Life

Mdm’s typing this in Microsoft word first b/c the internet connection here in the University is down. AGAIN.

In another 20 minutes, I would be having my first oral examination. I had my second written test yesterday, which I doubt I fared well since I didn’t have enough time (and patience) to revise thoroughly the night before.

Mdm went for my virgin solo haircut yesterday (i.e. without P’s escort) then bought some takeaway to feed ourselves. The guy at the eatery was full of praises (as per most Thais) when he heard me speaking in Thai. We had a small talk and when my food was ready, he dug into one of his drawers for a leaflet and passed it to me.

“Practice to read this menu in Thai” he said.

Sometimes the stark differences between Singapore and Thailand leaves me bewildered. It’s not about how developed Singapore is and how inefficient things can be here in Thailand, but it’s about the people (I know doing such a comparison would be generalization, nevermind). And here in Thailand, things are kept simple (except for the immigration procedures of course). People are generally satisfied with life the way it is. Seriously, being here makes me see things less materialistically.

When I was back in Singapore 2 weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down and talk to my cousins in greater length about my life here in Chiang Mai. I can’t really make any fair comparisons b/c life here is very different. For e.g. here I have my husband, less friends, miss my family and friends but so much more simplicity in life. At least my life is not eaten by my job. People make jokes (and still are) about how I (as in I a.k.a. Miss Chong the material girl who lives in a material world) can give up the comforts of urban life and make less than a quarter of what I used to earn. Seriously, these doesn't bother me much as it bothers you.