So far so good in Bangsaen. Since my arrival on Sunday, I've gradually slipped into easygoing beach living mode. Even work seems more relaxed when you can gaze out at the ocean from the 6th floor window during breaks. Today, Friday, is my day off and I just returned from what's become my routine morning walk down the palm-shaded path you see in the picture above, only minutes from my apartment. It's so peaceful there in the mornings with a smattering of people lounging in the deck chairs and vendors just opening up their shops and restaurants on the other side of the path (seen in the picture below). The rows of chairs and umbrellas continue farther than I've yet walked and apparently fill up on weekends when Thai tourists arrive by the bus and carloads. Truth be told, the narrow strip of beach isn't much and the people I've talked to are wary of the water, revising my previous mental images of sunset dips and strolls sans shoes. But I'll just take a page from the Thais. They mostly come to the beach to recline under the umbrellas, order food and chill out with friends. Not a bad plan at all. And I'm already relishing the cooler and fresher air. It's so nice to eat seafood outside and not feel tightness in the chest from exhaust (Sorry for the cheap shot, Bangkok. You know I still love you. We just need some time apart.)
The town itself is small, almost entirely Thai (I've seen just a few foreigners walking around) and centered around the university. The language school I teach for is actually in the engineering building on campus so most of my students are college students. I'm down here with another teacher from Bangkok, Dave, who's coincidentally also North Carolina born and bred. Both of us got the feeling we had stepped into the Thai version of Myrtle Beach, at least the Strand area (is it even called that anymore? I'm having great memories from high school now). More hi-so Thais weekend at Hua Hin, while this place attracts pickup trucks and souped-up cars. I've seen a couple of such cars sneaking (by this, I mean right in front of the police officers) in a practice round before the annual speed race, which takes place this weekend along the main street that runs parallel to the beach.Of course Wednesday around noon my time, I was nowhere near the beach, but glued to the TV watching Obama make history. I will never forget sitting on the bed and sobbing over his words and the reactions of people in the crowd, particularly the older generation who must have thought they'd never see such progress in their lifetime. I managed to get it together and apply sunscreen to meet Dave for lunch. We were both in a state of elation and could hardly stop talking about the significance of it all. Even during unrelated topics of conversation, one of us would say "Obama" and we'd break into smiles. Then we each received texts from non-American friends who were just as excited and it really hit home how much this election meant to everyone and how most people from other countries really do want America to succeed. It's been a while since I've felt this proud to be an American, and it's not only because of the way in which Obama won, but also the way in which McCain lost - with grace and even the promise of support. I like to hold classroom debates, particularly in the advanced classes with students who will soon study abroad. Some have asked me with real wonder if it's true that Americans get into heated debates and then laugh about it or shake hands afterward. I laughed the first time I heard the question because I hadn't thought of it that way before, but answered yes, that sounds about right. Most of my students really enjoy debating once they get into it, but I have to choose the subject matter carefully. Thailand's current political strife is off-limits for sure. It's a great thing to be able to air differences and still stand in the same room when the dust settles. There's obviously a lot wrong in America today, but this far-away perspective has given me a new appreciation for what's right.
Go Obama!!
