I feel like writing a new post even though I don't have too much to say. There are exactly two weeks left before I leave for Thailand. The excitement and anticipation that I had since the beginning of summer hasn't worn off. I just shipped 34 pounds worth of books and teaching materials by diplomatic pouch to Thailand. It is a convenient (and cheap) method of shipping for me and the books will be waiting for me when I arrive at my town, or at least that's what I was told. I think I'm going to end up bringing two suitcases, but I'm trying to pack as lightly as possible. I've gotten basically everything that I believe I'll need for a year long stay in Thailand; it feels strange to think that I can live out a whole year with only two suitcases of stuff, but I'm kidding myself, because I'll have a ton of household stuff to purchase when I get to my apartment.
I have to confess that I'm looking just as forward to the plane ride as my arrival in Thailand. I used to be slightly phobic of plane rides, but in the past few years, I've enjoyed planes. I'm not sure why. Perhaps a reason that I associate plane rides with pleasure is not in the plane ride itself, but the places they take me. Traveling is liberating to me because there are no obligations or deadlines involved. One of my friends interestingly pointed out that the happiest she has seen me was when I was abroad traveling. I feel free when I travel, and I tend to go along with the flow of things much more than when I'm at school or the like. It takes my friends a lot of energy to push me out of my apartment or library when I'm at school and almost impossible to make me go on their crazy adventures, because I'm usually at my wit's end meeting deadlines to projects and tests.
In all this, I have come to associate plane rides with pleasure. It's nice to read a book and when bored, be able to look out to see puffy white clouds floating past, or if I'm lucky, see the ocean below or other natural formations. I've arranged my seats on my two upcoming flights so that I'll have two seats to myself for both rides so that's a plus. It's kind of like business seating in economy class. It makes sense that the plane I'm riding isn't full, because it is an American carrier that is departing from Los Angeles. Since there are so many cheaper alternatives of international carriers available in a major city such as LA, I didn't think people will ride as much on an American carrier which all are rated at the most 3 stars out of 5 by Skytrax. A lot of the other international carriers are cheaper and can be upwards of 4 or 5 stars with usually great in-flight entertainment and good service. I am riding an American carrier though, because the Fulbright program has generously provided me with the tickets!
Here are some photos from my past flying adventures:
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| Thailand |
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| Chicago |
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| Barcelona |
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| Italy |
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| Seattle |
