Best First Day in a Country Ever!

Since our first day in Thailand yesterday was a complete and total loss, we have decided to simply eradicate it from our collective memories and henceforth think of today (previously referred to as "Day Two") as Day One in Thailand. Seems reasonable.

And, as this was now officially our first day here, I can most definitely say that it was the best first day in a country I have ever had! Now that we've been able to get out and about a bit, I can say that I immediately loved Thailand and I immediately felt comfortable here. I have been wanting to come here for SOOO long that I was beginning to fear that my long-held expectations might be set too high and that no country could ever live up to them. Wrong.

The minute I stepped off the plane, I noticed a difference. The guys in customs were smiling broadly and happy and chatty and welcoming to me. When we got off our bus from the airport, someone actually asked us where we were going and then, wonder of wonders, gave us directions without wanting anything in return or trying to take us somewhere else (we are definitely still a bit on the defensive since arriving straight from India; when the woman was first asking us where we were going, we were hesitant to engage in conversation with her or give her our info, insisting several times that we could find it ourselves... I think we may be suffering from PTID: Post Traumatic India Disorder). People all around us, people we were just passing on the streets, smiled broadly at us. When we got to our hostel, we were blown away by how clean it was and how kindly we were welcomed. When I saw the bathrooms and the crisp, clean sheets, I nearly wept with joy.

From my previous days of having a "real" job back in the day, I had a former business contact here in Bangkok. Since I'd only met her a couple of times back in Lancaster years ago and didn't know if she would even remember me, I hesitated to contact her. But I thought I would at least send an e-mail letting her know I was here anyhow, not expecting much. She responded immediately, offering for her and her husband to meet with us for lunch and show us around a bit. I was overwhelmed.

Woody and Tippy Wongwiwat are a Thai couple who spent over 30 years living in the US; I met them through AHLI when they sent some Thai students to the program. They moved back to Thailand about 10 years ago and now live on the northern side of Bangkok. They picked us up at our hotel and we spent the afternoon together having lunch and learning about their country. It was beyond generous of them. I am so glad that they were my very first experience outside of the hotel in Thailand as they have left a great impression on me of the genuine kindness of the Thai people.

Just like with Maite back in Spain, it challenged me to think about what I would do in the same situation. Would I be as generous with my time and my resources? If I received an e-mail from someone I barely knew who was in my town, would I immediately respond enthusiastically and offer to meet up with them without any prior notice? All I can say is, now having been on the receiving end of it and knowing what an impression it made on me, I definitely will from now on.

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They dropped us off at the Chatuchak Weekend Market in the center of the city. It is the undisputed king of markets in Bangkok, covering over 35 acres and selling everything from antiques to souveniers to clothing to exotic animals and everything else in between. We milled aimlessly around the giant maze of it all, taking it all in and snapping up a few very cool, items along the way.

We had been told by some girls at the hostel about a VIP movie theater experience here and decided that it simply had to be part of our Bangkok experience. Oh my. Finding the information about the movies showing under the 'VIP' status was a bit challenging, but once we did we were escorted to a separate, exclusive section of the theater that was decked out in luxurious decorations as if it was a high-class real theater, not a movie theater. We walked into the 'welcoming area' of our private theater where we were given a menu to pre-select what we would like to eat during the movie: we could choose a dinner, a cocktail and popcorn. We were then shown to our seats (there are only about 50 in the whole place), which were a mix between a bed and a deep-seated, cushy loveseat. It had fuzzy blankets and mountains of pillows. We laid back, got comfy, watched the movie and had great food and drinks served to us while we watched. At that point, the movie really does become completely irrelevant (and it was, believe me). Every once in a while, we would just look over at each other and start giggling at the over-the-top luxury of it all. (Yes, we know we're dorks)

Day One in Bangkok... best first day in a country ever!