Third Floor View

The Tam Dao Hotel is where we sleep and eat. The building is old and very quaint. I have a room on the 3rd floor (no elevator) which I share with another teacher. There are two beds that have hanging mosquito netting around them (which we do not use), decorated with Merry Christmas blankets and pillows – but no sheets (not sure what happened there) and an old wardrobe with double doors. Our room is charming, but the best part was the window – there is no glass or screen and only has wooden shutters (to keep out the bats-they only work if you close them I found out). The fresh air is magnificent – and I love the window because when I am finished with my tea I can just dump the leftover water and tea leaves out the window! Even good for spitting when brushing your teeth!! Nothing like living in Los Angeles!

Looking out our window I noticed a farmer collecting chayote - he also noticed me. One thing I do love about the people here is their warmth - in seeing me he didn't pretend he hadn't noticed, but waved and yelled "Chao" which is a generic "hello."