Things I didn’t know about Thailand/Burma 7 months ago
Thai brides “want to be beautiful on their wedding day” - spoken in contrast to my apparent wishes since i want such a plain wedding dress
The Burmese bride is “kidnapped” after the ceremony and the groom must pay “ransom” to free her
It is the Thai year 2552
One store can sell bras, underwear and eggs while another sells motorbikes and bananas – why not?!
Motortaxi drivers wear numbered vests
Infants ride in bicycle baskets
4 people really can fit on a bicycle
The yellow sun protection cream (thanaka) Karen women wear is made from bark
It’s free to get your tires pumped up at a bike shop
On your birthday, you treat your friends to dinner
Street dogs often gather at temples
Lemongrass tea is served in the hospital waiting room
Most homes have a shrine to the King
Most homes have a spirit house in the yard
Beer is served with ice
Shoes-off custom applies to hospital wards too
Bathing can be accomplished in public, discretely under a longyi
May 27th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Love reading these cultural highlights. How have Sam and I not taken advantage of you too living in Thailand to pay a visit?! At least we will get to see you in October. Can’t wait to catch up.