Chiang Mai, Baby

Well, I've made it. I've made what I considered to be one of the most nerve-wrecking trips of my life. I was quite nervous on the way to Bangkok and I went into panic mode while we were being transported from the airplane to the terminal: I don't speak Thai! How am I meant to communicate? What if everone stares at me because I don't look Asian? What will I EAT?

We arrived in Bangkok last Wednesday and stayed for 2 nights. I can describe Bangkok in 3 words: over populated, dirty and crazy. It's very much like Mexico city, except I can't read an of the signs, I don't understand what anyone is saying to me and everyone looks Asian. I arrived in Chiang Mai on Friday and have been staying at the Suriwongse Hotel since then. It's right in front of the night bazaar, an amazing night market that IS HUGE.

Today we are moving to the international youth hostel and going apartment hunting. Two things that have blown my mind since being here:

1. All of the apartments I've looked at so far don't have kitchens. Who needs to cook when you can get lunch for 50 cents? Pad Thai is 50 cents!
2. An apartment in an expat condo building is $250 a month. My friend Keely pays $75 a month for her studio!

Chiang Mai is a charming city/town. I think I just might like it here. Now if I can only figure out how to communicate...Thai classes anyone?