Respecting Cultural Differences

When going to Asia it is very important to be sensitive to and respectful of local cultures and social codes.  In America, we pride ourselves on being strong, independent, colorful, opinionated and playful.  We like to be noticed.  In China and Thailand, it is best to tone down these attributes and assume a more calm, friendly, minimalist and respectful attitude.  The Thai and Chinese love visitors who are curious and respectful of their heritage and will go out of their way to help and protect you.  If traditions are flaunted and disrespected, though, much the opposite is the case.

Though religion doesn't always penetrate the Asian mind as much as it does in the US, protocol and reverence are perhaps demonstrated even more in sacred spaces.  It is important to speak softly, not gesture too much, wear conservative clothing, and remove shoes on holy ground.

In summary, a rule of thumb to guide your behavior: act as if your Mom and Jesus were hanging out with you for the trip.  There are places to cut loose, but the majority of our sites are not those kind of places.  Be composed and respectful as the rule.  Fun has its time and place. 

Provisional Itinerary

Here's a quick, sneak-peek at our itinerary.  It's subject to change, naturally, but the bulk of it is firm. 

Jan 7    Leave Louisville, 8am
8          Arrive in Shanghai, 4pm; Welcome dinner at Sapar Uyghur Restaurant; Bund Nightscape
9          Morning Scavenger Hunt; East (Pudong) and West (Bund) Architectural Fusion
10        Nanshi (Old City) and Temple Visits
11        The People’s Square and National Museums
12        The Boulevards: Nanjing and Huaihai Lu
13        European Satellite Cities
14        Fengjing Old Town
15        Depart for Bangkok, 945am; Welcome dinner at Hemlock; Khao San Road Nightscape
16        Temples visits—Wat Arun, Wat Mahathat, Wat Pho
17        Temples visits—Wat Saket, Wat Traimit, Wat Sutat
18        Commercial districts—Chidlom, Sukhumvit, Ratchaprasong
19        Visit to International Network for Engaged Buddhism or Wat Ambhavan
20        Ko Samet
21        Ko Samet
22        Government and national museums visits—Grand Palace, National Museum
23       Depart for Chiang Mai
24      Temple visits—Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, Wat Gate
25        Doi Inthanon National Park
26      Return to Bangkok
27      Depart Bangkok, 545am;  Arrive in Louisville, 415pm