Arrival, Orientation and Dinner

Well, we finally made it! This was truly the longest voyage I’ve ever done by air. We were on 5 flights and spent 30 hours in the air and 15 hours waiting in airports to finally arrive at our hotel by about 3:00 this afternoon, local time. There are 8 of us in the group – three teens and five adults which makes for a very personalized experience and a closely knit travelling group. Our guide met us at the airport (we had to call his cell as he was waiting at the international arrivals and we were by then on domestic flights) and we took our bus to the hotel. We were more glad to see our hotel rooms than one could imagine having spent so much time en route that we all felt completely desperate for a shower and some rest. Well, we got the shower but not the rest. We met with our guide for about an hour prior to dinner at which time he went over some basic cultural “do’s and don’t’s” for our dealing with Thai people. He then walked us around the local neighborhood which is the location for one of the oldest night markets in Thailand. Hundreds of stalls with everything from clothing to food to souvenirs to electronics to art to pure kitsch! One could spend a lot of money there! We were all of us too exhausted to ask many questions or do any shopping. When we were out walking through the market the weather was fine but by the time we were done with dinner it was raining heavily. This is the rainy season and so we’re told to expect more of the same. Our dinner was good Thai food in the hotel – chicken, fish and vegetable dishes with plenty of rice and a delicious soup seasoned with ginger and lemongrass that was really tasty. Lots of fruit for dessert. Most of us enjoyed but couldn’t relish the food as we were so completely exhausted at that point. Sam was almost comatose he was so tired by then. After dinner we went upstairs and Sam was asleep by 8:30 and I went down not long after!

We’ve learned that the Thai culture is rather laid back. There is a phrase – mai pen tai – that captures their spirit. It means “not to worry” or “whatever” and apparently is a basic attribute of their culture. They don’t get bent out of shape easily and in this culture to be impatient or lose one’s temper is to lose face. Tough going for demanding Americans but we’re going to try to get in the spirit! Also one greets people with a wai – bringing the hands together just under the face and doing a slight bow.

One can’t get homesick yet – everywhere we turn there are American fast food chains! Just on the corner near our hotel is a Starbucks, Haagen Daz ice cream store, McDonald’s, Burger King and 7 Eleven store! We will assiduously avoid those in favor of good Thai food that is also cheap!!

Today (Wednesday) we are off to visit a number of wats (temples) in the Chiang Mai area. Hopefully I won’t be so exhausted tonight and will be able to post a second installment recording our day!