02.25.20

We have been in Thailand for almost sixty days and in a few more will be leaving for the US. This country has been one of contradictions and extremes. From the high-tech, high energy vibe of Bangkok, to the very, very quiet rural communities where Thai citizens live in shanties with little amenities. No question, this visit to Southeast Asia has been more challenging than any place I have ever visited and has brought up a range of emotions and concerns. From the chaos, crowds and pollution in Bangkok, to the mellow beaches of Chumphon and other rural areas, it has made me appreciate the beauty of the world as well as feel thankful for the life I have lived and continue to live.

Meanwhile, here are some firsts in Thailand:

• Driving on the left side of the street: it’s one thing sitting in the back seat of a cab, but it’s another when you are in the fray on a tiny bike! The first night I rented in Chiang Mai I was nervous and uncomfortable driving on the left side, but after 24 hours it was easier. A few weeks later we rented another bike in Chumphon and it soon became as natural to drive on the left as it was on the right. By the way, the whole experience of renting was a bit surreal! When I decided to bring the bike back later than planned, it was no big deal and they have little worry over miles ridden or the cleanliness of the bike when you return. Thailand is as chill as any place I have ever rented!
• My first jungle!: I have been in heavily wooded areas, but never in a true, dense, sticky jungle! Driving through the rural areas I was always looking for any signs of wild animals- especially monkeys- and we were lucky enough to find them in the wild several times.
• Speaking of wild animals, we saw thousands of wild, untethered dogs in the rural areas of Thailand. They are called “wild”, but they were not aggressive, but instead, seemed timid and unaccustomed to human interference. In some places the locals put food out for them, which we thought was great, but our hearts were broken continuously to see how tough life was for them. Skin and bones, flea infested and seeing them not happy at all was a tough experience for both of us.
• Elephants! These other wild animals were much more fun as we got the chance to feed and bathe them. We chose not to ride them since some say that is “inhumane” but I’m not so sure. The weight of a human is paltry compared to the strength they have, and as long as they are treated humanely, I think riding them is probably OK.
• Destroyed by sand fleas at the beach. We spent 10 days at a remote beach cottage with few amenities (we did have A/C) and as nice as the beach was, it was still infested with bugs. It seems that some beaches are sprayed but not where we were. I’m pretty lucky that most bugs, except mosquitoes, leave me alone, but I admit that I was so bit up that scratching almost brought on fits of ecstasy!
• Street food took some getting used to and after 60 days we were much more comfortable eating it. Our criteria was the cleanliness of the cooking area and getting a sense of how fresh the food was and how long it may have been sitting out. Some come to Thailand and specifically Bangkok for the street food, but that is not enough of a draw to bring me back.
• Beach living: Thailand is a mecca for expats and digital nomads who brag about sitting at the beach working on their phones and laptops and living an idyllic life. It seemed a bit of a fantasy, but our 10 days at the beach came close to a dream come true. The price of living in such an isolated spot and still being able to function, work and be accessible, was a treat and that one I WOULD return to.

Our Travel Younger life is now 12 months and counting. During these 365 days, that included 21 countries, over 300 cities, almost 100,000 kilometers and thousands of new experiences involving food, places and people. We have been asked: “How long will you do this?” and the answer remains the same: “As long as it’s fun.” Kathleen and I have been very blessed in that we have had no significant challenges that gave us pause. We did have two medical emergencies that required a visit, but they were both minor and treatable and lasted just a short while. Meanwhile, just as we are ready to leave this part if the world, there is another threat that we have chosen to be wary and cautious of, but not paranoid about, and that is the Coronavirus, the COVID-19, that has taken the world by storm.

Many have asked if we are worried or afraid and the answer is “no.” We are careful and aware, but our biggest concern has been potential travel interruptions and cancelled flights. I will share more about our experiences on that in another entry.