First, I am writing to say that all 3 of us girls have not pooped since LAX. We are not happy about this.
Also, I am writing from a shasty minivan leaving Bangkok for Kanchanaburi, where we are taking a tour of the floating markets and staying the night in a floating house. The interior spaces of this van being what I expected: outdated and unbearably cramped. But this is the experience I bargained for, and I am happy to have anything at all as I look around see that being a westerner, I am so much more privileged to be able to have the option of taking a day trip away from the hub that is Bangkok. What I am not so happy about is the speed at which is customary to move on the highways. I peeped over our drivers shoulder to see that he was flooring this van at 140—whether or not that was MPH or KPH I am not sure, but my assumption would be that its KPH, and either way, it’s extremely fast and would warrant jail time and serious charges in the U.S. Aaaand there are no seatbelts for anyone behind the front seat.
The floating market outside of Bangkok proved to be one of the most tourist spectacles I have ever witnessed. However, the experience was quaint and included a sort of faux amazon river travel. I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything as I try to think, the reality of Thailand is simply as it is, a country thriving on tourism and tips. The endeavors to see “the true Thailand” I question, what does that mean? What is the true representation of a culture? New York City is as much a good representation of modern America as is Podunk, Iowa. So my thoughts are, Thailand is what it is, and I’m trying to value each experience as equally as the next, because no matter what I see I am walking away with a new perspective and a changed heart.
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Above is a sort of Asian pierogie filled with veggies, chives, and Thai dough, it was an experience to eat and quite oily. I really, REALLY love how they wrapped the food in...banana leaves? I wish I could do that at future dinner parties, its just so authentic, characterful, and warms my heart--I love it.
We took a really fantastic train ride through some of the Thai country side. Que Bella!! The views were absolutely stunning! Now we are on our way to Kanchanaburi to stay the night in a floating hotel, I am really excited.
The floating hotel of Kachanaburi is exactly what we needed to fix our perspectives about our trip. This was by far the coolest hotel/guesthouse that I have ever been to. I hope the images speak for themselves…
By the way, bananas are so much sweeter here :)
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