10/31/98: The train arrived late by almost two hours, but Peter G. was still waiting for us. He first took us to his home and we got to meet his wif, Susan, and their children… They are “Aussies” from “down under”… After a lovely breakfast, Ruth and I went out to scout a cheap hotel, and found one just a couple of blocks from their home and the office we would be working in with them… We’re on the outskirts of town, city center is just 10 minutes away by Tuk Tuk (motorcycle rickshaw), or 40 minutes by foot… Today I learned that if you are asked by an Aussie to “come over for tea this evening,” you should be sure to bring an appetite, because “tea” means dinner! Or is it “supper”? I guess that depends on where you’re from… Similarly, after dinner, Susan asked “Would you like some slice?” I asked “Slice of what?…” while Ruth thought Susan meant the name brand of a soft drink back home. Turns out “slice” means dessert to Aussies…
NOTE: The photo above shows Tuk Tuks (motorcycle rickshaws) in heavy traffic in Thailand. Photo by Lauren Kay on Unsplash