Teresa Tflickinger@azhha.org
09-30-2003, 05:00 AM
I traveled Thailand for 3 weeks Ocotber 2000. It was the most extraordinary trip of my life.It was my male companion's 10th time there and my 1st. We traveled Northern Thailand from SriSathcanali up to Bangkok.
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Most villages had no white people except for us.The people were gracious-very kind and friendly. I didnt want to go home for a long time. I fell in love with a country.We visited many temples. Being a Christian, I was respectful and in reverence for their strong beliefs. It would dismay many fellow Christians to know I did bow down and burn incense. Not to Lord Buddha but to my God and to show the Thai's I love them regardless of our difference in beliefs.
<br>
We walked almost everywhere. We also traveled by bicycle, train, boat, elephant, tuk-tuk; and a suang tau. In Sakhon Nakhon we were physically forced by an older man into a room full of Thai men gambling on a boxing match. I glanced around to realize I was the only woman,.We ahd no idea why this man felt we HAD to be in here, however;knowing this is illegal ,we needed to also get OUT, Then a woman came and led us out-5-10 minutes later. Very strange and very unsettling.
<br>
In another town we were invited to tea by the female owner of teh Hotel. She had the money to be very kind. SHe spoke very good English with a very soft spoken Thai accent. One of the most well-bred thai's I had met thus far.
<br>
We ate in the market most of the time where I perfected my chopstick use-Thai's as a rule do not use tehm. My companion and I enjoy the practice. I loved the food and actually miss the Kau Phat.
<br>
We did vist Chaing Mai and rode a motorcyle to Doi Suthep- very Beautiful but sadly very commercialized which takes away from the serene beauty and reverance that should be present.
<br>
Pat Pong was shocking to me, Being a Christian I did want to go- I felt at first abused and dirty being pushed at from all directions and these sex acts being vivdly described. Especially after being in these" vigin" villages that were void of this travisty.
<br>
I too began to feel sorry for the girls, We only went to one establishment.One young girl was kissing my neck and rubbing my arm. I didnt know whether to hold her as a mother or feel turned on as a woman,.
<br>
She sat next to me spartaically through the eveing, leaning her head on my shoulder,
<br>
The " show" was basically sexual magic tricks performed clearly bored young girls. We watched their" lure" of one customer who was caught. The girl came back from her" job" as if she just went out to dinner or such. Very sad........
<br>
I came away not angry but with a heavy heart for these girls....
<br>
I found it difficult when My companionwas the only one I could converse with for days at a time. I found my heart lifted to even see another " english" speaking person. The shyness of meeting new people vanished at the thought of just being able to speak to others!! My companion would sense my irratibility and I found myself getting irritated by otherwise menial things.
<br>
Yes, I was extremely sad the day we needed to leave. I loved the people, I loved the land. There was no wasy to describe my journeys to others unless they could swee the window to my heart!!
<br>
There are many many pages I could write
<br>
I would definitley return.
<br>
Most villages had no white people except for us.The people were gracious-very kind and friendly. I didnt want to go home for a long time. I fell in love with a country.We visited many temples. Being a Christian, I was respectful and in reverence for their strong beliefs. It would dismay many fellow Christians to know I did bow down and burn incense. Not to Lord Buddha but to my God and to show the Thai's I love them regardless of our difference in beliefs.
<br>
We walked almost everywhere. We also traveled by bicycle, train, boat, elephant, tuk-tuk; and a suang tau. In Sakhon Nakhon we were physically forced by an older man into a room full of Thai men gambling on a boxing match. I glanced around to realize I was the only woman,.We ahd no idea why this man felt we HAD to be in here, however;knowing this is illegal ,we needed to also get OUT, Then a woman came and led us out-5-10 minutes later. Very strange and very unsettling.
<br>
In another town we were invited to tea by the female owner of teh Hotel. She had the money to be very kind. SHe spoke very good English with a very soft spoken Thai accent. One of the most well-bred thai's I had met thus far.
<br>
We ate in the market most of the time where I perfected my chopstick use-Thai's as a rule do not use tehm. My companion and I enjoy the practice. I loved the food and actually miss the Kau Phat.
<br>
We did vist Chaing Mai and rode a motorcyle to Doi Suthep- very Beautiful but sadly very commercialized which takes away from the serene beauty and reverance that should be present.
<br>
Pat Pong was shocking to me, Being a Christian I did want to go- I felt at first abused and dirty being pushed at from all directions and these sex acts being vivdly described. Especially after being in these" vigin" villages that were void of this travisty.
<br>
I too began to feel sorry for the girls, We only went to one establishment.One young girl was kissing my neck and rubbing my arm. I didnt know whether to hold her as a mother or feel turned on as a woman,.
<br>
She sat next to me spartaically through the eveing, leaning her head on my shoulder,
<br>
The " show" was basically sexual magic tricks performed clearly bored young girls. We watched their" lure" of one customer who was caught. The girl came back from her" job" as if she just went out to dinner or such. Very sad........
<br>
I came away not angry but with a heavy heart for these girls....
<br>
I found it difficult when My companionwas the only one I could converse with for days at a time. I found my heart lifted to even see another " english" speaking person. The shyness of meeting new people vanished at the thought of just being able to speak to others!! My companion would sense my irratibility and I found myself getting irritated by otherwise menial things.
<br>
Yes, I was extremely sad the day we needed to leave. I loved the people, I loved the land. There was no wasy to describe my journeys to others unless they could swee the window to my heart!!
<br>
There are many many pages I could write
<br>
I would definitley return.