Charming and cultured, food-loving and spiritual, wanton and warm, Thailand sparkles.  I am returning after a 25 year hiatus….it is much the same but different too.  Traffic jams, pollution but the same friendly people.

Sabai, Sabai (take it easy) is a local slogan in Bangkok, gateway to Southeast Asia. This elephant shaped country formerly known as Siam is the only country in this region not to be colonized. Since May this land of almost 70 million people has been ruled by a military junta.  It is not okay to talk or disparage the monarch in any way… 

Are you a foodie? Consider a trip to Thailand.  Lemongrass, kaffir lime zest, tamarind, chilies, cilantro, ginger, galangal, garlic, coconut, basil, fermented shrimp paste….of course they make their own curry…the textures of papaya, bamboo shoots, cabbage, green beans all married together are a feast for your taste buds! Thais do not use chopsticks.  They use a tablespoon in their right hand and a fork in their left hand packing the spoon with food. Each bite is layered with rice on the bottom and the entree or veggie on top. It’s all 🌶! Hello Patrece and Joe! Noodles made from rice, wheat and mung bean flour or rice form the basis for every dish. Dessert is fresh fruit often with sticky rice….. yummmm.  And all the markets, especially the floating markets blast every sense.

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New Flower Market

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This country seems very spiritual.  Everywhere you look, along the busy streets, at homes and restaurants are “spirit houses”.  The spirit world is everywhere in Thailand where animism and folk beliefs are deeply infused with Buddhism.  These little houses come in all shapes and sizes from the very small to the very large.  Thai spirit houses are a shrine to the protective spirit of a place and are positioned in an auspicious spot most often in the corner of a property, home or business. High enough to show respect but low enough to enable daily offerings.
94% of Thais describe themselves as Buddhists.  Large temples and truly magnificent Buddhas are everywhere. The flower markets house workers making flower arrangements mostly for religious offerings.  The scents of jasmine and lotus abound.

Spirit Houses

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Bangkok’s famous palace complex was built in 1782 and features several magnificent buildings including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which contains a beautiful Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. Shoes are removed before entering and no pictures are allowed. They change the golden clothing of the Emerald Buddha either seasons. It’s a grueling day in the sun but definitely amazing Palace. The royal family has not lived in the palace since 1910.