tbt :: Thailand

As spring approaches and winter is coming to  close, I have an almost overwhelming case of wanderlust - just itching to get out there and explore the world. But since I can't do that yet, I decided to  reflect back to around this time three years ago I was in beautiful Thailand during my study abroad. I never wrote a post just about Thailand and felt it deserved it's own. After all, it's such a beautiful country. Let's start with the city.

BANGKOK

Within Bangkok is the sky tower in which much better pictures of the city can be taken than this. The sky tower to Bangkok is like Prudential Tower to my fellow Boston natives. A beautiful view plus bars. Is it me or is there something just enthralling about the city at night?

 

The streets of Bangkok: temples, artwork, food stands, lots and lots of food stands (~$0.10 to $3 USD). How I miss the delicious fresh fruits and freshly cooked little meat kabobs readily available on so many street corners for such affordable prices...

By River Taxi, there's even more to see around Bangkok during the day (Ride ~ $2 USD).

Bangok :: Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha)

This picture cannot do justice to the beauty of the temples in Thailand. It's truly something you need to see with your own two eyes and it cannot be replaced by any photo or story. It's not only the view, but the atmosphere; the feeling that all are welcome with a mutual respect for one another - a true feeling of peace.

Bangkok: Mahboonkrong 

MBK is was my favorite place to get frozen yogurt ( ~$2 USD). Meals and restaurants prices (~$5 to $15 USD) in MBK were undeniably delicious although pricier (because it's a tourist area) than the street stand foods. How I miss being able to eat flavor packed noodle dishes for the price of fast food!

Around MBK are many more places to see which can be accessible by the Sky Train (Ride ~$1 USD if I remember correctly). 

Bangkok: Terminal 21

One of my other favorite shopping site. Each floor has a theme of another country, which I thought was really cool.

  

Bangkok: Chinatown

Chinese New Year 2012 travel by tuk-tuk!

Bangkok :: The Grand Palace

Bangkok :: Chulalongkorn University

For a day trip outside the city, there's the Ayutthaya Ruins to see some of the older parts of Thailand.

 

For a few days outside the city, there's Kanchanaburi.

First off there's Damnern Saduak Floating Market, which you can travel by boat.

Kanchanaburi :: Erawan National Park for a leisurely hike (if you can get past the heat) and some swimming (if you don' mind the tiny fish nibbling at your feet - not painful by the way, more of spa type of deal)!

 Kanchanaburi :: River Kwai Resotel

Koh Chang

Phi Phi Islands by Boat Tour

Krabi :: Ao Nang Beach

I think about my time in Thailand a lot, even though it was a short 10 weeks. That's because of the places I've been and the experiences I've had, Thailand is where I was most inspired and challenged in such a short amount of time that had such a huge impact on my life. 

Never in my life before going to Thailand did I ever expect to go where I have gone, met who I have grown to love, and become the person I have after I left. There was so much I had to be thankful for during that trip and I still think about it 'till this day:

 Riding an elephant, feeling the waves of the Indian Ocean, getting the best tan of my life. Confidence built by difficult project struggles and learning how to navigate with horrible Thai language skills. Friendships formed with bonds that you notice are similar but not quite the same as the ones build back home. Not only did I get to know some of the most kind and genuine people I'd ever met, I also learned how to love myself a little more during that trip.

When I think about the fact that being in Thailand was 3 years ago, I am in utter awe. When you don't think of time, it passes you by the quickest. And even if it is a memory, it stays with you and it's not a memory I ever want to shake. I hope the inspiration from this wonderful place stays with me forever and that I only add to it with more travels and adventures.

Never in my life before I went to Thailand did I think my view on life would change so drastically - and I'm so glad it did. May we all find places, people, and experiences that widen our perspectives, help us grow, and make us feel grateful to be alive.

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 

― Anita Desai

o-o-o-o-o-o

Have an amazing day!

-Chelle