So, I am in Thailand. It’s nothing like the pictures…

Four months ago I came over to Thailand. I saw the pictures that are circulating the internet and figured that I cannot go wrong. Beautiful beaches, fruit stands everywhere and sunny weather, right?

No!

That’s the “tourist area”, Phuket and Chaing mei. That’s a tiny piece of the country that has been modified to accommodate the high standards of tourists. Nothing wrong with it, but I was sent to the middle of the country, an adorable little town called Ayutthaya. Once the capital of Thailand, now a town of ruins and temples and sooo many coffee shops. All city and flat lands. Where is the beach? :/

The houses are simple and appears dilapidated but you know, they’re not. The hotels are quaint and the restaurants are like little sidewalk cafes. Picture Johannesburg cbd but cleaner and more stray animals. Kind of!

The first week or so I thought I was going to die. Honestly, it was so hot throughout the day and even when it rained it was hot. We were always wet with sweat (or rain) and my face was always glowing. I was given a bicycle and had to ride around in a skirt and in the heat for 3/4 kms a day (not much but I haven’t done exercise for years)

I stayed in Ayutthaya for a month. I did a tefol course regardless of my teaching degree (I figured it was a good way to adapt, get used to the country, make friends etc. before I started working), stayed with a bunch of south Africans who also decided to do the course and we all became super close. I started to enjoy the bike rides and the routine we had made. The food was so cheap and good. Snacks were so readily available and we had the money to buy it all. (The rand is actually a strong currency compared to the Baht, wow!!)

Then, I got called in to be told what school I was going to be teaching at… some long-ass named school in LOPBURI. Where the hell is LOPBURI??

I went into a cold sweat as my course leader was explaining the procedure of moving away from the town I was calling home. I was thinking about making new friends, getting transport, restarting AGAIN.

She promised that she would take me through to see the school and help me find an apartment. Sure, super sweet but at that moment I was wondering how I could stay in Ayutthaya, how I could stay with my friends who were all placed in schools nearby.

Alas, the time to move came quickly and I accepted my fate. Nadia, a lovely lady who I met and can now call a close friend of mine, came with me to help me shop for my apartment and explore a tad. THANK GOD!I wasn’t alone.

So, I arrive in Lopburi and there’s monkeys everywhere. Adorable little things but like, so many. A good change to the hundreds of street dogs in Ayutthaya. There were still dogs on the streets here, but a lot less.

Anyway, we went shopping, we went for a drink and explored this new city. It wasn’t as scary with a friend by my side.

Nadia left on Sunday evening and I went home to cry. I was scared. I was 30 and alone in a city where I did not know a soul. Going to work at a school the next day where I couldn’t speak the language, didn’t know who or what I was teaching or what to do. Completely lost.

Monday morning I woke up early, put on my skirt and top and took a walk to school. Walk- yes, I did not have a scooter or bike and I needed to get to work. I enjoyed the walks to school over the next month… it was peaceful but hot. So hot.

I eventually got more settled, met people at work and made some friends. I learnt to ride a scooter and rented one. I explored more and more and became a regular at a guest house named NOOMS.

They make amazing food, always have foreigners popping in and they speak English. Yay!!

I decided to start learning some Thai as I really battled to communicate here. I visited Ayutthaya every weekend. Sometimes Nadia would visit me here, but basically I’ve kept busy every weekend.

Christmas was tough but I had work so I wasn’t at home wallowing, yay! Went to Ayutthaya to spend the evening with my Thailand family. Was lovely.

So, now it 2018 and I really love this country. It’s not the pretty beaches you see on Facebook but it is simple and kind of clean. The people are kind and helpful. The food is great and the water is cheap. The weather gets comfortable and even cold (never thought I’d need a long sleeve top here, always being surprised).

As for the language, ha-ha, well it’s tough and tonal and they speak soooo fast here but I’m pushing on and managing to communicate a little.

Teaching is a lot tougher than back in SA but its fun and different and definitely helping me grow.

Transportation is great, so easy to get around by train or taxi. So yeah, I’m finally happy and settled. I miss my family and my dog soooo much, however I don’t miss the crime and fear of SA. I walk around here, I leave my phone to charge at a shop as I go walk around the market. It’s so safe and peaceful.

I have goals now and hope for a future. I know I’m getting on with age and have absolutely no savings or commitments but I’ve never been so happy and carefree. Traveling a little and meeting new people. It’s what life is about.

So that’s it! I got out of my comfort zone and battled a bit but now I’m happy. That’s what life is all about right?