Thailand
Long time no see! It had been 7 years. Seven years since I last saw my friends, Nira and May, both hailing from the beautiful country of Thailand. May had moved, but I still haven’t forgotten about you, darling. I look forward to when we can meet again. Nira, on the other hand, lived on the outskirts of Bangkok.
I landed at 3:05 on Sunday morning so I could see her in a couple of hours, as she had work the next day. There are three places I wanted to visit in Thailand: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket (pronounced ‘Puket’). This was very hard to do when those three places are so far from each other, and you have limited time. So onwards to Bangkok I went to meet up with my friend.
Nira had changed, naturally. Gone was the fresh-faced, short-haired girl of twenty-one I had once worked and laughed with. In her place was a beautiful, confident Thai woman who had grown her hair out and even had some brown streaks. Seeing a friend after so long truly warmed my heart. You know, sometimes you meet people and say, “until we meet again,” but never imagined when you would ever cross paths with them in the future? This was one such time.
It was so good to see her; I couldn’t contain my joy, for it was such an unbelievable moment. One should count themselves lucky to have quality friends—I know I do. Nira invited me to meet one of her friends, Kradoom, and that friend introduced me to Florien. We quickly became acquainted, and they showed me around the rich and political city of Bangkok.
Thankfully, it was a beautiful albeit hot day. This was great for the pictures and showed me how warm and welcoming Nira still is and how much of the same her friends are too. Thank you guys so much for such a beautiful day out, taking me to all the temples and Buddhas plus the Iconsiam Shopping Mall.
Dual pricing
If you’re a traveler who visits any country where you cannot seamlessly blend in, then there is a high chance you’ve encountered dual pricing. This is the practice of being charged a higher price than locals because you are a foreigner. When local Tuk-Tuk drivers saw Nira and Kradoom with two foreigners, we immediately got a more expensive fare. It’s amazing if you can find a driver who is unlike this. Nevertheless, we boarded a Tuk-Tuk, and off we sped. It wasn’t an altogether new experience for me, having taken a similar mode of transport in China—it sure was fun, though, traveling as locals do.
Also Check: Need A Hotel That’s Super Close to The Airport?
Thailand Temples and Spiritual Riches
As a traveler immersing myself in the vibrant tapestry of Thailand, one of the most captivating aspects was undoubtedly the intricate and awe-inspiring temples housing various Buddhas. From the iconic Reclining Buddha just next to The Grand Palace in Bangkok to the Emerald Buddha within The Palace, each temple told a story of Thailand’s rich history and deep spiritual roots. (I’ll definitely need to revisit Thailand again for I just caught a glimpse of the Emerald Buddha)
The golden spires and elaborate carvings of each temple transported me to a realm where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. Witnessing locals engage in devout prayers and rituals, adorned in vibrant traditional attire, offered a profound insight into the spiritual fabric of Thai culture. The tranquility within these sacred grounds contrasted the bustling energy of the city, creating a harmonious balance that left an indelible mark on my journey. The Grand Palace is…well, grand. When you visit, there are plenty opportunities to just go crazy with your camera.
If I have convinced you to travel to Thailand you can make a booking on Trip.com as I did.If you still need more convincing then no problem, let’s get back to the story, shall we? 😉
Bear in mind, that by making a booking through this or any affiliate link on Crimson21.com means if the booking is successful-I will receive a small commission which is of absolutely no cost to you.
culinary wonderland
Embarking on a culinary odyssey through Thailand was a palate-pleasing adventure that surpassed all expectations. The streets, bustling with food vendors, introduced me to a kaleidoscope of flavors, where the sweet, spicy, sour, and savory danced on my taste buds with each bite. From the world-renowned Pad Thai to the aromatic delights of a simple plate Cashew Chicken Stir Fry, every dish was a symphony of fresh ingredients and bold spices. Engaging in the ritual of street food, where locals and tourists alike gathered around communal tables, created a sense of camaraderie and shared delight.
The vibrant night markets added a layer of excitement, offering an array of exotic fruits, grilled meats, and delectable desserts. Speaking of, you must surely try Pang Cha World Class Thai Tea. This is an award- winning concoction consisting of shaved ice, tea pearls and whipped cream on top-perfect on a sunny day. Thai cuisine, with its perfect fusion of tradition and innovation, became a doorway to the heart of the country, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the culinary artistry that defines Thailand’s gastronomic landscape.
🤔 a return trip
In the tapestry of travel experiences, Thailand emerges as a masterpiece woven with vibrant temples, flavorful cuisine, and the warmth of genuine friendships. Now, let me extend an invitation—a call to embark on your own odyssey through the Land of Smiles. Discover the ancient stories etched in the temples, savor the explosion of flavors in every Thai dish, and forge connections that transcend borders. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual tranquility of sacred sites, the pulsating energy of city life, or the breathtaking beauty of coastal paradises, Thailand awaits with open arms.
December 30, 2023
Orsha
Beautiful
Crimson
Thanks Orsha, I hope you’ll make the trip one day!☺️
Akiellia
Thank you for sharing🫂 I am happy you were able to meet up with your friend after so many years. The tuk tuk driver no easy though🙈
Crimson
Me too. It’s always great seeing friends especially after being apart for many years. When you visit, make sure to return here and comment about your visit. Similarities, differences?