Thailand Tips

We are back in Canada and adjusting to eating and sleeping on Canadian time. We had a mostly uneventful trip home with a 5 hour layover in Hong Kong. Enough time to collaborate on one final blog post from this trip.

Things we learned travelling in Thailand:

1. Bringing packages of tissue is important - there is often no toilet paper. They often provide a sprayer for clean up and we suggest using it before drying off with tissue. Be warned - the water is cold.

2.. Be sure to throw the toilet paper in the trash - it cannot be flushed and fishing it out is ick!

3. Beware: Thai people love their spice - so ask about the spice level and then multiply a Thai answer by 3. We even found them dipping fresh sweet oranges in hot chili pepper - because... must have spice?

4. Practice patient presence - it takes awhile to translate from Thai to English or vice versa. And if you are visiting a hill tribe - be ready for translation from Lahu to Thai to English. You may not know what is being said for awhile. Smiling and nodding will serve.

5. Beware of tonal language when imitating Thai. For example: "soy" that rises at the end means beautiful - but "soy" without the rise means bad luck - Thai people are forgiving of blunders but may chuckle a little.

6. Riding in the very back bed of a truck with no seatbelt is not unusual - hand rails are often provided - we suggest you use them.

7. Thai people are so generous and our Canadian sensibilities say that we have more than them and make us want to refuse the gift. But accept what is graciously given knowing that it is an expression of affection and care. We bless them by our receptiveness and gratitude. Coming with some gifts from Canada is also a great idea if you have space.

8. Thai tea is not for everyone. But give it a try!

9. If a child offers you a hug - enjoy the trust it conveys. It really is the best!

10. Be prepared for a 32 hour day of travel to Thailand or back. Move at any opportunity before and after the 15 hour flight. Your body will thank you!

11. I love my ear plugs that help with ear pressure on the airplane's rise and fall.

12. When you get to Thailand, wait to sleep until Thai time says you can. Deny the impulse to nap - you will adjust more quickly.

13. Gooseberry is a great fruit to try. But eat it in moderation - it has very high fibre!

14. Go to Duke's and fill up at lunch before you visit the cultural centre. The spice level is high in almost all the authentic Thai dishes at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre.

15. Mighty Oaks has created the best accomodation for our stay in Fang. You will be able to meet all needs there - and the staff take really good care of teams!

16. Conversation with Thai people can work with google translate, but David and Gan are even better!

17. When you visit schools, be prepared to take photos of playing school children - they love posing for a camera and seeing it after. It fills the gap in communication!

18. Thai people have a musical way of saying our Canadian names - embrace it and let it make you smile!

19. Be prepared to be dazzled by colour! The people wear it, make colourful crafts, and the flowers and greenery never stop! Rest your Canadian winter grey eyes on the journey so you are ready to soak it all in!

20. Thai people are cute - they love cutsie things - even the hand towel has a little purple bear face on it! It's a thing!

21. Praying with Thai people is full of energy and life as they all create a symphony of sound praying out loud together - all languages are welcome!

22. Worship at Good News church is never hurried. There will be time for Sunday School, Band-led expressive Worship, dancing with flags, testimonies giving thanks, a lingering message and the pastor will likely get you to say with him many times: Hallelujahhhhhhhhh - hold the note as long as he does and you will fit right in. The reward for patiently soaking in the moment is a shared meal prepared by the church ladies. Be ready with your most open heart!

23. There are always sweet fruits in season. Our season was orange grove paradise - and we received many gifts of oranges to share, to enjoy and to dip if we wished in the hot pepper powder - we didn't wish - but it might be your thing!

24. Honour is shown with hands together and a nod - it serves to say "hello, goodbye, thank you, excuse me" and a general greeting

25. Forks are used to served food from communal plates to personal ones. Spoons are for cutting and to put food in your mouth. You will get smiles for reversing this but most Thai people are too polite to correct you.

26. Tap water is great for hands, but use bottled water for drinking.

27. To have a hot shower with an on-demand water heater, try lowering the pressure to increase the heat - otherwise you will likely have lukewarm showers.

28. Thai people like firm mattresses on their beds. You may want to read reviews from Canadians before booking hotels.

29. Heading to Thailand with Mighty Oaks is an amazing way to be part of something meaningful, beautiful and learn from an amazing staff and community. The people are the best part of the adventure! Thanks for hosting us, Mighty Oaks Thailand!