Backpacking in Thailand

I am currently backpacking across Thailand for the 4-week Chinese New Year holiday. My posts will be few and far between due to sporadic internet access. Josh and I started in Zhuzhou, China...traveled down to Hong Kong for two days, and then flew to Phuket, Thailand. After enjoying Kamala Beach in Phuket we stayed in beautiful Khaolak, headed to Koh Samui island (we ended up extending our time there because it was gorgeous!), and now we're in Bangkok! Highlights include snorkeling on Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan, eating delicious Thai food at local markets, and exploring a 5-tiered waterfall on the outskirts of Khaolak. I will update some stories and pictures when I have time! Love you all!! :)

China's Premier Visits Zhuzhou

Nora and I were wondering why there were so many police everywhere on Monday... until we remembered that Wen Jiabao, China's Premier, was visting Zhuzhou for the day. Zhuzhou is a manufacturing hub, most importantly for planes and trains, and Jiaboa's visit was focused on seeing how the city's industry is doing. He also spent some time with the locals, trying to keep connected with how daily life is for ordinary Chinese citizens. Pictures and an interesting article HERE.

2012: Year of the Dragon

2012 is the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac, which is composed of twelve animals. Zodiac rotations are based on the Chinese calendar, which has elements from both lunar and solar calendars and takes 60 years to complete a full cycle. The Chinese zodiac is often used superstitiously -- to predict baby genders and adult relationship compatibility.

Since I was born in late 1988, I fall into the "Earth Dragon" category. As of the date of this blog post (on January 3rd, 2012) it is still the Year of the Rabbit even though the Gregorian calendar moved ahead from 2011 to 2012. The next lunar year begins on January 22nd, 2012, which is the beginning of China's Spring Festival -- the most important festival in China.

Anyway, below is a description of people with Dragon birthdays. If you're curious about your own year, check out www.chinesezodiac.com. It leads to some pretty interesting introspection!  I definitely see some strong matches between me and typical "dragon" characteristics!

Dragon (Chinese: 龙, Pinyin: Lóng)

Personality

Occupying the 5th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon is the mightiest of the signs. Dragons symbolize such character traits as dominance and ambition. Dragons prefer to live by their own rules and if left on their own, are usually successful. They’re driven, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks. They’re passionate in all they do and they do things in grand fashion. Unfortunately, this passion and enthusiasm can leave Dragons feeling exhausted and interestingly, unfulfilled.

While Dragons frequently help others, rarely will they ask for help. Others are attracted to Dragons, especially their colorful personalities, but deep down, Dragons prefer to be alone. Perhaps that is because they’re most successful when working alone. Their preference to be alone can come across as arrogance or conceitedness, but these qualities aren’t applicable. Dragons have tempers that can flare fast!

Health

Considering their hard-working nature, Dragons are healthy overall. They do get stressed and suffer from periodic tension/headaches, likely because they take so many risks. Dragons could benefit from incorporating mild activity into their lives. Yoga or walking would be good as these activities can work both their minds and their bodies.

Career

Dragons prefer leading to being led. Jobs that allow them to express their creativity are good choices. Some good careers include: inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, and sales person.

Relationships

Dragons will give into love, but won’t give up their independence. Because they have quick, sometimes vengeful tempers, their partners need to be tough-skinned. Dragons enjoy others who are intriguing, and when they find the right partners, they’ll usually commit to that person for life.

Dragons and the 5 elements

Metal Dragons – Years 1940 and 2000

Metal strengthens this already strong sign. Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.

Water Dragons – Years 1952 and 2012

Water calms the Dragon’s fire. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow other’s to become involved.

Wood Dragons – 1904 and 1964

Wood Dragons also are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.

Fire Dragons – 1916 and 1976

A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.

Earth Dragons – Years 1928 and 1988

More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.

Compatibility

Dragons are compatible with the Monkey or Rat and incompatible with the Ox and Goat.

So I tried to give my students a "freebie" question on their exam by asking "What's your Oral English teacher's name?" Some of the responses have been hilarious... including "Teacher Kilt", "Teacher Cake", and one that's too inappropriate to write on here. lol. Ohhh the joys of grading exams.

The good news is that I think my sickness is more "chronic bronchitis" than pneumonia (but this is just self-diagnosis at this point, thanks to the internet and skyping with my nurse mother). So I'm taking amoxicillin (for my throat and lungs), sudafed (for my sinuses), drinking lots of Chinese medicinal tea, and I'm about to get some "Chuan Bei" (supposed to help clear out my lungs)... it's kind of like a cough syrup that must be mixed with hot water. I'll let you know how that one works out.

Aaaaand in a mere four days I will be picking up my lovely boyfriend from the airport in Changsha!!! I'm SOOO excited for our month-long adventure in Thailand!!! (Plus a surprise destination I'm keeping a secret). Train tickets have finally been secured (after much pushing and shoving, waiting in line, and headaches) so at least we have secured all the logistics of getting to Thailand. :)

In a week I'll be basking in the beautiful, Thai sunshine on a glorious sandy beach. *sigh*

I'm trying to finish up grading about a thousand (or more) exams before leaving on holiday with my boyfriend... but I think I have a sinus infection paired with either pneumonia or bronchitis, so please keep me in your prayers as I try to find a doctor in town.