So long, and thanks for all the fish Asia

It is the last day that we are going to be there in Asia. Thinking about leaving is crazy! Our squad is unique because we have had the opportunity to spend our first 6 months in one continent. Having over half of my Race in Asian countries has made me fond and comfortable here. I would love to stay but I must go. In a little over 8 hours we leave to go to Africa. AHHH!!

Naturally when you are in a culture for a long amount of time you pick up on things and start doing them yourself. Some you want to keep and others you wish you could forget (haha). Here are something’s that I will keep and some I pray to not take home with me.

10 things I will take from Asia:

1. The "ok" head nod. That is where you bring your ear slightly to your shoulder on one side then on the other side and repeat. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRwzcnOdNFc .
2. The "I don’t know" hand gesture. In America we would do this to say so-so.
3. How driving a moped is awesome and everyone does it.
4. Bowing to others to say “thank you”.
5. Not touching other people’s heads, because it is seen as disgraceful.
6. It is ok to eat your food with your hands, despite what our parents taught us.
7. After 6 months of having to be pretty covered up, I now feel naked when I wear a tank-top or shorts in public.
8. Long hair ROCKS!
9. Jasmine is Gods natural gift for anything that smells.
10. It is ok to not have electricity all the times.

10 things I will NOT take from Asia:

1. How you don't have to look both ways before crossing the street. Really you don’t even have to look at all.
2. How to drive. Enough said.
3. How to behave while shopping. In Asia it feels like every store is offering the biggest deal in town so it is crazy, crammed, and people cut you in line.
4. How stairs and really tall buildings go together.
5. Never using a chair when you can use the ground.
6. Honking your car horn for any and everything.
7. The fashion of wearing long sleeves shirts, socks with sandals, and paints in 90 degree weather is the hip to do.
8. How it is ok to ask foreign people to take your baby back with them and meaning it.
9. How rice is always a part of every meal.
10. I wish I could take this one back home, but unfortunately I cannot (sad face) and that is the cheap prices.

Asia has over all been good to me and so I want to show you all some of my favorite parts through pictures.