Living the Thai Life

Well it's been almost six months (on the 25th) since I arrived in Thailand and I finally am feeling comfortable. I started a part time job teaching 2 hours on Monday and Wednesday. In December I should add another 2 hours on Tuesday and Thursday night. I should be making close to 60,000 Bhat ($1500) which is comfortable over here. It should let me do the traveling I want (now if I can only find the time).

This weekend I have my every other month doctors appointment on Saturday and my quarterly Visa run to Cambodia. I didn't get my plane tickets in time so I will go to Penom Penh in February (ticket price for then are less than 4000 Bhat ($100)). This month will just be a border run like last time. I will try to get a long weekend in February. I am planning a trip in the spring to Singapore and maybe a trip home in late Spring.

I found a Masters program in Political Science that starts in July. The full two years only costs about 100,000 Bhat ($2500). That includes a Blue Jacket (uniforms are required at all levels) and a field trip to another country (maybe India would be in order). The fee also covers the books. They also have a PHD program in Poly Sci. That one is about 250,000 Bhat ($6250). After that I can sign my name as Dr. DERMAN. More about that later if I decide to go for it.

The weather over here is entering the coolest part of the year and the best time for anyone to come for a visit. The temperature is still in the high 80's but with lower humidity. Sort of like June in Ohio. Loy Katong was this last Wednesday. It is a festival of renewal. The Thais float a Katong down the river that contains flowers, incense, a candle and usually something personal (like hair) for each Family member. The river looks beautiful with all of the candles floating down the river.

Next week is thanksgiving but yours truly will be working. I was here last year and found a nice thanksgiving Buffet at Bourbon Street (a Cajun restaurant) Anyone for some blackened Turkey?

Do not eat for at least an hour before or after reading

Well below are pictures (all are the same) of me when without the beard. What do you think? Hey Aunt Stella I think I look a little like you.





Warning: Not for the faint of heart.

The Thai press likes to show those car accident pictures like the ones we saw in Driver's Ed class. One guy jumped from a 15 story building and landed on the fence. They showed (in color mind you) one half of the body one one side of the fence and the other half on the other side. It looked like a clean break. Other pictures of decapitation and flat faces are common.

At the Hoya plan in which I am currently teaching they are having a safety week exhibit and here again they show everything in its raw glory. One guy had hit a post while driving and drove the post all the way through his head. Another was shown before with an axe blade embedded in his skull. Another with his head cut in half. Another showed a hand and fingers ground up by a meat slicer. Some pretty graphic stuff.

I get most of my news from the Bangkok Post, The Nation and the internet. It is so much more refreshing to see a press that is not controlled by the conservative ran press of the US. I loved the survey that showed 57% of Americans believe Bush is a dishonest man. DUH, I tried to tell you, Pat and Matt, that 5 years ago. Pat smack Bushit for me. I wonder how often the Saudis Change which pocket they put the Bush's in. They are laughing all the way to the bank.