TRIP REPORT: A green curry Christmas

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Since the moment I first set foot there, I really liked Thailand. There is something special and unique about the place that really pulls you in. On one hand it’s kind of third world, a bit underdeveloped, with dirt roads and poor drainage, stray dogs and dirty street markets… But on the other hand, it is painfully beautiful, idyllic, blessed with sickeningly blue seas, lucious green mountains, rich coral reefs, and general lovely scenery, not to mention a really fascinating culture and food to die for. It is no wonder it is one of south-east Asia’s top destinations.

Something that is quite unique about Thailand is that it is the only nation in south-east Asia that has never been colonised by a foreign force, and as a result the people are quite different. They are quite open to strangers, welcoming to foreigners, and don’t seem to have that distrust or dislike of outsiders. Thailand is nicknamed the Land of 1000 Smiles, and really, the people seem almost ridiculously laid back and friendly. Some say it is Thai politeness, to always smile and never show someone when you are pissed or hurt. Is it an act? I’m not sure. But I do like the fact that anyone who makes eye contact with you smiles, immediately.

I have to admit, there is also something strangely provocative about Thailand and all of its decadence. There is no doubt that prostitution is one of Thailand’s major industries. At first, it was a bit off-putting. Women leave the northern regions and head south to the islands for the sole purpose of being close to the farangs (foreigners), in hopes of getting a good job, working in a bar or massage parlour (not necessary a hanky panky place either), or better yet, marrying a nice, retired foreign gentleman who has more than enough money to sustain them. Yes, you do see some horrible fat-bellied balding white guys with young Thai women who barely look legal, and it certainly does sort of make you frown in disgust. But that is only one side of it.There is almost something proud about how the women carry on with their business in Thailand. It’s almost like they embrace the sex industry in all of its filthy, whorish glory. Even in the girly bars, the girls don’t seem like they are being taken advantage of. You don’t get the impression they are there against their will, and the prostitutes don’t seem to be treated any differently to anyone else — likely because their work is supporting their entire family. Perhaps I am looking at it the wrong way, but it really does seem that although it may not be a very dignified profession, they go about it in a somewhat dignified way… who knows…

So, on to the food. As I have mentioned, Thai food is orgasmic, dirt cheap, and plentiful, made with local vegetables and fruits. And on our last night, we got treated to an impromptu Thai cooking class for us in Bob’s house. They came over with bags and bags of fresh fruit, meats and spices from the Lamai market, and went about cooking four amazing dishes: green curry, morning glory, pork ball soup, and glass noodle salad. Seiji and I watched carefully as they went through the receipes that they had obviously made millions of times, and of course made notes. The food was fantastic — homemade Thai food is even better than in the restaurants! And a fraction of the price!

It was only five days but any time in Thailand is well spent. And rich in content. We went to Christmas parties, BBQs, diving, walking, bike riding, swimming and of course, lots of eating and drinking. I can see why so many people go there and stay illegally for months, even years at a time (cough cough, my dad?). Who would want to leave?

Also, being there made me miss Trinidad… waking up to an early morning sunrise on a blue sky, the sound of birds chirping and roosters crowing, cicadas in the evening, crickets and frogs, and the smell of grass. I hope that one day, I can find a home that encompasses all of these things — nice people, beautiful natural scenery, hot sandy beaches, and maybe a bit of green curry.