One of my absolute favorite things about Thailand? Shopping. And no, this isn’t because I’ve suddenly become some high-rolling, champagne-sipping baller. It’s because shopping here is an experience—and not the soul-crushing, fluorescent-lit endurance test I’m used to back in the U.S.

For starters, the mighty Amazon hasn’t completely taken over the Land of Smiles, so people still—brace yourself—go to actual malls. And not just go… they show up. These places are packed. I’m talking shoulder-to-shoulder, “excuse me, sorry, oops I live here now” levels of crowded. Even the aisles are bursting with local artisans selling everything from handmade jewelry to souvenirs you absolutely don’t need but will 100% buy anyway. The energy is electric, and honestly, there’s no better way to escape the heat than ducking into a gloriously air-conditioned mall (okay fine, the beach and pool give it a run for their money).

But the real reason for today’s story? An experience so unbelievable, if I hadn’t lived it myself, I would’ve called myself a liar and moved on.

Picture this: you walk into a big-box home improvement store—something like Home Depot or Lowe’s—and you need help. What happens? You wander. You search. You question your life choices. Maybe, maybe, you find an employee, only to be hit with the classic: “Not my department.”

Well, yesterday I stepped into HomePro, Thailand’s answer to those stores, armed with a plumbing issue (and no, we’re not making those jokes). I managed to flag down one helpful employee, and despite us both playing an enthusiastic game of “charades: plumbing edition,” she led me right where I needed to go.

Then things escalated.

Realizing she might not have all the answers, she waved over a colleague. And then another. And then… more. Before I knew it, I had SIX employees helping me. Six. Not a typo. Not a hallucination brought on by heatstroke. A full-on plumbing Avengers squad had assembled.

While a few of them demonstrated how to install my new faucet, one heroic soul sprinted off and returned with plumber’s tape like they were completing a side quest. I half expected someone to start drawing diagrams or offer me a commemorative t-shirt.

I’ve always suspected my charm and devastating good looks might open a few doors in life—but even I wasn’t prepared for this level of VIP treatment.

Moral of the story: support your local hardware store. Especially if it comes with a six-person support team.

Until next time.