About a week ago, we were eating bibimbap 39,000 above ground. Thanks to Asiana Airlines, the multiple (and surprisingly delicious) meals kept us distracted from the seemingly endless flights. The only good thing about such a long journey is that we had the time (oh, we had the time), to reflect on our recent trip to Thailand, with side trip to Cambodia this time.
Each trip back to my home country is a bit different. They say that even if the place has not changed, it is you who have. Bangkok remains a growing megatropolis. You can find anything, do anything, eat anything, in the city. But as always, I found it most refreshing to leave the city behind, to find the Thai gems that can only be found in the countryside, or by the sea.
This time, we went beyond the countryside. We went beyond the country boundary. We went to Cambodia.
I grew up hearing about Angkor Wat. To a little girl, it sounded like a magic kingdom, far far away from reality. As an adult, visiting this ancient world heritage site has been up there on my list of places to see (before I die). In reality, it's actually not too terribly far from Bangkok (within a day's drive and only an hour flight). And when you are there, standing in history, you realize that it is beyond a magic kingdom.
And that Tonle Sap is beyond any ordinary lake.
There were many memorable sites and sounds, colors and tastes. Back in Thailand, the beaches were pleasant and warm with creatures and waves just for the kids' delight. The grown ups found peace and quiet and family time to reflect and cherish for a long while to come.
1 comment:
Incredible. Many kinds of treasures found in many places!
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