Back In Bangkok

Spent the day in transit to and then from the airport. Looking forward to not seeing another plane for a while. Happy to be back at my little apartment.

Saturday in Kuala Lumpur

So did a bit of the touristy thing today - kind of the first time for that since arriving in Asia really.
Took the monorail (LOVE the monorail and LRT system btw) to Bukit Nanas and walked to the Petronas Towers then along that road to the Menara KL Tower.
Totally recommend the Malaysian Tourist Center (matic) that you pass along the way. Bathrooms were incredibly nice - I actually had to stop and take a pic! And while I was doing so an employee walked in... doubtless thought I was either nuts or up to something. Oh Well. Later waited for the rain to stop in their little art gallery. Lovely work and even some little canvases for a fair price I was seriously contemplating. Only problem? No one around to give your money to! I did go on a Saturday and the center seemed only half open, so perhaps I picked the wrong day because it looked like sometimes the artist might paint there! Im thinking of stopping back either Monday or Tuesday before I leave to see it again. I love art galleries and this one was right up my alley - just the right mix of reality and abstract originality. (And it didnt hurt that while I waited out the rain on the hot, humid day, it had ac and pretty much no other people.)
After that I walked onto Menara Tower, which I would again recommend. The walk up is a bit long and tough, but there is an option of a free shuttle (I just like to walk and needed to justify the Sundae I had just eaten :) ) I got some lovely pics also on the way up. I just love in KL how the jungle and modern city can be taken in one shot - which reminds me, real quick, KL has very nice wide sidewalks - a big step up from Bangkok, which Alanna referred to as sidescrambles :) - but in walking I came across this enormous old tree that took up most of the walk. Sorry, but in the US it would probably have been chopped down and removed. Here though I love the effort they go to to preserve these beautiful old trees.
Anyway, back to the tower. I didnt actually end up going to the top (it cost $ and Im cheap) but they did have lovely little souvenir shops that I felt were very reasonably priced and even a water cost only 1 ringett (about $0.33), much needed after the trek! But the best part was the cultural village. They had native music that greeted you and set the atmosphere as you came to the entrance, then you walked down a little enclosed walkway and emerged in a village filled with house designs from all over Malaysia and - the best part - a sign telling their origin and about their construction! There was then a little area showing the stages of constructing KL tower, some local instruments and signs giving info about some local attractions.
All in all a wonderful, if exhausting day :)

End of first stay in Bangkok

Wrote this a bit ago, but can just post 2/23/12
So here I am again at the airport. So hard to believe I've already been in Bangkok for 10 days, and gone from home 2 weeks! Time has just been flying by as I've been keeping very busy here, which is also why I'm so behind on writing about what I've been up to.  (Well, that and I'm verbose).
Okay so I'm going to work backward rather than pick up where I left off.
Yesterday I had my very first Thai Massage. It was an hour and a half long for an exorbitant cost of 180 baht ($6). They started with a lovely foot and leg massage that was greatly appreciated by my poor abused feet, then they worked on your back. I admit it wasnt exactly what I had expected; I'm guessing I'm more familiar with Swedish massage which is more rubbing, whereas Thai massage seems to involve more pressing. I was glad I'd had a chance to pamper before the 3 hours on my feet, or in cramped quarters while carrying my backpack on the way to the airport then standing in line. Ugh! So Sick of lines!!!
Before that I had gone to this huge, beautiful mall with Joann, where she had a return visit she needed to make. This mall is really something. In the middle of the food court they have a waterfall! They also have numerous other water features, some with fish, and these charming little bridges over them. In one spot they had large trees with twinkling blue lights and BIRDS! A few were in a large cage, but most of the Macaws were just out, sleeping on their tree. This mall was really something else! Apparently they have a whole waterpark on the roof that Alanna says we'll have to go to one day - it's free to those with an M Card (seems to be some kind of expat coupon card). The food court was something too. They had the normal restaurant stalls, but they also had what was like a street market inside. It was fun to walk through it with someone who had been here in Thailand a while as Joann could identify most of the things I hadnt a clue about-and could ask when she didnt know. I sampled the local icecream, the one had jackfruit in it, another was coconut and the third, believe it or not, had corn and red beans and jackfruit - they use beans in a number of their desserts here. I hadn't exactly planned on sampling the last, but when the lady handed me the spoon it seemed rude not to. Surprisingly enough it was my favorite of the three!
It was also just so spectacular going around with Joann because she is so good about witnessing to pretty much anybody that seems nice. She also taught me a few lines in Thai to improve my witnessing, and to be extra polite and respectful.
We did this as the end to our morning of witnessing, having met at the hall at 9 since we have CO this week - Man was my side trip to Kuala Lumpur poorly timed! But at least I was able to get one meeting and one day out in field service with them. And what a lovely morning it was, though I'll admit Im very seriously considering going by Lou since Kendal seems to be very hard for Thai speakers (most ask like Candle?) -the CO and all who met out repeated it about 10 times trying to help the CO get it.  Though then Terry was teasing that he'd introduce me as Lulu after I had stated I'm not a Lulu! Said I'd then just have to learn Thai in order to correct him.
But in the morning I worked out with a lovely Japanese sister named Chiaka. She knows a bit of English and I know a bit of Thai so we were able to generally know what the other was talking about - though we occasionally had to seek assistance from Alanna, Terry or Iku :) The plus was a picked up a few more Thai words and even a couple Japanese. The people we spoke with all seemed very nice to me (though admittedly I understand only a little Thai so I'm mostly going on faces and body language). Chiaka got at least one lady she's planning on calling back on who had an interest in learning what happens when we die. And I also got a lady who said I could call back anytime, but especially to try on Saturday or Sunday because she feels her son might be interested in learning more (she accepted a tract, invitation and mags, but says she herself is very busy; hm, now where have I hears that before...). We worked very close to the Kingdom Hall, so we actually walked the whole time, which I enjoy even though yesterday was quite hot.( Last night after the massage I finally bought an umbrella to block the sun when Im out, since it really does help. It has these two cute little bears on it and I was worried it might be inappropriate for field service, but Alanna said that at one point one of the brothers had an umbrella with Elmo and Cookie Monster on it!) I very much enjoy field service here. I feel like I can really help, the people are typically so sweet though I know I must be so hard to understand, and all the friends are just so encouraging and helpful.
Here I have to share a funny little language faux pas I made. I was trying to be good and use my Thai, and so after saying hi to a young Thai brother I asked how he was. Except I forgot to use the question word. So rather than asking how he was I said Im fine, to which he said (and Alanna translated) I didnt ask. Realizing my mistake I felt like such a duh, and apparently turned a bright shade of red, which Ray Watt, the brother, thought was hilarious (because apparently Thai people dont blush, or at least turn red), but also felt bad (I must have been Very red) so was apologizing and telling me to try again, whereupon I asked in English, which he answered perfectly, rotten boy :p It was fine though. I'll certainly be remembering to use Mai (the question word) from now on!
Let's see now, Tuesday night was meeting, which I had prepared for with Alanna and Terry on Monday night. They had even helped me to get together a comment in Thai for the Service Meeting part where we discussed the scriptures in Psalms and Mark. I'd been practicing it, but then there was some confusion as to when to raise my hand (they only read the first few verses, but then commented on all of it) so missed my opportunity to use my carefully prepared comment :( So Alanna, feeling bad, gave me her comment written out phonetically (though in Aussie), which I gave, but was so flustered by this point that I believe the only word understood by the conductor was Atitarn: Prayer.There is nothing like trying to learn a new language and comment in it to make you feel like a two year old babbling incomprehensively :) Still the brothers are again so very kind and encouraging.  It was funny because I had also commented last week, Alanna having found and written out a comment for me, and I had been surprised at the length, later remarking to Terry I'd been hoping for me of a Ya Ho Wah type comment, but he said for those questions theres always a sea of hands :) (I would say most of the congregation are foreign, the majority of which are Japanese.)
Before the meeting I stretched my painting skills (or lack thereof lol) along with Alanna, Terry and Beam (A Thai brother; Yes a nickname) who have been working to repaint a sister's house damaged by the flood. Hard work on a hot day, but had a lovely time, and of course Im always delighted to help a Sister, and as her father is not in the truth I dont doubt its a good witness. The painting was a little tricky (esp for a perfectionist like me) because it was like working with glue! But in the time I was able to learn more about Buddhism and local cultures, and over lunch, a real treat, we learned how Beam came into the truth. Its so extraordinary to me because were the same age but he is the only one in his family who is a Witness - and a regular pioneer and ministerial servant at that! - and he is truly always witnessing. He had walked with a group of us back to Thep Tonee late one evening, and we turn around to find Beam witnessing to our security guard! Terry told me he had at one point helped at Bethel and theyd invited him to stay, but he said he'd miss the ministry too much.

Malaysia

Heading out for Kuala Lumpur - Sorry Im totally behind in my blogging, but the place Im staying is supposed to have free wifi so Ill try to get caught up while Im there!

First Week in Bangkok

After a busy weekend I needed to take a day off to sleep in a bit and catch up on my blogging as Im woefully behind - so sorry for the famine then sudden flood of information.
So I arrived on Monday, met Lidia, Alanna and Terry, got settled in, had my first bit of genuine Thai food. 25 baht, yum!
Tuesday, walked along Phet Kasem a bit, did a little exploring for myself in the morning, picked up a few things at the 7-11 and realized these "sidewalks" and streets were not what I had expected and I was definitely going to need some more service shoes as one morning of walking seriously tore up my little gold BCBG sandals - thank goodness they were a $1 Bargain Box find! So I met up with Alanna at 10:30 and, as planned, she showed me how to get to the nearest mall riding the bus. This both is and isnt a normal mall as Im accustomed to - for one it has a grocery store in it! We first went shoe shopping and I got a couple pairs of cute shoes for a grand total of under 400 baht (about $12-$13). Next we went to the bank where Alanna was amused to be wished a happy valentines day - we'd both forgotten about it, but it seems to be big both in Thailand and Manila (along with many other western holidays). Then we headed onto the food court, which was definitely a new experience. Instead of paying with baht at the individual vendors, you trade in your baht for food coupons then buy your food with the coupons, and return any coupons you have left for baht. My only guess is that it is more sanitary for the vendors to handle coupons than baht? Or maybe they figure youll be inclined to spend all the baht you exchange? Dunno but apparently its the custom of food courts across Thailand. After that bought a prepaid phone for while Im here to keep in contact with the friends, and Alanna is needing a new phone also, so Ill most likely pass it along to her when I leave, or if she already has a new one I figure it can be given to the next foreigner passing through. It ended up being around 700 baht I believe, so about $25 or so for the phone and sim card, I figure its definitely a worthwhile investment! After that we briefly stopped at the grocery store, but I was admittedly dead on my feet at this point so I just picked up the bare minimum of my needs then we headed home and I  "had a lie down", as Alanna put it, before the English Meeting that night.
The English Meeting is quite interesting, it meets on the 14th floor of the ITF tower, and is just a little hall. I had left early to allow time for getting lost, Alanna had gotten me to the BTS, and drawn me a map with specific instructions as to where to get off the BTS at then which exit to take, but she was worried bacause apparently on Lidias first visit to the English Hall she ended up walking the wrong way! I managed it first try and ended up getting there a full 40 minutes early! Guess there is a first time for everything :)
What amazed me so much about the English Congregation had to be the number of nationalities represented. They were from Holland, Sweden, Japan, Lebanon, France, Phillipines, India, Canada, South Africa and who knows where else! It made for interesting comments and especially singing as you could hear the different accents. According to one older sister from Holland who spends about half her year here because she so loves the congregation, the number of publishers fluctuate a lot thoughout the year. I think my favorite speaker of the night had to be the brother from Lebanon who was so expressive and lively in his delivery.
After the meeting I met Natalie, a sister from France who is actually part of a Thai congregation, but accompanies her Bible Study to the English Meetings, and Chali, a Thai sister who speaks very good English and has relatives in the States. Natalie was very excited because we had a whole group of people visiting from France. Upon learning Id come to Thailand alone they promptly invited me out to dinner with them. The plan was to go to Sizzler, but unfortunately they were closed when we got there. So instead we had Thai food. I got stir fired ginger and wood mushrooms, topped with chicken served over rice. Yummy yummy yummy! About 40 baht with a bottle of water (you dont drink the water here, but its okay to like rinse your toothbrush in it). It was a fun night all in all, as the French brothers and sisters tried to use their english and I used my minimal French. And you would not believe how many servings the skinny French people ate! One sister joked it was because they had no food in France. Then they left and all hugged and did the kiss on both cheeks thing. It was super sweet. I then rode the BTS home partway with them, but they were staying in the city while Im farther out, though we were all rushing to get in before the BTS closed at midnight.
Next morning was my first time in Thai field service. Its definitely an experience, though Manila had helped to prepare me for it a bit. We work preaching door to door until noon then in the afternoon they do their Bible Studies, calls and letter writing. I worked with Alanna and it was a lot of fun, she'd even written me a little presentation so I could have a part. The people smiled and were very patient with me. We left something in every door (or rather gate) as there is no doing of not at homes here since the territory is so large and much hasnt been worked in many many years. Truly here the work is great but the workers are few, I learned just how true this was later when Terry showed me the congregations territory on the wall of the Kingdom Hall. This also makes it important to leave a meeting invite so the interested ones can find us, and Alanna and Terry also try to leave letters in the not at homes in hopes this will reach people and move them to read whatever literature was left. Which is why much time must be spent letter writing. I am trying to learn to do the letter writing but admittedly Im ridiculously slow at it as the letters are new to me and hence I write at the pace of a first grader. Truly learning a new language and visiting a new field is a humbling experience, but with there being such a need I truly feel like I am helping, and there is much interst to be found - in fact Im finding more than Ive ever experienced before the mentality here is that anytime is angood time to preach, especially informally. Specifically the other foreign brothers and sisters view any foreigner they see anywhere as their personal territory, especially since those that live there stay in condominiums that are unreachable to us. Im striving to adopt a similar attitude and hope I can bring it back to the states with me.

View from My Apartment

Im on the 7th floor so I absolutely love the view, especially from my bed at night, though sorry the picture isnt the best.

My new Apartment at Thep Tonee

View from Plane over China

I actually took a number of pictures of these mountains. Its funny because I had thought that Beijing would make a good picture in the daytime, but honestly it was a little ramshackle looking, mostly little houses with the occasional collection of tall building that looked a little like monopoly pieces from the sky view - but oh the mountains were fantastic. Though I know that theyre rock from the plane it looked to me like a little kid had been playing in the sand box, and they looked they could be toppled and rearranged with a swipe of the hand. It made me think that this is surely how Jehovah must see things, that which from land seems steadfast and everlasting from his view is as easily toppled as a sand castle.

Bangkok At Last!

Arrived in Bangkok, or Krung Thep, as the locals call it at around 4 in the afternoon. Immigration line was a PAIN, not difficult to get through as Im now a pro at filling out the arrival and departure forms, but oh the lines! And I swear I have such a knack for picking the slowest line.
Funny story, the sister Joann Ive been emailing with wasnt able to make it so had sent a couple other sisters in her stead, but of course they had no idea what I look like, not age not ethnicity, nothing, just a woman travelling along. And apparently my plane had gotten in early so they were really worried theyd miss me. Apparently Alanna spent a bit of time stalking another woman, wondering if it was me. But I found them easy enough, holding up mags.
From here Ive been given massive amounts of info, being thrown into a whole new world. We took the BTS skytrain home (I must admit I love riding on trains), over the river to the "suburbs" of Bangkok where the rent is much cheaper.  We got off at Wongwian Yai and took a Song Tao (the Bangkok version of a Jeepney, no real US equivalent) to Soi 5 (Sois are streets and numbered, which makes finding your way easier). There I checked into Season Place,though unfortunately learned that to get the monthly rate Id been expecting you have to rent 6 months. Ugh. Guess Ill bemoving then. Tossed my bags down then headed back out with Lidia and Alanna (the two Australian sisters whod met me at the airport) fromthere we walked up the road (and I learned about crossing the crazy busy Bangkok streets) then and crossed PhetKassem (major road that goes from Bangkok all the way to Phuket) on these lovely pedestrian bridges over to Soi 16, the center of the witness world. Many witnesses stay at the apartment buildings along the road, theres a service meet out (a bench in the middle of the street) and of course the Kingdom Hall itself. From there I straight away saw two options of Apartments to rent and though Lidia had to head off I met Alanna's husband Terry. He's also Australian and asked if I could understand him okay or if he needed to put on his American lol. Sounds like he is talking about a coat or something :) From there I had my first bit of Thai food Grapow Moo, which is minced pork with fresh Basil and chiles. Yum. After that headed back to Season Place to sleep.

Tagalog in Manila

So originally the plan was to go to the English congregation, however they had their zone meeting on Sunday and no more tickets so Sunday I took a taxi to Manila Bethel for the Tagalog meeting. What an adventure! The driver was confused and so took me to the wrong Roosevelt ave! Fortunately Id left early enough that we got there before 9:30 when the meeting started. So I paid the cabbie and ran on in, asking where the meeting is at the front desk. And I get a look. The meeting starts at 8:30 apparently. Ugh! Having such issues getting to the meeting on time in Manila. I ran on in and the meeting is packed (I found out later that they regularly have 200+ in attendance!)  A brother sees me and takes me to a seat in the middle of the row, and even gives me his own magazine in Tagalog! So I sit and listen, catching a word here and there, feeling quite conspicuous as the only blond in the room. For the song a young sister (a Bible Study I later learned) in front of me lent me her songbook since I hadnt brought mine since, of course, its in English. So I sang along, very quietly, in Tagalog.

After the meeting I was verily swamped by all the lovely brothers and sisters, introducing themselves, asking where I'm from, US, is that near California? Not really. I grew quite adept at showing with gestures where exactly Ohio was in relation to California, though theres no guarantee how well it was understood. Though they learn english in school, my American accent is hard to understand. Still, these lovely Philipino brothers and sisters are just the sweetest, most hospitable people, and I ended up spending the whole day until 9 that night with ones from the congregation, having not one but two delicious home cooked meals. Ive said ever since I now have family in the Phillipines. :)

The next day I woke early and researched how to get to the Manila Clark airport,which is around 1 1/2 north of the city. From my hotel I took a taxi to the bus stop, then bought a ticket to Dau terminal, then took the airport shuttle, an airconditioned Jeepney (and here I would suggest googling Jeepney because they are a fun way of getting around the Philipines, and colorfully decorated). The end cost was under $10. The line to check in was long and took forever, but made it through without incident. Apparently I wasnt suspicious looking enough to require further inquiry. :p Mostly slept on the plane, since I was quite worn out from the late night then early morning (ah jet lag).

At the Mall in Bangkok with Alanna

Beijing Airport - Its so SHINY!

Manila

Arrived in Manila at about 6:10. Customs was a breeze - the most questions I got was from a man who had gone to school for accounting and noticed I was employed in accounting. Grabbed a taxi and headed straight for the Kingdom Hall from there. Google said 30 minutes because of Friday night traffic it actually took 2 HOURS! Needless to say I was late for the meeting. In fact made it in time just to sing the final song. Was also surprised to see the English congregation actually meets at the Branch! Still I was so happy Id gone and connected with the local congregation - I was able to learn when they met for field service the next day and met a number of lovely friends who let me know they had their zone meeting on Sunday so it was doubly good Id come on Friday because otherwise Id have been the only person there for the English Sunday meeting. They were so immensely helpful, they let me know the Tagalog would meet there on Sunday, saw to it I had a group to meet with Saturday and even drove me to my hotel and picked me up this morning! Cannot say enough about how fantastic the Manila English congregation is!
On the way to the hotel we stopped for dinner, an unusual fair to be sure - Burger King chicken tenders :)
This morning did field service, it wasnt too bad heat wise, though I was glad when Jem shared the shade from her umbrella with me as the sun is incredibly bright. We tried at first to go to a Subdivision, but were unfortunately not allowed to enter. So from there we asked ones if there were any foreigners in the area. A fun morning andwe found a few - Jem said it was nice to have a foreigner with her as people were so helpful then.
We tried a return visit then but had to do a bit of walking as areas were closed for a movie shoot - Bourne Legacy apparently. The film crew was then American and we hence got the very typical American response.
A wordon the driving: CRAZY. Doug, a brother originally from Virginia, but who had lived in New York for 25 years said he took a year just to figure out the mentality behind it. Pretty much any road can be made into three or four lane if they wish and there were no stop signs and few lights - which according to Ephraim were also sometimes viewed as optional.
All in all having a good time though my body isnt sure when to be hungry or tired just yet :) but my hotel is nice and Ive had just a wonderful time out with the friends - though now at 3 in the afternoon Im heading to my room for a nap :)

Beijing

Arrived in Beijing around midnight local time. Its a lovely airport all new and shiny and even had free internet! As did Columbus, by the way, but in Chicago you had to pay - have to add that CMH also gets bonus points for all the convenient outlets.
So in Beijing I had a long layover of about 12 hours before I headed on to Manila. Its quite an interesting place at night - very quiet with people sleeping on most of the seats. I admit it got a little bit old waiting on them to open my airlines ticketing area so I could get my boarding pass, then I waited in line for over an hour! Once I had my pass it was fairly painless though I cant tell you how many times my bag was scanned - though i definitely made the right choice as to what to bring as I  never had to check anything
Food. I had hoped to get dumplings while in Beijing, but no place that was open had them so finally I just had a cheese croissant and cafe latte. Wouldnt recommend it and thats all I have to say on that subject.
Got on my plane without incident (though the one security guy wasnt entirely sure I was the girl in my passport pic :) told him yeah that was a while ago) and here Ill say one thing further Phillipine Airlines has way better food than American, though they did give us an abundance at least.

Packed and Ready to Go!

I've packed and repacked and now have my stuff down to a backpack and a shoulder bag. Despite dealing with all the realities of going still hard to believe I'll be on the other side of the world soon.