Culture and Customs

For me, learning a language offers a much-needed insight into a new country, and I personally believe you can never truly understand a new culture unless you learn the language.

One thing that keeps the feeling of living in Thailand alive is transportation, which seems to take on a life of it’s own in this country. At one second, you’re thinking you never expected a cruise across town could be so much fun; the next, you’re seriously wondering if you’ll make it there alive, especially …

As I prepared to leave Thailand and head for my next exotic destination, wherever that would be, I felt a panic surface in my stomach. I was ready to see something new and learn about a whole new culture, but could I really give up the luxury of feasting on cheap, delicious Thai food every …

It’s no secret to most people that Thailand is known for go-go bars and massage parlors. The average Western male comes here with ideas of red lights and grinding hips, and all that follows. As a result, many have the completely wrong idea about what Thai girls are all about, and it’s important to keep …

One of the things I am best at in a new culture is stepping right into it and busting right through all the barriers. I’ll walk into a crowded room of people who don’t speak my language and just start mingling, and before I know it, I’m the life of the party.

I came to Thailand about 2 years ago, thinking it was about time to go see the world. This was my first stop—thought I’d cruise around for a few months, figure out how to make some internet cash, and then head off to see the rest of the world. Well, as it turned out, I …

Believe it or not, as much as I love this place, I’m human. And culture shock still plays a large role in my life. A huge part of this is how much I’ve immersed myself in the culture. Most people I’ve seen here live in little America, confining themselves to the tourist pockets, going golfing …

One of the most disturbing things to many eco-conscious travelers arriving in Thailand is the poor standards for combating pollution. I remember when I first arrived by boat at the small island of Koh Tao and watched an island boy walking out onto a boat finish his last gulp of water and carelessly throw the …

It always comes back to drinking, doesn’t it?  Well, what can I say for myself?   I guess if I was responsible I’d probably be back home working rather than traveling the world.  And as I mentioned before, drinking just tends to permeate world travel.  Laos is no different, but what is different about Laos …

Thais are a gentle people. Thais avoid conflict. Thais are some of the most peaceful people in the world. After all, this is the Land of Smiles. Well, sort of…