Oh gosh.
White, never-ending beaches. Crystal clear, azure seas. Curries to die for. And some of the most effortless riding a cyclist will ever experience. I’m stating the obvious here, but I’m over the moon about Thailand. In love with everything from its otherworldly natural beauty to the intoxicating warmth of the people calling this place their home.
Physically this was my second ever visit to Thailand. Mentally though, I’d been here a thousand times before. To get myself through those stone cold nights in the Tibetan mountains, this was the place my mind had kept escaping to. Exchanging the freezing sleeping bag with warm sand against my skin. The frozen yak tea in my water bottle with a fresh fruit shake under a shady palm tree. Desperately trying to convince everything from my numb toes to oxygen-craving lungs, that this madness would all be worth it.
‘Suck it up. You’re moving south, God damn it.’
Some of you know how much I love cashing in on the reward of an epic view after a big climb. Thailand was a full month of it. With the country itself being the view, and the year long ride there being the climb leading up to it.
Trust me when I say I’ve been enjoying myself. To a ridiculous amount. Though not without at times catching myself with feeling sort of guilty about it. I started this whole thing wanting to test – and push – my limits. And however tough in the moment, what I value the most from this journey are the times when I’ve truly gotten to do just that.
In Thailand though? Not so much.
Unless you with limits refer to stuff like:
– How many ‘swim & shade’ beach breaks can be squeezed into one afternoon
– How many perfectly ripe, dirt cheap mangos it’s physically possible to down in one meal
– Exactly how little time one can actually spend in the saddle on a day of riding
Relaaax! Because of why not?
Thailand was a gem. And in perfect harmony with the lazy human being the ‘Land of Smiles’ turned me into, I’m not going to give you many more words than that. I did find a lot of stuff in my camera though, and figured a few bits and pieces from it won’t hurt anyone.
If nothing else, just to prove to myself that (in between the swims and pad thais) I actually did a little cycling over there.
M-I-L-E-S-T-O-N-E ! !
With the hot season at it’s peak, temperatures did reach quite impressing numbers and midday breaks from the sun was a given part of any day. I spent a lot of them on the beach, but did from time to time find myself some shade that wasn’t given by a palm tree.
I always love seeing what some random cave exploring can lead up to
From time to time I almost diluted myself into thinking that I was putting in some proper effort on the Thai tarmac. But was generally quickly reminded of reality by passing people who’re actually working hard.
Compare this…
…to THIS.
That somehow seems to be how it works when being a tourist in Thailand. Don’t mind worrying about anything. Whatever is going on, balance will always magically be restored before you know it.
When you’re without a place to sleep – friendly monks will appear, taking you in for the night.
When you’ve obviously had too much sun…
…a humongous downpour will come to cool down your brain.
Thailand just… works.
Which is my number one reason for loving the place. As well as why I felt so happy – almost relieved – to leave it. Thailand truly did it’s job. Providing me with the ultimate holiday from the holiday, and I did love it.
But awesome as it was, enough is enough.
Why this is funny?
Well. Because I’m now officially one of the 350 000 other Swedes leaving their Thailand holidays each and every year. Happy to have come. Even happier getting to leave. I’m basically just joining the choir here:
–
Thank you Thailand, it’s been great.
Now?
I’m ready to get back to work again.
–
See you in Malaysia!
Fredrika