Local Celebrity In Thailand

It’s been almost one month since my last post! I can’t even remember all that has happened since then, because it’s been adventure after adventure each day! As I’m settling in, I’ve realised firsthand just how generous and kind Thai people are. Everyone here genuinely has my best interests in mind, and wants to show me exhilarating and entertaining parts of living in Thailand.
One thing I’ve done that I never thought I would have is whitewater rafting. The people that know me well are very aware that in the past, I used to be terrified of anything that’s slightly dangerous. However, since I’ve moved to the other side of the world by myself at seventeen, I feel like there isn’t too much else I can be afraid of. I feel ready to take on the world. So I took a chance and went whitewater rafting. And it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve had in Thailand so far! I can’t wait to do it again!
Of course, every exchange student will experience a low at some point. Mine personally came in the form of food poisoning. This past week I was hospitalised after becoming very sick, and was told I had some pretty bad dehydration. Staying in a hospital was not the most fun thing in the world, but I stayed positive. I also had the support of my friends and host family (my mom even snuck me in a bunch of regular food, since hospital food is terrible. Just another reason why I love her!) Luckily I am out of the hospital now and feeling much better.
One thing I was not expecting was the way Thai people would act around me! I get a lot of stares, mostly because I have pale skin, a non-Asian face, and am taller than almost everyone (even though I’m only 5 foot 4 inches). But I also get a lot of lovely comments from people! Sometimes I’ll be walking down the street, and I’ll hear “Beautiful!” and “I love you!” Thai people really do love Americans, which is funny to me because, no matter how different you look, Americans will never shout compliments at you on the street. I truly feel like a local celebrity here because everyone is so interested in me and wants to know my name, where I’m from, and take a picture with me – you have no idea how many selfies I’ve taken with people I don’t even know. And even though sometimes I do wish I could just blend in like a regular Thai teenager, I will admit that I enjoy the attention. Honestly, it’s a real confidence boost and it makes me feel appreciated, even if it’s for something as trivial as the shape of my face or my American accent. I’ve learned that, when you’re a foreigner, you have to be okay with being different. You’re never going to ‘fit in’ and you likely will have a much different experience than someone who is a native. Part of the journey is embracing what’s different about you, and being open to the questions, stares, and comments that come with it. I’m not a Thai girl; I’m an American girl. Even though I’m diving deep into the culture of this new country, I have to keep in mind I’m still learning. There’s much more to come and I can’t wait for the rest of this year’s adventures.