happy steps

Our family had a nice day tour at the Royal Flora Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand two years ago where we saw lots of great flower arrangement ideas for our home. Colorful plants and flowers were stacked on different levels of iron bars making a nice ‘flower column’ which is great for gardens with little space. Flowers were not planted directly on soil but on thin black plastic pots and grouped together to complement the other varieties. This makes it easier to replace with a new variety and planting these flowers on the pots gives more flexibility and creativity in your garden arrangement. The trip to the flower festival inspired us to spruce up our garden with the ideas we got from their presentation.
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A friend used to teach me few survival Thai phrases when we’re still studying in Thailand. I found it amusing when she taught me, “Hông náhm yòo têe nai?” which means, “Where’s the toilet?” Now, I admit it surely helped me get around Thailand and I’ve used it many times during shopping and going places.

Aside from tourist information centers, the next important thing for travelers is the toilet (or WC in Europe). I know most of you would readily agree with me, right? I know somebody who would insist on visiting only those places where toilets abound. LOL.
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When I was still a newbie on Thai food, I try to be cautious with my choices especially if I see lots of chilies on the dish. I appreciate spicy food but not as spicy as what the Thais usually serve. They would tell you “Mai phet, mai arroy” which means if it’s not spicy, it’s not tasty or delicious. So, if you’ll be dropping by this land famous for its hot and spicy cuisine, just be sure to tell the waiter “Mai phet” (not spicy) or “Mai sai prik” (don’t put chili) if you can’t stand eating a spicy dish. And don’t forget to say “Arroy maak!” (tastes very good) if you find the dish yummy.

It was a chilly December night at the Chiang Mai night market in Thailand when my techie bro handed over something in a plastic packet. He urged me to try and taste it. There was a tone of persistence in his voice that made me suspicious about it. I peeked and realized they were fried worms! Yikes! I tried to be brave and adventurous, so I ate one. It was another one of those fun Thai food tripping experiences.

It tasted like fried shrimps but juicier and not so meaty. My little niece exclaimed, “Potatoes!” after tasting some.

Here are more of those exotic Thai delicacies on display that night.

Hmmm…wanna try?

It’s not just a land of amazing sights, but of varied tastes and blends as well although Thailand is more famous for its spicy cuisine. Indulging in Thai food is one of my fave things to do whenever I’m on a visit in this country, and the best thing is that these yummy treats usually don’t cost that much.

Strolling along the sides of the streets could really make you hungry and stir your appetite as you’d see all sorts of food on display – from sweet corn, fried fish and squid balls, to yummy pork barbecues, grilled fish, fresh fruits, cool juice drinks and even exotic food. Of course, Thailand boasts of numerous food joints, restaurants and bars to satisfy whatever kind of food and ambiance you’re looking for, from fast food to fine dining.

The first Thai dish I tasted was their noodles topped with pork sausage, few veggie leaves and a slice of manaw (lime). This later became my usual snack when studying on late evenings. One my favorites is Khao Phad (fried rice) which is the easiest to order and offers various toppings such as pork, beef, shrimp, crab meat or chicken.

Other favorites are Tom Yum (spicy and sour soup usually with seafood, pork or chicken with lemongrass and mushrooms), Paad Thai (stir-fried noodles with shrimps, monggo sprouts and tofu), chicken with cashew nuts, Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) and Moo Nam Tok (spicy grilled pork or beef salad).

Photos courtesy of Essential Tidbits.

The Thais revere and love elephants. Their respect for these big creatures is evident in their art and culture. You can see some elephant sculptures and statues, wooden carvings, paintings, artwork, handcrafted bags, key chains, and souvenirs. Even some of their decorative shrubs are elephant-shaped. So, if you happen to be in Thailand, it’s a must to witness an elephant show (playing football, doing tricks, etc.) and yes, you have to ride one of them.

A first ride for Dad and Mom at the Nong Nooch Garden in Pattaya

Tony and Leen taking it easy with the ride at the Nong Nooch Garden in Pattaya

A tourist enjoying an elephant ride in the streets of Ayutthaya