Arabic Dancing and Other Exercise

I had a good workout routine going in the states. Here it's a little different. I hear there is a fitness center on campus with a pool, etc., but I have yet to find it. In Minnesota it's so great to see people out and about on a nice day walking, running, biking, rollerblading, or playing outdoor sports. I haven't seen any outdoor activities like that here. Since I don't have a bicycle yet, I've been going out for a run every morning. It's a good excuse to get up early to beat the heat. Imagine going for a run in mid-August at about noon on a hot and humid sunny day. There you have my 6am run. It's that hot. I slept in this morning and went out at 10am and I had to cut short because it was too much. I've had to cut my run distance in half because it's so intense. Thankfully the weather will only get cooler from here, and the hot season was two months ago.

Maybe there is a reason why the Thai don't run or do other outdoor exercise besides the heat. The city isn't really set up for it. Minneapolis is so lucky to have those lakes and trails everywhere, so please take advantage of it if you don't already. Here is my routine: I turn on the air conditioning full blast before I head out and I run in a straight line down Huay Kaew road for about a mile or so, then turn around and run back in a straight line. It's actually a pretty good spot to run because I don't have to cross too many intersections on that side. I do have to stay alert though. There are potholes, loose bricks in the sidewalk, stray dogs napping under the bus stop shelters, motorbikes using the sidewalks, and manhole coverings that may or may not shift if you step on them. It's like super mario brothers and I'm mario. (I was a hell of a Mario for Halloween, and Lisa was a hell of a Luigi.) I then come home and climb the flights of stairs to my apartment on the top floor and air conditioning, guzzling water and a cold shower never felt so good.

I get a lot of funny looks while I'm running. Turning heads from motorbike riders and tuk-tuk drivers, all probably thinking, "what in the world is that farang girl running from?" I even get some comments from locals hanging out at restaurants when they see me run by, then they see me running by again a few minutes later in the other direction. "Running girl!" they say. I would run on campus where there are more trails and a small lake, but I hear the dogs chase after you, so I'd rather not risk it.

I've heard about this amazing thing they call Arabic Dancing, but I have yet to witness it with my own eyes. I hear it's all the rage here. Apparently they dress up in neon colored spandex/polyester blend outfits and dance their little hearts out. When I do see it, I will hopefully have my camera. Actually scratch that. I hope I have a neon leotard to put on and join them in the fun. It's not the Arabic dancing that you probably imagine, and that's because it has nothing to do with belly dancing originating from the middle east. They just don't pronounce 'aerobic' like we do.