A Thailand Adventure

In September 2009 I went to Thailand - a trip that changed my life.  I had spent years keeping Thailand off my "to go" list because of the heat and humidity.  I knew how both could affect MS, so I was always concerned as to what would happen if I went to east Asia.  I eventually realized that I was being foolish, and that having MS was 100% NOT a valid reason not to go.  I'd drink plenty of water and spend as much time as possible in air conditioning.  So I convinced a friend to go with me, with booked and bought some tour books.


I flew to San Francisco the night before my flight to Asia to break up the endless hours in the air and to meet my new goddaughter.  After a typical night invovling me and Nicole, we overslept and it was a scramble to get to the airport.  I made it, and we were off to Bangkok.


Arriving late at night, we showered and got some z's.  We'd start our adventure the next day. 

Bangkok is a city stuck in a juxtaposition of east meets west, with no balance between the two. They overlap in a way that makes you not know what to make of this city.  The flashing neon lights next to the temple, the 5 start hotel with the street food carts out front.  It's hot.  It's crowded. It's confusing. Yet, it's the first glimpse of Thailand that most people have.  And it was almost enough to make me second guess my decision to visit.    

Tuk tuk drivers are absurd.  On our walk from the subway (the cleanest place in Bangkok as far as I'm concerned) to Wat Po, we had at least 4 tell us that it wasn’t open, we needed long pants, and that it wasn’t worth going in because we couldn’t pray (and this guy was right outside the entrance!).  And of course everyone has a cousin in America that we might know.  Of course. 

I warn you - the heat is deceiving.  You think that it’s not hot, but it’s only 8am.  In reality, 10 mintues outside, and you are soaked with sweat and would pay $1,000 for a tall glass of ice water.  But, on the flip side, any country where a osculating fan, shade, and a flat space is all you need to nap is cool by me. We were there at the end of the rainy season, but it's just like Florida in the summer.  Brief intense downpours that are a heaven sent welcome from the heat.  We'd leave the hotel today in what seemed like a  monsoon, but less then 30 min later, I'd be reaching for my sunglasses.

We left the city, and my idea of Thailand totally changed.  We traveled North, and had some amazing experiences.  

I met some tigers, ate rat, learned how to fold a lotus flower for an offering to Buddha, and saw some of the most amazing temples on this planet.  

Temples that border on tacky tower over shack like dwellings.  But don’t feel too sorry for these people – almost all of the dilapidated dwellings have satellite TV dishes.  Even the river boats on the River Kwai.  

But the most important thing I learned while in Southeast Asia was internal. I left with a better understanding of Buddhism - a study that I have continued since I have been home.  I'll never become a full blown Buddhist, but it has made a difference in my life and how I approach it. There was something so amazing about being in these temples, and meeting the monks that were dedicating their lives to this philosophy.  I learned how to pray properly to Buddha.  3 times, slow, with respect.  I gave alms to the monks. I had my mala beads blessed. I absorbed as much as I could to help me live a better life.  

If you ever find yourself in Thailand, you MUST get a Thai massage.  Get as many as possible.  It will hurt, and it's like nothing you've experienced in the states.  But it might have been the best $6 I spent on my entire vacation.  

I could go on and on about my 2 weeks in Thailand, but I should leave some for you to explore on your own.  Just know that you should go.  It takes a while to get there and it is hot.  But you won't regret your decision. 


My biggest problem now is how to get myself back.