AMCHAM or, Getting Kicked Out of a Cab

I have now finished two days of my internship at the American Chamber of Commerce, affectionately called AMCHAM. My first day began meeting at the office at 6:45 am. I quickly met my boss and the two other interns and then hopped in a government van. We were going to the dedication of a school which AMCHAM and a private company had helped renovate near Rayong on the coast. The hour and a half long drive took three hours (we got lost--three or four times). However, my first act as an intern was to tour the school. It was actually quite impressive. Not by Western standards maybe, but 70 students (K-6th grade) with 5 teachers. There were computers, separate classrooms (including a music room), and bathrooms. We got to play with the students--the counted to 10 in english and then said the english ABCs--very impressive for 2nd grade Thai students. Then we had a brief lunch of Thai fruit and fried rice. (Very sweet and very strange looking--google it sometime). We only got to stay about an hour an then headed back to the office for real work. (I actually have spent the last two days researching and then compiling a report summarizing the tax codes of 6 southeast Asian States--lots of fun.)

This morning was early again: Left by 6:45 to go to the ambassador's house. He and his staff gave a briefing on Thai politics and business. Very interesting and I met lots of business leaders from around Bangkok. Then back to the office.

My last story for now: I had to take the taxi back home by myself today for the first time. It's about a 30-45 minute trip, so I was a bit intimidated. The drivers here do not speak much English--no matter what the guidebooks tell you--so I was operating off a short list of words (turn right, go straight, etc.). Anyway the instructions given to me by a friend were a bit vague, so I ended up not exiting the highway quite properly. I got the driver to turn back around and then we missed the turn for the small access road again. Rather than turning around again, the driver just kicked me out of the taxi. Anyway, I crossed the highway, ran down the highway a few yards (I have no idea why there were no sidewalks or even greenery), and then ran down the access road, all in a suit, and made it to the right neighborhood. I was sticky and scared out of my mind (cars here drive FAST), but I made it--and entertained the locals sitting under the mix master who were watching me.

All in all, a very good couple of days. I do like hearing from people, so feel free to leave a comment. You can always use anonymous comment and just sign it at the end...at least you could back when I was always bothering Ellen. Best wishes to all, Mike.