Chumphon it...
Sorry is that title too “pun-y”? I met this guy that is interested in making T-shirts with Thailand puns on them, and I promised to be a brand ambassador.. As promised, here I am writing another blog post half a month later... But, in my defense, it has been a busy past two weeks. So let’s recap in 100 characters or less, left Bangkok, got so f*&%ing lost EVERYWHERE, moved to Chumphon, and started a new job. So for the good stuff:
1. Chumphon is pronounced Chump-on, not Chum-fon. The ph is pronounced like “pa” in Thailand.
2. Everyone rides motorbikes (they’re more like motorized scooters). And yes, I do mean everyone, even newborn babies.
3. Street food is hella good, but you better have some kind of Tums or Alka-Seltzer because it will feel like your insides are leaving your body a few hours later... coming from a friend. (You get used to it after a week)
4. There are almost as many stray dogs as stray people.
5. Oh, you think you’ve had a hangover... obviously you haven’t tried Thai beers. They are called “Chang-overs” for a reason.
6. I have learned a total of 10 words in Thai. Two of them may or may not be my coffee order... “Sa-wat-dee-kahhhh” is hello in Thai, in case you’re wondering.
7. There is ONE pizza and Mexican restaurant in Chumphon. Yes, they serve both Mexican AND Italian cuisine in the same place. (This is my Friday spot.)
8. The beaches are as pretty as the Pinterest pictures, but better and more exotic.
9. Coconut water tastes waaaaay better with whiskey in it.
10. Grocery stores are far and few between. You need something? The five 7-elevens on your street probably have it.
11. Everything in America is designed for CONVENIENCE. Sometimes it’s nice to step away from that, and see what is really necessary to be successful.
So I normally only post 10 things, but #11 has been the biggest realization so far. It is the most important lesson I have learned, and one that will stick with me. Stay tuned on the post strictly about my school... That’s a whole ‘nother can of worms.