Dogs, Daring Drivers, and Don't Be a Rocker...

1. Dogs here are not things you cuddle up to. They're mangy, flea-bitten, diseased and half-wild. Also, you don't adopt a dog. They adopt you. They choose a house or apartment to guard as their territory, and run off all non-residents. This, appreciated by the residents, usually results in a few scaps a day to keep up their salary.



2. A family of five on a motorbike? Not unusual, and quite a sight. Mom on the front with the smallest child in a vice-grip between her legs. Two kids in the middle, and big sister or brother brings up the rear. I would only wish to add crash-helmets to all participants to increase their well-being.

3. Don't rock the boat! Problems at work? Problems with your landlord? Problems with a friend? Problems with the utility company? DON'T ROCK THE BOAT. Figure out some way to avoid confrontation and allow everyone to save face--even to your own detriment. Maintaining social harmony is the paramount cultural value in Isaan.