Ode to 7-Eleven

7-Eleven: beacon of hope

It may seem silly to be writing about something as mundane as a convenience store that can be found in the U.S, but in Thailand 7-Eleven (or 7 as we call it) is a way of life. When I saw my first 7 I thought it was hilarious. Known in the U.S as a bad convenience store with one redeeming quality, Slurpees, most people I know have steered clear. I think I had only been in a 7 three times in my life before coming to Thailand, and now I find myself in one nearly every day.
Not only do I pass two 7's on my 15 minute walk to work, but it makes life so easy. Most of the packages have English on them, I can break my large bills that the ATM just outside dispenses, and it has air-con. What's not to love?
Farangs aren't the only ones who rely on 7 either, the Thais do as well. It's where people put credit on their phones and where many pay bills. I've become so dependent on 7, I feel lost if there isn't one nearby. When I was on Koh Phangan, there wasn't a 7 in sight of my accommodation the last night I was there. In my distress I cried,"What are we to do?!" to my friends who had just touched down in Thailand. They calmly directed me to a local convenience store and all was well, though I was a bit distressed about not getting my usual late-night toastie(a delicious little croissant sandwich that they heat up in a panini maker; my favorites are stuffed with ham and cheese and their "pizza" flavor) 5 minutes before crawling into bed.

because one is never enough

7 is a major part of Thailand that I feel doesn't get enough credit. They are just everywhere and oh so reliable. You know you're out of civilization if there isn't a 7 in sight, and you know you're really in the thick of it if there are 2 7's right across the street from one another. Just be warned: 7 is the worst landmark in Thailand, followed closely by temples.
The long of the short of it is: 7-Eleven, you did it right in Thailand and I (and everyone else who comes to or lives in this country) love you!