Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Daily Grind

Many people want to know what a "normal" day is like for me.  It is just that.  Not too different from a normal day anywhere, the culture is in the details.

Normal day in US- wake up minutes before alarm goes off, or to an alarm
Normal day in Thailand- wake up at 3,4, 5, 6 to the sound of gongs, howling dogs, roosters, tin clanging, people "talking"
Normal day in US- stay in bed "thinking" until the last possible minute
Normal day in Thailand- stay in bed "thinking" unless I want to wash clothes before the water dries up
Normal day in US- shower, make coffee, ride in a car to work
Normal day in Thailand- shower, coffee, oatmeal, ride on bike to work
Normal day in US- Teach classes from 8-3 with a 25 minute lunch eaten at desk while working.
Normal day in Thailand- teach classes from 8-3:30 with an hour lunch where the expectation is to socialize.
Normal day in US- Go home and walk dog
Normal day in Thailand- Go home being chased by dogs.
Normal day in US- watch tv, talk on phone, hang out with friends, cook and eat dinner
normal day in Thailand- watch tv, talk on phone, hang out with "friends", cook and eat dinner, take another shower
Normal day in US- go to sleep in a quiet room
Normal day in Thailand- go to sleep to the sound of loud soap opera dramas, motorcycles, and dog howling

All in all, it's a very similar life I live.  The biggest difference for me is not having access to a car and having to ask for rides.