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| He's not impressed. |
Alright, I know this post is a long time coming - considering that I was in Thailand in June/July, I've been a bit slow on the uptake. But let's pretend it's because I'm focusing on school and being a good girl :)
So, Thailand - truly the "Land of Smiles". They smile when they're happy. They smile when they're angry. They smile when they're confused. Which basically means that you smile all the time, because you're constantly confused as to whether they are confused, or angry, or happy. But no one can tell. Makes for a great postcard when there isn't a frown to be seen (except the guy doing the headstand, of course). Personally, I think there will one day be a giant explosion of emotion once the smile dam bursts and the frustration reservoir runs over. But that's just me.
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| One of many temples |
The thing about the Land of Smiles is that they even smile when they're conning you out of things. And that makes for a great vacation experience. It's such a nice feeling to be kindly conned out of something. Almost makes it worth it. I mean, if a criminal is willing to put in that much effort and can keep up a calm demeanor - I think he pretty much earned his keep! Not that anything really happened to us - we had loads of people try to tell us that places were closed for "Buddha Day" (bet you didn't know Buddha had 365 birthdays....), or for lunch, or just to bug the tourists, but they had a really nice "other museum" or "great tailor shop" to take us to. But we were not taken in... for the most part ;)
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| So refreshing... |
And the food - I think I had more Pad Thai in 3 weeks than in my entire life. And not one of them tasted the same as the other - not an easy feat for a peanut noodle dish, but fait accompli! And the Diet Coke (I know, Mom, I know)... was NORMALLY PRICED! No 3.50 for a 600 mL bottle - I was in aspartame heaven. Meanwhile, my travelling companions were feasting on touristy fare of fried crickets and cockroaches. Amateurs, both of them.
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| Climbed up here in flip-flops - that's right Dad! |
Thailand is a beautiful country, and words cannot do it justice. You can hit up floating markets, ride elephants, go white-water rafting, go scuba-diving, or get a "Thai tattoo" when you fall off your scooter (thankfully avoided). Not to mention haggling at the market - and it's true what they say, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar! Thai people are very particular about being polite and respectful, so should you ever find yourself in Thailand, don't ever get mad or rude - it won't end well for you.
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| The real Bridge over the River Kwai |
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| Village craftswoman |
The other thing that you will notice in Thailand - or for that matter, most developing countries - is that Canadian musicians will follow you EVERYWHERE. Riding in a taxi through Bangkok? Your Heart Will Go On. Trying to be stoic as you observe the real Bridge over the River Kwai? A little Summer of '69 to pick you up. There is something about Canadian music that is so appealing to the international crowd - a little bit of home, wherever you go.
Water Certified PADI Scuba Diver - not a small feat for someone scared of drowning, not breathing, open water, sea creatures, and um, death. Next stop? The Great Barrier Reef!
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| Queen of the Jungle! |
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