When Bangkok residents and those in neighboring provinces like
Ayutthaya, Hua Hin and Ratchaburi were gearing up for the hottest
season in Thailand, 6 young, adventurous Pinoys set out from Manila to
fulfill part of their goal - to tour the whole of South East Asia.
Their destination? Thailand!
But little did they know it's going
to be more than just a taste of the spiciest meal they've ever had in
their life, or that it's going to be more than just a beach experience.
Here is a story of six friends who came to Thailand for the first time.
Their experiences have been so much more than they hoped and planned
for, and how they did it would be something you could learn from if you
yourself plans to travel Thailand.
Mark, Vangie, Hencel, Hil,
Jeff and Sheryll thought they have done all the research they could lay
their hands on to arm them with all that they needed for their Thailand
trip. But although they did see parts of Thailand they expected,nothing
prepared them for the scorching, energy-draining heat Thailand is
famous for especially in the months of March and April.
"Umaga
pa lang, mainit na" (in the morning, it's already hot), the group was
saying. And that had an impact on their sight seeing plans. They wanted
to do more and see more, but the heat was just too much so they had to
catch up on some sleep their first couple of days to have the energy to
tackle Bangkok streets thereafter. Nonetheless, those first couple of
days, they experienced the historical architecture of Ayutthaya -
Thailand's capital before the Thais moved it to Bangkok, also known as
Krungthep in the local language. They also had a taste of Thailand
waters and sand in tranquil Hua Hin, which is the King's choice of
residence for the summer season. Though they didn't have a chance to
bump into royalty while there, they were not the least disappointed.
They had a chance to see and experience parts of Thailand other than
Bangkok even though it's only their first time to travel Thailand.
The
morning after their travels in Ayutthaya and Hua Hin, we met the Pinoy
travelers at Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and took
them to the ever famous Floating Market in Damnoen Saduak.
While
having a picturesque moment watching the array of Thai fruits, food and
crafts along what is known to some as the 'Venice of the East', the
group had some regular Thai noodles (bam-i nam) and enjoyed sticky rice
topped with ripe mango (kaw niew ma muang) and the cheap, yet very
fresh fruits being sold along the khlong (canal). The sellers were
cramped with their goods in narrow wooden boats. Not much time to
haggle there for customers, lest the boat with the goods you have your
eyes on gets swept by other boats.
And of course, the adventure wouldn't be complete without the boat ride along the khlong (canal).
But
the most unforgettable experiences the group had came in contrasts.
Nearly at the end of their Thailand travels, the group visited the
Grand Palace. There, they were awed by the intricacy of the Thais'
handiwork on the walls of the temples.
Literally everything
spelled "majestic", and they wondered whether the bright colors and the
intricate work are true for all Buddhists or is it only in Thailand.
Apart from the grandiosity of the palaces and temples, the Thais'
reverence for their King also made a great impression on the group. To
them, it's amazing that despite the apparent modern technology in
Thailand, people still have a deep respect for and that they still
follow their King.
That same night, the group had an 180-degree
turn when their travels took them to yet another infamous place to
visit in Thailand - Patpong! There they saw another side of Bangkok
that is equally amazing but in a totally different way. Though they had
a forewarning that they might meet quite aggressive people who would
try to convince them they have the best "pingpong" show that side of
the city, nothing prepared them for the real experience.
"They
really force you to buy their wares", was one of the comments from the
group. "Nakakatakot yung inaapproach ka nila tapos hindi ka nila talaga
titigilan.Tsaka hindi ko ininom yung soda (when we watched the show),
kasi natatakot ako kung ano yung nakalagay doon" (it's scary when they
approach you and they don't easily let you go. And I didn't drink the
soda because it's scary to think what could be in it), was yet another
member's memory of the group's Patpong experience. What was unexpected
by the group was how the women who worked in Patpong reacted to their
work situation: "Nakakagulat sa kanila, parang wala lang" (What was
surprising was that it seemed like nothing to them). "In fact,
nagtatawanan sila (they were laughing). Parang they don't see it as
work na; just something natural. They don't see anything wrong about
it".
Before the group came for this trip, they heard many
stories about Thailand. Surprisingly though, not much was told about
Patpong. Many of the stories the group read in blogs and heard about
Thailand were scary, but they've found out, they're not all true. One
of them says, just be practical. Have the common sense to take the same
precautions sensible travelers would take in any country they visit for
the first time.
The group also advises, "Do not limit yourself
to Bangkok. Thailand is not beaches. Thailand is not Patpong. Thailand
is not temples. Thailand is everything!"
And because of that,
this group of 6 friends vows to come back. There is yet more to
Thailand that they have not experienced. Next time, they would like to
go south and explore the island beaches like Krabi and Phuket. They
might also go north where the long-neck tribe and the like lives, and
where the climate is so much more forgiving especially for travelers.
In
the Philippines the group has also seen many beautiful places. And
their Thailand experience has only enhanced whatever is good and
beautiful about our country.
And that is one message they would
like to convey to others back home: to go places beyond the 7,107
islands (or more) of the Philippines. The purpose is not to promote
tourism in other countries, but for Pinoys to appreciate what is good
about our own. This way people will have a better understanding of what
works in our country and what does not. From there, it would be easier
to correct our mistakes because we will have tangible points of
comparison.
As the group leaves Thailand with thought provoking
memories, they have this to say to Siam Pinoy, "Thank you sa experience
sa Thailand. Yung hospitality, hindi namin expected. Pumunta na kami sa
ibang lugar na may kakilala pa kami (we've already gone to places where
we even know people). But here, we don't even know you, you don't know
us. Yet you spent time for us."
For us in Siam Pinoy, it has
been a pleasure. It's not everyday we meet like-minded people. And for
those adventurous spirits left back home who plan to unleash themselves
in Thailand, here's their piece of advice, "Prepare themselves. Keep an
open mind. Ang Thailand, hindi mo right away mahal, e (you don't get to
love it right away). But it grows on you. And when they get here,
respeto lang sa kultura nila" (just respect their culture).
As
the group of 6 friends go back to their different lives in Manila, they
will always have their extreme experiences of Thailand to look back to.
A part of them would remember the 'cigarette-smoking' and 'pingpong'
ladies of the Thailand nightlife who sell entertainment of another kind.
Another
part of the group would look back with awe and wonder at the
nationalism of a people and the love they have for their King and
country. And that national pride is the part of them, which gives rise
to those majestic and intricately decorated temples and palaces
Thailand is known for the world over. But for one thing, they are a
more proud group of Filipino travelers, appreciating more what is
Philippines after learning and experiencing what lies beyond our
borders.
About the Author : Hedda Joy Tady-Tan is an International School Teacher in Thailand
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