From being on holiday to being stranded...

Pictures really don't do justice to the natural beauty of Thailand...but neither do my words...

Sunset at beach resort in Pattaya (stayed here for 7 nights)

Beach at resort in Pattaya.

Resort in Chiang Mai (stayed here for 4 nights)


Elephant show in Chiang Mai.

Me about to eat a fried grasshopper.

My trip to Thailand was amazing. I never expected to see so much natural beauty! I feel very blessed (spoiled!) to have had this experience! I loved the beach resort in Pattaya, I loved the elephant show, I loved the warm weather, I loved the swimming pools, I loved the night markets in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya, I loved the food (even the fried grasshoppers), I loved the different culture. But, without a doubt, one of the best parts of it all was meeting new people and hearing their stories! Uhmmm...I think I could go on and on but I don't really know where to start. Definitely an unforgettable experience. I am thankful!

It is good to think back on my time in Thailand as I am stranded here, in Kunming.

As all of you must have heard by now: weather conditions in China (especially Southern China) are extremely bad (snow, ice etc.). In many places there has not been power for almost 3 weeks (that means, no heat, no light past 6:30pm, no elevators for those living somewhere high up in the sky, no internet etc.) and many places have also been without water for the same amount of time. Millions of people (migrant workers) have been stranded (trampled!) at train stations in an attempt to make it home in time for Chinese New Year celebrations (for many of them this is the only time of the year they get to see their family). In short, most of China has been effected by these weather conditions that are said to be the worst in 50 years. The province I live in has been and continues to be hit hard. We have been asked not to return back until things (roads etc.) have cleared up a little.

The plan for me was to fly back to the province I live in on January 31st but obviously my plans have changed a bit. As it stands now, I will be somewhat stranded in Kunming until for sure the 12th of February (that sounds crazy even to me but that might even be extended because the forecast is not looking to great even for then yet). This city seems to be completely unaffected by the poor weather although it is winter here and still somewhat cool. The only reason I really feel stranded is because I only packed 1 pair of warm clothes and travel-sized everything - which means I am starting to run out of everything. Though I must admit - I have it much, much better than the majority of the people in this country right now.

Most of my time here in Kunming is spent catching up on sleep, planning lessons, visiting western restaurants (YAY for the Wickerbasket!), going for walks, and bowling (haha, there's a bowling alley at the hotel here and it is super duper cheap so we end up playing about 3 games a day). Even though I am sad to miss spending Chinese New Year with Karen and her family - I am still looking forward to experiencing it here in Kunming. I have heard that there is going to be a crazy ridiculous amount of fireworks and my friend and I (5 of us are stranded here) have decided to enjoy the view (and endure the noise) downtown Kunming...should be lots of fun!

I will try to write another update before leaving Kunming because it has been predicted that the power 'back home' may be off for another whole month.