thailand first impressions.

I am home from one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

My trip to THAILAND!

Where to begin...well from the first step into the Tokyo airport during one of many layovers, I knew I was in for a big culture shock, but it was not until I first saw Bangkok that I knew how different the world could really be. Here in North America, we don't know how fortunate we are to have everything we need. The place we stayed at was NOT touristy at all, so there were people who lived around there that had next to nothing at all. They ran little markets and thats all they did. Everyday. What amazed me the most was not that they actually could live on so little, but it was how happy they were. Every morning during our smoothie runs (there was a lady who made the world's best strawberry banana smoothies), they would smile the most genuine smile and continue on with their daily life of selling market food, running a little restaurant, or making clothing. They truly inspired me to not only be grateful for the life I have been given, but to also understand that true happiness does not come from the typical North American ideas of success, it comes from doing what you love and making the best of your circumstances no matter where you are in life. These people are some of the friendliest people I have met in my entire life. 

some of the ladies who ran a market on the street

DAY 01: First Impressions

 Now I'm going to be honest...the first day I arrived in Bangkok I wanted to hop back onto a plane to my comfort zone. I did not know that the world could be SO DIFFERENT! I guess I was experiencing culture shock. Actually one of my famous quotes from the trip was: "I wish I would've got more vaccinations" 

As time went on however, I adjusted and looking back on it...I now understand that it's not some gross city and the people aren't 'sketchy'. I know that this is their culture and it's just different than ours. It is truly an amazing part of the world and 'don't judge a book by it's cover' applies here. The first day was crazy. Scooters were flying down the sidewalk left, right, and center and there were people everywhere. Did you know there are something like 12 million people in bangkok? CRAZY. The way they drive is also bizarre. They don't really use their lanes and also do not have speed limits...lets just say I wish I would've worn my seat belt but oh that's another thing...there are none. Funny thing is, I was scared out of my mind the first time I saw how they drive, but I realized that they are actually good drivers and they are pros at how to drive fast, while switching lanes and not shoulder checking! 

unreal strawberry banana smoothie

 The first few days were definitely shocking but I miss it already. Crazy how you can fall in love with a country!

-m 

fresh fruit