I arrived in Bangkok in April, knowing it would be hot, but was set as the average 106 ° weather out of action. After a chaotic trip to my guesthouse, through the most amazing traffic, I collapsed on the bed in nothing but my birthday suit. Before arriving in Thailand, I had researched what to pack. "I wanted to bring comfortable clothing, but also pieces that would be for the various wats or temples I planned to visit properly.
To Thais, being sabai jai means that a contented heart,Referring to a calm mood. Foreigners or farang are to behave in a contradictory manner, being easily frustrated and rawn exhibiting a quick temper or jai.
I promised myself that I would be in the mix of my new surroundings and maintain valued as an inner peace in the land of smiles.
On my second day in Bangkok, I was headed in the former Thai capital Ayutthaya and the Royal Summer Palace Bang Pa-In. Forget all of my carefully selected couture, I threwof the best pieces that I had. Dressed in a sleeveless tank and black cotton skirt, hit above my knee, off we went. That was the end of my inner and outer peace was.
As soon as I stepped on the bus, I realized that I had forgotten the dress code, but it was too late. My neighbor was an impeccably dressed woman who looked shocked by my British presence. She avoided conversation and eye contact with me and we rode to Ayutthaya in silence.
Unable toto the fullest enjoy the Buddha statues and architecture that spanned centuries, I was by the thought that I was offending past and present Thais consumed. I was especially distracted when all my bare bits were in the company of monks. Overheated, sweaty and red spotted, we drove to our next stop, Bang Pa-In the colonial-style summer digs for the Royal Family. We were told that clothing would be made available to his knees and shoulders are covered, if we are not dressed appropriately. I should have taken theoffer. Instead, I looked in my bag and grabbed a black summer dress, which I had hidden in the last minute. A frilly flamenco looking number, I looked ready for the stage as a stroll through a revered Thai attraction.
I was with my find, and our Thai guide, always polite pleased I said looked good. Off I went, and perhaps overly confident due to my modest clothing, instead stepped on the covered golf carts, I put the rest of the hike. I now understood how asphalt feels inremain the blistering SO The attempt to realize that every so often I would be properly maintained in a stream of water from the sprinkler system to manicure lawn looking green. How I envied that lawn.
Finally, I had to seek withdrawal of the hike and some shade. I looked up and saw two chic young Thai women in jeans and cardigans under a lovely umbrella. They targeted and giggle. I must have a place, a large overheated, beet red woman have gone on in a formal black dress. Ifound out later that like Western culture, black is worn and funerals can be as bad luck. It was certainly bad luck for me.
I had the traveler I vowed not to be, but I knew better. The next day, wearing modest clothing, I smugly hopped a water taxi and the doors of the Grand Palace complex managed. Unexpectedly, led the police dress me a number of farang waiting to enter a small white building. On my turn a woman handed me a pairSocks. I pulled the socks, slipped on my shoes and I walked away. I went to the inner entrance of the Grand Palace but guards stopped me again, pointed at my feet, and pointed back the way I came. I turned around and started to get impatient, hot and frustrated. My jai rawn was already my second day in Thailand! As I rolled back in the hot sun, I watched smiling, perfectly prepared Thai women dressed from head to toe in warm looking clothing. I was so jealous ofher rest!
Back on the trailer, the attendants looked apologetic and handed me a pair of sport sandals. Over time, I made it back to the entrance, I was sweating in the socks, long pants and modest shirt. After a few minutes I was again starting to overheat. I clicked a few photos and rushed to the wrong exit. At first I thought I was not hired, but if I ever cried: "mai sabai" the guards knew I was not well and quickly let me pass. Embarrassingly, Ime again with ice and water.
Eventually, I began to fit. Once I simply stopped to watch how Thais are trying to be treated with the heat, instead, to recall what I had read, I began to loose cotton clothing, and was much more savvy about sun exposure. In Thailand, the state of tranquility or sabai jai transcends physical appearances. It is intertwined with religion and philosophy, and to think I could accomplish something so intangible night was ridiculous. I had toLet's keep what I thought, I know to find me happy heart.
10 Ways to Beat the Heat in Thailand:
It's hot in Thailand all year round, but if you are affected by extreme heat here a few things to consider when visiting the "Land of Smiles:
1. Although Songkran or Thai New Year is fun to experience, you can avoid to Thailand in April. It is the warmest time of the year, with little escape from the blistering SO I had to miss certainAttractions in Bangkok because I simply could not work in extreme heat.
2. Keep hydrated. Buy a lot of water in bottles and diligent about replenishing every hour.
3. Bring hydration packets with you. I met a woman from California, to me this tip for my next trip to Thailand. You can pick up these packets at sports stores or drugstores and are usually used by athletes.
4. Make sure you bring, loose, light-colored clothing made from natural fibers such as linen orCotton. Sport sandals are a must if you plan to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and a few modest piece of cover to the shoulders and knees.
5. Once you arrive to buy a roof to keep the sun. They are cheap and work well to keep you shaded. See also pretty!
6. Stay near or on the water. The Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, or escape to an island. It is much cooler.
7. Avoid too much sun and wear sunscreen. If you get a sunburn, try a first aid --Vitamin E Ointment. It worked wonders on my burned shoulders.
8. Wear a hat if you do not intend to deal with an umbrella.
9. Get with the monks and most of your visits in the early morning hours.
10. Enjoy the spicy and delicious Thai food! The spice tends to make to salivate and perspire which cools and quenches your thirst.
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