Sawasdee ka, explorers! It’s late in the evening, the air is hot and humid, and I’ve just arrived in a place over 8,200 miles from Los Angeles - the city in which I live. 8,200 miles! That’s one-third of the Earth’s circumference!

Hi there, my name is Rachel and I’m your guide through the tropical land of Thailand. Although a relatively small country, its climate and landscape is very diverse. In Chiang Mai, in the north, you’ll find the country’s highest mountain range, rice paddy fields, and even rain forests. In Phuket, in the south, you’ll find long stretches of white-sand beaches and lush tropical trees. I can’t wait to explore it all; the mountains, the beaches, the urban cities, and beyond!

My first stop is Bangkok, the country’s capital and largest city. I’m in a time zone fifteen hours ahead of L.A.’s which means I’ve effectively travelled to the future. Bangkok, in certain ways, does feel like the future to me. Making my way into the city, I pass by modern buses and buzzing tuk-tuk taxis navigating the crowded streets. Neon signs above light up the sky. I can already feel the city’s electric energy.

Bangkok has a population of approximately 9 million, which is about equal to America’s largest city - New York City. With over 1,000 skyscrapers, it’s also an extremely modern city. Below them a series of canals, known as khlongs, run through this bustling metropolis. These waterways were the main form of transportation before countless, bright blue taxicabs invaded the streets of Bangkok.

My eyes are struggling to adjust to the strange new language written across the storefronts and traffic signs. A series of swirls and curlicues seem to make up the Thai alphabet. I practice my “sawasdee ka” in the car on the way to the hotel. “Sa-Wat-Dee Ka.” I keep repeating this phrase which means “hello!” I was careful not to say “sawasdee krap”, as that’s how a man would say “hello!”

Hungry? Don’t worry, there’s plenty of tasty and exotic food to sample.

Blog by Tati Amare, Jenny M. Buccos, Gabrielle Pasternak & Rachel Rudwall.
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