Thoughts on the Land of Smiles

Thailand is known for its food, silk, and friendly people. Thailand prides itself for being happy and carefree. However, when I first came to Thailand during my exchange, it did not meet my expectations. People and books told me that the people of Thailand were always smiling and happy. But when I walked down the street, no matter where I was, people didn't smile at me. They only time they would smile is when they were tying to sell me something. At school they didn't either. But once I got to know my school friends, and the other people there, they were much more friendly and would sometimes smile when I walked by. But for the general public I thought that the land of smiles was a lie. 

Upon my return to Thialand, I found things were different. I am was more familiar with Thailand then I was the first time arriving here. I knew sort of how to get around, and where things were and what to eat. Being more familiar with everything, I was less scared this time around. After my first few days, I found that people were smiling at me. Not only in Bangkok, but in Kanchanburi and Nakhon Pathom as well. I was surprised. What had caused this change of friendliness with the Thai people? Then I realized, it was me. My first time In this country I was scared and unsure of everything, intimidated by the culture and people. When one is going through this, they typically don't smile of appear friendly. During my second time here, I know what to expect, I am more confident, and I have grown as a person. I found myself smiling at all the people I passed, and found that 90% of Thai people smiled in return. There were a few who didn't return my smile, but maybe there were having a bad day. I know that if I smiled at people in my home town, I would get a lot more blank stared or surprised looks then I would smiles. After this trip, I can now agree with the thousands of people who believe, that Thailand is the land of smiles.

A little band playing at a market.

Spent the X-mas eve morning at the beach

My midnight snack, mangosteen

A glimpse of a typical highway, with a mall to the right.

Making Som Tom 

Fish Spa in the evening

They eat off the dead skin on your feet. It doesn't hurt,
mostly it just tickles. 

Wishing for the best on your adventures,

Cienna