Another milestone… Halfway through my Thailand adventure. I now contemplate what the next three months may bring since the last three have been way beyond what my imagination could have possibly expected. However, my experience thus far has shown it is best not to try to predict what will be next and rather just let it flow as it goes. Kind of like the traffic here… more about that later. Its not to say I havent had some lows along with the highs. But thankfully the lows have been few and fade quickly in my mind. Misplacing my glasses somewhere along the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom was probably the greatest loss thus far. And in fact, not all that devastating since I did have the foresight to bring a spare pair with me. Whew! Highlights… MANY! To mention a few... Hooking up with Noi and Tuta in Chiang Mai and celebrating Loy Krathong with them was phenomenal and certainly set me in a positive motion. My first motorbike ride to Pai and Mae Hong Son was another remarkable event and without a doubt indicated that a motorbike was the answer to getting around transportation wise. At the onset, I was somewhat intimidated by the apparent lack for obedience to any traffic regulations that exist here. It seems the vehicle laws in Thailand are merely suggestions and their main objective is to determine responsibility when something goes wrong. The main edict, the bigger you are, the more right of way you have. Simply put, big steel wins. Therefore, a motorbike ranks just above a bicycle and pedestrian in the pecking order of right of ways. Ive learned a lot in this respect, distinctly, expect anything, keep left, stay out of the way and try not to stop, as this logically disrupts the flow! Another outstanding part of my trip was finding my Fluor work friend Peter Setthaboupha in Wanon Niwat, northeastern Thailand. It was fantastic to see him retired, happy, playing as much golf as he pleases, and living in a house he and his wife Noi built without a mortgage. I have enjoyed being out of the typical tourist scenario and fascinated to be able to immerse myself into local life situations and routines here. The hundreds of photos I have posted on Facebook chronicle the beauty I have witnessed although they cannot give the true allure justice. Also, I must mention once again the overwhelming hospitality the Thais have given me. Friendly, helpful, happy attitudes have changed my outlook in general. Happy, happy! Lastly, the enormous support you have all provided me by following, liking and commenting on my posts has given me fuel for my soul. Thank you all. I love you, miss you and continue to carry you all in my heart along my journey.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 01:02:53 +0000
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