Families and Healthcare in Thailand

This blog has been created for students participating in the 2014 University of Minnesota learning abroad course Families and Healthcare in Thailand. Students will share their stories and what they are learning as we travel to Chiang Mai, Chiangrai, and Bangkok.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Reflections on January 2, 2012 by Katie Timms

Is this really happening?  Even after being here almost a week, I still have to remind myself that I am in Thailand. This is unlike anything I have ever done or experienced and I am loving every minute of it.  Thailand has so much to offer and I am just taking it all in.  We have been busy from day one doing so many exciting things.  I particularly enjoyed going to the Chiang Mai University Faculty of Nursing.  We learned about the HIV and AIDS in Thailand.  Thailand does a great job of educating people in a way that people can relate to and is easy to do in people's daily lives.

Over the weekend, I was able to cross some things off of my bucket list.  This included elephant riding and zip lining!  Both things in which I have been wanting to do for a long time, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to do them in than Thailand.  The scenery is breath taking.  I took many pictures, but they won't do justice compared to the real scene.  I honestly couldn't have thought of a better way to bring in the new year.

Some culture aspects that I have observed is the way Thais always greet you with a smile.  They are so friendly and truly care about others.  On the other hand, I get very nervous when I ride in a car or a bus because the driving here is very crazy.  People swerve in and out of lanes, drive fast, and drive so close to one another, yet there seems to be very few accidents. 

Other than the scary driving, I am loving the culture and temperature here in Thailand.  I am very excited for what the next two weeks will bring! 

1 comment:

  1. Katie - you have a beautiful and genuine smile, too. I am sure the people of Thailand are responding accordingly! This sounds like an amazing trip! Enjoy it all and come back without regrets! Miss you!

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