The things I've done today

Today was "Thai Day" and we celebrated with a cultural exchange between the trainees and the staff.  Because of this, I am in a really good mood today and excited am to have a cultural exhange with you all back in the States.  I'll share 10 things I've done today that maybe you didn't get to do and you can respond with 10 things I didn't get to do, like "eat chocolate chip cookies" or "go to a movie."  It will make me miss you... and chocolate chip cookies.  But it helps me to accomplish 1 of my 3 goals as a PCV: to share Thai culture with Americans! 

1) showered with a gecko on the wall

2) drank coconut milk with breakfast instead of coffee

3) sprayed myself with a butt sprayer - no toilet paper in Thai bathrooms.  Fun times.

4) used toilet paper for a napkin at dinner because the dinner table is where the toilet paper can ALWAYS be found

5) used sunscreen and mosquito spray

6) played the Thai version of Duck Duck Goose with 52 Americans and 20 Thais - which means throwing a rag at the "goose" instead of touching their head. One doesn't touch heads in Thailand :)

7) rode my bike down a highway while being passed by semi trucks hauling sugar cane and dozens of motorbikes

8) skyped with my boyfriend from a rice paddy

9) danced to "Barbie Girl," "Cotton-Eye Joe," and the "Cupid Shuffle" with my coworkers

10) walked around barefoot at work - because I'm not allowed to wear shoes.  It's mai riap roi!

Overall it was a lovely day.  I'm missing everyone in the States, but it's nice to live in another country sometimes.  Thai Day made me appreciate home, but it made me appreciate Thailand, too.  I'm very lucky to have been assigned to a country with wireless internet, electricity, amazing food, people, and traditions.  I'm also very lucky to have quite possibly the best in-country staff that Peace Corps provides.  I love my Ajaans!!