Tuesday, July 25, 2017

On the Streets of Southeast Asia

In our city, there are a variety of ways to get from one place to another. Walking, driving cars and riding motorbikes seem to be the most popular. People are everywhere. Whether they are busy heading to meetings, food breaks or work, busyness is all around us. The local people enjoy seeing us because we definitely stand out and they can obviously assume we are foreigners. Sometimes they will stare at us so long that they come close to running into whatever is in front of them!

There are many, many businesses that are actually very small shops, but because of the way they are built, they appear squished together. Sometimes it is hard to tell when one shop ends and another begins. All in between the shops along the streets are houses that have been built with their walls actually being part of the shop next door. Most malls have been built with parking garages attached. They have many levels as well as parking on each level. There are specific places to park cars and specific places to park motorbikes. The malls are full of many different types of stores, in fact, some are American chain stores that have branched out into Southeastern Asia. Of course, there are Starbucks, Burger King, McDonalds and KFC. I think those fast food places are pretty much all over the world. It is probably a better question to ask where they are not a part of the culture? One additional observation, we got to experience going to the cinema where we were able to watch the new “Transformers” movie. Well, you can choose to see it in 2D, 3D and 4D. The 4D is quite unique. The seats move, water is sprayed on you, puffs of air shoot through the seats and you get little punching sensations on your back.

We have been so fortunate to get opportunities to experience this very diverse country and all that it has to offer. We have grown to love and enjoy the people that we work with and the new friends we have made. They are truly special and will now hold a very place in our hearts.

-Great Commission English Center