I Made it to Thailand!

After 30 fantastical hours of traveling (not really fantastical at all) I have arrived in Bangkok, Thailand!

Before I write about my first impressions of Thailand, I have to mention how insane the Incheon/Seoul Airport is (insane in a good way). South Korea’s largest airport was not only massive, but also super clean (employees with grabber arms walked around collecting pieces of trash) and very fancy. During my four hour layover I took a nap in a bed in the “nap zone” of the FREE Transfer Lounge and then walked around the terminal taking pictures….

My first thought when stepping off the plane after landing in Bangkok was “Wow, it is really f****** hot.” I have now been in Bangkok for about a day and, while my first thought is still very prevalent (it is hot and very humid), I have also learned a few other things in my first 24 hours in Thailand:

• The Thai calendar is different, so instead of the year 2018, it is the year 2561 BE. Thailand uses the Buddhist calendar, which is 543 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. (It is pretty awesome to be reading news articles on google and see the date as 500 years in the future.)
• In Thai culture, large buildings and structures are believed to have their own spirits associated with them, so Thai people build “Spirit Houses” to honor the god or goddess protecting the property.  
• The “wai” is a slight bow that is a greeting and sign of respect in Thailand. There are 3 levels of the wai depending on the status of the person you are greeting. 
• Monks and the Thai royal family are the most respected and honored members of Thai society. 
• The default for food is spicy and there is A LOT of rice.
• Everyone eats street food all the time. It is much more popular than cooking for yourself at home.
• 7 Eleven convenience stores are everywhere and they have way more selection than back in the US.
• I really like longan, a fruit that is similar to lychee with skin that makes it look like a little potato.
• I really like bananas in coconut milk, a Thai dessert that is served warm.
• I don’t like pandas juice. I also don’t know what it is, but I had it with breakfast. 

I have yet to venture far from my hotel, which is on the Chao Phraya Riverside, so hopefully I will have more to say about Bangkok later when I am less jet-lagged (11 hours ahead is quite the transition).