turns out i've started my first trip to asia at the upper end of the scale with my stay at jims. here is the view from his apartment and a snap of the lovely pool which i've enjoyed a couple of times already. not bad. i could be forgiven for forgetting where i am occasionally, sipping frappucino in starbucks downstairs or lounging by the pool. but then all it takes is a short ride on the back of a motorcycle taxi to remind me i am in a whole new world here.
i'm booked on a sleeper train to chaing mai on wednesday night and i guess there may be a bit more challenge from there on. but this start has been perfect easing me in gently, getting all the assistance i could ask for from jim who has mastered thai and life here in just 10 months. the language barrier has been the biggest shock, i had totally forgotten what its like to try and communicate without any common words at all. in fact i've probably never been in that position before as i've always known at least some words like portuguese in mozambique. so i'm trying to pick up a bit here and there and failing that i plan to start using my very helpful point-it book given to me as a leaving gift by the inspired nicky & patrick. simply point at the relevant picture and hope for understanding - can't be that hard?!
i'm not quite up for roast chicken at breakfast yet and am very glad i packed some weetabix! but i am sleeping fine despite the heat and haven't got into any trouble yet so feeling well set to see more of this new world.
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