I had not flown across an ocean in two years and I had not been outside of the country in more than five. Those were the words I heard myself repeating over and over again as I explained my next adventure to friends and family. Perhaps I was attempting to justify my last minute travel, but nevertheless I was beyond excited… I was wanderlust and curious what lesson this next trip would bring.

As the days counted down to zero, I began to plan and prepare but there really is no way to prepare for a place you have never experienced. Expectations are high, and so was my nervous system. I tried to think of every scenario I might encounter to anticipate how I could manage the challenge or possible discomfort. This is an exercise we do in our forties, not so much in our twenties. I began to think back to my first trip abroad back in 2003, with my friend Liz, to Costa Rica and Peru. I made so many mistakes, but I lived in the moment and I because of that I had the time of my life. It was then that I knew I had to build a personal journey that was global, creative and filled with culture.

We arrived on the second of October in Bangkok quickly en route to our first destination to the beach community of Pattaya. The town felt welcoming, as we were met with smiling faces, tourism activities around every corner and travelers both confident and confused filling the streets and keeping retailers busy.  The neighborhood was engulfed with the smell of grilled meats, salt water and incense.  The adventure had officially begun.

After traveling for 30+ hours it takes a moment to adjust, but given that neither my travel partner nor me had been to this region of the country, we were excited to get out and explore. Unbeknownst to me 7-Eleven is a prominent brand in Thailand, and you can find one just about every hundred feet or so. They are filled with food, toiletries and ATMs not to mention one’s first experience with the currency and the language. I found a new love for cheese and spinach “toasties” which became the snack of choice that was satisfying and simple when my appetite inconveniently showed back up early in the morning or late at night.

One of our first days we spent out exploring began appropriately at the beach. We were obvious targets for beach vendors as we relaxed into the sandy shaded beach chairs with our beers, fresh coconuts and un-tan skin. I love nothing more than when my shopping addiction walks up to me smiling and ready to bargain. We had the full range of options from jewelry to wooden figurines, you name it there was a beach sales team on it and the exchange was inviting and mutually entertaining.  We ended the day with a massage and a delicious dinner.

The days after were spontaneous and based on our mood and energy level. We took a ferry to the island of Koh Larn, which was brief but a good lesson in renting a motorbike. We visited Big Buddha Hill and had an amazing al fresco lunch at the Asia Hotel’s restaurant, Sunny Beach House.  

A few days later we made the trek to Bangkok.

Upon arrival we stayed in an Airbnb that was near the bustling street of Sukhumvit. The traffic is so intense crossing the street is discouraged and walking bridges are provided to keep pedestrians safe. We saw the second tallest building in Bangkok, Mahanakhon Tower, which resembles pixels on a computer but offered the best people watching of the entire trip. For dinner that night we went to a rooftop establishment, Pastel, loved by locals and tourists alike. The best part was a boat of seafood that came out with a small firework, ya just don’t see that every day.

At the end of our second week it was nearing departure time, so we decided to splurge and stayed at the Grand Sheraton Sukhumvit, a five-star resort that was beyond my expectations. From the pillow menu to optional butler service and amazing Italian dining, we were both elated this was how the trip would conclude.

While the trip was my first to Thailand, I was impacted deeply by the warm welcoming people, the endless array of things to do, but more importantly, experiencing a place where the focus is on the present, being thankful and appreciating wellness. I believe the best gift we can receive from travel is that it broadens our perspective and we learn that we all share this planet and we are more alike that we are different. I saw a billboard on the way to the airport that I will never forget. It said “Peace is always beautiful.” How very true.