1. Traffic lanes are nonexistent. At one point I was on a highway with 4 lanes and counted 6 cars across. Depth perception here is Bangkok is on point.

2. Every food has a “special sauce.” What does that even mean?! I use to not dip my foods in the sauce because nobody could tell me what it was. Now I’m clearly at the daredevil sauce trying level and usually try them, unless its chunky. Chunky sauce is a no go.

3. Bean candy. Don’t do it. Why do they make a treat that looks so delicious and beautiful but the taste is horrid?! And no, I did not know it was called bean candy before trying it.

4. Spirit houses. In Thai culture when you build a building, house, or business on a piece of land you are disturbing the spirits that reside there. To respect the spirits they give them their own space in which they can reside. Most all places have a spirit house on the cover of the property. Some are small and some are quite large. The picture below is the spirit house at my condo.

5. People to not wear shoes inside houses, classrooms, and some businesses. It is respectful to take your shoes off right outside or inside the door.

6. When handling money you should always have the King’s face facing upwards. When handing money to someone your fingers should never touch his face.

7. Cars parking in valet parking of shopping malls are parked on “nicer” concrete. Concrete that has a gloss top coat and is probably cleaned and buffed multiple times a day. Also, cars that park in parking spaces can be blocked in by other cars. What!? The cars that park in front leave their cars in neutral so they can be pushed out of the way by the person trying to leave.

8. Motor bikes are bomb dot com. I was literally was so terrified to get on one, but now that I have….I see why people love them. You get places so fast! I haven’t mastered sitting side saddle, but I have mastered texting and snap chatting while sitting on the back.

9. When it is raining some Thai people will walk around with plastic bags over their heads and sometimes their faces. They believe that if your head gets wet then you will get sick, if it stays dry then you will stay healthy. I wish I had a picture of this one.

10. Liquid drops from everywhere. Probably one of my least favorite things. Things drip on my head and shoulders all the time when I’m walking down the street. No idea where is comes from or what it is. It is probably best I don’t try and guess.

11. Snails. They literally come out of the woodwork after it rains. There is a family of 5 snails that reside outside the grade one classrooms at school.They are HUGE.

12. I now understand why air vents are so important. We don’t have them here. I’ve never hated dusting more in my life. Every. Single. Day.

13. Buildings do not have a 13th floor. Number 13 is bad luck. Buildings have floor 12, 12A and 14.

14. Prescription medicine isn’t really a thing. Last weekend I wasn’t feeling good and thought I may have strep. I went into the pharmacy and asked for amoxicillin and was able to get it without any kind of doctor note… and it was only $4 for pack of 20.

15. In a lot of buildings and temples the bottom of the door frame is raised. It is believed that if it is raised that it will keep the bad spirits out. You must not step on top of the ledge or it will bring you bad luck.

And…..That’s a rap.