Well you know what they say, "Time flies when you're having fun." It has officially been about 6 months now, and it feels like two. I've experienced so many cool things and learned so much along the way...
It is hard to explain how it feels to live in Thailand. Aside from it's beautiful beaches, and delicious street food, Thailand has a special... dare I say, "Vibe" . The people are friendly, and families are strong.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T is such an important value in this culture that it comes second nature. You are the weird one for acting a fool. Although it's known at all times, "You're a Farong you don't know any better." The more you respect the culture, the further you get with them. But it's not that easy. There is a whole crazy societal hierarchy that comes along with this whole "Respect" thing.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T is such an important value in this culture that it comes second nature. You are the weird one for acting a fool. Although it's known at all times, "You're a Farong you don't know any better." The more you respect the culture, the further you get with them. But it's not that easy. There is a whole crazy societal hierarchy that comes along with this whole "Respect" thing.
Here is what I'ved learned so far: [In No particular order]
#1- Braces are Cool. It is a sign of money.. so they are everywhere.
#2- It is monsoon season right now, in preparation I asked one of our coordinators where to buy cute rain boots?, her response {while shaking head like I was asking a silly question} " Ohhh Nooo Teachuur, look like woorker."
#3- Every Child must Bow to every teacher. Haha, can you just read that line again?
This is one of my favorite customs. Day in and day out, constantly folding my hands and bowing to people. I love it to be honest it just feels more personal. But it is very important that you understand the way of the "Wai", (pronounced Why). To your boss, you Wai first. The cleaning ladies Wai you first. Gym teachers are the lowest on the teacher totem pole. If they walk by the director and she is sitting down they literally have to bend down like they are walking in front of a projector and lower themselves. Physically showing rank. Out of Respect ya know? ;)
#4- When explaining Thai culture it is imperative that you understand the "Mai Bpen Rye" attitude.
Simply put. Mai Bpen Rye = Hakunna Matatta.
No worries, Nevermind, Why do today what you can do tomorrow? Patience is a truly a virtue.
#5- "Losing Face" is a ruthless concept. Thai's will do anything to avoid being looked down upon in any social situation. For example, If you ask a Thai person for directions and they don't know, they would rather tell you the wrong ones than say "I don't know."... Losing Face.
#6- If you are on a motobike, ANYTHING GOES. [and you don't need a license to drive one.] Also 5 people per bike is ABSOLUTELY acceptable, even if none of them are wearing helmets, and 2 of them are babies...this is very common.
#7-You always feel like you are on display here, a smile will get you very far.
Thai's social network is better then Facebook. True story, I went to the marked when we first moved here. Out side venders all lined up selling anything from food, to clothing, to household items, you name it they have it. Anyway, I was looking at the clothes on one side of the street and started talking to one of the stall owners (In Thai) She asked where I came from, what I was doing in the middle of no where basically. So I told her I was a teacher. (The most respected career in the country, might I add.) I told her which school, what grade etc. etc. By the time I crossed the road and started looking at the food I could hear them explaining to each other, right in front of me my whole life story. Repeating everything. Just smile and nod your head, it's all you can do. When it comes down to it they are really just intrigued. Some study English all their lives and never even meet a Westerner, so you have to just put it in their perspective. One of my students fathers came up to me and said, in really good English that we were the first foreigners he has met in 3 years because he works in a factory all day....
just something to think about.
Cheers!
