November 20, 2012

  • On the Move

    After the flooding in Sri Maha Phot receded, we started classes again on Oct. 15. I was not notified by my agency that I was not returning to the school until Wednesday. I thought I was going to be there through the end of the week, and then start the new term the following Monday. I am disappointed that there was such a breakdown in communication between the agency and myself. I should have been given timely notification concerning my status. I was ordered to pack up my stuff and relocate to Bangkok until they reassigned me.

    On Wednesday, I bought a large duffle bag for my clothes, and a new book bag to replace a North Face book bag I have been carrying for about six years. The zipper on the NF bag splits now after zipping it up. I don't want to part with it, as I have carried it so far, from Chuncheon, South Korea, to George Town, Malaysia. However, on Thursday, as we loaded into the van for the trip to Bangkok, the duffle bag ripped. The next day the shoulder strap on the new book bag broke. I won't be buying luggage from Tesco-Lotus anymore. I am one who has brand loyalty to only three companies, made up of Apple computers, Cannon cameras, and The North Face line of bags and clothing. 

    Thursday I got to Bangkok, and checked into the New My House Guest House, located on Soi Rambuttri, behind Wat Chana Songkram. It is in the Khao Sahn Rd. area of Rattanakosin Island, and is in walking distance of the National Gallery, National Museum, and the Grand Palace complex, among other tourist attractions. The island became the site of Bangkok's Old City, which was founded in 1782. I didn't do a lot of tourism, but I did find a couple of places to photograph for the first time. Romaneenart Park is the site of a park located on the grounds of a former prison. The towers still stand, as well as a long section of wall and gate leading into the yard. Before leaving Bangkok, I took climbed the Golden Mound, which gives a nice view of the vast expanse of Bangkok. Unfortunately, you can't see the river from its height. 

    Over the next few weeks, I was waiting to hear from my agency regarding a job, which didn't happen. I started the job search again, and remembered a card I was given in July. A pastor at the Saraburi SDA church told me to contact him when I became available. I followed through about a week ago, and this past Friday I checked out of the guest house and relocated to Saraburi. The pastor and I discussed briefly the job with the school, and I am now waiting to talk with him tomorrow regarding where I will live, as well as training and starting date.

    Saraburi is a town located about two hours from Bangkok on the highway to Khorat. The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is located southwest of Saraburi and is directly connected by railroad. By train, we are perhaps four to five hours from Bangkok.