What I’m thankful for

I’ll be spending Thanksgiving alone this year because I’m married to a good man.
Somewhere in the world there are some people in pain and crisis and his job is to be there for them. To help them work through this difficult time.

It wouldn’t have been too hard for him to make the excuse of the holiday. But that’s not who he is.
The Foreign Service has taken a bad rap over the last few years. It’s hard to see what soft power and diplomacy does for our country. And so many families can claim a member of the military at least somewhere in the family tree. It makes it easy to understand their sacrifices.

But Foreign Service families give up so much too and when the crisis hits in a strange land away from the familiar and extended family we turn to each other and men and women like the one I am married to.

He doesn’t believe his own press but I am so proud of him. And I’m going to grumble about being on my own this Thanksgiving but I’m thankful that he can be there for those who need him.
And for his service to our country and it’s citizens who sadly need him more than I do today.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

Please, have my seat

It’s pretty common to believe that however the hints are done in your home country must be the best and most perfect way to to something.

However as Mark Twain said in Innocents Abroad 

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” 

It’s easy to believe that the way it’s done in your little corner of the world is best if that’s the only way you see things done.

We’re living in our fifth country as a couple and T also spent time living in Greece in college and I can safely say that we’ve seen many things done in ways we will never understand and I don’t think you could ever convince me is the right way but we’ve also seen so many things done better.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts our regular use of public transportation in Bangkok.  Posted throughout the trains and announced regularly is the message to give up your set for elderly, pregnant women, and children. I can’t imagine this working on any public transportation system outside of Asia, correct me if I’m wrong, but I regularly see people offer their seats to other travelers in those categories. 

It really impresses me. Especially since they also tell travelers to move in away from the door and yet they all still seem to clot in the areas right by the door, even when there is plenty of space farther in.

If your ever feeling smug about where you live remember in Thailand they are still willing to give up their seat for others who might need it more. I just hope I’m not mistaken old lady any time soon. 

If you’re interested you could check out Em’s  thoughts on Japan here
Felix on voting here or Secret Asian Man’s musings here.