There's just something about being in the U.S. that makes you materialistic (to a degree at least)

Every summer or other summer, I would go back to visit my family in Thailand. The country is a 3rd world country and most of the people are just getting by. Every time I get there, I find myself becoming more humble in life and such. I sympathized for some of the kids there. It's not uncommon to see a kid walk 20 miles to go to school and come home at lunch time to feed his disabled grandparents, only to return to school minutes later to finish the day. I keep telling myself that I should be content with what I have.

I feel that way until about 5-10 minutes after I land at L.A.X. I start becoming more materialistic again. Do I really need a $100,000 car? Or expensive wrist watches? Not really. But I guess as they say "monkey see, monkey do". Mind you, I'm not that shallow of a guy. However living in a 1st world country does make you want to 'live the better life' for lack of better words I guess.