My New Chinese Roommate

My new Chinese roommate's name is Leung, or Antony (pronounced “Anthony”). I call him Antony because Leung sounds too much like my own name; plus, he likes to go by Antony. If an alien could come down to Earth to observe human behaviors, it would be in the form of Antony. He even has a semi-alien/robotic voice, and he chooses his words very carefully when speaking in English so that he doesn't mess up. The way he maneuvers his body is alien-like as he somehow seems to not quite fit into his surroundings. I by all means do not view any of these characteristics as negative or annoying. In fact, these are the very traits that I love the most about Antony and what makes him so darn special. Every moment and conversation with him is a surprise and a fun experience. Most of the time I have to stifle my laughter. Sidenote: I just looked up a picture of E.T. and it's uncanny how much they look alike; he looks like a more human version of the alien(with hipster glasses). It's absolutely wonderful.

If you were thinking that it's odd for me to be living with a boy in Thailand, you are absolutely correct. Men and women don't usually live together before marriage. In fact, it's common for both sexes to live at home until in their 30s. So when I found out (along with everyone else) 20 minutes before Antony's arrival that my new roommate would be a guy, I freaked out. The Thai in me was so worried because that's not really allowed. I instantly had visions of having to lock my bedroom door at night for fear of being raped. BUT, then I met him, and I instantly felt relief. There would be worries. Antony did not look like the type (nor is he, now that I know him) to be aggressive towards women. Thank goodness! Although that didn't stop the Thai teachers from gossiping about him and asking me inappropriate questions about our sleeping arrangements. “Do you sleep in the same room??!” Oh, they thought they were being so cute and funny.

In addition to Antony's wonderful robotic-like movements and his voracious eating habits (seriously, I have got to tell him that Thai people eat slowly and not a lot of food at once), he is obsessed with New York, America in general, and the best part about American pop culture: Glee and Beyonce. He also understands American body types and thinks that I'm perfect just the way I am! Also, due to his obsession with Beyonce (which I will help him indulge in), he is constantly comparing me to either Beyonce or Rihanna because of my brown skin and curves. Almost everyday he tells me I look like Beyonce, who doesn't love that?! Although, sometimes it's a bit much. For example, the other day I was walking with an umbrella and he said I looked just like Rihanna in her music video for “Umbrella”. Okay, yes we share the same skin color and body type, but I do not have a bright red wig, lots of tattoos, nor do I walk around in stilettos. So sometimes I think he pushes the envelope a little too much. But hey, it's still a wonderful compliment.

I also should mention that I have another new roommate, Molly. Molly is originally from Connecticut, now from Philly, and went to Barnard College in NYC. I've decided that she cannot claim herself as a New Yorker (yettt), BUT she can claim undying love for the city! Oh, she also has fabulous red hair and lots of freckles! It's been interesting to see the Thais' comments about her appearance because they are not used to seeing red hair. Some of the students have asked where she's originally from as she doesn't look American apparently. So yeah, Molly is great, and I'm having fun showing her around. Not much to write about her, she's a regular (but wonderful) American and native English speaker, so no funny stories there (at least not yet)!!

New semester (I definitely feel more confident as a teacher!), new floors in my house (pictures to come soon!), AND two new housemates! Life is great right now!!!