Thank you Thailand!

I recently returned from a wonderful holiday to Thailand and how glorious it was to only fly 2 hours instead of 20. It is so much better on the mind and body.

This trip was never meant to happen if it was not for my friends Malvina and Carrie…thank you ladies. I was invited to an incredible reality escape called Koh Chang, an island near Cambodia. Koh Chang is quite large and most tourism on the west side. This is a place that was only recently discovered and like so many places, will lose its slow, simple and cheap life to development. It is a journey to get there from Bangkok and perhaps not everyone’s taste. I welcomed the shanty, shack living and laid back lifestyle.

My residence for a week was Gilligan’s Island meets Club Med on a very low budget. People are kind, food was good, location excellent and nightlife quite amazing. This is a place where personalities and loose baggage are revealed in full color. Stories of the dramas, adventures and bizarre could not possibly do justice to the reality. Not sure if it was us or the place or both, but the three of us attracted attention and made for some great memories (mostly). I think we helped some people in there life’s journey and got a taste of others that has left me feeling a bit concerned and not ever needing to cross paths…again. What a great international crossroad.

On Koh Chang you can choose to have your holiday quiet or loud. Day life is about pool, beach, ocean, conversation and repeat. Nightlife is quite exciting considering where you are. Our little spot of Siam Huts was a happening spot. The beach party had lighting, quality of music, fireshow and setting that would rival any high end resort, but was so much pleasurable that it was not expensive and plasticized.

Koh Chang is a place that not many people are aware of. I now know that there are so many special gems like this all over the world and as the world gets smaller they sadly will not be secrets anymore. I feel so lucky that I got to experience this and glad I do not need luxury and refinement to be happy. If you want to meet interesting people and get all the benefits of a life most people dream about then come and get a taste of this place.

The rest of my Thailand adventure was spent in Bangkok. Prior to this stay I would tell you that this city was worth a brief visit, transfer to another place or skip it. My attitude has changed. I was shocked to realize that Hanoi and Bangkok are similar in population size and different in almost every other way. BKK (Bangkok) has a great energy and is alive 24 hours. It is a crossroads of the world and though a bad reputation of sex, scandal and politics, there is so much more to offer. What I love about BKK? 1.) A decent mass transit above and below ground. 2.) Vitality, modernity with a great mix of foreign influence. 3.) Many different options for restaurants, bars, clubs and life. 4.) Shopping, shopping, shopping. 5.) Great art scene with a good mix of traditional and contemporary. 6.) People are more friendly, helpful and communicative.

Bangkok is growing fast like so much of Asia and with that comes the good and the bad. As with any major city, it depends on the individual for what a city can offer. I think BKK can offer just about anything for anyone. At this time there is a good mix of street life, vs. modern life, but in time that will change. BKK is not the place to go to see or taste the best of Thailand. BKK is the New York and you need to go to the country to get the true taste and feel of a culture. Bangkok is not expensive, yet, but more than Hanoi. The downside of growth of a city is the cost. You have to pay to play. I can see myself living in Bangkok for many reasons, but it will come down to the cost of living. Is there a place for me? We shall see.

Thailand, don’t lose your reputation as the ‘Land of Smiles’. I can see that you are frustrated and want to be unique. You need the world to prosper, but remember to not lose your identity and what has made you great. Keep smiling!