From my good friend, Marsha.
I’ve already talked about some interesting differences between living in the United States and Thailand, but some more come to mind –
When you buy a set of sheets for your bed, you may be surprised to find that a ‘set’ of sheets includes a bottom fitted sheet and two pillow cases.
I told you that we replaced the worn out bed in my condo. We bought a set of sheets and a duvet while we were at the store. When the bed arrived, the company had sent a free entire bed set with it, including a bottom fitted sheet, two pillow cases, and extra set of pillow cases for cigar-shaped pillows, and a puffy duvet.
No one expects a top sheet here. Even if you have air conditioning, the climate here is such – and the culture is such, apparently – that everyone prefers the fitted bottom sheet and a light or heavier duvet. After trying the light duvet we bought and the heavier duvet they gave us, I have to say I LIKE only having only the one sheet, and I prefer the lighter duvet.
When you go to buy dishware, it is almost impossible to find a ‘set of 4 dishware set’ for example. If you would like a set of dishware that has 4 larger plates, 4 smaller plates, 4 bowls, and 4 coffee cups or mugs, that’s what you buy – individually. (We ended up buying 2 of each.) They do sell silverware in a ‘package’ of one fork and one spoon,’ though. You buy how many sets you would like and then buy the knives and any glassware individually, as well.
I think it’s the European manner of eating where you have a utensil in each hand as you eat. They do that here. I had never tried that before and felt quite awkward at first, but I’m learning now. They put down both knife and fork to pick up a spoon, and then reverse.
I believe I have already talked about water being very important here. Brian made it clear right away that you use bottled water for anything to do with eating, drinking, or cooking. The sun is so strong that it seems you can feel the sun burning your head as you wait to cross a street. Everyone carries a bottle of water with them in a carrier of some kind so they always have some. Umbrellas to protect both men and woman from the sun are routinely used by walkers. Dehydration can be a life threatening event even in the city, and can sneak up on you, particularly if you haven’t lived in the country long. I have humongous water jugs on my counter to transfer to smaller containers that are easier to manage.
I’ve already told you about removing your shoes when you enter any private home or many businesses. Most businesses will have a sign, and then a rack of slipper-type slide-on shoes. You leave your shoes there, transfer to the slippers, do whatever business you need inside, and then reverse the process leaving. I mentioned that I was quietly amazed that shoes are always still there waiting for you when you come out again. It’s the same with motorcycles, helmets, and even packages hanging from the handlebars. It would be unthought of for someone to bother someone else’s property. I asked about theft in Chiang Mai. Brian told me it happens, but usually it’s by foreigners…
Viva la differences!
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Hi
very interested you sharing difference living in the United State and Thailand. Something different, and languages. Here is removed shoes when you entered any private home or many business places. The Sun is strong it seems you can feel the sun burning your head. Everyone carries a bottle of water with them in a carrier of some kind so they always have some. Umbrellas to protect both men and woman from the sun are routinely used by walkers. Tack care,Linda 😄
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I am glad you enjoyed the post, Raj. I’m thrilled at all the clever and thoughtful things the people do here to make themselves more comfortable and things much more friendly.
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Thanks,Linda! Iam so happy. You Live comfortable in Thailand.
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😃
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Thanks!
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I loved reading this breakdown and detailed explanations of the difference between USA and Thailand. Who knows! Perhaps we will end up there too one day! I love all you wrote, Linda. The Thai people seem so very gentle, honest, kind, compassionate, and caring.
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They really are, Sheila. And the big smiles in greeting never fail to set a wonderful tone to your day. I think you would love it here.
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I’m thinking so too, other than we just moved last year to be close to family.
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Being close to family is the priority. It doesn’t matter, as long as you’re close. Good for you.
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Hi Linda! I know there is no Amazon in Thailand, but I know (because of a friend) that there are two similar platforms:
Lazada and Shopee are two popular online shopping platforms in Southeast Asia (similar to Amazon), offering a wide range of products through a marketplace model. They both feature apps and websites, allowing users to browse, purchase, and have products delivered.
Lazada: https://www.lazada.com
Features: A large marketplace with a diverse selection of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods. They offer various sales and discounts, especially during major events like 11.11 and 12.12. It offers express delivery services for some items, with options like same-day and next-day delivery for eligible products.
Shopee: https://shopee.com
Features: A mobile-first platform with a strong focus on promotions, vouchers, and discounts. They also offer a wide variety of products, including electronics, fashion, and home essentials. Provides a variety of shipping options, including same-day, next-day, and standard doorstep delivery. They also offer international shipping options.
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Thank you, Susy. We are familiar with Lazada and use it often. I am not as familiar with shopee, but I WILL be in time. Actually, because we are members of Kindle Unlimited, we still DO use Amazon for that.😄 AND the whole GRAB company, who deliver food and drinks to your door. I could really get used to this!
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I enjoy reading about Thailand and your experiences there.
I have been ng abwon
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I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts.😃
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I do not know why I was unable to type correctly in the above post.
I have been wondering about the crime in the area where you live, so I appreciate what you wrote.
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Sometimes I think my keyboard has a sense of humor, putting things on the screen I never typed. Maybe yours is in league with mine now. Sorry about that. I have heard about one crime since I’ve been here. (I don’t speak Thai, though, so I don’t listen to the local news.) Half of the front glass doors to our building were smashed one night. When we were starting for the gym, one of the early cleaning ladies was trying to deal with the aftermath. We found out later that drunk foreigners had completely broken the door, not having any reason to come in, and had been caught by the police and were in jail. I don’t know what is done in cases like these, but I know they had to pay for the door to be replaced as one part of their punishment.
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