| January 2018
THAILAND
Thailand is one of the most special countries I have ever had the privilege of experiencing, filled with the most beautiful places and the most beautiful people. Thailand was my first ever “real” experience being immersed in another culture, and it quickly became my most valuable. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was welcomed with open arms and open hearts. I felt like an old friend being welcomed home.
One of the biggest stops of the trip was to the Phi Phi Islands. My best friend and I had dreamed of coming here since we met freshman year of college, so we when got the opportunity to travel to Thailand together, we made sure to add this to the top of the list. We spent the first half of the day snorkeling with monkeys and then sun bathing in the crystal clear waters soaking up every golden ray we could get! Pictured here is Maya Bay, and it is every bit as picturesque as the photos on the internet portray. With transcendent-like views, nothing about this scenic, aquamarine paradise disappointed.
One aspect of Thai culture we were exceptionally excited to experience was the vibrant Buddhism that so prominently influences the Thai way of life. Like many, we were especially drawn to the lore of peace and enlightenment it entails and couldn’t wait to visit some of the many temples found in all corners of the country. One of the more well-known temples is Wat Pho, which features a 150 foot reclining Buddha! With a towering presence featuring immaculate and intricate gold work and detail, it is no wonder this temple boasts a classification as being of the highest grade of the first-class royal temples.
This was perhaps the best day of my entire life! Anyone who knows me, knows I have been dreaming about the day I got to experience a tiger up close and in person. An infatuation that started as a child, my love for cats both big and small only grew with me as I got older, so this was quite literally a dream come true. My heart practically exploded with euphoria as we got to pet and snuggle with so many of these gentle giants!
Important Note: When participating in any animal venue, it is always important to do your research first to make sure you are not supporting an organization that harms or in any way exploits the animals in their care. We made sure to do our homework in order to make sure we made an informed and responsible choice. We decided upon Tiger Kingdom as they have an onsite Veterinary Team that checks in daily with each tiger to ensure its health and safety. It was also important for us to make sure the facility we chose did not abuse or drug the animals in their care so we were happy to know Tiger Kingdom did not participate in any maltreatment, but rather cared for their animals humanely and with a true passion for their wellbeing. Also of important note is that the little snuggle bug pictured here is just a baby and most cubs sleep 16-20 hours a day! Tigers are also nocturnal so most of this sleeping is done during the day.
When traveling, I typically try to keep it as budget friendly as possible by staying in mostly Airbnbs and hostels, which I feel can also help make the trip more authentic by lending a personal and localized experience. But I also make sure to mix in two or three nights at a luxury spot and indulge a little. It’s all about balance, right? For this trip, we chose to spend our “splurge nights” at the Crown Lanta Resort and Spa on Ko Lanta and we couldn’t have been happier about our choice. Not only was the resort dreamlike and secluded on its own beach, but we also got surprised with a free upgrade to their biggest suite with a private pool! With lavish accommodations and lush greenery surrounding us, we were living the ultimate fantasy.
One of our favorite features of the resort was the Reggae Bar featuring beachfront cabana style dining where we spent each night consuming the most delicious food and drink while watching the sunset. This seemed to be a popular spot as we were surrounded by quite a few couples clearly celebrating their love. We quickly realized that what we had booked was in fact a popular honeymoon resort! Perhaps the concierge thought that we too were on a honeymoon and that’s why he decided to gift us with an upgrade.. Either way, who better to have the perfect honeymoon experience with than your best friend?!
Touted by many as being a first-rate tourist trap, we found Khao San Road to be anything but. While the street is littered with trinket-selling vendors, this road has so much more to offer in terms of cuisine, atmosphere, and culture. All packed into a quick quarter mile, this is a great destination if you’re looking for some delicious street food, local performance art, or even a night out. We had a blast walking up and down this concrete jungle where we got to try a local brew, pick up some authentic garb, and even made a few friends along the way!
Thailand is made rich not only from all of the stunning and otherworldly landscapes it is so iconically known for, but its true beauty is much simpler. It lies within its people and their kindness. It might sound silly to say, but I found myself repeatedly shocked at how genuine their compassion for other living beings was. Some cultures are known for being slightly distant and impersonal, but this went deeper than a simple friendliness. It was their investment in their greatest asset, each other and all those who were there to share in their culture, even me the foreigner. Thai people possess an innate understanding that we are made rich by each other and the experiences we are lucky enough to share. From the tour guide, to the hotel staff, to the local on the street checking to make sure I wasn’t lost or needed any help, everyone I encountered went out of their way to offer of themselves any way they could. This is perhaps the most valuable lesson I have learned to date. They weren’t just being nice, but instead treating each other as one human to the next should.
Without realizing it, the people of Thailand gave me more than I could have ever paid for.
The owners of one of the iconic long boats in Maya Bay was kind enough to let us enjoy it and take some pictures!
Another shot soaking up paradise on Maya Bay.
The beauty of Maya Bay will stay with me forever.
An old cave that used to be used by pirates in the Phi Phi Islands.
My best friend and I enjoying a tropical cocktail in one of the pools at the Crown Lanta. We made plenty of use of the swim up bar!
The view from a tree house you could have dinner at on the Crown Lanta Resort.
The ultimate dreamy lunch view.
Staring into infinity while on the edge of an infinity pool in Surin Beach, Phuket.
Rivka was the sweetest and gentlest girl as she allowed me to ride atop her and let me feed her. I even got to give her a bath after where she showered me with affection by giving kisses and caressing me with her trunk!
This guy was the absolute cutest and we just couldn't get enough!
Being goofy wearing all the tiger gear we can get our hands on.
We also made sure not to miss out on one of the famous floating markets and checked out the one in Damneon Saduak. We even bought a few keepsakes to remember our trip by!
Smiling together after our float through the market.
Hanging out at the Lebua Tower Sky Bar in Bangkok, the world's highest open-air bar.