Thailand
“We travel because distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something inside our minds has changed, and that changes everything.”—Jonah Lehrer
Thailand will always have a special place in my heart. It was our first overseas destination and definitely helped me to figure out what I needed to improve my point of view on urban/street photography.
Bangkok – Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Chiang Mai – Bangkok
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 as the second capital of Siam. It was the biggest city in 1700, as it was an important trading zone between India, China, and Indonesia. It was attacked and burned by Burma in the late 1700s, finishing the golden age of the city. Presently all that stands are the ruins of many of the temples. We saw various headless Buddhas and broken brick walls..
Headless Buddhas.
“It’s wrong to use Buddha as a tattoo, decoration merchandise means no respect. Do not buy or sell Buddha for decoration please” This was written in billboards and many places. The Buddha is a sacred image worshiped by followers around the world, but it is a cool decoration, tattoo, or bar theme by non-followers. For them, it speaks to peace, letting go, memories of traveling in Asia. We knew that fact about Buddha before going to Thailand but I was not expecting to see that kind of shame that human beings caused.
Normally when planning a trip, we make a research before going to a place to avoid unexpected things and have a general idea about the place and also I do it as a preliminary for my photography essay. There were interesting facts that never read or heard before and learnt them there:
1- Bangkok is the shortened name of the city the full reads as Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit
2- Every man in Thailand spends some time living as a monk in a monastery like being in a military service. Most stay for only a few years and then leave, but a number continue on in the ascetic life for the rest of their lives.
3- Thailand as a name that translates to “Land of the Free” which before it was known as such, it went by a different name: Siam. Yet whilst the kingdom of Siam exists no longer, its name is still found in several places. Also the popular breed of cat — the Siamese cat — has Siam in its name.
For a colorful, exotic experience, visit a floating market. There are a bunch to try in Bangkok and some are more popular than others.
For the iconic floating market experience, travel 100 km from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak. This is where you will find a river full of wooden boats and people selling colorful flowers and foods
While a monk was blessing me.
Bangkok
I had my first Thai massage in Bangkok. I have a thought that massage is a kind of addiction so that it was a thing that I stayed away from. Well it was our last day in Thailand and I did not want to go back home without trying. That massage was not peaceful or relaxing; it was like a wrestling match. For one hour a little lady bent my body in directions I never imagined that it could go. At some moments she was pressing so hard into my muscles It felt like this tiny lady was planning to rip me to pieces. But at the end I was really glad I had this experience.