I was enjoying a private tour of Thailand with my own
personal guide & driver. It was a fantasy that had become reality! This
was a trip I had planned for 2 years. I sacrificed luxuries, neglected
household repairs, & pinched nickels every way I could to afford this trip.
Plus I subscribed to an expat Thai newsletter online and studied up on Thailand
and its customs. Perhaps this country would become my future home? I had to go
there and find out.
First, I had to change planes in Dubai. I didn't know I was
going there until my Travel Agent told me. And I must say, the airport there
was as interesting as it was stressful.
From Dubai, it was on to Bangkok. Soon it hit me; here I was
on the other side of the planet!!! Every day was now filled with wonderful
pinch-me-am-I-really-here moments!!! Exotic eye-popping architecture and colorfully
dressed people surrounded me. Everything was eye candy for the soul!
Every hotel or resort I stayed had either a terrace or back
porch with a scenic water view. And each had a Dragon fruit centerpiece
somewhere in the room; plus a tea kettle, burner, along with all the tea
fixings. This made for the perfect ending to my exhausting, event-filled days
as I journeyed north.
I didn't go drinking in the night clubs, that's not my
thing! I was more interested in the culture. I felt privileged to see much of
rural Thailand and meet people from the various hill tribes and just explore.
Of course I hit the major tourist spots too, including lots and lots
of ornate temples. All are worth seeing!
Don't get me started on the variety of gorgeous merchandise
in the markets! If Thailand was not so far away and the flight so expensive
& long, I'd go back tomorrow with an empty suitcase & lots of cash!
Thailand is filled with amazingly beautiful bargains.
Of course during most of the trip I had swollen feet &
calves, plus a bruised body from all the walking, climbing, and tumbles I took,
but I'd do it all again. Plus I had 3 flights within Thailand, itself and
flying isn't pleasant anymore, to say the least. But that too, was worth it.
Thailand was a thrilling experience and one not to be missed!
However, I needed to determine whether or not I would be
moving there. Unfortunately, the minus column was the longer. I'm a spoiled
American and Thailand is still developing. I needed to keep in mind that if I
moved, I would not be living in 5 star hotels & resorts, nor would I have a
personal guide & driver. Although these amenities made for a truly
memorable and magnificent vacation!!!
Everything remains as fresh and vivid in my mind as if it
happened yesterday! I can close my eyes and feel back there. It doesn't seem
like an entire year ago to me.
My memories of Thailand are nothing short of glorious, and
ones I will forever treasure.
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