What They Don't Tell You...

As my time in Thailand is coming to a close (and the next available wi-fi session is unpredictable), I thought it would be fun to give you a backstage pass into what people don't tell you before your arrival/lessons I am thankful I have learned along this crazy journey...

1. You probably shouldn't daze off whilst on the sidewalk, you could get hit by a motorcycle, bike, or perhaps even a car.
2. Cantaloupe, coconut, and taro are very popular flavors here.

Your future if you treat this toilet as a squatty potty...

3. Don't flush the toilet paper. Anywhere. It will clog the system.
4. Likewise, always have toilet paper on hand. AND hand-sanitizer.
5. Also, there will be times when you have to put money in the "donation box" or to a "clerk" to use the bathroom.
6. Being asian will be a nice blending gift. Take advantage of that.
7. If it looks like a green bean is hanging out in your food. Don't eat it. It's not a green bean. [It's a hot chili peppa].
8. Corn is also very popular. It is not unusual for corn to be on a donut or in/on top of a waffle.
9. Bartering is your friend. Know the power and limitations of walking away.
10. To drink or not to drink. That is the question, when it comes to water.
11. As a female: Don't touch a monk. Ever. In fact, it's just best if you pancake yourself against a wall somewhere until he passes by.

Tuk-tuk

12. Don't wear flip flops when it's wet out. They don't have enough traction. And you will wipe out in the school parking lot.
13. Kids will often think you speak Thai. Even when you talk to them in English or don't answer them at all. Asian Looks+Not Thai=Doesn't register.
14. Time to talk with your family is scarce. Jump on all opportunities.
15. Don't have your mouth open at any point whilst on the water taxi. Canal water is actually the worst.
16. Girls hold girls hands a lot of times. Likewise, students may hold your hand during a conversation or to help you across the street (endearing).
17. It is possible for six people to fit into a tuk-tuk.
18. Just because you expect the sidewalk to be even doesn't mean it is, watch out for those loose, wobbly, and straight up slanted tiles of sidewalk.
19. Returning to the same vendors day after day to get food will quickly build a bond, even if you can't actually speak to each other.
21. There will come a time when you need to decide, do I ask what I'm eating or leave it as is...know what you can handle.
22. When in doubt, wai.
23. Regardless of what you may say, if you go to a market, you will buy something.
24. If people don't understand you, 1. it's cause you speak English and 2. it's probably because you're saying it wrong. Platinum Mall= Plaht-ee-nahm mall. Be forewarned.
25. "Ka" is your best friend. When all else fails, just smile, nod your head and say it.
26. I have learned that only in Thailand can I get a hug after getting a massage...
27. Learn and speak as much Thai as possible. It is an instant charmer (unless you use the wrong tone).
28. You know you have adjusted to the heat when you can drink soup during the day or wear long pants and be okay.
29. People don't treat rain lightly-even when it's light.
30. Despite the heat, Thailand will charm you with its people and other little things that make it to be the experience that it was.

Charm likes to speak Thai to me and hold conversations...They are pretty one-sided.