I have had the privilege to represent CSUF while studying abroad at Chiang Mai University located in northern Thailand. After weeks of mental preparation, packing, and repacking we finally started our adventure. The plane ride from LAX to Incheon Airport (ICN) was around 12 hours. Then From Incheon Airport to BKK we had a shorter flight, only 6 hours. We stayed in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, for two days as a period of adjustment. Bangkok is gigantic and very different to LA. Our hotel was located 30 minutes away from the Airport. We observe that in Bangkok they drive on the other side of the road, narrow freeways, and an enormous amount of motorcycles. During our two-day stay we visited several malls, markets, and took a taxi boat on the Chao Phraya River. We also visited the Grand Palace, which was a very moving experience. Once you get passed the tourists distractions, it was possible to appreciate the locals and their folkloric traditions such as flower offerings. It is important to realize that even though the temples are tourist attractions, for Buddhists it is a place of worship. We have been a couple of days in this country, but I believe that this traveling experience is starting to mark all of us for a lifetime.
Carolina Mendoza
Carolina Mendoza