what's going on?

Yo, so I've been in Bangkok now for 3 weeks, and all I can say is I wish I would have come sooner. The sights, the smells, the energizing hustle and bustle of the city are an inspiring sight. Men and Women, older than the moon, stroll smoothly down the busy streets with smiles as wide as America's financial crisis is deep. Earnestly, they push their carts ready to serve up fresh noodles, or grilled pork & fish coupled with a healthy portion of sticky rice. A completely satisfying, yet unbelievably cheap, meal.

Hoping on and off the air conditioned, immaculate Sky-Traine, one can travel throughout the city in a matter of minutes. One day, I took the train to the river, where I hoped on a boat and journeyed up stream to the 'Grand Palace' (The most visited tourist destination in all of Thailand). The whitewashed walls form a fortifying circle around the palace and were constructed around 1782. It was built several hundred years ago by one of Thailand's great leader, King Rama I, who wisely placed Bangkok as the new center of Thailand. For a century plus, this area served as the home to the Royal family, but now is used primarily for royal functions and coronation ceremonies.

Inside the walls, lies one of Thailand's most sacred monuments: " The Emerald Buddha." The approximately 5 feet Buddha is completely made of emerald and was discovered, by accident, in the South of Thailand. Explorers first thought it was made of Jade, but soon realized it's true makeup. The statue sits high in the temple overlooking all the patrons. Its chair is adorned with precious jewels and gems, and its crown made of a gold that shines brighter than the sun in many parts of the world. One cannot help but let their eyes wander throughout the temple as the intricate art makes one kneel agape. The artwork finely painted across the walls represents Thailand's history, its struggles and its celebrations.

Scattered throughout the temple grounds are armed guards who serve as a visual representation that if anyone dares to mess with Buddha, they will gladly subdue the person.

One of the most interesting artworks within the palace walls is a recreation of Angkor Wat. For those of you who don't know, Angkor Wat is an ancient wonder found in Cambodia
http://www.sacredsites.com/asia/cambodia/angkor_wat.html

I going to see the real Angkor Wat one day (perhaps very soon) and I will then blog about its intricacies.

On the employment side of things, I have applied for several teaching jobs at local universities. In Thailand, one only needs to have a masters to teach. So, hopefully i'll have some cheddar soon.


I miss you all, but life is so good. Everyone should begin looking for cheap tickets and plan a trip asap. We can sit on the street and drink cheaply and watch the exciting city happen before our eyes.