Back in the mid 90s, I was with a USA GOVT program and I lived in a small village for 3 years, so I can relate. My first, you're not in Kansas anymore moment, was Community Fishing, Issan style... The fish pond/ rice field water was drained and all the villagers ran with their baskets to get the muddy fish...Actually I thought that was pretty cool. I read more and learned to cook more creatively and hangout with the village pals..