What I like about Thailand

I like the thunder & lightening storms which are accompanied by heavy downpours. I like how it's possible to turn a skeptical look into an accepting one with a nod & a smile. I like how young & old alike acknowledge you with a wai (pronounced why) which is a slight bow of the head with hands in a prayer position just below the chin. Here, I like the easy-going atmosphere of "mai pehn rai" which means no worries. I like the International Insect Museum, in Chiang Mai, maintained in person by the small gregarious Thai man, who is the founder, & how he makes a point of greeting you to tell you something of his life's work in Malaria research. I like the elephants, who's spirits are the soul of this land. I like getting around the city on a motorbike, as crazy as that can be at times. I like how the value of a commodity is based on what you're willing to pay buoyed by the lively exchange of acceptability set by the merchant's bottom line. I like the noodle stands on the street because I can get a meal for under a dollar. And I like looking around me & seeing the distinct characteristics of a new land that tell me I'm not in Kansas. -- TLC