THAILAND - A GREAT DISCOVERY

It was nothing like I imagined it to be.

 

I just returned from a weeklong trip to Bangkok, Thailand. It was in many ways, what I was told it would be and it didn't disapppoint..What a place, what a city, what a country, what a great people!!! There are several things I noted about the people, the city, the country side and other observations. 

The people all seem happy. Hard to believe they go to work every day, whether they are driving a tuk-tuk, sweeping sidewalks, making beds in a hotel – no matter what they do they seem to do it with a smile. They say hello on the street (those were the “working girls” and yes, they all had smiles), they open the door when you walk into a restaurant; the transit cop will attempt to help you master the Sky Train and give you some tips. They are all glad to help. Ask a question and they will get you an answer from someone that speaks your language. The people just make being there fun and very comfortable.  

Before I left, someone had admonished me not to go there. Not safe I was told, wouldn’t go there if I were you. Well, he was not me so I went. I am not sure what are he was talking about, but Thailand did not fit that description. I walked down dark streets, walked around late at night coming back from Asiatique and had no fear or qualms. Every Sky Train platform had at least two police officers, security was everywhere. I never felt safer in any city in the world that I have visited than I did in Bangkok.. I am thinking that the person was thinking of another city in another country. Now that I am thinking about it, that person has been consistently wrong about everything since I met him about a couple of years ago. He is definitely wrong about Bangkok and for sure, Thailand. 

There is no question that the lack of some of the safety procedures would never fly in the US. Getting on a river boat is an adventure – there are no gangplanks to walk down, just jump on. The same was true about the bamboo river raft. You have to jump from one raft to the other. No one presented you with a waiver of liability form – heck, I don’t think they know what liability is. Climbing up to the waterfall near the River Kwai there are no ropes to hold on to. No one fell, no one complained – everyone loved the experience. At the Floating Market there were no health department A-B or C signs. You saw the lady cook the food on her river boat, she handed it to you and you ate it. Some of the foods I would not even consider eating, not because of the “kitchen” but because I had no idea what the food was. Those that were eating it seemed to be enjoying it. Where we have so much regulation and legal protections they have almost none and they seem to be happy with their lives. 

Yes, the country is emerging from third world status. I expected to see so much poverty and filth. I saw some, but far less than I ever expected. I toured up to 150 miles from Bangkok. The elephant trail was littered with very large road apples – the size of large watermelons. They just shoveled them into a ditch. The city streets are clean – old but clean. The ditches on the trails, that is another story. Good for the jungle they said! 

There are lessons to be learned. Skukhumvit Road was like a series of Times Squares – everyone having great time. People enjoying themselves, lights everywhere, smiles all around. No violence, no dangers, just the optimistic look at the next year and the hope that it brings.The population is young and vibrant. Their energy is everywhere and you feel it. 

The lights are amazing –  they are everywhere. The visuals are overwhelming and create a sense of wellbeing. The huge jumbotrons are a source of street entertainment that provides information, music, advertising and just pure fun! 

 Oh yes, the motorcycle taxis were thriving. Just jump on and the motorcycle driver will take you where you want to go for just a few Baht. The girls in short skirts ride side saddle. To get around you have the Tuk-tuk, the Meter-Taxi, the Sky Train and the motorcycle taxi, too. Just to give you an idea of what things cost, the distance to the airport is about 27 KM about 18 miles. The cab fare was about $7.50 and that included the drop of 35 Baht. That ride would be about $50 in the US. 

Some of the odors on the street were difficult to weather. But you walked fast held your breath for a few seconds - no problem Air pollution is a problem but not a big problem. There is nothing that you can’t buy on the street for a negotiated price. I mean nothing (except illegal narcotics)! 

I am often, very often asked about the women of Thailand. They are quite beautiful, they dress stylishly and have far less boundaries than western women. You can walk down the street and get a traditional Thai massage, a less traditional massage (don’t ask) a foot massage that is quite intense or you can visit a bar. Learn the bar fee! There are parts of town that are amazing. Because I have gray hair I was often called “Pappa.” “Papa, you want to buy? Pappa you want to eat?” Strange, I was not called “Pappa” in Nana Plaza. (Another story for another time). 

Here is what I did not see: Graffiti and speed limit signs, What I did see was a happy people. What I didn't see I will whenI  go back and I am going back!

That was my take – go there and you decide.