What I like about Thailand...

So as we start this new month, let's focus on what it is that we like about our host country...

Firstly, where is it?

Some interesting facts about Thailand...

1.     Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai, which means “Land of the Free.” It is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European nation. 

2.     Thailand shares a border with four countries: Myanmar (formerly Burma) to the north and west, Laos to the north and east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south.

3.     Thailand is home to the world’s largest gold Buddha, the largest crocodile farm, the largest restaurant, the longest single-span suspension bridge, and the world’s tallest hotel.

4.     The longest place name in the world is the full name of Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit. It means “City of Angels, Great City of Immortals, Magnificent City of the Nine Gems, Seat of the King, City of Royal Palaces, Home of Gods Incarnate, Erected by Visvakarman at Indra’s Behest.

5.     Traditionally in Thailand, feet are considered lowly because they symbolize an attachment to the ground, which is a cause for human suffering. As such, a person must never sit with their feet pointing to a statue in a temple or at some other person. Feet must always be tucked underneath the body.

Now, what is it that I like about living in Thailand (Bangkok)...

Well, after living here for 4 years there is plenty!

I will name 10...

1.  Mango and sticky rice.  This is probably my all time favorite Thai dish...followed very closely by Tom

     Yum Soup.  I guess one could say food in general!  I love Thai food...hence the fact that I have gained

     weight living here...opposed to losing, as many people told me I would...

2.  Cheap food. I can eat at a street vendor for $1.  You can't beat that!

3.  Politeness.  I love this about the Thai people.  They are polite.  And coming from Africa, where people 

     are very aggressive, this is such a nice treat for me.  I often tell my husband that we will get a shock when 

     we move, we will find everyone very rude...

4.  The 'Wai'.  This is the Thai way of greeting.  I find it so polite and respectful. I really 

     like it, not that I always remember to do it...

 5.  Travel.  I think this is probably my number one like.  It is really inexpensive to travel within Thailand and

       it is also very easy to travel to the other Asian countries.

6.  Tolerance for children.  Thai people love children.  And they are very tolerant of children and we have

     even found that we get treated better because we have children than if we would without them.  It is so 

     refreshing from other countries that see children as a bother.  When we just moved here our children   

     where still quite small.  Everywhere we went they where made a fuss of.  People would even give them 

     little gifts.

7.  Public transport.  Now where else have I been where public transport is so easily accessible.  And the 

     many different options of transport is just amazing.

8.  Adventist school.  We are so blessed that we have and Adventist school 5 minutes from our house.  It 

     really makes such a difference.  My daughter told me the other day 'Mommy, I always want to go to an 

    Adventist school.  I like the worship and the singing."  Wow, what a testimony.

9.  Beaches.  There are some amazing beaches in Thailand.  

10.  Friends.  I have made some lifelong friends here, that I will always keep close to my heart.

Okay, so there is my list of 10...who's next...?

Hanlie Parada