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Published: April 13th 2011
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The third day in Thailand was, for me, the most magical. For many reasons, as you will see!
The day stated off in a little bamboo boat, sailing in a river amongst the thick and lush vegetation that grew in Thailand's Khao Yai (two hours outside of Bangkok). I feel very fortunate to have been able to see this part of Thailand, which is much more..."untouched," and less inhabited by flashy tourist traps (and tourists, nonetheless).
In fact, I find Thailand's countryside to be far more interesting than the places "you have
got to see." Sounds familiar? (Guilin, anyone?)
So, as expected, the Floating Market is definately not what it once was. Unfortunately, the tourism industry once again eradicated the real "charm" of it all.
But, putting Wallerstein's World-Systems Model aside (and if any of you don't know what this is, google it right now!!), it was still fun to see. One could easily buy interesting fruits from the thousands of boats drifting alongside.
I made friends with Iranians on the ride, and together we decided to ride some elephants. Elephants!!!
The elephants were my favorite part of the whole trip. Because elephants are my
Rose Garden.
Returning to Bangkok. favorite animal! :-)
I rode on an elephant with this Thai guy, and he taught me some words that elephants can understand. Sitting on an elephant, in the sweltering heat, we trekked through a Thai jungle, waded through rivers, walked along small Thai villages...seeing Thailand's countryside was definately a breath of fresh air for me. Some things are just so beautiful that...nothing can be said about them.
Afterwards, I saw a performance that introduced many important elements in Thai culture (such as different art forms, dances, ceremonial rituals...) The show had its good qualities, as visitors usually couldn't see these kinds of performances unless they had Thai friends. But, it yet again made me angry...much like how I felt when I saw the performance by the Yao people in Guilin. It's ...these cultures are being exploited. By Western culture.
And it all relates to dependency on the world market.
Excuse me for my ranting! I'm a little preoccupied in thought today. Anyway, I also met some really cool people from India on the way home. Now, I definately have my heart set to visit Mumbai!
In Bangkok, I ran into a local temple and became
Rose Garden.
Thai girls are so cute! curious as to what the monks there were doing. There were many colorful paper flags bunched together in large vases, and mounds and mounds of sand castles in front of the Wat. I asked a local girl (whom I heard speaking English) what the ceremony was, and she translated questions and answers between me and a monk. It was actually a really enlightening experience, as I learned
so much not only about the Thai new year, but about the culture of Theravada Buddhism, as well.
But, in short, the flags were written prayers (much like Japan's July 7th).
The sand castles derive from an interesting concept. The monk said it is bad luck to take anything out of the temple, and many times, when people walk in and out of the Wats, they carry sand in and out with them. The sand castles were made from sand that was brought back by monks, to "restore" the Wats' original forms. That is
so cool. :-)
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