The Vibrant world that is Thailand
Thailand and its entirety…
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the culturally rich country of Thailand is color. Vibrant colors illuminating in the sky, the clothes, the food, the people that inhabit such a perfectly unique place. It's as if everything around me was slightly saturated. I have been to 32 countries in my life. I can say without a doubt that Thailand is the most culturally rich country I had the privilege to step foot in. Thailand is beyond rich in culture and is seeped with traditions that have strongly been rooted in their customs for generations. Thailand is a lively and unapologetically expressive place filled with adventure and wonder. A paradise for those who seek excitement in their everyday life.
Volunteer Opportunities..
I spent a month in Thailand and of course, that month was nearly not enough time as I found myself entranced by every detail this country had to offer. During my first 2 weeks in Thailand I volunteered at an Animal Hospital in Amphoe Sattahip (a district of South East Thailand, located roughly 40 minutes from Pattaya). My two weeks of volunteering was tiring work but just as equally gratifying. My volunteer duties included, taking the disabled dogs for walks, cleaning the puppy cages, feeding the dogs and cleaning up after their messes. The most enriching job of my volunteer experience was when I got to ride in the ANIMAL AMBULANCE! Animal Army Hospital has their very own animal ambulance. We would get calls from around the area in regards to injured or ill dogs. We would drive to them, pick them up, bring them back to the hospital where they would be treated medically by one of the most respected veterinarians in all of Thailand. After they were healed, we would set them up for adoption. Thailand, unfortunately, has many many stray animals in need of medical care or even more importantly, love. Since there are so many stray animals in need of attention there are also many volunteer opportunities throughout Thailand in which people can help. I have included some of these volunteer opportunities below(the one I did has a star next to it):
https://www.soidog.org/volunteer
https://savedsouls-foundation.org/volunteer/
If you love animals and want to help this cause, it is a wonderful volunteer oppurtunity that makes all the difference for these fur babies. I worked 4 out of 7 days of the week so I had plenty of time to explore my surroundings and take advantage of all the magic Thailand had to offer, while still making a difference to the better good of the animals that inhabit this wonderful country.
The Night Life..
As many people already know, Thailand is a hot spot for lively parties and late night adventures. A destination for celebration, if you will. Areas such as Khao San Road (Bangkok), Koh Tao Island, and Pattaya's walking street were a young adults playground. You can hear the repetitive sound of shots glasses clinking and alcohol being poured. Your vision will be overwhelmed with crazy blinking lights as the distinct smell of weed smoke lingers through the air. Audible club music bounces off one building to another while beautiful women urge you to come inside and relish in the party. An entire night can feel like a couple of hours in Thailand, as you know, the more fun you have, the faster time escapes us. The colors that surround you never fade but the music does seem to get louder as the night progresses. While I was on the Mesmerizing Island of Koh Tao I got the opportunity to go to a Jungle Party in Escorbar. This Jungle Party consisted of a tree house with 7 different levels located in the middle of the jungle. We rode on the back of trucks to get there. Each level had its own DJ and its own party rumbling through. It was absolutely magical, like a celebration of life found in a fictional place, one you've only ever dreamed of. The party raged on for over 12 hours. While at this lively festival I ended up participating in an activity that some might call very dangerous, but one that is often seen at parties in Thailand; I jumped rope that was engulfed with flames.. It is a notable tourist attraction in Thailand but the liquid courage urged me to try it, to embrace the feeling of being alive while adrenaline surges through my body. One thing many people don't know about Thailand, is that this country has, what looks like, an obsession with fire. Shirtless men with sticks immersed in a fiery blaze take the beach, spinning and throwing torches until flames sparkle down from the sky like rain. Everyone cheers, and relishes in the party that unravels in front of them. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to attend the notorious Full Moon Party but I would take the 19 hour flight from the USA to Thailand just to experience it in the future because I can't even imagine how truly spectacular that event must be. Some of the best nights of my life have been while in Thailand, but it's important to remember; what happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand.
Rich in Food..
The cuisine in Thailand has a unique taste that is very rich in flavor and spice. The food stimulates your mind, making you unable to ignore its zesty flavors. Just like the country, Thailand's food carries much variety and color, making every dish more exciting than the last. Some of my favorite, traditional Thailand dishes are as follows:
Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, Green Curry, Kai Jeow, and always mango sticky rice for dessert. These are simply my favorite dishes from Thailand but there are so many more dishes to try while in the country. Their food selection is abundant and will always be rich in taste. One of my favorite activities in Thailand was exploring the Night Markets. Night Markets are a social hub consisting of stalls that sell very affordable food, drinks and goods (including clothes, jewelry, hand crafted art, etc.) Night Markets are perfect for any traveler who is on a budget. There is an abundant amount of food for a very cheap cost allowing you to try many different variations of foods and drinks without it affecting your wallet. There are many night markets scattered around the country and it is a very popular hot spot for travelers as well as locals to join in as a community and taste a wide range of traditional dishes. I enjoyed trying all the different meats and drinking their fresh smoothies. Sometimes there is a live band that plays as drinks flow and locals dance under the twinkling lights that hang above the market, guiding the pedestrians along the row of stalls.
The Beauty of it all…
My absolute favorite part of Thailand was the beauty of it all. I was in complete awe of Thailand's beauty and radiance. The crystal clear blue waters surrounded by palm trees and towering green mountains were mesmerizing to say the least. Thailand's environment was entrancing, breathtaking, ethereal, almost too perfect to be real. I found myself shocked by how magical a place can look, as if I had to frequently pinch myself to ensure I wasn't imagining such exquisite views. Thailand has the kind of captivating beauty that makes you believe in god. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude as I watched the crystal blue water wash ashore, as the sunsets painted pink and purple rays in the sky, as the vibrant colors of green contrasted with the blue of the ocean, as emerald peaks towered over the homes of the locals. Being in awe was an understatement. I felt peace knowing such beautiful places exist in this world. I also felt an equal amount of gratitude, acknowledging the surreal fact that I get to experience these beautiful places in my lifetime.
Getting Scuba Dive Certified..
The stunning Island of Koh Tao has much to offer travelers and nomads alike; From the electric party scene to the turquoise paradise that is their beaches. But I went to Koh Tao for a more specific adventure. To get Scuba Dive Certified. Koh Tao is one of the best, if not THE best place to get your scuba ceritification. This is a widely agreed opinion as the classes are cheap (at least compared to the USA), the dive instructors are incredibly kind and insightful and most importantly, the area in which you will take part in your first dive will be one of the most beautiful spots in the ocean. Getting my scuba certification on an island that resembles my own version of heaven was truly a dream-like experience.
The Goo Goo Dolls said it perfectly, “Closest to heaven that I’ll ever be and I don't want to go home right now” . Diving in this environment was simply a new state of Nirvana for me. Descending into crystal blue waters, the further you go the more colorful sea animals you encounter, until you are not a human intruding in their environment, but merely a part of their world. I swam through shipwrecks and above majestic sting rays. I saw sea turtles glide along the sandy floor and fish so colorful I thought a 5 year old may have designed it. A world so open for one to explore. I distinctly remember looking above me as I was 18 meters below the surface break. I calmly observed the bubbles floating overhead, racing to the air above. I remember thinking, “I am in a dream.” I also remember thinking, “I wish my mom could see me right now, where I am, what I’m doing, what I am seeing.” She just wouldn't believe it's real. If you want to feel like you've entered into a dream, I suggest getting scuba dive certified in one of the most notoriously beautiful dive locations in the world, Koh Tao.
The people and the monkeys..
The people of Thailand are cut from the cloth of curiosity and compassion. I was continuously greeted with wide eyes and open arms, locals eager for me to experience their culture, their home. One of life's greatest gifts is when people from different ways of life come together as one, learning and growing from one another's own lived experiences. The reason I felt so entranced in Thailand's culture was due to the welcoming atmosphere that was fueled by the people of this country. They wanted me to see the colors, to soak in their crystal clear waters, to try their traditional dishes that have a spice to it I have never encountered before. As much as I wanted to explore their culture, they too wanted me to submerge myself in their ways of life, their traditions, their beliefs. From exploring majestic temples and learning of their history to having a real monk bless me, I was in awe of their passion filled traditions. It was wonderful to be immediately accepted into an environment you are unfamiliar with. To the people of Thailand, I would like to say thank you. Thank you for allowing me to fully experience your beautiful world. And thank you to the monkeys as well, for not robbing me or biting me but showing me how truly versatile and protective you are of your own home. It is a beautiful home to protect.
Forever grateful..
Words cannot express the intense love I have for the country that is Thailand. A truly captivating, glorious, and exotic way of life. I will be forever grateful for this country and all the animals and humans that live there who have preserved the beauty and tradition for all these years. It is a magical place with much possibility to offer.