Packing for our 1 month and 2 month journeys (my brother and I, respectively) David was able to borrow a hiking backpack from our friend, while I used my Minaal Carry-on for the first time (thanks to my sister). Though we were coming right at the end of the hottest month of the year, it was still hot and monsoon season was approaching. While I wanted to wear shorts every day, I had to be aware that I was going to a more modest, Buddhist nation and needed to have appropriate clothing.
After 30 hours in airports and airplanes, my brother, David, and I finally made it to Chiang Mai. It felt so good to breathe fresh air and walk on solid ground again. We picked up our suitcases and headed out to be picked up and taken to our home for the summer, Grace Student Center. Once we left the baggage claim, we realized that we didn’t even know what the person picking us up from the airport looked like (oops). Luckily, he printed out our names on a piece of paper and I found him.
My first faux pas occurred the moment I hopped into the passenger seat, or at least, the passenger seat in America. Foreigner alert.
Other than driving on the left side of the road, the view is the complete opposite from Los Angeles. Traffic may be tight during rush hour, but there are no freeways here. Lush, green mountains in sight, trees lined up on the sides of the roads, people selling food and merchandise from peddler stands. I love it. It is slightly reminiscent of my mom’s childhood town in Yi lan, Taiwan.
Even though it’s humid here, I’m thankful I arrived during the cooler months of the summer, with temperatures in the 30s (deg. C) and mostly cloudy. California could use some of the abundant rainfall they have here. It’s so nice to see scenery that is green and not all brown!
MELODY TIENYUN 
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