It’s not me physically, it’s my inner self who needed a change of environment. The daily grind at work was eroding away my desire to get up in the morning. Working in media ever since was something that did not sit very well with my passion, the novelty of being a producer and getting paid enormously to create informative programs failed to retain its appeal several months down the line.
Besides, the everyday backlash against our government, Filipinos turning themselves into murderers, social media bombarded with hate crimes, foreign capitalists continuously ruling the economy, workers fighting their way through horrendous traffic every single day... hell yeah what a great time to be alive in the Philippines!
Well, what could be a better solution but to travel, and to me, Thailand seemed like the most obvious destination. Sun, sea, sand, shopping, but most importantly somewhere quite far from home. It would be improbable that I would want a quick return so I booked (luckily there’s a promo fare) an 8-day vacation. This is not to escape reality but I heard that those who go traveling sometimes do so in an attempt to find a new purpose in life, or to simply regain whatever they may have lost. Moreover, I was thrilled because I signed up for a marathon, but was apprehensive at the same time because apparently it’s my first time to travel solo offshore.
Hence, Thailand itself is renowned for first-time backpackers where inner zen can be found for those who are said to become enlightened within their own existence -- exactly what I needed! So I bet my life and months of savings to pursue this trip with just one backpack and vitamin C.
Walking is the best way to explore
Weeks and eventually days passed by, I’m off to go. Roughly three hours and twenty minutes from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport before I finally set foot at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. I was jittery at first, but thankfully I was able to manage my way through the immigration and find my ride to start this yet to be memorable adventure -- I have a good feeling.
First of all, I decided not to spend my days in Bangkok, my initial plan was to immerse myself in one of the cultural heartlands of the country, after all, I did not see the point of arriving somewhere a thousand miles away and the time zone an hour late to where I had come from, to simply carry on living as I would do at home. So I began my journey and took another one-hour land travel in the eastern province of Chonburi. I did not mind plotting my itinerary, after all, I was just in pursuit for a fresh milieu to signify a break from my dreary daily routine.
My first day ended as it had begun with an endless walk on the streets of Chonburi City. As I explore it became difficult to admire the beauty of my surroundings as I found myself fighting a constant battle against the sweat from my forehead and the forces of gravity. I decided to find a local food house where I can find shade and eat my very first authentic Thai dish. I was looking forward to eat big (something which comes with rice) but to my dismay the menu was in weird Thai characters, no visual descriptions and their helpers couldn’t speak other known foreign languages. To be safe I just ordered Tom Yum which is probably one of the most well-known Thai food and perhaps it’s a good starter for a tourist like me. I was informed that the name simply means hot and sour soup, and that it can contain all manner of things from beef to prawn -- but not chicken feet to my surprise. Setting aside the unwanted part it’s not that actually bad, it’s a dose of fresh, dare I say "zingy" flavour in the form of a clean, aromatic soup to shake up my hibernating palate.
After eating, I began to walk a few miles again. I found the whole day exhausting as I traversed Buddhist and Chinese temples, a cemetery guarded by hounds, a couple of mid-rise business establishments and long paved roads while attempting to admire the natural beauty of the place and its colorful residents. Hours passed the seductive sunbeams now flowed between the branches of trees, and as I get closer to the shore the sun started to drift in the water. I began to soak up in its beauty and for a while my mind wandered. For the longest time, I have never been so happy. I have never felt so alive. That moment was mine. It was me, just me.
Good guys go to heaven, bad guys go to Pattaya
The following days began in much the same vain as I became accustomed to the weather and surroundings. I began to communicate and get along well with the locals and my spirit was still high. Sadly, the marathon event was cancelled and rescheduled in February. To maximize my time, I decided to travel to Pattaya -- a resort city situated on the eastern seaboard of Thailand and an hour away from Chonburi City. It is home to a growing number of cultural and action-packed tourist attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, Silverlake, Nongnooch Garden, Wat Phra Yai, Mini Siam, Pattaya’s Floating Market to name a few. So why not?
A friend, however, who’s been to Pattaya told that the city’s reputation as a nightlife hub is well deserved; with hundreds of adult bars, strip clubs, colorful katoeys or lady boys, massage parlors and tattoo shops. This mile of madness in South Pattaya caught me nosily! I was curious why it is popular for tourists and expatriates, and of course, I have to experience myself the famous islands and beaches of Pattaya. Full of excitement and a bit of angst I became one of the bad guys.
Pattaya is a place you will either love or hate and as to my experience, “I love it!” From accommodations to the cost of food, everything was relatively affordable. Their effective means of transportation via “songthaew” allows you to roam around the city for just 10 baht -- making living in Pattaya easy on the wallet. Despite bad reviews claiming Pattaya to be filthy or chaotic I found it lively and more likeable than expected. Although, admittedly, the Beach Road, the Walking Street and some parts seem to be sleazy. Nonetheless, nearby islands like Koh Larn provides a respite from Pattaya’s night vibe with emerald green water and various recreational activities. You can either get a day-tour package for as low as 700 baht or shipped yourself by riding a public ferry for only 30 baht. Being alone in Pattaya for the last two days was a smart choice and would likely to come back if I could. But before this initial euphoria fades I decided to return to Chonburi City to bond with my sister-from-another-mother.
Get a taste of the local culture
Having been in Chonburi for some time, I already like the peaceful life here and I am glad to have gotten the chance to immerse myself in this cultural, yet convenient city. The nightlife is non-existent, well there are a few scattered bars but there isn't much happening unlike in the night markets. Aside from floating markets there’s also plenty to see and do in a Thai night market and it’s another way to get up close and personal with the locals. Anyhow, night markets are within every mile and a great place for picking up some decent souvenirs, knock-off items or anyone looking to mix in some exotic or cheap eats, or maybe some evening drinks.
If shopping at night isn’t your thing, an alternative place to relax will take a 20-30 minutes ride via red songthaew for only 20 baht. Bangsaen Beach is an interesting place to enjoy strolling while tasting freshly cooked seafood from vendors that line the beach pavement. Later, if you’re already tired of walking, you may rent a bicycle for 50 baht. You can already go anywhere you want and one that you shouldn’t miss is to bike around Khao Sam Muk Hill -- the perfect place to see a panoramic view of Bang Saen. Just a gentle precaution, there are a lot of monkeys with greedy eyes and quick hands inhabiting the hill so be careful with your valuables and avoid feeding them as it just makes them more aggressive and playful. On your way back you can drop by either in a Taoist or Buddhist temple and wish for good fortune. In the evening, there’s another night market near Bangsaen beach which is relatively bigger than the others. Well, I must say going to Bangsaen is truly worth the time and energy.
Touring Thailand can be pretty tiring at some point but worry not because there are a lot massage parlors always ready to give relief to those aching muscles. For the record, I never had experienced a body massage, but this trip will never be complete without an authentic Thai massage. A first for me! Cai, my therapist, was gentle enough during the one-hour massage though seriously I was just laughing the whole time because I have tickles all over my body.
Given the time I’ve spent in Thailand, so far, what I like about it are its calmness, clean atmosphere, the people who are very disciplined, and definitely the delicious and healthy cuisines. My favorite dishes are Khao Pad Talay, Pak Boong and Som Tum. Of course, there are also funny trivia that I would like to share and just to mention a few…
- It’s a custom in Thailand to use plastic straw whether drinking in a bottle or in a cup. Once, I bought a lemon juice and after paying I drank it straight from the bottle -- big eyes all looking at me.
- Instead of soy sauce and vinegar, fish sauce is provided in every table if you want to enhance the flavor of your food.
- Ice cubes are served in buckets every meal, it’s not for free but you can just refuse to take them.
- At KFC they don’t have gravy, instead they have ketchup and sweet-chili sauce. But their chicken always comes in two-piece or more, depending on your order. Also, you need to order separately if you want to eat the chicken with rice.
- Thai people can hardly pronounce words with letter “R”. For example, there’s a mall in Chonburi named “Forum” and if you want to visit the place you must tell the driver to drop you not at “Fo-rum” but at “Fo-lam”. Another example was a woman selling strawberries but how she pronounced “straw-ber-ry” was different, she kept on saying “sat-ro-ber-ry”.
The King and Krung Thep (City of Angels)
As much as I was attempting to find change for a couple of days already, I thought that perhaps I can learn more things from the Thai culture by exploring its capital city – Bangkok. From Chonburi I took a bus for 100 baht -- buses leave every hour. Soon as I arrived back in Bangkok I feel the deep sense of loss among the people of Thailand. Mourners and even tourists continue to flock into the Grand Palace to pay respect and see the King for the last time. Thus, whether locals or foreigners are demanded to wear black or dark colored shirts to signify the death of their beloved King Bhumibol. The national outpouring of grief has inspired a wave of volunteerism with marquees offering free food, medicines, even haircuts, and transportation services to thousands of mourners. Not taking advantage of the situation, I got to avail of the free water, bread and bus transfer. As a person who doesn’t worship anything or anyone, the patriotism and love of the Thai people for their King gave me a strange sense but in a good way.
Giving the city another mood, the “City of Angels” is undeniably a one-stop shop especially for first time travellers. It houses from high-end shopping malls to cheap bazaars, from top-notch dining to street food, and of course those impressive ancient monuments and temples. I went to take photos at Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Dine at Central World Mall, shop at the famous Pratunam district, and ride a BTS just for fun. Bangkok trip was indeed jam-packed!
“We are all one. In human form we are pioneers embarking on a wonderful journey. Exploring and experiencing the physical world.” –Osho
My remaining days in Thailand passed without major occurrence although I got lost and end up walking in circles when it looked easier to navigate the place. Confusion and laughter often ensued but after 8 days, I welcomed the return of familiarity. As I breathed in the fresh air and relaxed in the warm temperature while biking around Bangsaen, I concluded that already on some level I had begun to achieve the purpose of this trip. I may not be able to express it in words, yet being aware of my own existence was already enough for me.
It had only taken a few days to realize that . There is no doubt that with hindsight I enjoyed the short excursion to the relatively unknown, and when I wake up tomorrow I am back to my regular programming. The familiar cultures of the Philippines were on the horizon and although I may not entirely like where I am, somehow I already filled the gap to continue and move forward.
Sawadee kap!
Since it was launched in the country 5 years ago, I’ve been wanting to join the Color Manila race. So in its 5th year anniversary, and yet to be the grandest with American Native Indian inspired theme, I promised to join. And, I must say it was the most colorful run of my life.
More than finishing the race, it’s the running itself that really made the race a memorable one – from the gun start to crossing the finish line. It did not require us to compete with the other runners, you just have to give your best and run, jog, or walk without the pressure of being the first to finish the race. At the end of the race, all of the participants received their own medals whichever category they participated. So there was really no pressure at all, and yet I was able to finish at my best time with the unofficial time of 47mins for the 10km race category. 
