I love to travel far enough that
things are foreign, meaning I need to figure things out. Customs, languages,
and food are not just like home. I desire this in my travel. I’m always a
little disappointed when fellow travelers expect things to be like home when
they are away. They probably should just stay home. Our Thai guide, Uza,
encouraged us to “Open your eyes wide, but open your mind wider.” A good travel
mantra.
There are living walls of orchids in
the Bangkok airport. These beautiful, delicate flowers welcome us just like the
lovely people. Thai people smile easily, and their greeting includes palms
pressed together with a respectful bow of the head. We feel special. I
can’t read a symbol of their written language, but there are certain fonts that
remind me of musical notes with the quarter and half notes strung together.
That makes it fitting that when the locals speak, it sounds a bit like music.
The words aren’t anything I can recognize; it reminds me of Alice in Wonderland’s
Jabberwocky, with fewer “l’s” and “r’s”. There are five pitch levels for the
same letter. The lyrical tones combined with elongated tones makes it all
so....sing-songy.
Food is inexpensive in Thailand.
Rice and fish are the staples, but chilies are the stapler. Red pepper
flakes and pods wind up in most dishes, from soup to dessert. Street food is
easily found as the aroma of grilling meats, baking coconut buns or boiling of
noodles fills the air. Fresh fruit is sold on the side of the road, anywhere
watermelons or mangos can be stacked. We see fields of pineapples growing with
the small fruits maturing on the end of the central stem, kinda like a radio
antenna decoration. Most all meals include heaps of these tasty slices along with
papaya and tiny little limes to squeeze. There are over 20 varieties of bananas
and seeing big bunches dangling in yards and fields always is a fun “I spy”
moment. There are some strange dishes served, OK, bugs and rats, but this
requires a little more mind widening than some are willing to dare.
The majority of the people in
Thailand are Buddhist (60%). Every yard, business, and parking lot has a little
spirit house that receives gifts of food and flowers daily. I won’t even
attempt to say I can understand the discipline of their beliefs but it has a
huge presence in their world. We joke in Europe about ”ABC” (Another Big
Church) and this country has “ABT” (Another Big Temple). The constant reminders
of Buddha through images and statues bring to my mind that in our Christian
nation, we are taking reminders down. Temples with design and architecture that
make one take another dozen pictures as giant carved snakes (called “Naga”) slither
down stair banisters. Huge murals, depicting hundreds of tiny characters, cover
wall after wall after wall.
Motorcycles and scooters are the way
to go and they do. Traffic is a tangle but even with the zip of the cycles,
there doesn’t seem to be the honking and rage I’ve certainly seen in other
places. Can there be a gentle traffic jam? And speaking of tangles, have you
seen the messy nest of cables attached to power poles?
Thailand is still mourning the death
of their beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej who passed away last October.
Billboards, portraits, and the family crest are everywhere. The perimeters of
government buildings plus are decorated with black and white bunting. Most
people wear black, white or grey daily for this year of mourning. Tens of
thousands of people wait patiently for hours to pass by the coffin in the Grand
Palace where he is laid in state. He reigned for 70 years and accomplished
much.
I’ll admit we were a bit embarrassed and humbled when we arrived and
started seeing all the images. We weren’t really sure who he was but knew
someone had died. We asked our bellboy, and he said very sincerely, “You mean,
my king?” I couldn’t think of anyone that Americans would pay such respect and
grieve for year. Another example of the difference in our cultures.
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