Sorry for the long Blog absents. Been really busy starting a new life on the other side of the Globe. So you guessed it, I am in Chiang Mai Thailand. Have been here since April 9th.
The travel was a nightmare. First flight was delayed just long enough to make me miss my connection. The connecting airline said sorry for you luck and the trip I had already booked was no more. It ended up costing me another $850 and two nights longer to get where I was going. Also Delta not only supplied the delay they lost my luggage. On the bright side I flew Cathay air and it was wonderful. the food, service, comfort, and entertainment was in credible. they even had outlets so I could plug up my cpap machine a sleep without snoring.
So Norfolk to New York was the delayed flight. Ended up having to spend the night in NY. Made Delta pay for that. Next day it was Cathay from NY to Bangkok. Again that was a wonderful flight. Landed in Bangkok, got a recommendation for a hotel room and a cab from one of the airport kiosks. quick cab ride, bell boy carries my bags up to the room, and before he leaves he offers me a young girls for the night. I politely declined and sent him on his way. Wow, was not in Bangkok an hour and was offered this, I thought at least if i were looking for that (and I was not) that I would have to go looking for it. well enough about that.
Next day flew from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Bangkok Air. Again great service. Bangkok air is also the ones who found by luggage for me. It took them almost a week to undo what Delta had done with my bag.
First night in Chiang Mai I found the hotel I had booked on line. They were nice, wifi in the lobby, nice quiet area, great free breakfast. They ran about $30 US a night but that was right in the middle of the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year). Spent a few nights there then by luck (Gods hand) I found a nice apartment close to where I will go to school. It runs just under $9 US a night. And like I said it is within a quarter mile of Walen where I will take Thai Language lessons for a year. Classes start May 10th.
Starting to settle in, know where to eat, where to shop, and how to smile real big when you don’t know what to do or say. Right now I get by with knowing how to say Hello, goodbye, thank you, and how much in Thai. The people here are so nice and understanding. Even if I overpay they make sure to give me the right change back. There is something about their 10 sound like my 20 or vice versa, I really need to figure that one out.
Have made a few friends by just walking around talking to people. Most who speak English like to practice with native English speaker. My southern accent either entertains or confuses people. I need to figure that one out also.
Reaching out to the Mien community the best I can for now. Going to the one Mien church in Chiang Mai this sunday. Have been reaching out to Campus Crusade for Christ representatives here in Chiang Mai. Will start on Chiang Rai as soon as I get transportation. Trying to come up with enough money to buy a used scooter. Wish me luck.
Now that I am back on the blog I will try and stay more caught up. Love this country, her people, and the God Who made it all.
God Bless
Charles Mills