Although, I must admit that I woke up pretty early this past couple o' days in order to get as MUCH homework (due RIGHT after spring break! gah!) done as possible, but am now being a bit of a procrastinator in terms of studying for MIDTERMS (that are RIGHT after spring break, double gah!).
In any case. I decided it's time for me to do a little bit more research on where I'm actually going this summer...
Although I'll be staying in a dormitory at an institute outside of Bangkok, I'll be commuting everyday to conduct research at Chulalongkorn University, which is in Bangkok! So, even though I might be a little worried about the daily commute, at least I'll be going to the center of Thailand, everyday, to see what's up!
First of all, Bangkok - the capital of Thailand - is known in Thai as Krung Thep Mahanakhon, which translates to: City of the Deity. It is the largest urban area in Thailand, with a "population of approximately 6,355,144 residents while the greater Bangkok area has a population of 11,971,000 (January 2008)." It has two airports, as well as Skytrain, Metro, Railway, and Bus systems.
Politically, Bangkok is divided into 50 districts (khet), each having a district leader appointed by the governor.
In terms of Demographics, most of Bangkok is ethnically naturally Thai, but is growing in immigrant populations from China, India, Japanese (the largest population in Asia outside of Japan, apparently!), Americans, Europeans, etc. etc...
Apparently the majority (92%) are Buddhist, followed by Muslim, Christian, Hindu... and I found this a bit comical, 41 Jewish people. I love how detailed information (whether it be trustworthy or not) that Wikipedia provides, haah!
Anyways. I'll do more "research" later, probably a special on Thai street foods (my number ONE thing that I'm SUPER excited about, besides the other aspects of Thai culture and temples!).
For now, I'm going to step outside and enjoy my long awaited spring break. :)
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