Procrastinating

I have now been in Thailand for a full 24 hours by myself, and its been wonderful. This is the first time I have traveled on my own, and its really fun!However, I will be joined by two friends in about an hour. Both are from USC, but one is coming from the States and the other  one is studying with me in Singapore, so the solo traveling wont last for long, but I'm really excited to see them.
First, the flight over here was wonderful. I sat next to a Singapore Air Cargo pilot who has lived in Chiang Mai for 12 years. Of course we talked aviation, but he is also building a kit airplane and invited me over to see it. I think my schedule is full while I'm here, but it was great to talk planes with someone again! He also gave me great insight into how the aviation industry works in Asia. The most important point I took from it: employees don't get flight benefits! So, although I had thoughts about working in the aviation industry here in Asia, that pretty much sold me on not doing it right now. I mean I love the industry because it fascinates me, so benefits aren't the only reason, but if your going to receive less pay for the same job function in another industry, there had better be some good travel options involved.
On to my day. I rented a bicycle today for about a $1.50 and let myself navigate through traffic,get as lost as possible, and it was wonderful. I really suggest renting a bike in any new town as long as its flat. Such a great way to see the city. Typical of Thailand, I found A LOT of temples (Wat's). Although I had the bike for 24 hours, after about 4 hours, my bum was numb and my legs were aching,  so I decided to turn it in and walk around for a bit. I found a quite tea house with local tea that was amazing, although it made me really miss my Mom since I know she would have loved the patio with the pink orchids, full trees and the waterfall, not to mention the delicious tea. I also had my first REAL salad since i've been in Asia. I'm surprised how much I miss simple veggies. After that I found some more temples and best of all, a massage place! less than $10 for an hour massage....I think Ill be going everyday!
I have to say although traveling alone is great I really wish my cousin Chad was here. For those of you who don't know my cousin, he speaks (or use to, not sure if he has used it in a while) fluent Thai. I think it would have been fun to be shown around a city by someone who has such a passion for it.

Well since I've basically used this post to procrastinate on the paper I should be writing, yes I still have to remember I have homework even when I travel, I think its about time to face real life again. Love you all!

Home sick

So its official, I'm home sick. How do I know you ask? Well, I just spent $27 on a box of Peant Butter Cap'n Crunch, soy Silk milk, Smucker's strawberry jam, Prego Spaghetti sauce and.... a 6-pack of Coke. Of course the American brands are way more expensive, but I really couldn't stand the thought of more fish noodles in my stomach. I know what your thinking, and nope I'm not physically sick. Everything is staying down and solid (no worries Mom). I do know its completely psychological, because I can put down quiznos, subway, and KFC with no problem, but once an Asian dish is in front of me, I loose my appetite. So I hope my splurge of American products will suffice for this week, as I go to Thailand next week and I'm really dying for some street Pad Thai. I also get to meet up with my friend Kim there  (my roommate from my first semester at USC), so that will be some much needed girl time! I know ill make it through, and I'm not counting down the days till I go home, I do miss all my family and friends SO much right now.