A Week in My Life: Tuesday

Tuesday

***

I don't have any morning classes today, and already my "average week" is starting our a bit unusual. I've got to head to the US embassy this morning to take care of some paperwork. The US Embassy in Bangkok is located in the "Embassy District" along Wireless Road (named so as it historically ran past Siam's first radio transmission station). It sits on a beautiful piece of garden land not too far from Lumpini Park.

downtown Bangkok along Wireless Road

a spirit house on Wireless Road

Wireless road itself is one of the prettiest and ritziest roads in the city. It's a wide road lined with leafy green trees and home to plenty of gorgeous hotels and expensive condo towers in addition to several embassies belonging to some of Thailand's most prominent allies (including those of the UK, UK, Netherlands, and Vietnam).

at the gates of the US Embassy

My appointment was for 9:00, but I got there a little early. As usual, the line for visa applications stretches down the street. Also as usual, the line for Citizen Services in nonexistent, though I had to get an appointment more than a week in advance. I submit my appointment to the security officer on duty, hand over my phone, and am issued a visitors badge. It's a bit boring inside the Citizen Service office, if I'm being honest. Faded US National Parks posters line the walls, and there are a few magazines and copies of the New York Times and Bangkok Post to read, but the waiting area is small and fairly bland. There are never enough seats. There is a TV, but it's not working correctly. The picture is horribly distorted and grainy and there's no sound. It's fine, though, because the only thing on is WWE women's wrestling. It's the "Royal Rumble". I don't care for it.

another shrine at one of the fancy hotels near the embassy

It's funny, but somehow it feels odd to be surrounded by Americans and standing on (technically) American soil. The staff is quick, efficient, and polite. I've always been fond of the State Department, even if their entertainment choices are seriously lacking.

Central Embassy shopping mall

the bookstore inside Central Embssy

After finishing up with my embassy appointment, I head down the road to Central Embassy, one of the newer luxury malls that opened a few years ago on land purchased from the old British embassy. I have a coffee at Starbucks, browse around a bookstore in the mall, and after a while settle down for lunch.

Starbucks Reserve in the mall

it's just the same as back home

With the pollution and the virus going around, it's a good idea to wear a mask!

Today's lunch is a sizzling hot plate from Pepper Lunch. They heat up a cast-iron pan then serve the rice, veggies, and meat right in front of you. You cook it yourself on the iron plate. It's like having fajitas, but making them yourself at the table.

lunchtime!

After lunch I head back to Amarin Plaza to meet my student again. We have our two-hour lesson, and I really think she's improving, especially with the speaking portion of the IELTS exam!

Central Department Store in downtown Bangkok

After that, I hop in a taxi to head to another student's home. Well, two students, to be precise! They are twins! I used to teach them in middle school and high school, but even after leaving the school, they asked me to stay on as their private tutor, and I really love teaching them once a week. This week, we started reading and discussing Bram Stoker's Dracula.

By 7 pm, it's dark and I'm tired. I've had a long day out, and it's time to head home. I take a taxi to the subway station, then head three stations back to my neighborhood. The evening will be spent reading for my grad school course, and I might turn in early. It's been a long but productive day.