Tidbits from Thailand

I thought I would capture some of the highlights and impressions from our stay here in Thailand. Our adventures are coming to a close... two more nights and one more day in Bangkok and then we have the epic travel home.

These are some of the aspects of this country that really intrigued and captivated me. Enjoy! : )

* The warmth and friendliness of the Thai people. They have such easy smiles and are so quick to laugh and have fun.

* A crisp, cold Singha beer in this sweltering, hot, humid climate.

* Not having to wear a long-sleeved top or sweater.... ever! : )

* Biting into a fresh mangosteen. The fruit is deep purple, and about the size of a plum. You tear it open in half, and the white globes, almost looking like garlic cloves, taste tangy, sweet, and succulent.

* The street markets that are open at all hours of the day and night seem to serve any kind of food imaginable. Where you find big bowls of meat soup that seem to marinate for days, alongside skewers of tofu, fresh fruit, Pad Thai, Thai soup, and pancakes. (mmm! banana and chocolate!)

* The crazy rules of the road, or lack thereof. Where motorcycles and scooters (the most agile vehicles of the road) can travel in any direction - with the traffic, against the traffic, in between and around vehicles. whatever they wamt. Where tuk tuks and song thaews are the most economical and often most terrifying automobiles to travel in. Where there never seems to be any road rage, people use their horn to let others know that they are there.

* Seeing the street dogs and cats (and often puppies and kittens). They are everywhere and are so cute. Lean and friendly and quite affectionate. Dogs will often follow you and lay down next to you, not begging or wanting anything, just enjoying your company. I can tell you that there were quite a few I wanted to take home with me.

* The ocean. Blue-green and warm like bathwater. Lined with pure white sand. Water that has so much saline and minerals in it, that it's almost impossible to sink.

* The food!! I've eaten like a queen these past couple of weeks. I love the fragrant, wholesome, spicy Thai food, and I've come to crave rice. The food is so fresh and so available and absolutely delicious!

* The sweetest bananas I have ever tasted.

* It's been very disconcerting to be in a country where the concept of recycling simply does not exist. I'm very troubled by the sheer number of plastic water bottles that Jack and I alone have used on this trip. I don't actually know where all the garbage goes, and it's very hard to think of the kind of impact that I have made on this beautiful place.

* The most aggressive and inexpensive massages I have ever had. One hour of being put into yoga-like positions by someone the size of Cindy Chow with hands and legs and elbows and knees that pummel you into a jelly-like state. One hour for about $10. Unbelievable.

* The concept of island time. Something you need to consider whenever you have to travel anywhere. Schedules and timetables here are very loose.

See you when we get home! Bye for now.
xo