Well, here I am, in Thailand. You know, the land of the Thai's. Things have been pretty busy for us volunteers, basically trying to assimilate into our new surroundings without looking like stupid farangs. I feel like anything I say has been said in other Peace Corps Thailand blogs and what I have to add is nothing original. So, until I've got a true Thai experience to share, I'm leaving anyone who's following this blog on pins and needles. Don't fret, I'm sure it wont be long.
As far as Peace Corps itself goes, we've been on the lamb for a week now and my group is beginning to bond considerably. I mean, we do all look different from everyone else. Not that its a bad thing, but it's only natural to gravitate towards familiarity.
One last thing, I've got a cell phone but I'd rather not post it on my blog, so if you want it, drop me an email at mrtonybones@gmail.com and I'll make sure I give it to you. It's incredible just how connected I am. Pictures will be up soon.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
I'm really gonna miss the snow
I just finished packing my bag, trying not to forget anything and making certain I am taking exactly what I'll need, but at the same time thinking about my life in Marquette. My flight leaves at 2:30 tomorrow afternoon and I will say goodbye to the town that molded me into who I am today. I couldn't be happier with how my life in such a "cool city" panned out over the last couple of years. Thanks to everyone who supported and befriended me, for it was the people I met and the companionship of such genuine hearts that helped make Marquette as influential as it was. I love you all and you've done more for me than you could ever imagine.
Now that all the mushy stuff is out of the way, lets lighten the mood with some goofy stuff I packed:
- an "I LOVE CILANTRO" t-shirt
- a rugby ball
- a bottle of maple syrup
- a half pound of venison jerky
Now that all the mushy stuff is out of the way, lets lighten the mood with some goofy stuff I packed:
- an "I LOVE CILANTRO" t-shirt
- a rugby ball
- a bottle of maple syrup
- a half pound of venison jerky
Monday, January 7, 2008
12 days
Just tryin' to get things organized now. Today marks the home stretch. Since I graduated, I've been taking care of what amounted to five and a half years of college paperwork and documentation. Now, I can finally breath easy and mark off my days 'til departure.
It's not until you're alone when it finally hits you. By alone, I mean, around people you don't know. That begins at the airport. The security barrier is an entrance into a world beyond that of your own, the one in which you are used to. You say goodbye to your friends and family, the faces you're comfortable with, and then suddenly it's nothing but strangers. The plane ride is too surreal. The airplane is what disconnects you completely. Any strings that were attached are broken once that big ole airliner's wheels are off the ground. Sit back, listen to your music, watch your movie, read your literature, eat extra dry pretzels, order seven orange juices and a tomato juice, determine how new the airsickness bag is so you know if someone has recently thrown up in your seat, take off your shoes, and sleep. The next thing those wheels are going to touch is your destination and there's nothing you can do about it.
Walking down the hall that attaches to the plane when deboarding is the best part of the whole process. I usually end up trying to fight off a smile that comes across my face when I walk into the terminal. People waiting in the gate for their plane to be ready shoot me glances because I'm struggling to hold back this stupid smirk that takes a minute to shake. Then, it's go time.
It's not until you're alone when it finally hits you. By alone, I mean, around people you don't know. That begins at the airport. The security barrier is an entrance into a world beyond that of your own, the one in which you are used to. You say goodbye to your friends and family, the faces you're comfortable with, and then suddenly it's nothing but strangers. The plane ride is too surreal. The airplane is what disconnects you completely. Any strings that were attached are broken once that big ole airliner's wheels are off the ground. Sit back, listen to your music, watch your movie, read your literature, eat extra dry pretzels, order seven orange juices and a tomato juice, determine how new the airsickness bag is so you know if someone has recently thrown up in your seat, take off your shoes, and sleep. The next thing those wheels are going to touch is your destination and there's nothing you can do about it. Walking down the hall that attaches to the plane when deboarding is the best part of the whole process. I usually end up trying to fight off a smile that comes across my face when I walk into the terminal. People waiting in the gate for their plane to be ready shoot me glances because I'm struggling to hold back this stupid smirk that takes a minute to shake. Then, it's go time.
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