Falling In Love in Thailand

Where old memories meet new ones

Falling in love with Thailand

The sun is rising in Phuket, in the south of Thailand. My young daughters are up and about. They are the explorers of the sea, looking for treasures, starfishes, magic shells, and adventures. I am writing while watching them discover life, one step at a time. They are the two busy little people in the background.

The first time I visited Thailand was in 2003. I traveled as a backpacker and visited the vibrant capital, Bangkok, and the rural area of Chiang Mai. I fell in love with the country and remember keeping the local currency, Thai Bahts in my wallet because I knew I would come back…

Throughout the years, I have come back. I have come on holidays, for work, for a romantic getaway, and also to compete in the famous Laguna Phuket Triathlon. 20 years later, I’m still in love with this place.

Falling in love in Thailand

This was us, 10 years ago in Phuket. That guy is now my husband and his smile hasn’t changed. We kissed here for the first time and 10 years later, we are back as a family of 4, with our 2 busy explorers of the sea.

Thailand is full of color, from the patterned sarongs to the golden temples. The Buddha statues, the jewelry, and the bright flags add color to the country. The temples and pagodas are majestic and full of gold and life.

The Thai language is mysterious. It has 5 tones which makes it musical and the sounds are soft and pleasant. The characters look beautiful and cryptic and I see the written form as a type of art. Thank you is ขอบคุณ and is pronounced something like ‘kop khun ka’.

Smiles are part of the Thai culture and you can feel it in the streets. People smile the moment you make eye contact and you immediately feel the human warmth. No matter where you go, people are friendly and make you feel welcome.

Thai kitchen is known for its flavors and spices. They mix fresh ingredients and herbs giving the food freshness and contrast. They use local produce such as fresh coconut, lime, and fish oil and the local specialties are delicious, from the Pad Thai to the multiple curries and exotic desserts. Warning: the locals love spicy food and no matter what, the food will be mildly spicy.

Falling in love with the nature

Thailand’s nature is exuberant, with lush vegetation, crystalline waters, idyllic islands, and breathtaking wildlife. Thai elephants are smaller than African elephants and many of them live in sanctuaries around the country where they are rescued and cared for.

The contrast in Thailand is everywhere. There are beaches and mountains, lakes and rivers, water and land. This is us in Phuket, running up to the Big Buddha, on top of the highest hill and enjoying the fresh coconut water we just got from the tree!

Passing on the love to our daughters

As a mum, the biggest legacy I want to leave to my daughters is my passion for the world, for traveling, learning from cultures, appreciating our differences, and becoming global citizens.

I want to continue making new memories and savour the old ones.

What will our next destination be?

‘I write to right’

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