Arriving in Bangkok, we quickly jumped into exploring the city making stops at the Grand Palace and the Weekend Market. Despite the overwhelmingly amount of people, motorbikes, food carts, and stray dogs, it wasn't hard to jump right in and start learning about their culture. Thai people are definitely some of the most welcoming people I have met in another country, and I can honestly say that I have always felt safe and comfortable here.
Chiang Mai is definitely where I have made myself at home. I've learned to never get into a songtaew if they try to charge you more than twenty baht, never underestimate the power of walking away, and always be open to new experiences, whether it be food or unexpected adventures. I have lived my dream of spending a day with elephants (treated very humanely), made new Thai friends who I hope will visit California very soon, and have hiked through a rainforest with countless numbers of waterfalls. I thought six weeks would feel like forever, but when I look back I feel like I just got here. There's still so much to see and do, so these next ten days will be pretty busy...
-Kyley Olson