Bangkok City

Could possibly be known as one of the cities in the world that never sleeps or if it does, only in the ‘wee’ hours of the morning. Best word to describe this place – HUMID! And I’m guessing that it’s like that most of the year, not just October. Forget showering because as soon as you step outside, you can feel the tiny beads of sweat slowly building on your forehead and before you know it, your armpits are sticky and tiny drops are running down your back. It’s also impossible to count the number of 7Elevens on two hands within a 500 metre walking distance. WTT – ‘Welcome to Thailand’.

Smog and the roaring engines of tuk tuks are common in this bustling city – everything fast – go, go, go! Scooters and motorcycles swerve in and out of traffic making sure they push their way to the front of traffic lights ensuring they get a decent head start. However, I still fail to understand this concept as cars quickly overtake them once the light turns green. I call this part of the story ‘Bangkok City’ for a reason, as it’s the phrase printed on singlets that every second vendor sells. Either that or Singha Lager’ or ‘Heineken’. Beer labels are printed on singlets, simple as that. Just like how every Aussie who has been to Bali wears a ‘Bintang’ singlet – it’s fast become an Asian trademark. But hey, WTT.

While in BC, be prepared to temple hop until you drop (literally). Either you’ll exhaust yourself from the heat or the walking or in my case, both. While each temple is unique in it’s own way, once you’ve seen a few, enthusiasm tends to disintegrate. After all, there are only so many photos one can take. The best piece of advice I can give to the gents is that when temple spotting be sure to wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off while for the ladies, remember to cover the knees and shoulders. If you remember these simple things, you’re all good. WTT.

It didn’t take me long to realise pedestrian crossings in Thailand have no meaning, but don’t worry; I didn’t learn that through a near death experience, just careful observation. When you’re crossing roads in Bangkok you’ll look right, then left and right again before thinking silently to yourself, “I’m going to be waiting a while…” And although traffic going out of the city can be horrendous, at worst it’s quite astounding the infrequent honking of car horns. Thai people have an incredible patience with one another, particularly when it comes to driving. It’s almost like they can anticipate the other vehicles next move which explains why indicators are rarely used. Maybe they just aren’t needed. WTT.

Chiang Mai & Chiang Saem

The further north you move in Thailand, it quickly becomes apparent that the English language is spoken less here than in the south. But it doesn’t matter because its beauty and hospitality quickly make up for that. The countryside is breathtaking – green and refreshing. Just looking at it revitalises the soul and brings a sense of peace and calm. Lush rice fields surrounded by a backdrop of sweeping mountains that seem never ending. Pure beauty. There is no wondering why the people here are so content. They are simple people, living simple lives but they couldn’t be happier. I have learnt to treasure the small and humble things in life, like the power of a smile. Whether it’s a smile from a stranger, a child or friend, a smile brings warmth and is radiant in its own way. What if us in the West, took a few minutes each day to stop, quiet ourselves and learn to take pleasure in the simple things in life. It might just change our perspective on a few things…

While there is a phenomenal amount of landmass, nothing can surpass the power of the mighty Mekong River. It still amazes me how three countries – Thailand, Laos and Myanmar (Burma) are separated by this one body of water and together form the famous ‘Golden Triangle’. The Loi Krathong Festival celebrates the spirit of the river and rightly so. It’s only after you gently place a lotus gra` tong on to the water that you completely comprehend the intensity of the river and its supremacy. Its rapid currents would surely engulf anything that touches its surface. Hence why life jackets are compulsory when boarding one of the many boats that glide along this extravagant mass of water. WTT.

From my experiences thus far however, I would have to say that food is one of the greatest loves of the Thai people. It is the one thing that can be shared and satisfies not only the stomach but also the soul. I had every intention of losing weight before embarking on this journey by telling myself I would be eating rice and vegetables and walking everywhere as exercise. Looking back, that was an overly optimistic thought. Everything delicious is cooked in oil including my all time favourites – pad thai and banana roti pancakes. It’s a tragedy but hey, WTT!

I know people often warn you about eating off the street and while you do need to careful (to an extent), street food is the best – authentic, mouth watering and cheap! Also, after spending some time in a traditional Thai home with my friend’s mum, I haven’t gone hungry for a second. A massive bowl of rice, 2-3 times per day = a carb overload and certainly not helping with the weight loss program. On top of that I have tried a vast array of different fruits that I can’t remember the names of but they have been edible and most of them quite tasty. WTT.

Aside from the natural beauty Thailand has to offer and it’s many edible delicacies, there is the not so beautiful art of mastering the squat toilet. Whether you like it or not, if travelling up to Northern Thailand, there is no way of avoiding the dreaded squat toilet. And I admit, some people’s fears and phobias of this are far worse than others. Obviously for Thais, using a squat toilet is second nature but to Westerners, it’s as foreign as can be. The taller you are, the more awkward it is and the one note I can confidently make is that it requires balance. Western toilets are a luxury and when you do come across one in Thailand, it’s five star indulgence! WTT. I have made some interesting observations along the way like the patriotism of the Thai people although patriotism seems like an understatement. Almost ever house you pass in the north has the Thai flag out the front. Some look new, the colours vibrant and alive while others appear tattered and slightly faded – weathered from years in the sun. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention their beloved King whose face can be seen in every home, shop, market and hotel in Thailand. While I don’t know much about him apart from the fact that he is a good man, I can see it in his eyes. His face is gentle and kind, a true father to his people.

Apart from the Kings picture, I have additionally lost count of the number of dogs and cats that roam the streets in the heat of the day and take late night strolls under the milky moonlight. Many of the dogs have inbuilt road sense, although there have been the odd one or two who have sniffed death. WTT.

I have also learnt that every village has its own temple and school. With a population that is about 95 per-cent Buddhist, it’s no surprise students are taught the practices of Buddhism from a young age. I often wonder to myself, how many of them will grow up to become monks or practicing Buddhists who regularly attend temple. And part of my heart sinks knowing these children have not been taught about their true creator; the creator of the heavens and the earth. But my hope and prayer is that one day they will.

New Zealand or ‘Aotearoa’ as the native people call it known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscape is fast becoming one of the world’s hot new travel detinations.

Ask anyone these days where they would like to go for a holiday and it can be guaranteed that New Zealand will be on the list. Although New Zealand advertises itself as the ‘youngest country on earth’ it does not mean it lacks history or cultural diversity.

‘Aotearoa’ which means ‘land of the long white cloud’ is what New Zealand’s native Maori people call their country. Maori culture is culturally rich as displays much talent in traditional and contemporary arts. But it is not just the Maori history that tourists find attractive.

New Zealand has much more to offer including  its friendly atmosphere and sense of individuality. So why not visit and see for yourself?