So today is Monday and I have triumphantly finished my task at work! whew. goodness that was over! haha ... it's just drawings and stuff of precise measurements and millions worth of curtainwall details for a new skyscraper in New Jersey, The Revel Resort and Casino ... so watch out for that!
Well, my work has taken me to places where I meet people and somehow get immersed into new cultures and ways of life ... as a tourist, you wont get as much exposure to the local scenes but when you live into their neighborhoods, you get a chance to eat home-cooked meals, shop at local markets, take the bus or metro, and if you're "lucky" get into an argument with a non-english speaking local over a petty something!
Anyway, the very first country I went to in my whole life is Thailand! I stayed there for 3 months with colleagues, worked on a project now built in Qatar which is the Hamad Medical City... and my very first travel on a plane was also my very first travel abroad with my very new Passport at hand. So it's unforgettable or SHOULD be unforgettable given those reasons! But besides those facts, it's the country itself. Thailand felt like an unknown region in the Philippines. The weather is similar, the "ambiance" of the place is like Manila and the friendliness of the people are similar... we even look like them, or they look like us... either way, they laugh at how they try to speak to us in Thai and when we look puzzled, they smile and say : "ah! Filipin" hehe. Well, for me... Thailand will always be special for the friendships I've made and the places I've been and the food I ate! haha I could not make a comparison between Thailand and my own country, or Thailand and other places... each is unique and though I say the country gives out a similar feel like the Philippines ... it's incomparable. No one should compare a country or a race amongst each other or there'll always be dispute!
So, anyway here are some pointers on how to travel well in Thailand based on my experiences! (...to count, I've been to Thailand for 3 times now and still 'lovi'n it) so here it goes:
1. You can never go wrong in bringing, oatmeal or crackers for a travel, local Thai food is usually spicy, so oftentimes we order a non-spicy version of the food which also tastes great! They put a lot of spices that without the chili, it's still yummy! But there's always Mcdonalds or KFC! (warning: they also serve spicy fast food!)
2. Never use your feet to point out on anything or reach, or push or just DONT. simple. it's disrespectful to do so.
3. When going to see a temple NEVER wear shorts or you'll be obligued to rent pants you can wear over it... which is kinda .... well, imagine the sweat and stuff from all the tourists who had been in those pants!!!
4. When shopping, SMILE and be friendly. They really give big discounts! ... and I must say, my friendly, cheerful disposition has earned me about a bag full of Bangkok stuff each time! Learning their "bargaining" language is a BIG plus too! Even if they laugh on our accent, it somehow gives us an instant bond with the vendors!
5. Bring your own medicine/s. You just dont want to risk drinking any medicine with weird looking swirls as writing for a mere headache!
6.Bring Camera. self-explanatory.
7. Roaming. This is 2009! You should be on a roaming service when you travel anywhere in the WORLD! Though I use pre-paid, like most "poor" people with unlimited internet access, works in an international company and owns a high-powered laptop yeah! get a roaming!!! Re-load by PASA-LOAD!
8. BASICS. Sawadeeka!- hello, Khap Khun Kha - Thank you.
9. Be Patient. Remind yourself that speaking English does not equate with intelligence! Don't be shy in using your hands or facial expressions to communicate! ... and dont yell when trying to make your point, it's easy to lose temper when people stare at you blankly but, they are not deaf, they just probably dont understand English ... this rule applies to all non-english speaking countries you visit ... so be patient ... what if youre an english-speaking person and a guy comes up to you needing help and he speaks Martian!!!
10. ENJOY. savor every sight and sound. You'll never know when you'll get a chance to go back.
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