Dorm living. . .

This is Viddhaya Nives, the dorm/housing I am in. It is funny to think back to when I was eighteen living in the dorm on North Campus. Remembering how we hung out in the hall, we did a lot of spur of the moment things, we ate dinner with different people, we came in and out of each others rooms to touch base, borrow things, and gossip? Remember having only a hot pot and mini-fridge and ifyou were lucky you had a toaster? I remember one friend of mine had a rice cooker/steamer, that was deluxe, we could make ramen noodles in it.

Well, here I am, 23 years later, doing the same thing again (see my not so exciting room below). And you know, it is sort of fun in ways. It really simplifies life. I have a limited amount of things so there isen't a lot of choice in what to eat or wear. I have no television (well there is one but it is all in Thai). I do have the internet which is nice and I could watch TV on that but have really been too busy to even consider it.

Since I am really here on such a short term basis, i can't really spend too much time decorating. I did hang a map of Bangkok (surprise, surprise) and a few pictures from home and I bought a cute little bedside lamp too. But otherwise, can't really be bothered. (Remember when we thought three months was a long time? I don't really count this as living somewhere, it is just a long stay!)

Dorm living, it does have its qualities (for a long stay!)

Another "living" note. Food here is so cheap it is cheaper to eat out then make food, so consequently very few people eat at home. For us, we can go anywhere for dinner, the closest place is across the road at the student canteen. The canteen has seven different vendors selling various foods, drinks, snacks etc. It is very cheap, we usually eat there for under a dollar! With drinks and dessert it is maybe $1.25. We often have no idea what we are eating. It is all in thai and you just point to things. Over time I have learned to follow the students and if it looks good ask for the same thing. It usually is tasty. . .usually.

Below is the canteen and a picture of typical food choices. . .