Living in Thailand has been an experience to say the least. Day to day activities become challenges and nothing is what Americans would consider "normal". Even simple things like crossing a street can lead to an adrenaline pumping, heart stopping experience. While there are a few stop lights around the city, crossing lights are nearly nonexistent leaving you to fend for yourself while crossing up to 4 lane streets. Not to mentioned the fact they drive on the other side of the road so remembering to look right and not left while crossing the street can be a life lesson to learn. I have found the easiest way to overcome this obstacle is to take it one step at a time. First you look right to cross the first set of lanes then stand in the middle of the road, until you can cross the other set of lanes, sounds simple enough if it wasn't for the motorbikes. The most interesting thing about crossing is that cars are actually the last thing you think about while crossing the bustling streets. Here in Thailand the most dangerous vehicle is the motorbike. They are cheap, fuel efficiency and everyone drives one leading to an over abundance of them on the streets.They whip around cars and sometimes even drive on the side walk, keeping you on your toes at all times. They sometimes drive in the center of the road where you are usually standing waiting to cross the second set of lanes turning you into a human dodge ball as you sprint across the road to avoid being hit by something. I am the first to admit I have gone out to eat and purposely avoided restaurant on the other side of the street just to avoid having to cross. Oh Thailand you sure now how to keep me on my toes.
-Crystal
-Crystal