Hello everyone! 

I am happy to report I have safely made it to Thailand, and I have been here for about 3 full days now. As most of you know, I booked a one-way plane ticket to Asia to pursue my travel goals. I would love to be here for as long as possible, but right now I have no idea how long that will be!

My first few days have been very exciting. Thai people are so kind and friendly, but at the same time are very persistent in their effort to sell you something. Whether it be food on the street, a tuk-tuk ride, or a suit, everyone will always ask!

The food is AMAZING. I have always loved Thai food, but you never know true Thai food until you try it in Thailand. Pad Thai is very basic, there are many many options to choose from, however, I have to say so far I am guilty of eating a lot of Pad Thai.... (it is just so good!). Literally every street here in Bangkok has street vendors, a lot of streets have many, and there does not appear to be a shortage of street food. And it is all so cheap! For example, the Pad Thai I have been getting is 60 baht ($1= 32 baht). I have been eating delicious food and drinking the most fresh mango and pineapple smoothies all for under $7-8 a day... total. 

I made a friend, Gino, from Argentina. Gino is a little older than me and he and I have been exploring Bangkok together. We took a boat tour down the river, zipped around in tuk-tuks (3 wheeled tricycle with an engine, and in most cases they're faster than the average car), had an excellent Thai massage, we've explored some eye-opening temples, and much more! Temples are everywhere in Bangkok, and they feel very unique to Thailand (this is my first time in a culture like this... so I anticipate I will see many more temples throughout all of SE Asia!). 

One day Gino and I had just rode the elevator up from the subway station. We probably looked confused, because we were trying to figure out which way to go. Almost immediately someone approached us with a map and asked us where we were from, how long we are in Thailand, how long we are in Bangkok, and where in Thailand we are going next. Everyone asks these same questions! Anyway, we said we were interested in going to China Town, but she told us China Town was closed today (not true.. just a common scam to get you to go buy something somewhere else). We knew that wasn't true, but being rookies at this thing we heard what she had to say, and decided to go get a Thai massage instead (it was on our list, and we made it to China Town later that day). She walked us to the tuk-tuk drivers and told us they could take us there for 40 baht, and we were off! The funny thing is, everyone asks the same questions and everyone has a map in their hand to point you in a certain direction. I have heard that people are paid to send tourists to specific locations. Nevertheless, Thai people are very friendly. It is the land of smiles, after all! 

In a few days, I am off to the South, and I am very much looking forward to that! The next update coming soon...

Zach