thailand observations

• in thailand, they have the internet.  like all of it.  (this is why i haven't posted on this blog for so long or been on fb--not possible for me in china most of the time.)
• they have interesting combinations of foreign foods in tourist areas (i don't know about other ares, i've only been to one tourist area).  there was indian food, japanese food, pakistani food, american food, italian food, and an irish pub all in one area.  several restaurants had both thai food and japanese food, and i wondered about that!
• the market areas are much more peaceful than touristy areas in china.  in china they call out to you and drag you into their stall, but here the people just seem calm and peaceful, even when bargaining.
• the water pressure is very nice here.
• they drive on the left side of the road, but i didn't even notice it at first.  (i guess i've been back to japan enough times now.)
• the writing reminded me of nepali, as well as the stylized numbers on the money.
• pahd thai is really good.
• in general people know more english here than in china.
• red light district type things are much more visible here.
• they have a king!! i didn't know this.  he has been the ruler of the country for over 60 years, and the people really love him.
• they do stand in lines here, which is nice. (i cut in front of some people by accident a couple of times.)
• their rice is not sticky rice.  it's weird stuff.