First impressions in Thailand
It has been a few weeks since we arrived in Thailand, a country that has been added to our improbable journey this year around the world... much to our delight! Behind some of our apprehensions and doubts before this trip to Thailand, we had a genuine curiosity towards this postcard country. Here are my first impressions and first loves... because there will surely be more!
Thailand, a land of contrasts
The most striking impression I have when I think of Thailand is that of a series of paradoxes that overlap, meet, intersect, and intertwine.
Impossible to make an exhaustive list, but in no particular order, I think of these contrasts:
- between the north (with its mountains, lush landscapes... less touristy) and the south (with its beaches, full moon parties... more touristy)
- between restraint (in the importance of respecting others, serious tone, and politeness) and extravagance (in > so wild, whether in fashion accessories or advertising posters and satisfaction survey smileys at the airport)
- between modesty (in presence, no physical contact) and > (a competition for the shortest skirt among waitresses to sell beer)
- between megacity (noise and hustle in the main arteries of major cities) and village (tranquility, single-story houses) side by side in the same city
- between traditions (typical clothing, ancestral customs, rudimentary houses of mountain dwellers) and new technologies (phones, televisions, jeans...)
- between a benevolent attitude (spontaneous help in the street, kindness and smiles) and denunciation (it is better not to speak badly or question politics, royalty, and religion too much)
Some people, Thais and expatriates or travelers, have sometimes expressed very categorical opinions about this beautiful country:
And if, >, it was precisely all of this. This improbable and paradoxical set, contrasting and unique. A constantly evolving and changing whole: a very much alive country.
Cultural shocks and amusement
In conversations and discussions with Thais, the amusement of reciprocal cultural shock, for example in gastronomic tastes and aversions:
We can never fully understand the Thais, just as we will always (a little?) remain a mystery to them!
5 reasons to travel to Thailand
50 shades of green
The landscapes of northern Thailand captivated us. With my gaze lost in an ocean of green, surrounded by rice fields like soft cozy carpets, I felt so peaceful in this harmonious setting.
Our road trip in the north felt like a journey through a painting, gliding along the canvas, from one shade of green to another.
Colorful temples
How can one not fall under the charm of these colorful temples? I particularly appreciated a reflection shared by our expatriate guide, about his Thai wife while traveling in France: after entering a church, she raced out, shocked by the macabre and grim atmosphere of the building (what with all those saints in suffering and the crucified Christ, there must be many spirits around). She then asked:
A very simple question that illustrates cultural shock, in its architectural implications, but also and especially spiritual and philosophical ones. In their Buddhist temples, it is important to feel good. They seek peace and a harmonious ambiance suitable for meditation, with warm and soft lights, well-fed and smiling Buddhas, colorful garlands, and glittering ornaments.
Immersion in manga
Some streets in Thai cities and villages, particularly in the capital and the north, felt like they had come straight out of manga. Yes, I know, Thailand is not Japan. But for > like us, for whom every turn is an opportunity to discover a new landscape, we really enjoyed wandering through the hidden alleys of the capital.
Thai cuisine
Renowned as one of the best in the world, Thai cuisine lives up to its promises. We were more than satisfied to explore this universe with spoon and fork in hand.
Refined and varied, delicious both on the streets and in the best restaurants, Thai cuisine offers a journey that delights the stomach as much as the eyes!
Them
Simply them. The Thais. Just for them, the trip is worth it. The > has not stolen its nickname. But it goes even further than that. They do not just smile timidly and politely. No, Thais laugh. For everything, for nothing. They laugh heartily and easily. With a generous and profoundly human laugh.
And their generosity does not stop at their laughter. An unexpected encounter comes to mind, in a small village in the north of the country, where a Lisu Chinese community lives. The village was celebrating, and we happened to pass by. They invited us to join them, to sit on the ground with them, and share their meal. Just like that. A perfect moment etched deeply in my memory, which I will tell you more about in detail when recounting our northern Thai adventure (I have so much to share!).
Thailand: a crush and the desire to return...
Thailand, the last major stop of our sabbatical year, was a true breath of fresh air in our journey around the world. One month: a trip that was far too short!
What a pleasure to feel so good, so comfortably at ease! At home. Comfortable with the people around us. Comfortable with the music of the language. Comfortable with our food. Comfortable amidst the fabulous scenery shifting from green to blue.
Just comfortable!
We feared a country >, a loss of charm, a leveling out towards the sterilization of globalization... But we found stunning landscapes, touching Thais, and atmospheres all in shades and sincerity.
A lovely first trip to Thailand, for one thing is sure, it won't be the last!
In upcoming articles, I will talk in more detail about the itinerary we followed, in the south (with the islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui) and in the north (with the exploration of the Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai region), as well as our great loves: those discoveries that mark a trip and those encounters that mark a life.