Our recent trip to Thailand was enriching in many ways. A predominantly Buddhist nation, Thailand is a land of beauty, culture and polite people. What strikes us first about the country is the genuine hospitality extended by the people. As soon as we entered the airplane, the smiling faces of the crew assured us of a great trip ahead. This infectious smile travels through most of the tourist infested Thailand. 'Sawasdee kha' is how they greet us, with a slight bow , palms folded. This form of greeting (or wai - as they call it) has become a brand symbol of Thailand. As the prominent columnist Jug Suraiya once rightly pointed out, the Thai affability is a major source of economic development. 'Sawasdee Kha' is Thailand's 'soft power' which has attracted countries far and wide.
Thailand is notorious for all the wrong kinds of activities. However there are a large number of tourists who throng to the vividly green islands and limpid waters just to soak in the tranquility it offers. The fact is, there are tourists who visit the same place again and again! It is like the screening of a good movie. People like watching it repeatedly till they have memorised all the dialogues.
This was our third visit too. However, our decision to revisit Thailand was not entirely influenced by its ethereal beauty. The warmth exuded by the Thai people make us feel at home.
Koh Samui was the destination this time. It is a one hour flight from Bangkok. As we approached the island, the aerial view reminded me of the James Bond movie 'The Man With The Golden Gun'. Lush green islands rimmed with golden sand bands freckled the deep blue sea. Nearer to the land , tiny coconut trees grew bigger and bigger till we could see clumps of shiny tender coconuts hanging from them. The Koh Samui Airport is a sight seeing spot itself. Toy train like wooden buses transferred us to the airport building, which in fact is more like a villa. Low , sloping wooden roofs and pillars, made from coconut tree trunks make the airport different from all the others I have seen. A tiny stream meanders through the premises and pretty wooden bridges cross over it .Nok, the ever smiling villa manager greeted us with the trademark Sawasdee kha.
For the next three days, we were busy relaxing! Snorkelling, kayaking, floating in the sea with our life jackets on, aroma therapy, we did it all! Fishing is banned now, so we didn't fish. Every night , we floated Kongming lanterns into the sky and made a wish. Gazing at the golden paper lanterns, softly gliding away towards the infinity was a truly liberating experience.
We are back now, but not empty handed. We have brought a bunch of happy memories to tinker with when feeling low. When I close my eyes , I can see restless, green fish lapping around me in the sea, and the salty sea water spraying on my face while speeding through the deep waters. I can see the azure sky above and the endless horizon beckoning me at mid ocean. The villa garden, dabbled with white Leelawadi flowers and standing there, Nok's daughter waving us goodbye- with a smile of-course. So much to learn, so much to see, so much to write. May be next time. Till then Sawasdee Kha!
Thailand is notorious for all the wrong kinds of activities. However there are a large number of tourists who throng to the vividly green islands and limpid waters just to soak in the tranquility it offers. The fact is, there are tourists who visit the same place again and again! It is like the screening of a good movie. People like watching it repeatedly till they have memorised all the dialogues.
This was our third visit too. However, our decision to revisit Thailand was not entirely influenced by its ethereal beauty. The warmth exuded by the Thai people make us feel at home.
Koh Samui was the destination this time. It is a one hour flight from Bangkok. As we approached the island, the aerial view reminded me of the James Bond movie 'The Man With The Golden Gun'. Lush green islands rimmed with golden sand bands freckled the deep blue sea. Nearer to the land , tiny coconut trees grew bigger and bigger till we could see clumps of shiny tender coconuts hanging from them. The Koh Samui Airport is a sight seeing spot itself. Toy train like wooden buses transferred us to the airport building, which in fact is more like a villa. Low , sloping wooden roofs and pillars, made from coconut tree trunks make the airport different from all the others I have seen. A tiny stream meanders through the premises and pretty wooden bridges cross over it .Nok, the ever smiling villa manager greeted us with the trademark Sawasdee kha.
For the next three days, we were busy relaxing! Snorkelling, kayaking, floating in the sea with our life jackets on, aroma therapy, we did it all! Fishing is banned now, so we didn't fish. Every night , we floated Kongming lanterns into the sky and made a wish. Gazing at the golden paper lanterns, softly gliding away towards the infinity was a truly liberating experience.
We are back now, but not empty handed. We have brought a bunch of happy memories to tinker with when feeling low. When I close my eyes , I can see restless, green fish lapping around me in the sea, and the salty sea water spraying on my face while speeding through the deep waters. I can see the azure sky above and the endless horizon beckoning me at mid ocean. The villa garden, dabbled with white Leelawadi flowers and standing there, Nok's daughter waving us goodbye- with a smile of-course. So much to learn, so much to see, so much to write. May be next time. Till then Sawasdee Kha!
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