Thailand: part one
October 4th 2006 01:57
Thailand- its name conjures up visions of island resorts, bustling city centres and sweeping countryside.
An Asian nation never colonized by western countries, the existence of majestic landmark temples all over the country, most notably in its capital Bangkok- allow us the opportunity to look back in time. Many of the temples glowing gold in the sun are tourist favourites to browse around and admire.
Local thais are a gentle and friendly race. Ancient crafts such as weaving the exquisite renowned Thai silk into stylish clothing and scarves, woodcarving of elaborate furniture, vases and animal figurines are highly sought-after gifts.
Other craftwork using silver, paper and jewellery is also prized.
The distinctive lotus flower is sold around temples for a religious offering, copied as artificial flower decorations and features in artwork.
The home of much craftwork is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Local markets bustle with vendors selling hand painted umbrellas covered with birds and scenery-many paint them to order while you wait. You can pick up every imaginable wood article: delicate fans, an assortment of animals, the cute 'sleeping thai baby' bookends or the siamese cat in cartoon poses. Tinkling handmade windchimes also attract attention.
"Hill people"- indigenous native mountain dwellers dressed in traditional garb can often be seen at markets selling woven items, and embroidered clothing resplendent with colorful patchwork designs and stitching. One can also pick up the distinctive thai cushion- a 'V' shaped cushion with one, two or three square extensions to provide a comfortable 'bed' or floor sofa. Note: these are best bought in Chiang Mai or local city markets as the price climbs in city stores and airports where prices are in US dollars.
Beloved in many crafts is the thai elephant...made of silk, wood, silver and featured in scarves, clothing, cushions, bags and wall hangings.
One cannot enjoy Thailand more than experiencing a relaxing foot massage- heaven for the weary traveller! For a few baht, tired feet can be coaxed back to flexibility - oil is applied to your feet then gently massaged into reflex points. I usually flinch when the 'chopstick' as I call it, is used. This is a short stick that is pressed into the base of each toe-causing either a case of the giggles or excruciating sharp twinges of pain- the results are worth it, as you leave almost 'floating on air' and ready for the next day's expedition! The foot massage is so reasonable that you can enjoy one each day of your stay. it is probably the pampering you will crave most on your return home!
There must be something about the soil or temperature that makes fruit in Thailand so delicious. Many will say that their pineapples, papayas, mangoes, melons and pomelos are the sweetest and most fragrant you will find. My favourite is the pomelo. A melon-sized citrus fruit light green/gold in color, skin texture of an orange, tastes like a sweet pink grapefruit, and bearing large pink coloured 'globules' of juice- its delicate flavour is very 'more-ish'. Popular during festive times in many Asian countries, the pomelo is prized for its association with abundance. To choose a good one, 'weigh' it in your hand- the heavier ones have more juice. Supermarkets sell it ready-peeled together with a little packet of seasoning of sugar and spice.
This leads me to one of the popular desserts- sticky rice with mango. A special variety of round hulled rice is boiled till tender, and mixed with coconut milk- still maintaining the 'sticky' texture while being able to distinguish individual grains of rice. Served with slices of fragrant mango, more coconut milk is drizzled on top...simple!
Thai cuisine has essential ingredients of hot chilli, lemon grass, fish oil, coriander, thai basil, lime juice and coconut milk in most dishes. Food is aromatic and spicy! Curries are either 'red' or 'green' distinguished by ingredients..red curries are usually the hottest! With such a large coastline, seafood ie. prawns, shellfish, etc figure prominently. Roadside stalls sell anything from soups and noodle stir-fries, to unusual fried insects- a local delicacy!
Bangkok has pockets of local roadside markets. For a more relaxed time- visit the "night market" which is open from 7pm every evening just a short taxi ride from the city. Row upon row of undercover shop/stalls sell all the items that you will find at Saturday's Chatachuk market without having to endure the hot bustling crowds that throng to the weekend venue.
I found prices to be very similar and of course bargaining is part of the purchase engagement!
After a few visits, vendors genuinely greet you as a good friend.
Travel by meter taxi, or experience at least one time the scary zigzag action in a 'tuk tuk'- the motorized bicycles (don't forget to agree a price BEFORE entering a tuk tuk unless you want a hassle at the end of the journey).
Of course you can have other food in Thailand, but why miss out on a truly sophisticated culinary experience? Short cooking classes run by renowned restaurants are very popular.
'
Memo gifts for friends: anything silk, or elephant shaped, handmade candles, carvings, pomelo jam from the famed Oriental Hotel.
Memo gift for self: thai cushion, artificial flowers, street map for next visit!
Essential traveller items: comfortable shoes and sunglasses- you can buy clothes there.
Tomorrow...more Bangkok
An Asian nation never colonized by western countries, the existence of majestic landmark temples all over the country, most notably in its capital Bangkok- allow us the opportunity to look back in time. Many of the temples glowing gold in the sun are tourist favourites to browse around and admire.
Local thais are a gentle and friendly race. Ancient crafts such as weaving the exquisite renowned Thai silk into stylish clothing and scarves, woodcarving of elaborate furniture, vases and animal figurines are highly sought-after gifts.
The distinctive lotus flower is sold around temples for a religious offering, copied as artificial flower decorations and features in artwork.
The home of much craftwork is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Local markets bustle with vendors selling hand painted umbrellas covered with birds and scenery-many paint them to order while you wait. You can pick up every imaginable wood article: delicate fans, an assortment of animals, the cute 'sleeping thai baby' bookends or the siamese cat in cartoon poses. Tinkling handmade windchimes also attract attention.
"Hill people"- indigenous native mountain dwellers dressed in traditional garb can often be seen at markets selling woven items, and embroidered clothing resplendent with colorful patchwork designs and stitching. One can also pick up the distinctive thai cushion- a 'V' shaped cushion with one, two or three square extensions to provide a comfortable 'bed' or floor sofa. Note: these are best bought in Chiang Mai or local city markets as the price climbs in city stores and airports where prices are in US dollars.
One cannot enjoy Thailand more than experiencing a relaxing foot massage- heaven for the weary traveller! For a few baht, tired feet can be coaxed back to flexibility - oil is applied to your feet then gently massaged into reflex points. I usually flinch when the 'chopstick' as I call it, is used. This is a short stick that is pressed into the base of each toe-causing either a case of the giggles or excruciating sharp twinges of pain- the results are worth it, as you leave almost 'floating on air' and ready for the next day's expedition! The foot massage is so reasonable that you can enjoy one each day of your stay. it is probably the pampering you will crave most on your return home!
There must be something about the soil or temperature that makes fruit in Thailand so delicious. Many will say that their pineapples, papayas, mangoes, melons and pomelos are the sweetest and most fragrant you will find. My favourite is the pomelo. A melon-sized citrus fruit light green/gold in color, skin texture of an orange, tastes like a sweet pink grapefruit, and bearing large pink coloured 'globules' of juice- its delicate flavour is very 'more-ish'. Popular during festive times in many Asian countries, the pomelo is prized for its association with abundance. To choose a good one, 'weigh' it in your hand- the heavier ones have more juice. Supermarkets sell it ready-peeled together with a little packet of seasoning of sugar and spice.
This leads me to one of the popular desserts- sticky rice with mango. A special variety of round hulled rice is boiled till tender, and mixed with coconut milk- still maintaining the 'sticky' texture while being able to distinguish individual grains of rice. Served with slices of fragrant mango, more coconut milk is drizzled on top...simple!
Thai cuisine has essential ingredients of hot chilli, lemon grass, fish oil, coriander, thai basil, lime juice and coconut milk in most dishes. Food is aromatic and spicy! Curries are either 'red' or 'green' distinguished by ingredients..red curries are usually the hottest! With such a large coastline, seafood ie. prawns, shellfish, etc figure prominently. Roadside stalls sell anything from soups and noodle stir-fries, to unusual fried insects- a local delicacy!
Bangkok has pockets of local roadside markets. For a more relaxed time- visit the "night market" which is open from 7pm every evening just a short taxi ride from the city. Row upon row of undercover shop/stalls sell all the items that you will find at Saturday's Chatachuk market without having to endure the hot bustling crowds that throng to the weekend venue.
I found prices to be very similar and of course bargaining is part of the purchase engagement!
After a few visits, vendors genuinely greet you as a good friend.
Travel by meter taxi, or experience at least one time the scary zigzag action in a 'tuk tuk'- the motorized bicycles (don't forget to agree a price BEFORE entering a tuk tuk unless you want a hassle at the end of the journey).
Of course you can have other food in Thailand, but why miss out on a truly sophisticated culinary experience? Short cooking classes run by renowned restaurants are very popular.
'
Memo gifts for friends: anything silk, or elephant shaped, handmade candles, carvings, pomelo jam from the famed Oriental Hotel.
Memo gift for self: thai cushion, artificial flowers, street map for next visit!
Essential traveller items: comfortable shoes and sunglasses- you can buy clothes there.
Tomorrow...more Bangkok
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