Have you ever been curious about how my life is different here or what has changed? I thought I would make a quick little post about the big and little differences in my life here. Give you an idea of how things are here and what adjustments I've made in the past 3 years of living here. I think a list format would be easiest. And I'll throw in a few pictures to make it more fun!
1. First big change and adjustment was remembering to take off my shoes before entering a home. Now, it's second nature and I even feel weird entering a hotel room still wearing my shoes.
2. I wear sunblock on my face every day. In America, I rarely ever applied sunblock.
3. I also apply a baby powder on my face every morning to help keep it dry and cut down on oiliness cuz it's hot here.
4. I avoid long periods of time in the sun which is the complete opposite of life in America. So that means my skin is way less tan these days. Here, the sun just seems hotter or maybe I just got more sensitive. Who knows?
5. I eat way more vegetables here; even fresh uncooked vegetables. But I still hate regular lettuce and tomatoes. Some things never change.
6. I eat much spicier food on a regular basis. Western food is often bland to me these days. I also eat a lot more things I never would have eaten before.
 |
| crunchy dried and seasoned little fishies |
7. I no longer use ketchup as a condiment and have changed to using chili sauce.
8. I used to be considered a knowledgeable and efficient person in America, but here, I often still make common mistakes and do things wrong according to Thai culture.
9. I can speak, read, and write Thai at an acceptable communication level!
10. An unfortunate change has been an increase in self-doubt. It's hard merging into a new world and culture. Even the smallest most common things that you don't even think of as being something that could be different are and cause misunderstandings some times. I often face a quick bout of self-doubt before answering or doing things.
11. Whereas Lucy went everywhere with me in America and had many human friends, here she isn't as readily accepted. Most Thais don't understand the importance we give dogs in our lives. This means Lucy unfortunately has limited human contact and she used to miss it. I think she's adjusted now, but it was sad for me to see for a while.
12. I no longer cook for myself or anyone else because I live in a small room with no kitchen. This has been a hard adjustment for me and I miss it regularly.
13. I take way more selfies here because that's a serious Thai thing. They set up picture props everywhere because it's such a big deal.
14. I can drive efficiently on the right side of the car on the wrong side of the road. I only sometimes flip on the windshield wipers instead of the blinker. But I've completely stopped walking to the wrong side of the car to get in.
15. I usually wear a face mask out even before Covid. I found it helped with my allergies some.
16. I know just how difficult the English language is.
17. Due to Covid, I now have experience teaching online.
18. The Thai national anthem is played in the morning at 8:00am and evening at 6:00pm. When this plays, you must stop what you're doing and stand. Even at the park if you're out for a run, everyone stops while the song plays.
19. Most parks do not allow dogs so poor Lucy is extremely limited on fun outings. She only gets to go places when I go to my friend's hometown.
20. A lot of medicines are available over the counter here so when I get an occasional upper respiratory infection, I just walk to the nearby pharmacy and buy a pack of antibiotics instead of going to the doctor.
21. Oh, and one of my favorite things, the shrimp are so much bigger and fresher here! Seafood is way more delicious here and cheaper!
 |
| fresh bag of crab |
22. Watching American movies with Thai voiceovers is still weird. Still surprised when the voice isn't right. I mean, Arnold Schwarzenegger as Terminator should not sound like a small Thai guy. Nor should Kevin on Home Alone not sound like Kevin.
23. I drink tea now. Of course, it's the Thai milk tea so a little different, but yeah.
24. I now eat and enjoy durian.
These are just a few things I could think of off the top of my head. There are tons of little differences that don't even register with me anymore unless in the moment. After 3 years of life here, I've made some incredible adjustments and changes. Do I miss America? Sometimes. I really miss my family, friends, and church. And some American foods. Thailand is still closed to receiving foreigners due to Covid so even though I can come to America, I really can't because I have no idea when they will reopen Thailand. After 3 years of living in Thailand without visiting America once, I'm feeling a bit down because I miss everyone so much. Prayers that Covid will go away, Thailand will reopen, and I can plan a trip to visit soon!
 |
| Forgot a big change. Eating most often takes place on the floor in homes. |
