Thailand was the first non-Western country I visited. At that time, I hadn't even been to Eastern Europe yet. I spent most of the time in Phuket, where there are used to tourists from many different places. I felt quite at home there, since the climate and geography is quite similar to Barbados.
Whilst there, I also ventured away from Phuket and spent 2 days in a small village near Surat Thani. Way off the beaten path and where tourists don't usually venture. This is the kind of experience I seek when I travel – a chance to experience the way that normal folk live. A chance to engage with people in the less-than-sterilised environments that are normally created for tourist. I was there visiting the family of a Thai friend. She wanted me to see the real Thailand.
I was a bit of a novelty when I arrived in the village. The first thing that struck me was that there were lots of people (especially children) were at my hosts' house when I arrived. I wasn't sure who they were or how many of them were my friend's relatives. I greeted all the adults with my best rendition of a thai bow and 'sawadeeka'.
I was later told that no black person had every visited the village before and that many of the villagers had never seen a black person apart from on television. So the visitors where there for the novel experience. The people there are quite dark – some as dark as I am. But me being 'African' was what differentiated me and what was they were curious to see.
People in these villages live in quite simply - poor by western standards. But they are very hospitable. The women spent many hours cooking and preparing a feast for us (making sure that I had special dishes with less spice) . . . especially since it was my birthday the next day. I'm also quite keen to try local foods prepared in the traditional way. I'm less interested in restaurant preparations and want to sample the real cuisine of the place . . . what I like to refer to as 'folk food'.
While the women were cooking, I visited a nearby (relatively) park called Ratchaprapha. It is the site of a dam and hydroelectrical power station. The surroundings were beautiful with great views over the lake and the dam.
I was well received in Thailand and will definitely visit again. Then, I hope I get the opportunity to see more of the country and to experience more Thai hospitality off the beaten trail.
Photos from my time in Thailand can be found HERE.
