“Same same, but different.”
This is a common phrase in Thailand. And not necessarily from the native English speakers that are here, though it does sneak into our lexicon. It really encompasses so many experiences here. And there wasn’t a whole lot of preparation for this concept. But there isn’t really a way to prepare anyone for this.
Before leaving, I was able to connect with some PCVs that came to Thailand the years before me through Facebook. It was set up by some of the current volunteers and allowed us newbies a space to ask questions like “Should we bring our toothbrush?” (Yes) or “What are the odds of me being attacked by a vicious mammal?” (Low, but the reptiles and amphibians my be more concerning). And while this information was extremely helpful to shape some expectations, upon getting here those expectations were often let down.
One volunteer consistently sums up her experience in Thailand with one word: almost. “This is almost what I thought it was going to be.” “This is almost what I was planning to happen.” “This tastes almost as good as the food in America.”
These things all have the same name and are the same concept of what we have in the States, but it’s just not quite there. Same same, but different.
Examples
- Doritos in a red bag are barbecue flavored
- Rolls come but are stuffed with shredded pork and corn and are very sweet
- Butter is heavily sweetened with sugar
- Shirts run through a 2XL, but when I hold it up to my body it is definitely a small
- The milk that goes into coffee drinks is condensed milk
- A trip to a place consists of a lot of picture taking but not much else
- There are trainings for adults but it is expected that it is similar to what I would plan for children in the States
- There is a bus schedule but there is no telling when the vehicle will actually appear
- Getting ice cream with pumpkin and corn as toppings
Same same, but different.