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Life In Thailand - First days part 1 The great thing about being in the Land of Smiles is the constant presence of the unexpected. Back in Farangland, life is a little too sterile, a little too safe, a little too calculated for my personal taste. One thing that is interesting to note, is how our minds quickly and quietly adapt to the enviroment we are in. What seemed crazy, exotic, and awe inspiring when are first exposed to it, quickly becomes normal and expected. I remember when I arrived in Thailand for the first time. A little groggy from the long flight,I gathered my bags, cleared Immigration and Customs, and hopped into a waiting taxi. I distinctly remember thinking how lucky I was to be in a taxi because these streets were completely mad and dangerous. Full of life and constant activity. I was in awe particularly of how these motorbikes were zipping by us, within mere inches of contact. Not one, but large herds of them, zigging and zagging to get through the maze of traffic. I was scared for them, I percieved them to be in immediate and grave danger. I then realized, how many motorbikes had a beautiful Thai lady on the back of them sitting there in complete poise and relaxation. I know that if I had been on one these motorbikes instead of the sterile and safe taxi I was in, that I would have been clinging on for dear life, white knuckled and nervous. Not only were these ladies unconcerned, and poised, but they were all riding 'side saddle'! I was in awe. It was then that I took notice of how they were often carrying bags in each hand, or in some cases talking on their cell phone with one hand and holding a bag in the other. Meanwhile, the motorbike drivers were speeding along, taking advantage of whatever miniscule space they could find to keep moving in the general direction they wanted to go. This often took the form of driving into oncoming traffic or on sidewalks, or going a few meters in the wrong direction in order to slip into the next 'tunnel' of space. It was amazing to watch, from the safety of my taxi, the almost sixth sense these guys possesed in finding the right turns through the maze. They would file, one after the other, an endless stream of motorbikes all following a randomly appointed leader that seemed to know what he was doing. The other thing about this first ride from don maung airport to my hotel was the complete lack of road rage. Where I come from, if just one motorbike rides between a couple of cars and does a little creative driving, people would be screaming and honking at best, pulling out and waving firearms at the worst. Oh no, not here, everyone not only accepts and lets them do what they will, but actually intentionly leaves a little space to manueaver in! It was then that I noticied my taxi driver always stopping a bit before the car in front of him, and vigilantly watching his rear view mirror to see the onlslaught of motorbikes coming by so he could move a little to the left or right and give them the few centimeters that they need to get by. The use of space, is far different here in asia. The Thai people make use of every available centimeter on the road, the curb, and the sidewalk. Nothing is left unused. If a small window is spotted, then it is quickly filled up. The west, I am realizing, is full of wasted space. We have no idea how much more productivity and activity can be had, if we just used what was already there. This difference in use of space became very clear when, after arriving at the hotel, I decided to take a walk. It seems my outdated and out of place ideas about what a sidewalk were for, were soon to be challenged......... |
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