Thailand - July 2018 - Rosario Louro

Back to Bangkok!

Thursday, July 5, 2018

It's always nice to disembark from the plane and be greeted with the genuine smiles of the Thai people. This year the view from the hotel is like this:

 

 

After a 14-hour trip, I always get a massage to recover. This time I went to a massage parlor called DAHRA, which I highly recommend. It's not the cheapest, but it's perfectly affordable (€30) and well worth it.

At the entrance to the central offices of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Bangkok, there are three memorials: one to the royal family, another to the founder of the TAT, and a third for religious services. When entering the building, some employees (not all) pay homage at one of the memorials.

The Thai people always remember their history and traditions. Something unthinkable in the European routine...

 

   

 

 

Cycling in Bangkok

Friday, July 6, 2018

Today was full of new experiences. In the morning, I toured the coffee route in Chinatown. Although I don't drink coffee, I was impressed by the treasures found amidst the chaos. There are amazing shops in the most unlikely places.

 

      

 

After lunch, massages with blind therapists. My expectations were higher. They are normal massages that have the advantage of being a life-saving solution for visually impaired people.

At the end of the day, a bicycle tour of Bangkok. I confess I was skeptical about this program, but it ended up being the icing on the cake. It's an unmissable experience. Taking a ride through narrow streets where nobody goes, followed by sunset on the riverbanks with a circuit past the most important monuments, all illuminated, gives you a different perspective of the city and an immense feeling of well-being. I loved it and recommend it. Several companies offer these tours. I went with Just Nok.

 

 

 

Portuguese Emotions in Bangkok

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Today was a particularly emotional day for me. We visited the Kudichin neighborhood in Thonburi, where, about 300 years ago, several Portuguese families founded a Catholic community that endures to this day. This entire community revolves around the Church of the Holy Cross, a gift from the then King of Siam to the Portuguese as a token of appreciation for services rendered to the Kingdom. The Bishop came to greet us and explained the influence of the Portuguese on Thai society.

The highlight, however, was the visit to the house-museum (Baan Kudichin Museum) of a family of Portuguese descent and to the cake-making "factory." For over five generations, they have maintained religious and gastronomic traditions that bring tears to our eyes. For example, without speaking a word of Portuguese, they use images of the Barcelos rooster and expressions like grandmother and Christmas. The cakes are made entirely by hand over charcoal and treated as if they were relics. Everything in that community revolves around preserving the cultural traditions of a country they've never visited and a language they've never spoken. When I said goodbye to the lady of the house, she opened her arms and hugged me in our own way, from the bottom of her heart, as if this behavior were in her blood. I was speechless because Thais don't hug or kiss. I had to make a huge effort not to cry. Luckily, I'm going back there on Wednesday!

 

Tourism Clinic

Monday, July 9, 2018

This morning was a briefing day for all markets where TAT has representation.

In the afternoon, a Tourism Clinic with the local trade. I alone met with over 70 hotel directors from across the country. We were all dressed in yellow because it's the current King's birthday. Yellow is the color of the royal family. Wearing yellow is a way to respect and honor the Thai monarchy.

 

 

Inês Castel-Branco joins us!

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Today Inês Castel-Branco joined us to record a television program.

The entire team was received at the Portuguese Embassy for a dinner offered by Ambassador Francisco Vaz Patto.

 

A Thai woman of Portuguese descent

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Me and the Director of Tourism for Southern Europe of Thailand, visiting the Portuguese quarter and the Church of Santa Cruz in Thonburi. This photograph has added value for me because the Director of Tourism for Thailand is a descendant of one of the nine Portuguese families that founded this neighborhood in the 18th century.

 

 

In the evening, a vegetarian dinner followed by a tuk-tuk tour of Chinatown and the flower market. Amazing!

 

   

 

 

My Favorite City in Thailand

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Today we're off to Chiang Mai, my favorite city in Thailand. We started by visiting a wonderful orchid and butterfly research center and then went to Doi Suthep, the most important temple in Northern Thailand. We're staying at the Anantara Resort in Chiang Mai, an absolutely wonderful hotel.

 

An exemplary elephant sanctuary

Friday, July 14, 2018

At the Elephant Nature Park, where we met a Portuguese volunteer (the one in the middle) with a degree in Biomedical Sciences, who fell so in love with the inspiring project of the camp that she's already been here three times. If you haven't checked out the website yet, do it now and spread the word.

 

The Beauty of Elephants

Saturday, July 15, 2018

Today we didn't bathe the dog, but we bathed the elephant at the Elephant Rescue Park. I'm leaving Thailand with a doctorate in elephant psychology. They are truly beautiful and sensitive creatures. The atrocities that humans have committed against these animals are unbelievable. And the worst part is that we don't even realize it...

 

Visiting the Karen Tribe

Sunday, July 16, 2018

We visited the Karen tribe of Ban Mae Klang Luang Village and their fabulous rice fields.

In the past, this tribe dedicated itself to opium production. When opium production was banned, the king distributed the land among the tribe's inhabitants and financed them to dedicate themselves to rice production. Despite living very simply, this community seems very happy.

 

A Typical Day in Chiang Mai

Monday, July 17, 2018

Muay Thai first thing in the morning, followed by an umbrella painting workshop at the Umbrella Painting Center in Chiang Mai.

Lunch at the fantastic Dhara Dhevi Hotel, one of the three best in Chiang Mai and a true national monument!

 

A trip that will remain in everyone's memory!

Tuesday, July 18, 2018

Morning of shopping at the Chiang Mai fruit and vegetable market. The colors, the smells, the smiles. We ended beautifully!

After the market visit, Inês made us lunch and we headed to the airport.

This trip will remain in the memory and hearts of those who shared it. For my part, I only reaffirmed what I already knew: Chiang Mai is my favorite destination in Thailand.

Thank you Inês, Sandra, Cristina, Manel, Nuno and Zé Paulo for eight memorable days! Your contribution to the success of this trip was crucial.

 

 

Rosário Louro