While sipping martinis and reflecting on my life, plans and future goals on Phuket Beach, there were major distractions both young and old, wanting to converse with the American girl with the European face. Lol Some of the greatest memories were while exchanging polite pleasantries until curiosity killed the international cat. And just before sunset, kismet happened. I was approached by a rather handsome Parisian gent with kind blue eyes and a mischievous smile. Talking, laughing, and even following each other on Instagram were a part of our agenda to keep an international connection.
Airport Diaries first entry comes from Mr. Parisian aka Carlito, a breakdancing Bboy from Paris:
What has your experience been like in Thailand: contact with the locals, food, transportation, hotel stays? Any recommendations?
My second time traveling alone was in Thailand, I could feel the sensation of freedom better this time because I was no longer afraid. I started this trip with two friends, after two weeks with them I continued alone for an additional two weeks. Thailand had changed a lot, the first time I was there (2003) locals were nicer, not focused on money, just real. This time around I saw such a huge change, especially in Phuket and Koh Phiphi, I didn’t like that. This time they were less welcoming and didn’t smiling, just stared like they were sizing me up.
Also for hotel, some are really good and nice and other could be really dirty, and expensive for nothing. You really have to check reviews ( trip advisor, etc) before booking something, or the best way is to go be yourself before book a room.
About food, I like it, it’s so good. You have to like seafood and fried food. Just pay attention to the cleanliness of the restaurant where you eat.
Night life is good, it depends where you are and what you want. You can find crazy big clubs, ping pong shows (that have little to do with ping pong ;)), sexual market blah, blah, blah. I preferred the cool and nice bar settings, calmer, nicer music and people.
I recommend to go to Koh Tao (one of the cheaper places in the world for scuba diving), and Koh Phangan, I love it there. Nicer people and locals are great. Next time around I would Avoid Phuket (especially Patong). It’s the main tourist spot, great for first time travels but not somewhere I would continue to visit. I recommend Koh PhiPhi (just go by boat from Krabi or other island) around for one day trip because it’s absolutely beautiful.
No matter how bad I speak about Thailand, this country stay amazing when you know where to go, I hope the situation won’t be worse… I want to go back to visit small island like Koh Lipe, Koh Lanta and some others.
Traveling isn’t just a blast, it’s a luxury; and it’s a mind clearing necessity. There’s a certain Je-ne-sais-quoi…maybe, no definitely, there is a sense of Freedom. Free your mind, free your heart and free your soul from fear of the unknown. Take new experiences in stride and be open to learning about other cultures.
Airport Diaries 15 