When in Thailand

I am not as certain as to when I can have the (let's say) perfect moment to write and recollect the words I had for the beauty of Thailand. But, regardless of this uncertainty, writing it without waiting more for the right timing reflects how humans are passionate about riding with the waves despite the lack of certainty, proving that we try to do the things in life regardless of our predicament, and even if we're unsure, we let life lead us where we should be. Nonetheless, we stay in the same place without moving, and we may throw a wrench in the works of others.

With that in mind, as I write this column, I reminisce about how Thailand made me ride my waves, control the pace, and reach the coast of the other side. Simply put, when I was in Thailand, I reached the other edge of life, and it was a beautiful place to discover. Someplace that was too good to be true and a product of challenges and courage.

Be that as it may, I knew I was on the right path, and I must keep on moving for the others.

Thailand has shown me the beauty of Asia six years ago, through its cooling beaches and architecture, and even by satisfyingly burning my tongue for the first time with their tongue-searing spices. Well, as a spicy lover, it wasn't a problem to me but rather a blessing in disguise. It was something to tickle my taste buds! And the beaches were scenic and breathtaking.

I say Thailand hits the mark every time.

To nail it down, Phuket and Pattaya are two of the most satisfying places in Thailand I once visited. From its beaches and water activities to its elegant, unique cuisine, the country's identity has already reached the extreme level of an international tourist spot. It is a perfect mixture of urban and city life, and although it has already adapted to a modern layout, the culture and tradition can still be seen all over the place. For your reference, Thailand is one of the world's leading travel destinations. Making it more attractive to tourists as their economic growth and cultural promotion emerge over the years.

In Thailand, two of the most popular tourist destinations are Phuket and Pattaya. Phuket is a relaxing island in southern Thailand, and Pattaya is a seaside city on the Gulf of Thailand. There are certain similarities between Pattaya and Phuket. They are both recognized as destinations for well-liked beaches and global cuisine. However, distinctions between them can also be identified, such as Pattaya City, which is a loud destination offering nightlife, and Phuket, which offers a more relaxing and rejuvenating experience on an island. It is also a tourist spot for the honeymoon of Filipino celebrities such as Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, due to its perfect features.

Regardless of what is being said, these two destinations offer vibrant and amazing experiences, whether on an island or in a city rock.

Moreover, since Pattaya and Phuket have beaches and islands, they offer a wide range of water activities. Tourists can experience jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, and many more activities. With these exciting adventures, tourists enjoy diving headfirst and riding the waves with joy and memories.

Indeed, Pattaya and Phuket are a treasure trove of activities.

Docking in the port, souvenirs, and local foods are offered within the area, and I consider it a welcoming serenade for tourists. In Pattaya, without being interrupted, the Sanctuary of Truth can be readily visited by tourists, which is the most intricate and beautiful among the temples that can be found in the city. The Sanctuary of Truth is a popular infrastructure in Pattaya that is themed on the Ayutthaya Kingdom and Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. This masterpiece was made to symbolize philosophies that advocate the sustainability of the world in a peaceful and spiritual manner. While exploring the sanctuary, there is an activity available for an elephant ride to enjoy the outside of the sanctuary. However, it's not something I go for. Personally, as a nature lover, the saddle behind an elephant's back appears cruel and insensitive, and it displays how humans disregard the true nature of animals.

The temple features a four-faced Hindu creator god, Brahma, which can be found on the rooftop to show respect to different entities.

Undoubtedly, the temple is a philosophy in motion.

Augmenting, Pattaya Floating Market successfully diversified the features of Pattaya. Although it was a long ride from the pier, the journey to get there was worth it. Of course! Tourists must not miss trying their authentic Pad Thai. I remember one of my co-workers saying, "Makalimot man ta sa atong ngalan ani" (I’m about to forget my own name) after taking his first bite, because, indeed, it was a unique savory-sweet-sour cuisine in the place. Also, I enjoyed eating the spicy foods of Siamese, and I was wondering at the moment how their spices had gone to the spiciest level. I heard from a colleague that the country is one of the most spicy across the globe. You can also never go wrong with Pattaya's mango sticky rice, which I ridiculously remember how we wolfed down for lunch...

It was a rumbling stomach experience, honestly.

One unusual encounter in Pattaya Floating Market was the "bar ladies in a ball gown" nightlife. Bar parties are a nightlife culture in Pattaya, and well, they add to the spice of loud music and streets every night in the coastal city. In the floating market, the bar ladies wear ballgowns and are tossed with money and the ones who tip are allowed to touch their so-called intimate anatomy. It was when I learned how hard it is to distinguish a biological woman from a transgender woman. In Thailand, women are beautiful, honestly, and identifying a transgender is as the same as going through a rough patch. For instance, women in Pattaya are stunning and radiant. Alongside Cambodia and Laos, Thailand calls them "kathoey," which might sound ambiguous, and puts "transgender" as the appropriate label for them.

On top of that, Thailand is a gender-affirming country.

Adding more to the beauty of Thailand, Phuket Island, in terms of a pleasant and peaceful island experience, is the top tier. In contrast to Pattaya, Phuket is far more laid back than city life. Hence, it offers tourists a serene and sunny day enough for a lifetime.

Phuket Island is commonly known for its gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear water. It is another point for beachgoers. It is an island home to aquamarine waters and fine, white sand with growing palm trees. Alongside its natural beauty, this island entices holidaymakers to have a salivary tongue at its flavorful cuisine, e.g., chilies, seafood, and lemongrass, with the local culture on the island. It also offers leisure water activities such as sea kayaking, parasailing, paddling, and surfing. With its island features, Phuket makes you live off the grid and unwind with an island wind.

Tried and true, Thailand is a home of smiling faces, culture, paradise, and majestic architecture. It is a place of perfect tourist features that every traveler would love to try. Thailand has its uniqueness, and I was astonished by its simplicity. When I was in Thailand, I realized how beautiful Asia is and couldn't stop thinking about what other beauty awaits on the other continent.

Just to let you know, I was traveling with different nationalities (e.g., Colombian, Indonesian and Chinese), and what made our journey unique was the way we always made sure to be compromised, despite the differences in culture and food choices. And there, it reflected how countries prioritize respect for other nationalities.

Done and dusted, Thailand was the most extraordinary experience of my lifetime. It was an amazing journey to have and a memory to cherish along with the waves and city lights. At the back of this skin, I can still feel the breeze from the sea, and in my heart, a memory of life can be felt.

Looking back, I was already far from where I had been for decades. Many dreams hadn't been frustrated as they turned into reality. Many questions have been answered by asking why. And another edge had been reached from riding along the waves.

Now, the only question left in my mind was,

Where did the waves go when I left them at the coast?

Nonetheless, life continued after that.

And now, I am on the other side.