TRIP REPORT PART-I

The dilemma is where to start! When I sit back and try to think the mind goes to yesterday, then day before and such. Or I begin to think what I did 10 days ago, boarding TG316 at midnight. Or I begin to wonder whether the shoals of multicolored fish which swam around me were but a dream. Do I still feel the tang of the Galangal and soothing fragrance of the Kaafir leaves? The orchid flowers that the airhostess gave us on our return flight are still fresh nesting on the small crystal vase on our dining table reminding me of the smiling faces that we have encountered during our stay. The Thai way of greeting with folded hands is the same as we do here. Was it our natural reciprocation that brought out the smile on their faces? Do I still feel the touch of the nimble fingers that had rubbed herbal oils on my tired body at the spa in Phuket? Or it is the spring air in Delhi? The dark tan that Thailand sun imparted on my face will soon fade and people would stop asking me where I had been, I would stop telling them that we had been to Thailand and start telling them what we did and what we saw. The last question is Thailand a land of Sun and Smiles? Look in to my tan man, and peek in to my heart. Don’t you it is YES written all over?

The ramblings above are about what we FELT. Before I go on to chronological reporting let me jot down things that we LEARNED.
1. For a first time family vacation it is better to get a customized package worked out through a travel agent with transfers. We checked out both on-line prices as well as what was offered on arrival at all the hotels we stayed. The agents get huge discounts. The Thai travel agents are very well organized and we had no hassle at all & could make the most of the short time as we had.
2. ATM’s levy charges on money with drawls, at least my account did. Since I had also some fair amount is US$ notes my damage wasn’t much. It is wise to check with your bank.
3. Except beating the peak hour traffic in Bangkok the BTS is frightfully expensive for a family. We paid 160B(40X4) to reach Sukhumvit and paid 98B by taxi on the return leg.
4. In spite of so much bad press about dangers & scams etc. we felt that following the basic travel safety rules which are applicable to anywhere else one can have a safe & comfortable stay.
5. The sun skin screen creams that we normally use here is of no use against the Thai sun on the beaches. We had to junk the one we had carried and buy a super strong stuff of the same brand at a cheaper price.
6. It is no use lugging stuffs like creams, lotions, cosmetics, tissues etc. all the way. All these are available at a cheaper price at the departmental stores all over Thailand.
7. We bought all our water, juices, cold drinks, beers from departmental stores and used the refrigerator provided in the room without using the mini bar, the hotel didn’t mind. It is far cheaper this way. Hard liquor served in the restaurants is pretty pricey.
8. Carry a fruit carving knife or buy one there. Feast on the wonderful melons and pineapples. It is safer & far cheaper than buying cut fruits from the stalls.
9. The immigration process at Bangkok airport is slow, keep enough time and patience. The scene at the counters that lead to the domestic departure terminal is chaotic.
10. At most at all the food bazaars there are one or two stalls where you may find only locals eating. Although they may not have the exotic oysters and lobsters but the food is much better and cheaper.
11. Haggling is the way of life outside the confines of the shopping malls and large stores. We are pretty good about this as this is our way of life too.