Mai Pen Rai

It is taking some time to adjust to the different way of life here. And by saying 'here' I mean the compound, plantation, out in the boonies, Timbuktu, the sticks also known as the Bang Na campus. I feel so far removed from civilization. I am a city girl born and bred and have never lived outside of Chicago. I even went to college in the city. And now I have completely transplanted myself to a place where I am surrounded by rice fields and completely out of my element. In some ways I feel like I am an 18 year old kid and away at a small college town for the year. There is no public transportation anywhere near me with the exception of taxis. And I am not that brave to take one by myself. Even though this is a relatively safe country, you never know...especially when the driver has to take 3 back roads just to get on or off campus. Its a bit ridiculous. I am not liking the fact that I feel as though I am losing some of my independence, shouldn't this experience be the other way around? I guess I am just learning to deal with all this...mai pen rai...a common thai saying...which translates to no big deal, no worries, its okay, never mind, its cool. I must say that not for one moment have I ever thought twice about the decision I made by coming here. I am still very much happy that I am here and experiencing everything around me. But I will be honest I am sooooo excited and thankful that majority of us are heading to the city for the weekend. Tomorrow afternoon can not get here soon enough. Shannon was amazing and scored a hostel for some of us. She also found a 25 kilometer bike riding tour that I am going to do on Saturday. I look forward to wandering aimlessly around the city...oh and I have this sneaking suspicion that I am going to feel right at home! Until then...