(Hello - one of the only hand full of words we have mastered in the challenging Thai language),
So our first week in Thailand was spent doing a quick visit to Bangkok and then heading southeast to a few islands in the Golf of Thailand. Below you will find some photos, although they got a bit mixed up. It is pretty easy to distinguish between Bangkok and the islands though.
So...upon arrival, we adjusted fairly well to the time change and were mostly overwhelmed by the chaos that is Bangkok. This was to be expected, having heard from most everyone I know who has travelled here to exit Bangkok as soon as possible. It is true that the pollution, density, humidity and poverty all smack you in the face. However, there were some enjoyable moments - visiting the Grand Palace, other lovely temples and markets, walking along a small canal near our hostel observing the everyday life of people in that neighbourhood. Truth be told, we felt relieved to leave and head to the lovely islands. However, it felt like an important initiation to our upcoming year of travel. Just like when I lived in Guatemala City, although it may not be pleasant, it forces you to reflect on the injustices in our world and the economic forces that are bringing so many of the developping world's population to the overcrowded urban centers where they live in complete poverty. Wrestling with these harsh realities will surely be a part of our journey this year.
We then headed to the small and less developped island of Ko Mak. It was a fun first day of travel in Thailand, taking a taxi to the bus station, a 6 hour bus ride to the coast, hopping on the back of a motorcycle to be transported to the ferry, and then finally arriving on the island and hitching a ride in the back of a pick up truck to the simple beach hut we stayed in.
The beaches were beautiful and we encountered very few tourists, especially on the smaller less developed island of Ko Mak. We later headed to bigger Ko Chang, which is really exploding with construction everywhere. We found a cute hippy beach to hang out on for several days. It is still low season there, the end of the monsoon rains. The temperature is more humid but we mostly had rain at night. Our major tasks of the day consisted of swimming in the ocean, visiting a waterfall, reading books and deciding where to eat delicious Thai food. Oh yeah, and receiving an awesome traditional Thai massage right on the beach.
It may seem crazy, but I did hit my first wave of restlessness here...perhaps it was too soon to be sitting around. Looking back, I think I was overthinking how these upcoming months of moving around were going to play out and what exactly to do with myself. Good thing I am in a Buddhist country that is all about teaching people to meditate and be present in the moment.
I'm accustomed to feeling more useful and having responsibilities, as well as close friends and family to talk to on a regular basis. It really is an adjustment from "normal" life. Now that we have been moving around a bit more, met some nice travellers and foresee a few volunteer opportunities, I am feeling more peaceful. However, I will try to explore and sit with this restlessness when it comes...I have a lot to learn about myself through this experience.
Much love,
Marie
Moines bouddhistes traversant le fleuve Chao Phraya, Bangkok (26 sept. 2008)
Grand palais, Bangkok (26 sept. 2008)
Un petit dejeuner sur l'ile de Ko Mak (28 septembre 2008)
ile de Ko Mak, Golfe de la Thailande (27-28 septembre 2008)
"Lonely Beach", ile de Ko Chang (Golfe de la Thailande) (29 sept.-2 oct.)
ile de Ko Mak, Golfe de la Thailande (27-28 septembre 2008)
"Lonely Beach", ile de Ko Chang (Golfe de la Thailande) (29 sept.-2 oct.)
Wat Arun, Bangkok (26 septembre 2008)
Grand palais, Bangkok (26 septembre 2008)
Fleuve Chao Phraya et le Grand palais, Bangkok (26 septembre 2008)
Grand palais, Bangkok (26 septembre 2008)
Un moine bouddhiste arrosant des plantes dans son Wat, Bangkok (25 septembre 2008)
