Thursday 20 May 2010

Out of character

Bad news from Thailand, and such a shame to see pictures of violence in a country that is really so friendly - and where so many of its people are so dependent on tourism. While I wouldn't fancy going there myself right now, I'd be happy to visit as soon as the riots are over, as they will be. Even big, noisy, dirty Bangkok has plenty of beauty and peaceful places to enjoy. It's a bit of a cliche, but only because it's so enjoyable, to go for a tour in a long-tail boat through the khlongs, or canals, and putter past everyday life going on there as it has for ages: children in crisp smart school uniforms trotting home, mothers with toddlers watching us watching them, dogs relaxing, men fishing right from their verandas, big houses with floating gardens, rickety stilt shacks with satellite dishes...
And outside the city, the people are even friendlier and more cheerful, and never seem too busy to stop for a chat beside the road or at the stall selling fragrant flower garlands or brightly-coloured rice or short, fat bananas. I do hope they can go back soon to their peaceful, contented lives in their beautiful country.

2 comments:

Thailand Wanderer said...

It's really a shame about what happened in Thailand, but then again, 2010 and 2011 were really explosive years, with riots and revolutions starting...maybe it's a something that's sweeping across the world now...people taking control of their lives and trying to make them better.

TravelSkite said...

Welcome, Thailand Wanderer! I think you may be right: it certainly seems to be a trend...

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...