Other things I have noticed...

June informed me the other day that Americans are direct. And she respects that about us. I was a little taken a back. I have felt like I have been walking on eggshells around her and her family for fear of offending or worse, being seen as a burden. She said, “You tell me when you are hungry or thirsty. You tell me when you are not hungry or thirsty.” Interesting. From what I can gather, Thai people never want to inconvenience others. So if they are asked if they are hungry they may say no to avoid putting someone out. This conversation shed some light on something else that had been puzzling me. I mentioned before that we had two maids making us food and doing out laundry, but now the maid service has become more awkward than a luxury. If I ask June, “Can I get some water?” She always responds, “I will tell my maid”. I can't just grab a bottle from the fridge. (The tap water is safe to drink in this area but it tastes so bad.) When making cookies in the kitchen I pointed to some of the bottle water and asked, “Can I get some water from here?” June ran to get her maid from another room and who then poured me some water. Totally strange right? Maybe the maid service is so that I don’t ever have to inconvenience myself. Wish they would just let me grab a bottle of water when I am thirsty though.

Outside most business and homes there are Spirit houses. Spirit houses are elaborate shrines dedicated to the “spirits” that dwell the area. At first, I was confused. I saw these beautiful, detailed structures with fruit, water and juice sitting on a table before it. Food was arranged on plates. The bottles of juice were opened with a straw delicately placed inside. Near a mojito drink stand, (yes, they sell alcoholic drinks on carts on the street) I even noticed a spirit house with an offering of a mojito. The belief comes from ancient Animism. Thai people offer food and drink to the spirits. In return for the food offerings, the spirits will provide good fortune. Most Thais do not believe in spirits; they keep the spirit houses out of tradition and perhaps out of superstition as well. Keeping the spirits happy is good for business.

Thai people seem to realize the parts of their culture that Americans find strange. Breakfast is the big one. Without asking, Thai people know that squid or shrimp or noodle soup is probably a bit to much to swallow early in the morning. That is why we get eggs, hot dogs, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and sandwiches for breakfast. In the office, I was make some coffee when one of the woman asked me, "Are you used to instant coffee yet?" First thought was, "How did she know I find this absolutely disgusting but I am desperate for caffeine" You can even taste the horrible-tasting tap water through the coffee. A cultural difference. I, as an American, find instant coffee offensive. Thais find it bizarre that I don't fill half my cup with milk and sugar. A insignificant different, yes. But I have noticed more significant differences which mainly have to do with Thailand having more community-based beliefs and the United States having more individualistic beliefs.

During a conversation with some of my students, I noticed that they students would describe their 3 houses or 4 houses. Now from what I can gather it isn't that these teenagers are filthy rich, but they consider the houses of their aunts and uncles and cousins to be houses of their own. I think. I tried to get the students to elaborate but shyness and limited English prevented me from getting the entire story. I was reminded of a conversation with Gift, June's older sister, who has studied in America. She explained that, "My family is a little different from Thai families. We don't live with everyone. So we have dinner together a lot." It seems to me that this cultural difference- community versus individual- is the hardest difference to understand. On both sides. Both cultural views has their shortcomings. Individualistic cultures foster success and independence. But de-emphasizes the importance of working together for the good of the whole. Communal culturals work together towards harmony between everyone, but at the expense of individual success and individual improvement.

On a lighter note, I interviewed two students today for the United States Exchange program. One was named Earth and the other Army. Thai nicknames are all over the map.

Lastly, I have noticed that many Thai people have a not so hidden talent of playing the ukulele.