  I certainly don’t make Christianity look more attractive by making fun of other’s practices.  I am just happy to get the dose of holiday cheer in whatever way is allowed.    For some of the parent’s of my Kuwaiti students, saying “Merry Christmas” may feel like a betrayal of their own faith practice.  Just as I would not want my children to be taught or coerced into saying Muslim prayers, I show them respect by not teaching their children Christmas songs and making December full of Christmas themed lessons in class.

The photos below are from our Winter Carnival

this classroom was transformed into a snowroom using bags of styrofoam balls.  It was a big hit with the kids!

   

A local man poses with holiday decorations and snow from a snowmaking machine at the Winter Wonderland. 

I miss the Christmas season in America.  This year will be my first Christmas outside of Ohio.   Although I am not sad to be celebrating on a beach in Thailand, I will be sad to miss the fun and tradition of Christmas at home with my family.  As my journey continues, I just have to take a moment and express how grateful I feel.  I have such fond memories of my past Christmases.  I get to experience the holiday season in both Kuwait and Thailand this year.  It’s hard to imagine that I was just starting to toy with the idea of moving abroad this time last year. 

Merry Christmas!  No matter where you celebrate or how you celebrate, I wish you blessings!

They put me in charge of the selfie station! 

My Gratitude List

Thanksgiving is coming soon!  If you are in the United States, this is an unavoidable fact.  If you are in Kuwait, November 26th is simply another Thursday. Although I am disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to join family in celebration this year, I am grateful to be making new friends here in Kuwait. I work at an American school,  so some of us are cooking together while others are opting to go to Western style hotels that will have an American Thanksgiving buffet.  No matter where I am in the world, gratitude is always in order.  Here is my list

1. Flavored medicine- I know this is a weird first item on the list, but I’ve been coughing for about 3 weeks now.  I’ve seen a doctor.  I’m fine.  In the states, they give you a Z-pack for bronchitis.  Here, i get less powerful stuff and it looks and taste disgusting.  I can’t imagine the struggle parents go through to get there children to swallow this stuff.  
2. Turkeys- I miss turkey.  Turkey is not in grocery stores in abundance here.  you can find turkey sandwiches on restaurant menus, but I have yet to see ground turkey or a whole turkey available for purchase here.

3. My American passport- my American passport allows me to visit countries all over the world. I had a conversation with someone recently who has lived his whole life here but is Palastinian. He was born here, but is not able to go to Palastine. He said, I have been here my whole life and you have been here for months, but we are both considered foreigners in this country. His nationality limits his travel opportunities and his ability to own land. My nationality grants me privilege that I am just learning to appreciate. I remember hearing Oprah Winfrey saying “If you are a woman born in America, you are one of the luckiest women in the world”. As I get to know now more people from diverse backgrounds, I understand this statement more and more. 

4. English- It also opens doors. This language is not completely universal, but it is universal enough for job and travel opportinuties to be abundant

5. Education- I have a college education and get the chance to education children. What a blessing

6. Technology- I can call family or friends when I want to. This is always free. I use What’sApp, Facebook, Instagram, Skype, MagicJack, and email to stay connected. I can write this blog. I was able to interview for my job via Skype. I could go on, but you get the idea. 

7. My new job-I've having a really positive experience there

8.My grandma’s life- we lost her recently. It was heartbreaking. I'm grateful for many years with her and her legacy.

9.My family- My parents support me here. They provided me with a quality education and demonstrated hard work by their own examples. My sisters and my brother are irreplaceable. We are all over the states doing great things. I'm blessed with to have aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins that mean the world to me. I love you FAM! 

10.Previous experience being a Newbie- I was born and raised in Ohio, but as an adult I have lived in Indiana and North Carolina. I’m going through an awkward phase now. The novelty of my new life has worn off. I have to make effort to develop friendships, whereas this was not longer a major concern after 6 years in North Carolina. I have to figure out what to do during evenings and weekends. Sometimes it is difficult, but experience helps me to remember this is a process.

11.Faith- If I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t be here.

12.A Support network -I have so many people looking out for me and praying for me

this beach is my new favorite hang out spot 

13.Water- I love the beach. It’s my happy place. I joined a gym here that lets me walk by the water as often as I wish. 

 
14. photos -When people enter my apartment, they ask about all of my photos.  I need to see faces of friends and family members.  I enjoy seeing updated photos on Facebook and Instagram

15. The gift of Gratitude- there are lots of bad things in the world. If we focus on them, we could end up bitter and depressed. There is always a bright side. There is always something to thank God for. 

16. Music- it keeps me company as I write this blog

17. Open mindedness 

18. Safety- Several people were concerned about my safety coming here. I do NOT feel unsafe from day to day. I do fear the insane acts of groups like ISIS. I trust God. I'm good.

19.Less stress at work-When I am home from work at 4pm and there is no additional work to do, I'm a little confused about what to do with myself. I am dealing with much less disruptive behaviors in my classroom which allows more time to focus on learning. We have a 1:8 teacher to student ratio in my kindergarten classroom. Teachers in inner city schools all over the states would understand why I appreciate this change. It is a change that I am enjoying. 

 
20. Debt Elimination- I've paid off 2 credit cards since moving to Kuwait!  Operation debt free is underway!

21. My failures- all of them held lessons that have helped me to become the woman I am today

22. My life- I wouldn't trade it for anything or anybody elses

Rainy Days in the Desert

When I woke up Wednesday morning, this was the the gloomy view out of my window at 5:30AM.  It is usually bring and sunny by that time.

Kuwait was about to get it's first heavy rain in a long time.  Rain in Kuwait is a bit like an ice storm in Atlanta, Georgia.  This area really isn't prepared to handle it and things get out of whack.  The sewage systems here aren't sufficient for heavy rain and parts of the country are experiencing flooding.  In my part of town, it rained heavily for about 10 minutes followed by light showers on and off throughout the day.  Here was the scene on the way to work. The commute took about 20 minutes longer than usual due to traffic.

that's a puddle, not a pond

another puddle

My school was opened for the day along with a few other private schools.  The ministry (local government) closed all public schools for Wednesday, as noted here.  Only 8 of my 15 students came to school with similar numbers in other classes as well.  Rain and heavy winds were predicted for Thursday.  All schools were cancelled for the day.  So it's official ladies and gentlemen.  I have experienced my first "Rain Day".

Comparisons

Sometimes I find myself making mental list of comparisons between Kuwait and the US.   In my case, I am comparing my own personal experience as a resident in Raleigh, North Carolina vs. my current home in Mahboula, Kuwait. Living in another country can highlight some of the basic things that you have taken for granted for years.  On the other hand, it can make you appreciate the things you didn't know your were missing. 

1.     Colors-Raleigh Wins

Raleigh has beautiful scenery.  Currently it is the beginning of the fall season and the leaves are turning shades of red,yellow, and orange.  The weather is becoming a bit cooler with temperatures in the mid 60s-low 70s. Houses and offices buildings range in colors.   Fall in Kuwait means that temps are dipping…..wait for it….below 100 Farenheit!  Believe it or not, I can feel the difference and welcome the high 90s.  If this has an effect on the sparse trees, it is not an obvious one.  The overall color scheme  of homes and buildings remains varying shades of beige. with a little grey and white thrown in here and there. 

Autum in Raleigh

No so colorful Kuwait

2.     Public Bathrooms- Kuwait Wins

Shopping malls, grocery stores, and various public locations commonly have restroom attendants to ensure cleanliness. While this is not a job I would ever desire, it is certainly one I can appreciate.  Christians are the only people who say that cleanliness is next to Godliness. Cleanliness is an important part of Islamic faith.  I mentioned the bidet hoses pictured below in a previous post as something that is found in public and private restrooms here.  I have since learning that washing the private areas with clean water from the hoses is highly important for Muslims.  Prayer takes place 5 times daily and most public places have prayer rooms. Clean hands and face are required for prayer. I'm guessing that is why clean restrooms are a high priority here. 

3.     Sidewalks - Raleigh Wins

Basically, Raleigh has sidewalks! Kuwait doesn’t have any in the neighborhood that I live.  It’s simply sand running into the paved roads.  This means that I wear sneakers instead of sandals when I walk around my neighborhood even though it’s 100 degrees. The sand has lots of gravel mixed in so wearing sandals is no fun.

4.     Taxi- Kuwait wins

To be fair, I’ll admit that I never once caught a cab in Raleigh.  I had a car.  I don’t have a car here.  I walk outside about 10steps to the curb and a taxi usually pulls up within 2 minutes.  Sometimes if traffic is a little busy, I might have to wave one down.  This is also a way to have a cultural experience as your driver might be from India, Pakastan,  or Bangladesh to name a few places.  Today the driver of my taxi asked me out to dinner, so apparently this is also a way to get a date too.

5.     Traffic- Raleigh Wins

When American’s think of traffic, I think we think of cars slowing down causing us to be late or delayed in arriving to the next location.  In Kuwait I think of traffic as the sometimes near death experience of getting from point A to point B.  Stop signs and yield signs seem to be more suggestions than rules here.  There also seems to be some goal to get as close to the other cars on the road as possible without swiping off their rear view mirrors.  When I approach a traffic circle I just say a prayer to come out alive and, gratefully, I’ve lived every time. 

6.     Malls- Kuwait wins

Raleigh has some lovely malls.  You enter them for a little retail therapy and can spend a couple of hours there.  Kuwaiti malls can range from a 2 hour trip to a full day event.  This is the part where male-readers might cringe in horror.   Kuwaiti malls cater to a lifestyle of leisure.  Malls here have some of the same stores we see in the states such as Gap, Old Navy, and H&M with prices about 20-30% higher (for the same exact stuff).  One of the larger malls here has multiple locations of the same store so that you can stop at the Gap upstairs if you overlooked it when you were downstairs. There are also local and international retailers.  There are plenty of high end stores here such as Cartier, Gucci, Prada, and Burberry for those with money to blow. Many of them have children’s stores next door so that your little ones can sport their own Burberry as well.  In Kuwaiti malls you can shop, go to movies, go bowling, work out in the gym, let kids play in the arcades, eat at restaurants, and do your grocery shopping at the full supermarket that each of them seem to have in the lower level.  

bowling night at the mall

7.     The Beach-Kuwait Wins

It takes me a couple of hours to drive from Raleigh to the Beach.  In Kuwait it takes about 10 minutes.  I joined a fancy health club recently for quality equipment and group fitness classes.  I was willing to pay that arm and leg membership fee because members also have access to this beach!

8.     Trash Disposal/Recycling- Raleigh Wins

Littering is a problem all over the world unless you live in Singapore.  In Raleigh there seem to be trash cans and recycling bins at parks, grocery stores, and most public locations.  Kuwait seems to have opted out of placing trash bins randomly throughout the city so you seem  to find piles of trash randomly all over the place.  It’s not pretty.

somewhere else in the world

kuwait- notice the debris next to the palm trees. This is a common sight here. 

9.     Smoking-Raleigh Wins

Remember when you used to have to request non-smoking sections in restaurants?  Now we don’t do that in most states anymore because smoking is banned in most public places.  Some states even ban smoking in outdoor public places like Central Park in New York.  I am reminded that I’m not in Kansas anymore when I eat in restaurants or walk through malls and find myself inhaling a cloud of 2^nd hand smoke here in Kuwait.   Smoking cigarettes and smoking shisha (hookah) is a common practice here. 

10. Paycheck- Kuwait wins

Don’t act surprised.  If you know me, you know I didn’t just move here for the cultural experience.  If that’s all I wanted, I could have watched the travel channel and read National Geographic.  North Carolina ranks shamefully low in teacher pay.