| Page Views: 1,201 Last Visit to Bangkok: August, 2004 | Welcome to Thailand by manice - last update: Aug 3, 2004 |
I am a teacher from England who took a years sabbatical to experience life in the 'amazing' country of Thailand. I learned much about Thai culture and life in a Thai School.Read more about my Experiences in ThailandVery useful websitesWhat is a 'farang'? Thai people call westerners 'farang' (foreigner). They will often use this term when talking to you even if they know your real name. It is not meant as an insult but is it? The actual meaning of the word is birds muck! |
|  | What is it like living in Thailand? When you first step off the plane it is the heat you notice first. All day and all night it is hot but fortunately you can get out of the heat in air-conditioned rooms, shops and cars. You can walk around in a T-shirt and shorts 24 hours a day without feeling cold.
One thing I learnt very quickly was to slow down, to take things slowly and not to worry. Thai's have a saying 'mai pen rai ' (my pen rye) which means no worries/never mind. In England, I am used to working to a deadline, to rush here and there before going on to do this and that. In Thailand everything slows down. It is a bit like moving underwater. 'If it doesn't happen, don't worry, there is still time'. 'Mai pen rai'
I feel like a child visiting an amazing place for the very first time. I want to lap up everything around me. The beautiful golden temples dotted around the landscape, the elephants roaming the streets, funny little taxis that look like golf carts, the friendly people and the incredible food stalls. There is so much to take in. Most are new experiences but some the same, like the Shell petrol garage or MacDonalds which you see dotted around town just like home.
Like a child I find myself having to rely on others to show me when and how to go about the basic and 'natural' actions of daily life. The very simplest of things like posting a letter can become an adventure. I rely on people to interpret what is being said. I often don't know what is going on, what is funny or what is serious or what people are thinking or saying. It sometimes feels like the world is going on without me.
One of the hardest things for me to get used to was communicating what I wanted. Imagine being in a place where not everyone understands you. Every time you try to do something, you get a different result than the one you wanted. You feel powerless and frustrated by this. Sign language helps, but what could mean a good sign in English may be a bad one in Thai. |
What is the food like? Thailand is known for its rich variety of cuisine. For anyone visiting Thailand, the food is always a highlight.
Many Thai dishes are very, very hot but there is always something for everyone. Some food smell awful and look rotten, whilst others smell and taste like something from heaven.
As a vegetarian who eats fish, my diet mainly consists of fish dishes. I draw the line when it comes to eating fish which looks as though it has been dead for days!
I enjoy eating noodles and love eating rice which are both very popular dishes. I am often asked whether I would like some fried 'cowpat'. At first I wondered why they are offering me something a cow leaves behind but I soon learnt that 'cowpat' means rice in Thai.
If I didn't want to eat Thai food, I could have food from MacDonalds, Pizza Hut or at any of the other well known food chains. They are all here. I also have the choice of dining at the many restaurants serving foods from countries around the world. Food is plentiful in Thailand. 'Mai pen rai' you will always find food you like or will learn to love in Thailand. More about Thai Food | | |
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| Pros: | "The variety of things to do" | | Cons: | "The heat and traffic" | | In A Nutshell: | "The West meets the East" |
manice's Bangkok Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs
Tips: 3 - Photos: 3 | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Comments for manice about Bangkok | | | | |
trav4bus Fri Jul 21, 2006 11:28 UTC
added for your nice thai pages | SpagBoll Sat Aug 6, 2005 09:55 UTC
Great tips | 71stuman Tue Oct 19, 2004 13:42 UTC
Hello Mandy I travelled to Bangkok and Northern Thailand and found it to be the best place and has the friendliest people. I loved Thailand Take care and Safe Travels | kyoub Thu Oct 7, 2004 14:36 UTC
What a great place for your sabbatical. Interesting page and very nice pictures. |
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