Thursday, September 22, 2011

4 weeks and counting!

As of today, I will officially be leaving the United States in 4 weeks - and I'll be back in 6 months!

Now that the 'hard part' of getting a placement, applying for a visa, etc. is over, it's time to start thinking about really matters - What shall I pack?! But seriously, there is an art form to packing lightly for a 6 month journey.  I'm almost certain that someone could make a career helping people pack.

On a different note, I recently reached out to the experts who can help me make these important decisions.  I have heard back by e-mail from two previous teachers of Wang Chan Wittaya and they have nothing but high praises for the school and its staff.

With any luck, I may follow in their shoes and see as much of Southeast Asia as possible.  My favorite tidbits of advice form the previous teachers:

"Travel everywhere you can!! I went to Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand while I was still on that side of the world.   Some people also went to China, Nepal, India, the Philippines.  You definitely have to make it Cambodia and Laos at the very least, and you don't have to fly there!" - Stephanie


"And they let you leave early on Friday if you've no class (you can be in a pool in Bangkok by 3pm and your friends are still stuck in their schools!).  Bring your umbrella for the evening showers and to keep the dogs at bay! The accomodation is a bit bare, but it'll feel like home pretty fast! The beauty of Wangchan is how simple everything is." - David

From my school contact, I recieved the following e-mail:

"Dear Liane Nichols
 I am glad that I get your e-mail.  We welcome you to our School.  If this time is the first that you come to Thailand I think you will love our country, because there are many interesting places to see.
I will meet you and take you to our school when you arrive Thailand.  If you want to know other informations, please mail to me.
Love,
P Took" 

I am officially getting excited for this adventure! 

Monday, September 12, 2011

Visa: Check

I officially have my visa to move into Thailand.  No longer can they reject my entry and send me back to the States. Now my passport doesn't look quite so empty!


Now I just need to pack, minimize, and pack again. 

Thursday, September 1, 2011

VACCINATIONS!

Today's big event: Vaccinations!

When travelling to Thailand there are only recommended vaccinations.  These include Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and H1N1 (more commonly known as the flu).

Today I received my more pain free tetanus shot ever. Thank you my new favorite nurse!

For the Malaria and Typhoid you get pills! And since I will be living in a rural area, I get the Malaria pill that you must take everyday instead of once a week. Hooray for insurance or else this trip would be ridiculous! Flu shot also to come.

Although this all seems a bit much, I'd rather come back with all my limbs and not in a coma. (Thank you Mom for watching terrible shows about what happens when you get Malaria).

And now I will check vaccinations off of my 'To Do' list that is slowly winding down. Less than 2 months now!