Good Vibes Only

You know that feeling when you move halfway across the world and wake up in the middle of the night and forget where you are?

Neither did I… until last week! I recently finished my orientation programming, which included a few days spent in Bangkok and a quick trip to the western province of Kanchanaburi. Orientation was an informative, jam-packed week filled with sessions about lesson planning, adapting to different cultures and the Thai language. I learned so much and I have a newly filled notebook to prove it! Yet, the most remarkable thing I learned last week wasn’t in a PowerPoint or a workbook. It was the realization that against all odds, 200 strangers can instantly bond when they begin a new life experience together.

I spotted a rainbow the very first day I was in Thailand. I definitely took this as a sign that this is where I am meant to be! Click photo to enlarge.

It boggles my mind to think just 10 days ago I didn’t know a single soul in Thailand. Now, I can’t fathom my life without these newfound friends. It never ceases to amaze me how it truly is a small world. Weekend excursions are already in the works, but before I can explore the rest of Thailand I am working to get to know my own province.

 During orientation we were treated to dinner and a show at Siam Niramit in Bangkok. Click photo to enlarge.

It was nerve-wracking to connect with so many other teachers at orientation, and then once again be yanked out of my comfort zone as we all relocated across the country. On Friday I took a 2-hour bus trip from Bangkok to the province of Chachoengsao, where I will be teaching at a public secondary co-ed school.

I inadvertently matched the Chinese temple located near the bridge over the River Kwai. Click photo to enlarge.

Anytime I am worried, stressed or anxious, I remind myself of the Thai concept “Mai Pen Rai.” This phrase translates approximately to “it’s no big deal” and is reminiscent of “Hakuna Matata,” “wag more, bark less” or “c’est la vie.” I always try to live my life with positive influences and good vibes only. It’s reassuring Thailand values this mindset, too.

The sunset was beyond beautiful during our river cruise outside of Kanchanaburi. Click photo to enlarge.

Mai Pen Rai definitely came into play when my roommate and I tried to order lunch at a local restaurant. I wasn’t making much progress with my Thai, so the waitress called in backup. Moments later we were greeted by the sweetest Thai woman who looked to be about our age. She explained her family owns the restaurant, they were happy to have us and whatever we wanted could be specially made to order. As if her presence wasn’t lovely enough, she treated to the meal and guaranteed us that we were welcome anytime. It was heartwarming to be so graciously accepted into the community and I’m already thinking about how to pay it forward for someone else.

Thailand is seriously THIS beautiful! Click photo to enlarge.

That being said, current struggles include: not sleeping past 7 am (shout out to Texas for providing me a 12-hour time difference), increasing my tolerance for spicy food (prik in Thai) and remembering I AM STRONGER THAN ANY BUG. AND THE BUGS CANNOT HURT ME. Even if they are really big. And really scary. I’ll be fine… right?

Other than that, life is good! When in doubt, I just remember Mai Pen Rai.