Here I am, in the warm tropical heat of Bangkok. I don't have too many first impressions so far because I have done nothing but work essentially. Thai people are very friendly and always smiling...I see why its called the "Land of Smiles"
I stayed in our office near Victory Monument for the first few nights and spent many hours playing with developing country internet where my work takes 3 times as long to do. I have a hard time figuring out the boundaries of the Thai people because they are so friendly and accomadating, I don't know what is too much to ask. Hopefully that will come with time.
Saturday, we had a wonderful patient group meeting. It was great to see a project that I have been nuturing since infancy becoming fruitful. Watching patients laugh and smile and interact with each other--you would never guess they had a disease. I crossed the language barrier with many smiles, gestures and laughs. It makes me believe that attitude is everything and I found the patients so inspiring.
They had a thai blessing and welcoming ceremony for me with jasmine and rose flowers. People pour water on your flowers and hands while giving you a blessing. Also, since I came a little late for the thai new year (Thai: สงกรานต์ Songkran, from Sanskrit sankrānti "astrological passage"), they gave me a taste of the celebration by putting clay on my face and arms along with well wishes. It was an amazing experience!
I moved into what will be my apartment last night. After carrying all my bags with some help up 5 flights of stairs, I arrived at a beautiful terrace with blooming flowers and the night breeze flowing by. My roomate Alice is absolutely wonderful and we had so much to talk about and connected wonderfully. There is an amazing pool at the apartment that I am sure I will love.
On Thursday I leave for Malaysia for an all-Malaysia patient group meeting and a few rural visits. I'll be there 3 weeks. Ok, more later.
Misses to all! Muah!
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