Why Don't I Love Thailand? Everyone Else Does.

Everyone I talk to LOVES Thailand. Really. Everyone. Then they ask me if I love Thailand and I amicably put on a small smile and a slight nod. I have spent the last several weeks trying to really love Thailand like everyone else. I was seriously stressed trying to force myself to love Thailand. What was I missing? Finally, in a moment of breakdown a week or two ago it felt good to admit (and swear a bit) that I just don't love Thailand. And, you know what? Brandon admitted that he doesn't love it either. So, I guess we're partners in crime in not loving Thailand. And, that's okay. 

Just because I don't LOVE Thailand does not mean that I HATE it. I've just traveled more enjoyable places. There are things I like and there are things I don't like. We'll start with the things I don't like, so we can end this post on a more positive note with the things I like. 


Things I don't like about Thailand: 

• Feeling like a walking ATM: 
• Transportation has become a nightmare for us (read this post). We have especially felt ripped off by taxis. You pay the driver, the middle man, and whoever else wants a cut. You feel like you never win. 
• We have been charged more in at least one Thai restaurant because we need the English menu. If you looked closely the prices were 10 baht higher on the English menu vs. Thai menu. Thankfully though this hasn't happened at most restaurants. 
• Poor sanitation: 
• I've struggled with this one for awhile. Smelly, gray water in the ditches, a leaky toilet, water running across the entire bathroom floor to a hole in the floor, a cut on my foot, no soap, no toilet paper, and more. I just don't like it. Am I suddenly high maintenance now? I hope not, because that offends my ego. Am I just a paranoid health freak? Maybe...I am in the healthcare field. 
• Note: I've felt much more comfortable in Chiang Mai than Tonsai, because the sanitation is so much better and the place we're staying is lovely. 
• Figuring out where everything is: 
• When you're looking for something like laundry or a motorbike, people just say, "oh, there's a ton of places just around the corner...". Well guess what? They're not just around the corner. WE can't find them anyway. It seems there are sections of town more condensed with laundry or more condensed with motorbikes. It would be nice to have these specific recommendations. I realize this is our fault; we probably need to be more direct with our questioning.  
• Getting sick: 
• Thankfully I have antibiotics on hand for traveler's diarrhea after my experience in Guatemala. However, I don't like having to pay attention to the safety of what I eat and drink all the time. It gets exhausting. I never thought I would say it, but I miss fresh salads. 
• Mass amounts of people in a small space: 
• I start feeling like throwing elbows after being a crowd too long where my personal bubble is offended. 
• Exhaust fumes: 
• I did not expect the high levels of traffic and exhaust fumes. It is toxic and wearing and relates to the mass amounts of people in one space. 
• It is very, very hot in Thailand: 
• I knew it would be hot. And, I know I'm used to a Northern climate. But, the heat + sweat + exhaust + mosquito bites gets to you after awhile

Please try to understand that I'm not trying to incessantly complain. I'm just trying to be honest. I think too many people paint a rosy picture of Thailand travel. Or, if it's just me, you can choose to ignore me. Regardless, let's move on to the positive stuff. 


Things I like about Thailand: 

• Food and drink: 
• While I do miss tacos, Thai food is spectacular. I love the flavorful curries, stir fry, noodle dishes, and more. I'm going to have to try to re-create it all when I'm back home
• Fresh fruit abounds here, so fruit shakes are plentiful, cheap, and delicious. I love fruit and am going to miss the variety here, especially the passion fruit, which I have come to love
• Thai massage: 
• I had never had a massage before, so I can't compare Thai massage to Western massage. But, I love how the Thai massage includes yoga-like stretching. And, it's so cheap! 
• Rock climbing: 
• Experiencing different types of rock and enjoying the views while climbing in Tonsai was spectacular. Our day of deep water solo was one of my favorites in Thailand. 
• Crazy Horse rock climbing crag was one of the things that drew us to Chiang Mai and has been a worthwhile, fun experience...especially climbing in a cave! 
• Motorbikes: 
• Admittedly, I was a nervous passenger when we first started riding motorbikes here. But, I love it now. The independence it gives is wonderful, the wind in the face is refreshing (if outside the city and not going too fast), and Brandon has become a very adept driver. 
• People watching: 
• There's so much to see in diverse Chiang Mai. I enjoy watching locals and tourists and taking in our surroundings as we walk around the city. 

So, overall, Thailand just did not meet my expectations. Maybe it was just a perfect storm of unfortunate experiences. Or maybe it's just me at this point in our trip. Or maybe there are other people who feel this way too, but just don't say it. Honestly, I don't intend to travel again in Thailand, or Asia for that matter. Though I could make an exception if I had some really good reason or if Brandon and I had some really cool, "Asia experienced" travel companions.