When you’re here, you’re family.

Sorry, I’m in advertising. I couldn’t resist!

From the moment I arrived at the airport, virtually every Thai I have met has treated me like family! Immediately my host’s mom insisted that I call her “yai” (Grandma). At work, we refer to eachother as P-(name), meaning “brother or sister.”

Everyone is so friendly and respectful, which makes it SO much easier to deal with the other facets of culture shock I’ve been experiencing. Even as I’m stumbling around in Bangkok, everyone is smiling encouragingly at me, and it almost feels like home.