With graduation approaching, anxiety from applying for jobs, thoughts of possibly not getting that second interview or even straight up rejections constantly run through my mind, the attempt to adult is like one big maze I am going to be lost in for a while. However, my study abroad experience has been an eye-opening map that points me being lost in the right direction.
Life’s most precious teaching moments are ones that you experience. And, while being here in Thailand has taught me to appreciate what I have, it has also taught me to appreciate a whole other world outside of my own and to see that there are more opportunities outside of American for personal and professional development.
I have been in Thailand for almost two months, and the more I get exposed to the culture and the people the more I realize the cultural differences. But, those differences simply act as yearn for curiosity to see what more Thailand has to offer. Despite having to balance classes during the weekdays, I reserve all my weekends for mini-excursions.
Sept. 22
I decided to make a day trip to Bangkok to explore The Grand Palace. I went with some new friends of mine; so, the German, the Jamaican and the Puerto Rican set out early that Saturday morning and an hour later arrived at what was truly a grand site. The Grand Palace has housed the residents of the Kings of Siam (now formally called Thailand) since 1782. It is a large complex of buildings that consist of government offices, royal and throne halls, but also the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The striking complex covers 218,000 square meters of area and is surrounded by four walls. It contains the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, The Demon Guardians (who stand at the gates facing the chapel put in place to guard the Emerald Buddha from evil spirits), The Phra Siratana Chedi (the golden stupa which was erected to house the shrine of the relics of the Lord Buddha) and amongst over 30 other statues and buildings dedicated to preservation of the Buddhism culture of Thailand. To see the vibrant detailing and the elaborate constructs was worth every pellet of sweat.
Sept. 23
Who doesn’t like a good bargain?! Well, on this particular Sunday, I rode the sky train all the way to Mo Chit and walked to the Chatuchak (JJ) Market. The JJ Market is the largest market in Thailand. Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed with slashed prices, countless amounts of souvenirs and clothes, mouthwatering food and the 15,000 stalls present.
From straw bags to elephant pants, key chains to Buddha amulets, anything you could think of, the JJ market had. If you so happened to want a pair of fish inspired slippers, it was there too. Just imagine a rubber fish that you stick your foot in, stylish, right?
I have to say, walking around the 27 different sections sure was a workout but my favorite part about that day was kicking back and enjoying a scoop of freshly made coconut ice-cream. YUM!
After, my two-hour stroll through the market the ISA (International Studies Abroad program) gang hit the streets and walked to the Channel 7 studio to watch a live broadcasting of the famous international sport of Thailand: Muay Thai Boxing.
Muay Thai boxing is the cultural martial art of Thailand. It is a form of close combat fighting, which uses the entire body; and it is thought to have been originated centuries ago as a fighting style developed when tribes migrated south from China, to protect themselves. Today it’s a nationally recognized sport that attracts boys as young as 14 years old, who train and fight to help support their families.
Sitting in the foreigners’ stand, yes, they had a section just for foreigners, the energy was high and the bystanders’ eager to see who would win. Although gambling is illegal in Thailand, that didn’t stop the numerous amounts of taxi driver bystanders from placing bets, nor the Thai grandmas from sitting in the stands and placing bets.
The Weekend of Oct. 5
It had been a while since I last ventured outside of Bangkok, so a few friends and I decided to fly south for a weekend. We took our adventurous selves all the way down south to a province called Krabi.
Krabi is known for its limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests and many islands situated nearby. And, boy did it live up to our expectations. On the crack of dawn Saturday, Oct. 6, six of us headed out, leaving our homey bungalows to start our weekend off by relaxing on Ao Nang Beach.
Because there are many other beaches in Krabi, I decided to take a long-tailed boat to the well-known Railay Beach; however, Phra Nang Beach was my favorite. On site, there were open caves to go exploring and the crystal blue water was alluring, tranquil and relaxing. The following day, four of us decided to go on a kayaking expedition.
Hugh was able to kayak through Tham Lot Cave and dodge stalactites. Credit: Rebecca Hugh
Thalane Bay is a popular location for kayaking and our tour guide, Man, took us through the jungle where we got to see a few monkeys, mangrove forests and cliffs. We ventured through two major lagoons which are only accessed by kayak and then we made our way through Tham Lot Cave.
Tham lot Cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites and runs for approximately 1,666 meters. Taking in the natural structure and beauty of the cave, we paddled our way out and made a stop at Tham Pee-Hua Toe (The Big-Headed Ghost Cave). After a long day building up muscle, we paddled back upstream to end the day with lunch, back at the tour site. The sunburn and the then painful peeling of some skin were all worth seeing nature down south.
The Weekend of Oct. 12
While being on the east side of the world, I decided to take a weekend and visit my dad’s side of the family in China. I flew to Shenzhen, a southern province in China, to meet with family I have never met before. It was a little hard to communicate because of the language barrier and my Chinese only extends to simple phrases like “good morning” and “have you brushed your teeth,” but it didn’t lessen the trip in any way. My many relatives welcomed me with open arms, and some amazing authentic Chinese food.
I mostly spent my days with my cousins; they took me shopping and took me to the humungous OCT East Amusement Park, to get countless massages and of course, to eat. I have to say, the strangest thing I had done in China was getting an ear massage. China is known for their back and foot massages, which I got, but the ear massage was oddly satisfying.
Every night my aunt and my cousins took me out for hotpot, one night it was seafood, the next it was solely fish and the last night it was spicy hotpot. Since I was not a usual hotpot goer, I had let my cousins’ order. Never in my life had I ever tried coagulated duck’s blood or pig’s brain. And, yes it was cooked in the hotpot, so it had the taste of the broth, but the texture was very soft for both; imagine the texture of a boiled egg yolk, but softer. It’s definitely not what I am accustomed to but hey, at least I can say I tried it once, right?
In all honesty, China blew me away. The country is so developed and so far-advanced, technology-wise, that it truly shocked me. If I spoke Mandarin, I would absolutely consider moving over there.
I can’t say that I am not looking forward to going home, but there is still so much to see and so much to do. Yes, I do attend classes, and no, I haven’t skipped out on one yet! But, with only seven weeks remaining in this beautiful country, I have to get on planning my next trip. But, for now, look out for my next article and see where I end up next.
