120 Days in Asia.....30 Culture Shocks, Differences and Tidbits

1.       Kids don’t cry

2.       Dogs seldom bark

3.       Don’t be surprised if your food doesn’t look like the picture and don't expect it to come out in the regular restaurant order of drink, appetizer, entree and dessert. 

4.       Motorbikes are an awesome form of transportation.   Record stands at 5 for max # of people we’ve witness on a moving motorbike (2 adults and 3 children).

5.       Get use to wet toilet seats.  Showering occurs in the open space of the bathroom with a removable shower head attached to the wall.  You’re showering over the toilet!

6.       No carseats.  Infants..INFANTS, as in “on the tit” are scooting away in mama’s arms on the moto.

7.       Hotels & guesthouses double as travel agencies and restaurants with the owner’s family living up on site. 

8.       The underused car horn in the US has found its place in Asia!  Very few traffic lights, signs or road lines exist.  Honking their horns is their way of communicating with other drivers. 

9.        Children are welcome at the workplace

10.   There’s no such thing as a free refill & Ice cold fountain drinks and ice are sparse

11.   Riding in a Tuktuk is just plain fun!

12.   No matter what you wear, you still look like a tourist

13.   Asians have a rolled knee cap.  This allows them to be more comfortable in a squatted position. 

14.   Potty Paper.  As my sister taught us in Mexico, always carry some extra toilet paper on you.

15.   Watch your head, door frames are shorter than they appear

16.   Butt sprayers are not only refreshing but environmentally friendly

17.   Speedo supporters are abundant

18.   No UV rays for the natives, they do not want to tan.  They stay covered from head to toe with gloves, hats, long shirts and pants and even socks.

19.   Follow the locals for the cheapest places to eat. 

20.   Manners vary.  Nose picking, clearing your throat of flam and spitting bones or shrimp heads out of your mouth onto the ground is considered acceptable.

21.   Geckos, dogs and cats stroll freely into many eateries and are not chased out.

22.   Fully clothed or Naked.  At the beaches under the age of 4 kids swim naked and adults usually swim completely clothed. 

23.   “Happy” Food and Joints.  Be prepared to lose a dayJ

24.    Tuktuks are in the “know”.  Looking for a barber, night hotspots or a lady massage?  Give the tuk $1 and he’ll take you and get you a good deal-sometimes.

25.   Don’t opt for the cheap sunblock.

26.   Bring your license, wear your helmets and pay the cop’s bribe request.

27.   Gas is expensive everywhere.  However, you can get it from a used 2 liter soda bottle on the side of road here.

28.   Travel makes you more aware of your own country’s issues and brings you much more in touch with world events.

29.   Yes Sister- Travel “opens you up as a person, breaks down your walls and exposes you to yourself.” 

30.   Travel is awesome but we still miss the comforts of home and our family and friends!