Thailand Pics part 1

So, I figured since my internet has actually been decent the last couple of days I should take advantage of it and post some pictures from my Thailand trip.  I wanted to post some videos but haven't been able to figure it out yet.  But for those of you who have Facebook I have posted a few to my profile that you can check out.    

Street food in Bangkok

Relaxing at our Chiang Mai hostel.  Only $3 a night!  

Ben, myself, and Gavin ready to zip-line in Chiang Mai.  It was really a great experience and we had a blast zipping through the jungle.  No monkey citings unfortunately. Some great views though.  

Tuk Tuk ride in Bangkok with my traveling buddies Gavin and Ben (other teachers at AIS)

New Years in Bangkok

Hello from Chiang Mai

Hi all!  I have a few free minutes in my hostel and thought I would write a quick message.  I am currently in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  This is my second day here and myself and two other travel friends are waiting for our bus to take us zip-lining for the day.  Arrived in Bangkok on December 18 to a rather interesting guesthouse/hostel.  And when I say interesting I mean sketchy and disgusting but it's all part of the traveling mentality that gets you through staying a places like those.  Bangkok was a bustling and seedy city.  Let's just say there are very little rules there. It was pretty dirty too...saw too many rats for my liking.  With all the street markets it's a paradise for those disgusting creatures.  I saw a rat run through people who were drinking outside at a bar.  Then last night there was a rat fight by a garbage pile aross my hostel.  If you can't tell the multiple encounters with rats the last  days have scarred me.

So far Chaing Mai has been pretty amazing.  The city is an old walled city with a moat and everything.  We are staying in a great little hostel called The Little Bird Guesthouse.  It's only like 2 bucks a night and lights years better than Bangkok.  There are lots of outdoor things to do here since it's right at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains.  Tomorrow we are taking a trek into the mountains that will include: going to a couple local tribes, riding elephants, hiking, white water rafting, and bamboo rafting.  I'm really looking forward to it.  Well I need to get going.  My bus has just arrived.  Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!  Miss you!  Jessica

   

Kuwait Towers

Kuwait Towers at night

Is "Winter" Coming?

This weekend marked the first time where I actually felt chilly in Kuwait.  Light jacket required and everything.  I knew this would come but was still not mentally prepared for it.  It was some what of an abrupt change considering I was laying by the pool last weekend.  Today it has been drizzling on and off.  The past week the weather was heavenly though.  Pretty much perfect weather.  I hope it will make another appearance before it starts to get cool in the winter season.  With weather like this it's really hard to remember that the holiday season is quickly approaching.  I was at the grocery store the other day and there was a Christmas tree for sale (fake of course)...for the low, low price of $520.  What a steal! I think I'll just change the picture on my computer desktop to a Christmas tree instead.  

Quick Update

I must begin by apologizing for the long delay in posting.  I cannot believe that it has almost been three two months!  Oops!  Things are starting to settle down here...getting into a routine with school and relaxing on the weekend.  Unfortunately, as you know, drinking is illegal in Kuwait.  Which I am still coming to terms with accepting.  I feel that I am an adult and am able to make these decisions for myself but what can you do.  Not being able to go to a bar on the weekend makes one become a little more creative when socializing.  Pretty much hanging out at friend's apartments, playing cards, and making do with what we have.  It really isn't that bad.  That being said next weekend I willing be going to Bahrain with two other girls for the weekend.  It is a holiday here so we have November 26-30 off.  I am eagerly awaiting the chance to finally travel outside of Kuwait.  I have also been busy planning and booking our winter break in December.  I will be traveling around Thailand for two weeks with 4 other friends.  I am sure a lot of memories will be made!  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain

You Might Not Know But...

I thought I would devote this entry to clearing up some common misconceptions about living in Kuwait

• I don't have to wear a burka/abiya/jihab Kuwait does not require women to wear any of these traditional Muslim clothing, unlike many other countries (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan).  Western women do however receive a lot of attention from men.  It is respectful to cover your shoulders but I have seen many women in tank tops.    
• It's not always a dry heat Oh how I hate the people who told me it was a "dry" heat.  Not that they were completely wrong, it can be a dry heat.  Just like it can be a humid heat.  On those days it is absolutely unbearable.  114 degrees it hot enough but then throw humidity on top of that...it's just not right.  Those are when you hit the "feels like" 135 degree days.  
• I can get about any food Since this is a country where drinking is illegal I think that they overcompensate with food.  There are tons of different western chains here (Chili's, Hard Rock, Pizzeria Uno, Macaroni Grille, all of the fast food chains).  There is also a big grocery store chain that caters specifically to it's western clientele. Of course no pork products.  I find it much easier to get food and groceries that I am familiar with than it was in Scotland.  Don't get me wrong though...the local and regional cuisine is fantastic and I have definitely been taking advantage of it.  
• Kuwait is a safe city I know people assume that because Kuwait is in the Middle East then it must be dangerous.  The crime rate is ridiculously low because most people have so much money there is no need for it.  
• Kuwaitis love their malls There are so many damn malls here in all forms.  There is a Titanic mall (literally shaped like the ship), a 360 mall (forms a circle), Marina Mall (on the water), The Avenues (has everything from IKEA, Gap, Mac, Apple, Forever 21, 5 Starbucks-probably one of the biggest and nicest malls I have ever been to).  Those are just to name a few.  Again, if you can't drink and you have a lot of money what else is there to do?  
• Cats not rats Kuwait is not a clean city by any stretch.  In the five minute walk to work every morning I pass about 8 dumpsters that are in the street.  These are overran by feral cats.  Which do not look like the average American house cat.  They are almost sphinxish in appearance.