This is Why You're Fat: Thailand Edition

Thais are deeply afraid of cheese. I can't mention the word without someone saying, "that's why you're fat, Nong El." And that may be why I'm fat but Why are you fat?You can't blame cheese. Cheese may help explain the obesity crisis in Wisconsin (though beer probably does a better job) but it doesn't explain why heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are on the rise in Thailand.

Could it be the four to five bowls full of white, fiber-less rice everyday?

This is why you're fat, Thailand.

There Will Be Cheese

Sometimes it feels like I grew up too fast. It's how I feel celebrating my 21^st birthday in Thailand post-grad. I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out on the debauchery of American 21^st birthdays. A quiet dinner with my host family is not the rowdy climax I anticipated for turning legal.

 Because my birthday would not involve trashy college bars and vodka, I made sure it did include my third favorite thing, cheese ;) Cheese in Thailand comes at a high price. The going rate is 80 baht, which should buy  dinner buy dinner for a family of four. Still a Sconnie needs cheese on her birthday, especially when someone else is paying.

There were other highlights on my special day. Several volunteer friends showed off their art skills and made  birthday cards.  I got lots of birthday hugs. I capped off the workday with a birthday bee-ah lee-oh, Beer Leo.

My host family was waiting in the car when I got home, ready to take me out for a birthday dinner. The food at the restaurant was actually so good it reminded me that I like Thai food.There were relatives and cake and presents. I received a big stuffed penguin. My host family said, "Geng Mak" when I learned the Thai word so quickly (the word by the way, is penguin).

On the way home I couldn’t help but smile to myself. It’s incredible to be half way around the world and have a second family and friends who make sure I had a happy birthday. Growing up too fast lead me to Thailand and I can't complain about that.

And as I final birthday treat to myself, I am about to watch several illegally downloaded episodes of 30 Rock. Then it’s off to bed for some sweet Alec Baldwin dreaming.