Pre-trip meeting #2

11/19/13

Sa-wa-dee-ka:  Hello

The focus of today's presentation was cultural faux pas (what not to do).  Here are a few:

• never criticize the ruling family

                                          (http://www.telegraph.co.uk-  King Bhumibol)

• don't show disrespect to Buddha images - they are sacred objects
• don't show the bottom of your feet to people when you sit (don't cross your ankles) - feet are considered the most inferior part of the body
• women should avoid sitting next to or touching a monk
• never shout in public - at anyone, in any way
• show respect when the Thai national anthem is played daily at 8am and 6pm - stand still quietly

(tastythailand.com -- stopping for national anthem)

I hope to get a video of this during my trip & will post it.

• remove shoes when going into a temple - there are shoe racks to store the shoes
• wear appropriate clothing - long pants, long sleeves (look nice)
• smile a lot - even if you are not happy

Pre-trip meeting #1

11/12/13

Weather:  The temperature in February will be in the 70s or 80s, not humid/fairly dry, nights in the northern part of the country may be a bit cool (will need a sweater).  There are no earthquakes or typhoons but Thailand gets incredible monsoon rains, primarily from July to October.

Due to Bangkok's antiquated sewage system, the flooding water during the monsoons has sewage in it.

My trip to Thailand

I'm looking forward to my 10 day trip to Thailand during February vacation this year.

I will be blogging before the trip as well as during the trip.

                                                        (National Geographic - Reclining Buddha, Bangkok)