Quick background catch up…

I departed NZ 23rd July 2018 after signing a 2 year teaching contract in Bangkok. Being my first OE adventure I’m not going to lie when I say I was somewhat apprehensive but, I was fortunate enough to have my longtime dearest friend Kerry accompany me for the first 8 days.

Check in complete

selfie whilst entering aircraft

Cabin crew getting in on the action

OK, so here was my first mistake. When realising crew were attempting to get in to shot, I said (not quietly) ‘hey look, the staff are photo bombing us’ …. don’t think you should use the word bombing when entering an aircraft!

I had been warned that long flights were difficult, hard to sleep, annoying passengers next to you etc etc, well…. luck was on our side that day,

A lovely older Australian man (who was loaded up on medical marijuana and scotch from the airport lounge bar) advised us to get out of our booked seats and find a ‘row’ to move to, he was last to board, showing that the plane was half empty, we didn’t think twice! Oh and in case you’re wondering, he was heading to Amsterdam with his very patient wife to visit their daughter (and possibly fill up on medical supplies).

We arrived in Bangkok around 2am and I had been very anxious about the airport; thieves, customs, drug traffickers corrupt officials, a billion people everywhere. For us, not so, we walked straight through, no queues, no searches, no questioning. The guy who stamped my brand new passport didn’t even bother to look up, he was about 12 and was clearly more interested in getting back to communicating with his girlfriend via iPhone. I kinda couldn’t help but think, I bet Schapelle Corby wished she had an airport entry like mine.

There were rows of Thai people holding up signs, and there was my name “BRADDOCK” it felt like I was in a movie. He spoke no English and that was the beginning of my never ending struggle to communicate as a minority in this vast country. Turns out even my miming doesn’t work, they just stare at me, puzzled, probably thinking there’s another weirdo trying to act like she belongs.

We had a few days R&R at a rather luxurious Hotel provided for us by my new employer, then we began the mammoth task of finding permanent accommodation. Kerry and I are avid House Hunters International watchers (along with all other house buying shows). This prior knowledge put us in good stead as we began the mission with checklist and note pad in hand. After viewing 8 properties over 7 hours, the last one was a no brainer….it ticked all the boxes and more and most importantly was directly across the road from my school.

Yes its real, not an oasis!

That’s my front door to the left, dark brown.

View from the back of property, downtown Bangkok is 30 mins drive in the distance.

Lobby

If you click on photos, I have added captions to some, and tried not to be too obvious with descriptions as I know Curtis will be rolling his eyes and wanting to edit them.

Moved in the night of July 31st, began work August 1st with a 6 day orientation program. At this point I would like to add a special mention to Kerry and House Of Travel (where she works), for organising EVERYTHING including a truly heart warming spiritually awakening stay at Ariyasom Villa. I can not describe in text how special this place is. I would recommend it if you are wanting to reconnect with your inner-self, indulge in peaceful serenity and be treated as royalty, this is the destination for you….

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And I’ll be the first to admit that I am a slight exaggerator, but true story, this piece of paradise is hidden in the middle of the city, down the end of an alley way crowded with locals and their street food, hospital, taxis, fish market (THAT STUNK!), high rises and shopping malls. On the other side was a main river canal heaving with water taxis, and a school. Frantically busy all around us, though once inside you were oblivious to it all.

Oh and quick story….Kerry went off on a temple tour one day, so I thought I’d be brave and head off for a walk in a direction we had not explored. Strolled a few blocks, couple of nice little shops, one or two ‘ladies’ standing around, nothing too out of the ordinary. Then I came across a quaint little McDs on the corner and thought now there’s a familiar sight, I’ll pop in get a cold drink and sit for awhile (keeping in mind its 30 degrees and I’m still acclimatising). Ordered, quickly found a seat, the place was busy and I didn’t want to stand and stare. And as I started to relax and familiarise myself with the surroundings I realised the place was busy alright, busy with whores. AND to make it worse, people had divided themselves into 2 sections, left side of restaurant customers, right side of restaurant whores. You can guess where I unknowingly put myself? (second mistake). Not wanting to bring attention to myself, I did not feel that abruptly leaving would be the best choice, so I continued to stay as long as humanly possible, then gracefully departed. We walked past the next day and I took this photo…

I wanted to capture Asian Ronald, but if you look closely you can see a ‘hook up’ in action lol. (My seat was next to theirs).

Kerry and I also explored China Town by night, that shit was crazy!! We were told locals will queue for 2 hours in the weekend just to get a bowl of soup from this dude….

There was a massive line of people (but I didn’t want to be a stereotype Asian taking many photo) so quick snap as I walked past.

Then the 24 hour Flower Markets…..

My senses went into overdrive, smell, sight, and intense busyness, sooooo many flowers…

Our final Bangkok ‘must do’ (before Kerry had to return to her slippers and electric blanket back in NZ) was the market the size of a town! (again, I exaggerate, but I AM NOT exaggerating on this one), in fact I’m not even sure that I will be taking my own sons at Christmas time in fear of one or more never finding their way out….

(Third mistake….not taking a suitcase on wheels for purchases).

I bought some bits and pieces to make my villa feel like home…

And had great pleasure unpacking them and setting up my new home a couple of days later…

So here I am, living in Thailand, 5th floor, Magnolias Condos, Bangna, Bangkok, and loving it. I have got used to the sweltering heat, torrential rain, bats, lizards and more recently SNAKES. The Soi dogs (stray to us) and their howling at night and the roosters at dawn. Sometimes the dogs and roosters work together to create a special harmony all of their own. The upside down light switches, no flat whites (but the cappuccinos are lish), no alcohol purchasing between the hours of 2-5pm daily and drawing diagrams for taxi drivers who can’t read. Life is good.