Thailand, part four

1/7/05


I’d been waiting to stock up on souvenirs and clothes until our final visit to Bangkok so I wouldn’t be lugging all my purchases around the country. We termed it the ‘fast cash giveaway’.

Liz and I hit Khao San Road, canvassing all the stalls and side streets. When we could not carry anymore, we went to the hotel, dropped off bags, and returned to the madness. I ended up with a bunch of cute clothes, a few thai t-shirts including a red bull one that I’ve been looking for since I lived in Singapore, a few pairs of shoes, some jewelry. Later we hopped in a tuk-tuk heading to Chinatown.

We wandered there for a bit taking pictures.
I'd never seen a flat pig before.


Later we parked it on the curb back downtown for a bit, enjoying spicy meat on a stick, a cold chang beer and a lot of people watching before it was time to head to the airport. I managed to pack like a pro and stuff everything into my backpack. We were a pitiful group as we waited for the bus to the airport. Our flight departed at midnight…

1/8/05

…and arrived in Tokyo the next morning.
Mt. Fuji from the plane.


Liz and I had a couple hours to kill before our bus back to Joetsu so we parked it at a Shakey’s pizza buffet and bitched and moaned about being back -- it was freezing and snowy and we were carrying only beach wear.
We traded golden sun for crystal snow, emerald waters for gray skies, warm smiles for cold stares, days with no agenda for strict work schedules. These contrasts illuminate the importance of traveling and internationalization. As humans, we learn so much by framing comparisons and examining certain ideas with respect to others. I’ve increased the sheer amount of knowledge I have about the world which makes me better equipped to synthesize notions relating to people and culture. In a constant quest to understand as much as possible about the world that surrounds me, this trip taught me volumes. When leaving a foreign place I always feel enriched, reminded of the importance of experience and observation, and eager to go and see more. As much as I may have enjoyed a locale, that feeling usually manifests itself in a desire to explore somewhere new; I think “if I can manage to scrape together the money to travel again, I’ll visit somewhere I have never laid my eyes on.” Thailand is the first country that begged me to return; the first time I know I’ll visit that place again. That is a huge compliment owed to the natural beauty, atmosphere, hospitality, friendly people and energy of this country.

อดเปรี้ยวไว้กินหวาน

they say…’forego the sour for the sweet’. they truly live by this axiom and that magical paradise gently encourages you to do the same.