Hi all,

I have arrived safely and well after a long 11 hour flight and only 2 hours sleep even though I did have a whole row of seats to myself! I arrived late in Bangkok so didn't really get to see it. Met up with organiser of the volunteering company and had pad thai and a drink for only 70p amazing! Yesterday I went on a day out with the school to the coast which was a very long drive in sticky hot weather, thank goodness for air con! We went to a naval base and looked at a ship. A very odd but pretty town, dedicated to the whole of the thai army and navy. I was greeted with alot of stares people wanting my picture children hugging me, not sure if I like the attention just because I am fair! Then went to a zoo and the beach where in comparison to spanish beaches you cannot be left alone, they sell anything to make a bit of money.

After a 7 hour trip from the coast to the village I am in now (Phang Makha). Very remote here next to a jungle and noone speaks fluent english all odd words so feeling a little lonely at the moment but there is meant to be an american boy coming next week. My first night here I stayed at another teachers house didn't really know what to expect but I was shocked with the difference in culture. Sharing a room with the teacher and her child on a mattress on the floor and using a bathroom in a shed with a hole in the ground and a box of water to poor over yourself. I yelped on the toilet when I saw a cockroach and a mouse scurrying along the floor, not what I call a nice trip to the bathroom! Was woken up by c*** and chickens and sounds from the jungle.

I am now nearer to the school and can use the internet at the school. Staying at another teachers house which isn't as culturally different but still not home sweet home, it atleast has a shower but no curtains in my room. I was meant to stay in a volunteer house but they want to look after me even though there is little talking as they have no english!

Hopefully once I get settled I will feel a little more at ease and meet someone to travel with, otherwise will head straight to south Thailand where I can enjoy glorious beaches and probably many other people who speak english!

I start teaching on Monday, so look forward to put my skills to use. Will keep you all updated with what I am doing and hopefully my next blog will be when I am a bit more settled.

Love you all lots and missing you heaps xxx

(it is true when your far from home you appreciate what you have)