Last Thoughts

There are a lot of things I think a person can learn through travel. I still consider myself an amateur traveler, even though I've been fortunate enough to visit and live in two foreign countries now. I could go on forever talking about the many lessons that are learned, but there are just two things I want to share that stand out to me the most.

Before you continue reading, please keep in mind that these are MY opinions, MY observations, and MY thoughts. I am 100% entitled to my opinions, just as you are. You can agree, or you can disagree. Just understand that my intention is not to belittle or criticize anyone. I've been given the unique opportunity to experience something different from others, and the following is what I have taken away from it. My only intention is to share what I have learned. If you are okay with that, then please keep reading. :)

People are People

People are really the same no matter where you go. Yes, we all have our differences, which is what many of us seem to focus on, but we also have a lot of similarities. Some of us like to think that we are better than others, that our country is greater, our religion is correct, that our progress is the standard by which all others should measure themselves. Guess what. That's what everyone else is thinking, too! When you experience the lifestyle and cultures of other people though, you realize that at the end of the day, we are very much the same. We want to improve the quality of our lives, we want happiness and peace, and we want safety and good health for our families. The way we go about accomplishing those goals may differ, but the desire is the same.

Traveling has allowed me the opportunity to view the world from a unique perspective. And while I cannot say that I have loved every single moment, I can say that every second has been educational, which is the most important thing. A lack of willingness to listen and learn from those who are different from us, directly contributes to the ignorance that is held by many. It is so easy to judge people based off what we see, instead of actually taking the time to learn and understand. I have learned a lot about the Thai culture, and I have more questions now than when I started. The one thing I know for sure though, is that they are people trying to live happy and wholesome lives, just like anyone else. If you ever get the opportunity to experience and learn about a culture different from your own, keep an open mind and remember that we aren't all that different from one another.


Be Grateful

This should be a given, and you definitely don't have to travel the world in order to learn this valuable lesson. However, when you think about the small, everyday conveniences we have that others don't, it really drives the message home. Yes, someone is always going to have more than you, but there are plenty who have a lot less.

I have watched my host sisters study with an intensity I have never seen before from such young students. They attend school from 7:30 AM- 4:30 PM, they each have extra lessons from a private tutor 2-3 times a week for two hour sessions, they go to the learning center every weekend for at least half the day (on both Saturday and Sunday), and they spend almost every free second they have studying. When I commented on this, my host mom informed me that there are only 5 good universities in Thailand, so school is incredibly competitive. They don't like that their children have to work so hard, but even more so, they want to ensure their children have a good future. My host mom told me about a man she knows whose 14-year-old daughter just got married, because her family cannot afford for her to continue on with an advanced education. My host parents don't want such a hard life to befall their own two daughters, so both girls work incredibly hard on their education. Now imagine the opportunities we have at home. Yes, our education system isn't perfect by any means. It's in need of many improvements across the board, but we should thank our lucky stars for the progress we've already made while also fighting to better it.

I have many more examples just like the previous one that I could write a novel about, but instead, I'd like to share a short list of things I'm more grateful for a whole lot more, after spending time in Thailand.

air conditioning - drinkable tap water - hot water - water in general - freedom of speech - driving lanes - driving laws - washing machines and dryers - educational opportunities - toilets - bath tubs - fresh fruits and veggies - Texas food - green, outdoor space - diversity - ovens - dog shelters - my dog - my family - my friends - my bed

Behind each listed item is a story, but you'll have to ask me in person for the specifics. Please note that the list doesn't contain EVERY single thing I'm grateful for. It's just a quick list of things that stood out to me at one point or another during my time in Thailand with a story behind it, but there are many more that could be added.

I hope y'all have enjoyed reading about my experience in Thailand and looking at pictures. It was my goal for everyone to sort of live vicariously through me in a way, because it was an experience worth living. I hope I was at least partially successful. Thank y'all for the support! I only have one more request to make. Tomorrow, I'm making the 22 hour trip back home. I may like to travel, but I absolutely HATE flying. I'm a nervous flyer; it's a horrible, nerve wrecking experience for me the 24 hours leading up to and during the actual flight. Safety wishes are appreciated. Thanks!


                                         

                                          Léaw jer gan, Bangkok. Hello, Houston!