It's frightening to think that I may need to save someone's life.

It's even more frightening to thing that I supposedly have the skills to do so. Earlier today I completed my Rescue Diver course. It was definitely one of the more difficult things I've had to do since I've been diving, but it's still scary to think that someone with only 11 dives can be certified as a Rescue Diver.

Then again, my notion of what's safe has certainly shifted in the few short weeks I've been in Asia. For comparison, things that wouldn't even be considered safe at a traveling carnival assembled by gas-huffing grade school dropouts in the US are the norm here, and yet-for some reason-I feel safer here. From the riding in a Tuk-Tuk in Bangkok traffic to sitting a few feet from a spitting cobra at the Snake Farm (I have great pictures from this), it's refreshing to be in a country where the belief in fate determines what's safe (everything), rather than lawyers.

Would you get in this thing in rush-hour traffic in New York?


Along with the general lack of litigation-motivated safety concerns here, there are a many other aspects of this country that have continually impressed me. One thing that has characterized almost all the Thais I've met is their infectious smile. Everyone seems to be happy here. I can't think of the last time a 7-11 employee in the US seemed not only willing to talk, but happy to do so.

Also, despite the lack of tipping almost across the board in Thailand, restaurant service is always pleasant. One thing I will say (that no guide book I've come across has mentioned) is that when you order food in Thailand (be it a Thai restaurant or otherwise), your food will come out when it's ready, and very often the appetizer will follow the meal just because it took longer to cook. You also have to ask for the check...always. The first few meals out were interesting, as I sat there for at least an hour, expecting the check to come and chalking it up to bad (yet still friendly) service. Little did I know that it's typical to ask for the check at the register; thanks Lonely Planet.

Finally, one of the most enjoyable things about being here is that the Thais seem to bring their children to work with them quite often. I've seen this in restaurants, museums, and even at the Royal Palace. It's nice to have smiling children almost everywhere.

Anyway, now that I've completely gone off on a tangent, I'm going to put this to bed. With Internet access charged by the minute, please excuse any redundant or rambling thoughts above; I don't have the time to really proofread these posts as I should.