Well I guess you would consider my first day a success, although very uneventful. I woke up in this strange little coop of a bunk bed with a curtain for privacy, for a moment not remembering where I was. It was about 7:30 and I knew I wanted to shower so bad after over 24 hours of traveling. I laid in bed for about an hour contemplating whether I wanted to brave going downstairs to the bathroom to shower, where other people are also showering, or just lay in bed some more. It felt so strange being here, still does actually. I finally mustered up the nerve and went to take a shower. I knew I wanted to eat something as well, so after I was ready I went walking around. I am still trying to figure out how everything works around here. I feel like a complete moron. So, I went outside and noticed some food vendors right outside the hostel. I thought this was where everyone else was getting their food, so I went to the next vendor about 20 feet away and chose chicken curry over rice, (the fried fish heads at the initial vendor were not looking very appealing). They made me sit down with them at this tiny picnic table to eat. Thats when I realized everyone else was not getting their food here. They were actually serving breakfast in the hostel. Doh! It was okay though. The man offered me a coca cola that I was very happy about because that shit was spicy! I was even happier when he brought me a glass bottle of coke :). So, I gobbled that all up and went back into the hostel where you are not allowed to wear shoes. They are very strict about this too. I felt weird leaving my sandals right outside the door, along with about 40 other pairs, but now its not a big deal. There are young people everywhere. I haven't really spoke to anyone yet besides the desk workers.
After all this I decided to go back to my bunk to chill out and soak it all in for a bit. I contemplated back and forth walking to the market that's not far away for something to do, then I decided against it and just relax. I began reading a book from my kindle and eventually just passed out. I fell asleep around 11:30 and when I woke up it was 6:00 pm. Hah! I must have been tired and just didn't know it from all the exhilaration and getting adjusted to the time difference. I contemplated for a while, once again, whether to go downstairs or not, after hearing lots of laughter coming from down there. I finally mustered up the nerve and went downstairs for abour twenty minutes, then it was right back up to the comfort of my coop. I am not really worried about being antisocial or anything at this point. I mean, it is only day 1. It takes time to get settled and feel comfortable. Maybe tomorrow will be different. Who knows?
