This has been a super incredible, wonderful trip and we absolutely LOVE Thailand and have even started plotting our return....but some things have been challenging......here's a shortlist:
1. Mosquitos (we each have about 40 itchy bites....and even 30% DEET doesn't help. They land right on you and bite anyway! I heard about using 100% DEET right on your skin! Didn't try it through.
2. Scary bugs in the jungle ....such as the ginormous Carpenter Bees that clumsily dive-bomb you while you eat dinner in the sala at Koh Ra Ecolodge....and also, Bird-Eating Spiders?!?! I have to question if a spider that big really has to exist. Sorry.
3. The language barrier. I feel like I practiced a lot before coming here, for a few months, but can only say the most basic of phrases. It's true that
Thai people are usually pleased when we speak even a tiny bit of Thai (ESPECIALLY when Amanda speaks Thai.....they go nuts for that!)...but not being able to communicate meaningfully is kinda sad sometimes when there's so much more kind love to know about a person.... to chat and get to know reach other a bit or I need some assistance but cannot explain myself clearly. Another aspect of the language barrier is that I don't know Celsius or the Metric System. This has to be remedied immediately! This Mama will home-school herself. Umm, kinda resentful that US uses different measurements than the rest of the entire world ....(why is that anyway?!?)
But I've finally decided I need to figure it out for myself.
4. Agaat RAWN. The hot and humid weather! This is the "cool" season. But as one Thai friend we met here put it, Thailand has 3 seasons, Hot, Hotter and Hottest! I don't think I could survive here during the rest of the year. In fact, if it weren't for the weather, I'd be scheming to move here, probably!!!
( I must add that add I write this, I've recently arrived in Chiang Mai, in a more mountainous region in the North of Thailand....And both the high temps and humidity are conspicuously absent! Its like San Diego on a warm, sunny day).
5. Instant coffee. This should not exist maybe? Admittedly, it hasn't been hard to find a decent cup, but a few times, instant has been the only coffee available....fortunately, tea was there.
6. No apparent concept or practice of "right of way" in traffic. As a pedestrian, crossing the street is risking life and limb. Not only is it hard to remember which way to look for oncoming traffic since they drive on the left here, but with no concept of right of way, no one waits for you and when they pass by you or go around you, they'll barely leave an inch..... I mean, a centimeter, of space....it feels like you are about to get run over. And there is usually a constant stream of motor bikes, trucks, buses and cars. Even ambulances don't get right of way with lights and sirens going!
7. Safety Last. Forget about seatbelts, helmets, balcony railings....
There is exposed electrical wiring everywhere, along the sidewalks, at eye level, touchable by children. Families pile on mopeds, babies, siblings, 4-5 people at once, no helmets and the babies just holding on somewhere to the motor bike....going fast! in traffic! I suspect some babies learn to ride on a motor bike before they walk or talk. I even went way against my better judgement and allowed us (including Amanda and 2 others) to ride in a side car, no helmets and obviously "exceeding the manufacturers axle weight rating" (according to Rob)
.....when in Rome???
8. Napkins are usually toilet paper, or kleenex if you're lucky. not too effective.
9. Hoses instead of toilet paper in the bathroom. I actually like this.... feels so clean! But Rob and Amanda have complained, so I've added it to the list.
10. Letting go of control. This is a blessing and a challenge...many times, from moment to moment, we aren't certain where we are being driven, what we are eating, what we are waiting for, what someone is telling us, etc. etc. Yet, time and time again, we are pleased to note that our needs are being met, usually more than met.
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