What have we been doing?

Bangkok Thailand

Steve and I agreed that we would spend a bit more on accomodation in this part of the world. We found a spotless, very clean hotel with AC, TV, rooftop pool (and a non threatening, electric hot shower) that we have been very happy with since arriving. It definitely makes for an easy transition to a new city and new culture. There are food vendors lining the streets near our hotel so we have had a chance to sample curries, noodle dishes, mango with sticky rice with coconut milk and fresh orange juice. We decided to skip the deep fried insects (you know...crickets and larvae) that one man was touting, an apparent delicacy to the Thai.

We attended a church service on Sunday morning. It was very comfortable (especially since we were indoors during our first rainy season downpour). We met the pastor and his wife during the apres-church lunch, and just today were able to follow up with the pastor to get some references for possible volunteer opportunities. Now we are in the process of contacting those other mission organizations and we will see where the doors will open!


Well, Since we arrived in Bangkok 4 days ago we have noticed some differences...

-humidity, as I got off the plane and stretched, I felt all the wrinkles tumble out of my clothing, no scaley legs, and definitely no static in my hair.

-especially smiley and helpful people in the street...if you ever look lost, someone will inevitably ask you where you are going within less than a minute. We have even found taxi drivers honest and helpful when it becomes clear to them that we do not want to ride with them. (I don't really know what this is like in Canada, I so rarely take cabs, or get directions from a cab driver...but really who better to ask?)

-price of food: ie <$1 for a hearty serving of curry or pad thai

-taxi drivers take you for a ride literally and figuratively. We asked to be taken to Ploen Chit. We were taken to Mo Chit. Granted they do sound a bit similar, but they are very far from each other in Bangkok, and we ended up being late for our appointment...grrr.

-toilets all have hand held shower nozzles hanging behind them

-cars driving down the wrong side of the street has lead to a few near misses. I recall those warnings from my youth to look both ways


and some similarities.

-tuk tuks (3 wheeled open air taxis) sound like our van (Loud!)

-a welcoming church

-the commuter boats down the river and the skytrain remind us of our last trip to Vancouver

-cars don't try to hit you when you cross the street like in some south american countries. They slow or swerve to avoid which is much easier on the nerves.