As I wrap up my time here in Thailand and prepare to head to Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Friday, I am reflecting on the wonderful experiences I have had here. I am constantly awed by the extraordinary kindness of the Thai people. They have truly validated Thailand's moniker as "The Land of Smiles."
The general level of friendliness and hospitality, especially for a Westerner peering in on Thai culture, is simply stunning. Last week at a petrol station, I noticed an attendant snacking on something wrapped in banana leaves, and being the culturally curious person that I am, I asked our driver what type of food he was eating. He called the attendant over, and after thirty seconds of unintelligible exchanges in Thai, the driver informed me that it was shrimp and sticky rice. Before he had finished his explanation, I glanced up in time to see the attendant returning with one of his mysterious morsels, shrouded in banana leaves, which he presented to me with a smile the size of Thailand.
And just yesterday I stopped to watch a soccer match on the side of the road. I took a seat on the side of the field next to one team's bench and one of the coaches rushed over to me with a cup of cold water to drink. I downed the water, thanked him in Thai, and he promptly refilled my cup. These are merely trivial examples, but they represent a broader phenomenon of hospitality typical to Asian countries, and one that visibly permeates every arena of Thai life.
To all the people here in Thailand who helped make my experience an incredible one, I offer a heartfelt thanks. It really has been an experience of a lifetime, and because of the incredible time I've had, you don't have to ask twice for me to return. In fact, you don't even have to ask once.
The general level of friendliness and hospitality, especially for a Westerner peering in on Thai culture, is simply stunning. Last week at a petrol station, I noticed an attendant snacking on something wrapped in banana leaves, and being the culturally curious person that I am, I asked our driver what type of food he was eating. He called the attendant over, and after thirty seconds of unintelligible exchanges in Thai, the driver informed me that it was shrimp and sticky rice. Before he had finished his explanation, I glanced up in time to see the attendant returning with one of his mysterious morsels, shrouded in banana leaves, which he presented to me with a smile the size of Thailand.
And just yesterday I stopped to watch a soccer match on the side of the road. I took a seat on the side of the field next to one team's bench and one of the coaches rushed over to me with a cup of cold water to drink. I downed the water, thanked him in Thai, and he promptly refilled my cup. These are merely trivial examples, but they represent a broader phenomenon of hospitality typical to Asian countries, and one that visibly permeates every arena of Thai life.
To all the people here in Thailand who helped make my experience an incredible one, I offer a heartfelt thanks. It really has been an experience of a lifetime, and because of the incredible time I've had, you don't have to ask twice for me to return. In fact, you don't even have to ask once.
I can't believe you're already leaving Thailand! I've really enjoyed reading your blog and can't wait to hear about Cambodia! : )
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