DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - What Were Your First Impressions Of Thailand?

**fmrcurter** · 02-06-2007, 11:48 PM

My first impression of Thailand in October 2004 was a very confusing one; absolutely great weather conditions, beautiful vegetation, exotic food, indefinable mixture of something between scent of flowers and stench of the gully, variety of colors and sounds at any place, and that unique sing song language coming from Thai people that at first seemed to look very alike. Smiles and kindness wherever I went.

I thought, obviously they set their standards differently, when I examined the dangerously low hanging electricity wires along the sidewalk. Big holes on the sidewalks/streets were yawning unprotected forcing one to look down before walking or driving.

Poor and simple dwellings were alternating by outstanding hotels and luxurious facilities. Garages used at night as an apartment, in the afternoon as a hair parlor and in the evening as restaurant, were exposed to the passing by clientele. The smell of fresh exotic fruits and steamy food that makes your stomach juices go wild.

I’ve never seen so many beautiful people and so many ugly tourists all in one place. (Don’t hang me on this one, this was my first impression and unfortunately after fifth visit still is).

Things appearing at the same time in terms of; scent and stench, rich and poor in nearest coexistence, total kindness and absolute ignorance, great enthusiasm and after 1 minute total boredom etc. What really “hit me” was that permanent good mood that seems to pass on from person to person and that mai pen rai feeling.

I dislike many things too, but at the end the scale pan with positive things is heavier.
I love the respectful approach of Thai towards their families and the caring devotion to old people in general. I wonder and admire their relationship to their religion and beliefs. I’m fascinated by their superstitions. In a way I feel addicted to this country with its strange customs and people.

And although my first visit brought me a personal heartbreak

I keep on coming back to this Land of Smiles because it enriches my life in a different way. By the way, my next destination is Udontani.

02-06-2007, 11:48 PM	#6
fmrcurter Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 419 Senior Member	My first impression of Thailand in October 2004 was a very confusing one; absolutely great weather conditions, beautiful vegetation, exotic food, indefinable mixture of something between scent of flowers and stench of the gully, variety of colors and sounds at any place, and that unique sing song language coming from Thai people that at first seemed to look very alike. Smiles and kindness wherever I went. I thought, obviously they set their standards differently, when I examined the dangerously low hanging electricity wires along the sidewalk. Big holes on the sidewalks/streets were yawning unprotected forcing one to look down before walking or driving. Poor and simple dwellings were alternating by outstanding hotels and luxurious facilities. Garages used at night as an apartment, in the afternoon as a hair parlor and in the evening as restaurant, were exposed to the passing by clientele. The smell of fresh exotic fruits and steamy food that makes your stomach juices go wild. I’ve never seen so many beautiful people and so many ugly tourists all in one place. (Don’t hang me on this one, this was my first impression and unfortunately after fifth visit still is). Things appearing at the same time in terms of; scent and stench, rich and poor in nearest coexistence, total kindness and absolute ignorance, great enthusiasm and after 1 minute total boredom etc. What really “hit me” was that permanent good mood that seems to pass on from person to person and that mai pen rai feeling. I dislike many things too, but at the end the scale pan with positive things is heavier. I love the respectful approach of Thai towards their families and the caring devotion to old people in general. I wonder and admire their relationship to their religion and beliefs. I’m fascinated by their superstitions. In a way I feel addicted to this country with its strange customs and people. And although my first visit brought me a personal heartbreak I keep on coming back to this Land of Smiles because it enriches my life in a different way. By the way, my next destination is Udontani.
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