Some Culture

The following are all things that during my first few weeks here have struck me as different:

In Thailand . . .

You may look out the front window and see a man riding an elephant down the road.

You may have to stop your vehicle in the middle of the road because monkeys are blocking the way.

You can see people wearing sweaters when it's 88F outside.

You can eat out at a sit down place for under $1, but pay $50 for a bottle of vitamin C.

Driving 40mph over the speed limit is usual, acceptable, and sometimes necessary.

Taxi cars are distinguished by being a bright color such as neon orange, hot pink, bright blue, or grasshopper green.

Stray dogs are EVERYWHERE. They are allowed to run all over the place because they don't bother anyone and they eat the rats and snakes.

Mondays are national wear yellow days, and people seriously participate. I'd say about 1/2 of Bangkok wears yellow on Mondays. Yellow is the king's color and is worn in his support (does this king know how to be king or what).

The meaning of the words efficiency, hurry, and organization are unknown. One always feels like they are flying by the seat of their pants in this country, and schedules are all but tossed out the window. This all stems from a cultural beliefe that spending time with people is very much more important than getting anything done.

Fish say "w, w, w."