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My crossing back into Thailand was evidential that geographical proximity bears no neccesary reference to cultual similarities, as the shock I received, was apparent:

-- Border crossing: Huay Xai Laos to Chiang Khong Thailand --

In the morning, we stamped out of Huay Xai and went across the river to Chiang Khong; the border on the Thai side. The friendly immigration official on the other side stamped our re-entry visas and arranged for two motorbikes to carry us free of charge to the bus station. The buses were all full and so we purchased tickets on the local bus to Chiang Mai. Seven hour journeys have become a thing of normality and we were happy to board the bus. What we did find bizarre however, was the reverse culture shock we were experiencing. After a whole month in Laos, Thailand (a developing country) suddenly seemed.... developed, orderly and industrialised. Jeez. Shops, roads, houses, banks..

Thailand; round two

Asha Patel
2006-08-23 10:40:55

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the 30something year olds proved to be excellent company. Inquiry into the Sanskrit and Chinese inscriptions tatooed into his arm, resulted in many a deep conversation, late into the night. I discovered that they, like me had practiced Win Chung kung fu, yoga, meditative healing and other spiritual practices, the experiences of which we were able to share.

-- Kanchanaburi --

The entire motivation behind my extended stay was guided by a single factor: my love for the graceful, powerful creatures known as big cats. I had heard about the 'tiger temple' in Kanchanaburi, and from that moment knew that I wouldn't leave Thailand without at least a visit, if not a volunteering project. Short of time, I could only make a day trip but, that was sufficient to fulfil on a lifelong dream of coming up close and personal with tigers. Back in my days of primary school, I recall a class assignment. We were asked to present a project, on any topic of our choice. Even then, at the young age of nine, my love for the feline family was apparent as I won first prize for my extensively researched and well presented project. Today, still present to their magnificence, I stopped, in jaw-dropping awe at their beauty, as I caught sight of them at the temple. Led by a volunteer assistant, I approached the first of the felines, large, and lazy. I knelt down and placed my hand on his ribcage, rising and falling in synchronicity with each breath. The personal emotional depth of the experience explains in many photos, the absence of my smile, replaced by only an intense, deep, loving gaze. My second encounter was with a tiger somewhat noisier, displaying his irritation at having been awoken by a low growl and rolling head. I let him be. Moving on to the tiger cubs that lay basking in the sun, and so effortlessly posed for my pictures. To those that know me, you will understand that the whole experience of being in close contact with tigers without ropes, cages or ...