Living with a mirror

Visiting and living in another culture is like living with a mirror. Experiencing another culture is a mirror into my own culture. Differences clarify more then similarities. By watching cell phone usage in Thailand I learn about cell phone usage in Alaska. By thinking about how people learn about technology in Thailand I learn more about how people learn to use technology in Alaska. By learning about and experiencing another culture I clarify my own cultural influences. When I came to Alaska in 1967 I lived in Shaktoolik for a year. That year changed my life and changed my values. Until 1984 my professional and personal experiences were cross-cultural. Learning about Thailand, experiencing Thailand, is another chance to learn more about myself and my culture. I am excited about the opportunity.