All Thai’d Up

In the past hour, I’ve learned something new about myself. I’m struggling with it, as it goes against every fiber of my being.

I like Crocs.

Well, a single pair, anyhow. I know, I know, I know – they are ugly and I make relentless fun of anyone wearing them. However, as I was wandering around the sports store looking for a less offensive Maryland shirt to take with me to represent, I stumbled upon these beauts.

They’re not exactly cute or anything, but they just happen to be the EXACT shoe I’ve been searching for! I’ve been in need of a black pair of shoes for teaching that are comfy and can double for other things if need be. These shoes are it!

But, as good things must come to an end, the store did not carry my size. Too big, too small…the 7’s were gone! So I came back home to search around for them online and to no avail. Absolutely none. Apparently they’re new shoes and can only be ordered via Crocs.com, but that website – surprise, surprise – is out of stock! On to cold calling sports stores in the area…

Oh, and I will remain unapologetic about the original Crocs that everyone wears – they are still hideous!

• I speak no Thai. This seems really problematic for me. I don’t expect to be fluent in a language in order to teach kids English, but I know nothing. Literally. Just the other day I received my Lonely Planet Thai phrasebook with pronunciations and questions, so maybe that will help. I’m interested in how we teach kids a new language – is it really as simple as immersion? If so, I am mad I never took language lessons when I was 4 years old.
• Should I take malaria pills? I have the Rx, but it seems unnecessary – everyone seems to just use some DEET topical ointment and I hear the pills make you sick over time anyhow.
• I am flying Southwest into LAX. I have a 2 hour layover before boarding a THAI Airways flight to Bangkok. I’m worried that (a) my flight to LAX will be delayed and/or will arrive late and (b) for some crazy airport reason, I will not have time to check into my BKK flight once I land in Los Angeles. I’m still trying to decide whether THAI Airways will let me check in early, so that I already have my boarding pass…
• Will everything I need to pack fit into the backpack I decide to buy? (Currently leaning towards the Rick Steves option – it’s a little nicer looking, is 40 bucks cheaper, expands, and has a side water bottle pocket – OH and it’s Rick Steves!) Either way, the first bulky item to go if it doesn’t fit is a towel. Update: I’ve gone with the Rick pack and am anxiously awaiting its arrival so I can practice packing!

My sister read this and it reminded her of me:

“Knowing where you come from is one thing, but staying there is suicide.”

Granted it had to do with the snake-holding, ritualistic “Christian” groups in Alabama, it does seem applicable to me.  I love Baltimore and as much as I won’t admit it I like Perry Hall (sometimes).  But then I meet people who have never left and then they have the nerve to ask me why I want to travel.  Those people remind me that it’s too easy to stay in one place and I like a challenge.