Dorothy was right; there is truly no place like home. I'm loving being back and getting back to work, but all my friends seemed to have dropped off the face of the planet. I was really looking forward to hanging out with everyone when I got home, so get on it guys! (Hint hint)
This summer is pretty much going to be similar to last summer, working and hanging out. I'm even working at the same summer camp, but with an upgrade in position. I went from checkpoint to receptionist like that! *snap* The wonders this does for my career.....But all in all, its great to come back to a job where I was liked so much they were after me to come back! The staff is great, and I have a boss that I actually enjoy working for. If I ever again have a summer where I need a job, I know where I can go. It also feels like a relief to have a job, earning money instead of spending it.
As for my sentimental side, I am missing Hong Kong with all my heart. The first week home was so surreal, and I've noticed some major changes in myself, and some others have pointed out. The things I would say I miss the most are my wonderful friends that I made there, both local and other exchange students and the food! Oh, how I miss the food. Hong Kong food is fantastic, but the food in Thailand is like food sex- its that damn good. And cheap!
I know that I was little out of touch while I was in Thailand, but thats what happens when you have to pay for the internet. Needless to say, my trip was beyond fantastic. I'm in love with Thailand. I got to see my best friend, meet great people, try bizare foods, stay with monks, and be there for the King's Diamond Jubilee. And Thai people are some of the most kind hosiptable people you will ever meet. I never had a bad experience with any of the locals. As for were I went, I spent some time in Bangkok- craziest city ever, then in Hua Hin, where Jason's university is and where the king lives. Then we headed back up through Bangkok to a little town near the Burmense border called Pai. Pai was such a small town, but it was wonderful. Its where I ate the best food of my life and swam in a waterfall. I also meet Israelis, South Africans, Germans, and whole bunch of locals. After Pai we headed back down to Chiang Mai, the 2nd largest city for the week long celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee. The Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been on the throne for 60 years, which makes him the longest reigning monarch in history. He even outdid Queen Victoria! There were yellow shirts, fireworks, portraits of the king, and parades every way you looked. It was truly spectacula. My favorite event was held in Bangkok; only royalty, both Thai and international, was invited to a viewing of the royal barge parade on the river that circles Bangkok. It was also broadcast nationwide on TV. It was one of the most opulant displays of granduer that I have ever seen. Just breathtaking.....All in all, Thailand was incredible. I miss it so much!
So thats my vacation in a nutshell. There are some other great stories, but they would take way too long to type out, and I think that people would run out of paitence. If you are interested in hearing more, or just wanna talk/hang out, you know where to find me. I'll update over the summer, but I can't promise any excitment to compete with my trip abroad- just me working really. Its good to be home!
