All the Small Things

Anyone who knows me well enough has probably come to the understanding that I really appreciate the little things in life. The little things are usually what stand out in my mind, add up over time, and eventually make the largest impressions on me.

I have had fun in Chiang Mai, a city that is clearly very different from my home and usual way of life. For example, the most popular means of transportation here is probably a motor bike of some sort. Having traveled around other parts ofAsia, it is not a big surprise to see entire families of 4 (in this case 5)
or groups of 3-4 friends riding on one bike together. This got me thinking, it is one more incentive for Asians to stay so thin! I'm just not sure that (if laws allowed it) 3-4 Americans could ever fit on one motor bike at the same time.

Another thing I have found amusing is that when you are eating at a restaurant, they never supply you with napkins. Instead there will be a dispenser or box of tissues. But the fun does not stop there. To avoid the site of an appalling box of tissues, many places dress the boxes up.  Here are some of my favorites! 


Though I have a fond respect for other cultures traditions and religions, I was also amused with some of the businesses prayer houses/spirit houses. These are small birdhouse like dwellings that usually resemble temples and are placed at the front of homes and businesses. Offerings are placed daily/weekly and are usually a food, beverage, or incense, and often represent something that the business sells to ensure it prosperous luck. And often you can tell what the business is from the offering rather than its name! I saw a full wine glass outside a pub, and this photo shows a rather sugary offering of red soda and rotisserie chicken! 

There are so many stray dogs around the city that are rather lethargic and nonthreatening and then there are dogs owned by people. People and their dogs are a funny thing. I think this photo speaks for itself. 

In Thailand it is polite (or honorific) for a woman to say "Kah" and a man to say "Krap" after their sentences. For example, everytime I say "hello" which is "Sawasdee," I would actually say, "Sawasdee kah." I enjoyed how this extra polite word was even carried over into English sentances. For example, I may ask my teacher if I was doing a position correctly and they may respond, " yes, it is ok kah." And best of all, every time a Thai person teaches you the difference between the two, they always word it like this, "If you a woman, you say 'Kah', and if you a man, you say 'krap.' If you a man and you say 'Kah' then you a lady boy [chuckle, chuckle, chuckle]."

Which leads me to my final small thing about Thailand that I will mention in this blog. I have learned from many friends who are foreigners that to make and understand a joke can be very difficult in another language. Yet, for some reason, the Thai people have mastered making little jokes in English. These people are so warm, heartfelt, and love to avoid confrontation so much that everything in life easily becomes fun. When you make it to Thailand and you happen to trip and fall while walking, do not be too offended when you see a Thai person laugh at you before helping you up!