My blog has moved!

You should be automatically redirected in 6 seconds. If not, visit
http://cooltravelguide.com
and update your bookmarks.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Thailand and good manners

We've already lost count of the number of luxury hotels we've checked into in Thailand in the last 11 days, the signature spas treatments and massages we've enjoyed, and the sublime sunset vistas we've savored from spacious suites and private villas overlooking infinity pools, palm-covered islands and the sea. More on those potentially hedonistic experiences (if only we weren't working!) and the thoughts they're provoking about travel later. My husband Terry and I are here in Thailand to review hotels, spas and restaurants, and it's been hectic to say the least. What has struck us most so far (sorry for the silence, by the way) has been the genuine friendliness of the gentle Thai people. It never fails to put a smile on our faces. On our first day in Bangkok, Terry noticed a Thai woman struggling with a stroller with baby down the stairs of the Sky Train. He jumped over the railing and helped her the rest of the way down the two flights of stairs. When they made it to the bottom the lady let go of the stroller, clasped her hands in the traditional 'wai', and thanked him with a little bow and a smile. The gesture was performed with such elegance and beauty that it made us wonder what's happened to manners in other parts of the world. Terry said it made his day and I think he secretly spent the rest of the day looking for women with strollers to help out, like a boy scout on a mission!

8 comments:

Prêt à Voyager said...

What a rough life!...I must say the Hamam we visted in Cyprus we visited was heavenly. If only they made them like that in America.

Alexander Santillanes said...

How strange to see a photo of my daily commute.

Hope you're having a great time in Thailand! (It certainly sounds like it!) -X

Anonymous said...

Great hearing from you again.
I hope to make it to Thailand in March. I have a month of vacation time. Can hardly wait to see and hear more about your travels.

Prêt à Voyager said...

Lara, come back! I've only been back in the swing of things at work for a week now, but I already need another vacation...or at least to travel vicariously through your posts. Hope you're having a blast exploring Thailand!

Anne

Prêt à Voyager said...

Lara, come back! I've only been back in the swing of things at work for a week now, but I already need another vacation...or at least to travel vicariously through your posts. Hope you're having a blast exploring Thailand!

Anne

Prêt à Voyager said...

Lara, come back! I've only been back in the swing of things at work for a week now, but I already need another vacation...or at least to travel vicariously through your posts. Hope you're having a blast exploring Thailand!

Anne

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

My goodness, I do so terribly want your life! Sounds AMAZING!!

Kindness begets kindness - that's one of the best parts:-) I will never forget when I was 7 months pregnant (busting at the seams) in an airport in the Gulf, struggling to get my bags off the conveyor belt and not one single man stepped forward to help me.....If only Terry had been near by...

Vermont Woman said...

Oh, I am so jealous...I'm thinking of all the places I've been in Thailand and those wonderful massages and peaceful Thai hospitality. Now, if I can only figure out a way to work full-time as a travel writer...