We are getting ready to debrief and leave Thailand so I thought I would share with you some of the things I’ve learned from living here…  I heart Thailand!

1.  Thai food is soooo good and soooo cheap.  A plate costs between $1 and $2.  Thai food lovers, be jealous;  I eat Pad Thai and Cashew chicken every day.  I can only hope I leave smelling like the food because it is one of the best smells I have ever smelled.  And I have smelled a lot.

2.  We never have to use lotion because our skin is so well hydrated here!  Ok, that whole line was an excuse to tell you that it is
HOT and
HUMID here!!  I am just sizzling in my skin.  It is about 90% humidity with lows in the high 90s every day.  I know, I am a wimp but I was enjoying our practically perfect weather all year.  It is in times like these that I praise God for air conditioning!

3.  Ah, the joys of going back to a country where virtually no English is spoken or written.  But for the first time, I can’t even begin to make out the words on signs or understand what people are saying.  Thus, we use a lot of charades that look similar to the phrase we are trying to communicate.  🙂  Although I must say next to the Peru kiss on the cheek, the Thai hands together like a little prayer and bow is my next favorite greeting!

4.  Also, back to a land where flushing your toilet paper is harmful to the pipes.  We had an easy run in Africa with nice plumbing so it is difficult to remember sometimes!  Also Bonus:  squatties!  If you have never used one, imagine the joys of going over a small hole with a plastic covering on each side for your feet.  Let’s just say it’s a challenge.

5.  Food that is familiar:

And…

Food that is not:

6.  The verbal greeting sounds strangely familiar to “sweaty cow.”  It makes me laugh inside.

7. Street vendors!!  It is a beautiful thing to see them all lined up on the sidewalk.  You can get everything from mystery meat on a stick to a chunk of fruit for about 20 cents.

8.  Widespread committment to Buddhism…

9. Beautiful People, rich culture and a place I would love to return to!!