We know nothing about fruit.
I’ve been here for almost two weeks, and I still haven’t tasted all the varieties. My host (Goi) tells me that there are over 97 types of bananas! What?! Fruit I’ve had the… Continue reading
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Coco-nuts
If you don’t like coconut – coconut milk, coconut meat, coconut jelly, etc. don’t come to Thailand. Coconut is so plentiful here that it is a daily staple. Although usually a dessert food,… Continue reading
Car Tetris – The Parking Lot
Despite traffic and the availability of mass transit, many people still drive to work here in Bangkok. At Rakluke, however, there aren’t enough parking spots in the parking lot. This problem is solved… Continue reading
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… Continue reading
Thais and English
In Thailand, everybody gets a basic education in English, so they all theoretically understand atleast a little bit. In my experience, Thais are excited about learning the English language, and love practicing on you, assuming they can work up the courage. This is especially the case with the younger generations.
For example, while shopping at a Floating Market, we were stopped several times by students wanting to ask us questions in English (probably for a class assignment).
Just as they are excited about learning English, they also LOVE when a “farang” tries to learn/speak Thai. You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar, and you’ll get much farther in all situations with terrible Thai rather than impeccable English.
“Farang”
A good word to know, though it has to meanings. The word “farang” (the “r” is pronounced kind of like the “r” in the Spanish word “cara) can mean either guava – a delicious fruit you can find at many street carts. The fruit merchants sell all kinds of Thai fruit, cut up into bite-sized pieces and served with a stick so you can eat while walking! (Usually you’ll find watermelon, cantaloupe, mango (young and ripe), and guava (young, or ripe and soaked in plum juice!). One fruit will cost you no more than 20 baht (less than a dollar).
On the other hand, “farang” also means “foreigner!” As my Thai friends tell me, it used to be more of a derogatory term (think “stinky old man”) but now is just a general term used to refer to foreigners, especially white people like me! Knowing this word suprises Thais, and you can especially distinguish it when they’re talking, thus knowing when they’re talking about you! haha
My approach? Embrace it. My Thai friends thought it was hilarious when I pointed to the guava and said “farang, like me!” They love to laugh.
The gist of this trist…
I’m not one to journal really. Blame it on a deep-seated fear of diaries due to the all-too-common cliche of privacy violation. This blog is more of a guide…ok, I’m not quite that… Continue reading
Hot weather, cold people
Growing up, I spent many summer days in the heat of Arizona. There, you get arrested for leaving your kid in the car because it’s so hot, they would die of heat exhaustion.… Continue reading