Things That No Longer Seem Weird (SE Asia)

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By: leelefever on August 7, 2006 - 5:59pm

 Since we've finally moved on from a few months in SE Asia, we're looking back at some of the almost daily things that became somewhat commonplace. 

 

  • Seeing 4+ people on one motorcycle
  • Seeing people ride on the roof of busses and trains
  • Geckos, geckos everywhere
  • Water hoses and buckets next to toilets
  • Having to flush a toilet with a dipper and bucket
  • Showering without a shower curtain or tub - a “wet room”
  • Seeing long pants and sleeves on the hot beach for sun protection
  • Riding in a vehicle going the wrong direction (into oncoming traffic)
  • Hearing “Hotel California” by The Eagles at least once per night
  • Hearing the band "The Scorpions" everywhere 
  • Seeing TVs in every place of business
  • Waking up shopkeepers to do business
  • Finding random people sleeping on the floors of shops, markets and even bathrooms (in India)
  • Being mobbed by tuk-tuk and moto drivers asking “where you like to go?”
  • Eating dinner with sick looking dogs and cats as an audience
  • Finding Dessert listed somewhere besides the back of the menu, perhaps with breakfast
  • Seeing bamboo poles being the dominant construction material, replacing metal scaffolding
  • People squatting everywhere, even on park benches
  • Ordering a drink as take away and having it served in a plastic bag
  • People staring at us constantly
  • People wearing face masks for protection from the sun and air quality
  • Umbrellas being used for protection from the sun
  • Animals of all sorts walking, sleeping or resting in the middle of the road 
  • Everyday being “bring your child to work day”
  • Hearing critters scurry across a ceiling at night
  • Witnessing outdoor urination


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By: sue (not verified) on August 8, 2006 - 6:36am
I spent the summer in Singapore about 20 years ago and a lot of these observations of yours bring back memories!
By: tacotexas (not verified) on August 8, 2006 - 3:57pm
i have to say I saw more public urination in the first 2 weeks I was in Los Angeles CA than all other times in my life combined.
By: Anonymous (not verified) on August 9, 2006 - 5:08pm
Please comment about the century egg. Iknow nothing about it. Mom
By: leelefever on August 9, 2006 - 11:01pm
Hi Mom!We should have some video up soon of me eating one. Until then, this page has good info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_egg
By: Chicken (not verified) on August 19, 2006 - 11:44am

Have you been gone so long that "take away" is now relpaced "to go" in your common vernacular? :P - I'm loving the video clips - Brilliant!  --- Chicken

 


By: sachilefever on August 24, 2006 - 3:05am

Hey Chicken!

 

That's just the beginning...We're going to be talkin Tea and Crumpets and telling stories of the "Ruler of awwwwll the Land"