February 15, 2010

Random tidbits you may (or may not) find interesting about Thai culture:

• Thais are not concerned with cleaning children's baby teeth, because they figure they will fall out anyway. So most children have at least one horribly rotting tooth. A good example of their "live in the moment" attitude that can sometimes have negative consequences.
  HOWEVER, the students have toothbrushes at school and brush their teeth after lunch...Go figure.
• Thais do not use toilet paper. There is a handy "bum cleaner" next to the toilet, a hose that squirts out water to clean yourself.
• The showers are not separate from the bathroom floor. There is often a showerhead randomly in the bathroom and a drain in the floor. Otherwise, there is a tub of water with a bucket that you use to pour water over yourself while standing in the bathroom.
• Spoons are used instead of knives. Most of the food here is soft enough to cut through with a spoon.
• There is wireless internet in more places in the major towns here than at home.
• Porn is a common name for women. (Both my laundry lady's name and one of the teachers I work for.)
• Thais take off their shoes before entering houses, shops, and classrooms...But the children run around in socks that have holes big enough for all of their toes.
• Women who give laundry services tie tiny colored strings around each item so that they know whose clothes are whose. I love seeing the little purple and white strings tied around each of my socks and underwear.
• Many families have shops and restaurants in the front area of their homes. So when I go to the restaurant next door, I am essentially sitting in a family's living room. When I go to the water/snack shop, I am greeted by my favorite plump, smiling Thai lady feeding her five cats or making dinner for her family.
• Babies, toddlers, even entire families cramp onto motorbikes to get around. It is standard to see a tiny little kid standing up in the front part and holding onto the handles while two or three adults or children sit on the seat; or babies in laps; or 10 year olds riding by themselves. And virtually no one wears helmets!