The moment we reached here, we were taken aback by the energy of the city. The tuk-tuks were all honking, and all the smells of street food were wafting through the air, colors of markets and temples were visible, and noise was dominant. So, when we got Maharani Palace, it made a great impression on our very first day.
Strolling down the grounds of the palace, we beheld the Emerald Buddha, a sacred statue representing the heart of Thai Buddhism. Such was the grandeur of the palace that we could not contain ourselves from taking nearly a hundred pictures to store that moment. Later, we headed off to Wat Pho where the reclining Buddha resides. Seeing the monstrosity of the statue our breath away, and we simply had to take a family selfie against it.
The city was festive, and the island was like a deafening silence. All we could be doing was sprawled out on the beach, splashed some water, and sunbathe; one of the best trips was boating to the nearby Phi Phi Islands, the postcard view of how the limestone cliffs shoot straight up from the waters, all surrounding them in bright azure colors.
Throughout the trip, such opportunities were open for us to absorb the Thai culture: watching traditional Muay Thai boxing match; the venue, filled to the brim, made the audience really infectious when gauged against the energy of the crowd. Watching these amazing fighters show their talent was exhilarating indeed. Local markets also opened for us, where the souvenir-haggling and happy atmosphere were.
As we ended, it was time to reflect on fantastic experiences shared on that vacation. Ancient temples and beautiful beaches were sites of treasure amidst precious moments. Indelibly, the trip bound, as well as bursting our understanding of yet another culture, our family.
It makes me ever so grateful for that time when I think about my family trip to Thailand five years ago. The laughter...adventures...experience... all ways to remain with me forever. Continuing on this journey across the world together, those moments shall always be the haunting soundtrack of our lives. Thailand, family, adventure, and the happy early risings of new horizons together are all going to stay within my memory.
