In nine days I leave for Thailand. My mom, sister and I will fly into Singapore and then transfer to Chiang Mai. School starts on the 12th so we will have a few days to explore the city and get adapted to the 12 hour time difference. 

Last night our family was at dinner with some of our parents' friends who had just spent time in Thailand. It was great talking to them about what to expect and what not to expect. One of the foreign concepts they expressed was to not show the soles of your shoes to anyone. Apparently in Thailand this is equivalent to the one finger salute. This was just one new interesting thing I learned about Thailand. 

I am sure there is more to come.

Joe L.