Travel Journal

Last morning in Thailand

It is our final morning. An early morning. I sit on a small wooden bench in a dimly lit kitchen. As the fog in my mind begins to drift away on the coffee river, I hear a bubbling silver pot protest loudly on top of the single propane burner below. It’s a stacked pot meant for steaming veggies and dumplings. Our hostess busily prepares a meal for the Buddhist monks that will soon pass by the house. I take another sip.

A voice interrupts the clanging pot.

“You want rice?”

Soon, I’m holding a small bowl and a curved rice spoon.

“You want egg?”

 I know it’s not really a question as it is a declaration. Her voice once again announces that I should have steamed squash as well. I don’t fight it.

“It’s good!”

If her voice could be bottled it would be sweet and tangy. It’s that familiar musical accent on top of well-handled English.

As I tuck into my now heaving breakfast bowl, thoughts of this visit flood into my head.

The sights, smells, sounds; the learning had and the friendships built, all come together to construct a towering testament to what Thailand has meant us.

By which unit do I measure such an experience? Visiting Thailand has been so much more than taking pictures and eating noodle (though much of that happened). Our time has been filled with culture-steeped adventure and breathtaking views. But the relationships are what give a deep value to our visit to this amazing place. Staying in the home of our Thai friends, feasting off their kindness has nurtured our souls.

Land of Smiles? An understated fact. But also, a land of life—booming life. It is life lived out and displayed in a bright array of hospitality.

anthony forrest