Experience My Trip to Thailand By Sean Gile Environmental Engineering ‘13, Thailand (C ‘12)
During my lifetime, I have been on several
trips around the world. I have seen areas such as the Caribbean, Switzerland, France, Italy, and over 30 states in our own country. Having travelled to all of these different sections of the world, it is difficult to compare them to the experiences I had during my time in Thailand. The opportunity presented itself to me in 2010 when I was faced with the application to study abroad for my IQP. After visiting all of the potential sites and locations where I could study, Thailand stuck out as a place with all different opportunities to explore a culture that is so different from our own. Once I received the notice in the mail that I had been selected for the Bangkok site in Thailand, I immediately began preparing for an adventure with many uncertainties. Looking back on my time in Thailand, the only regret I have from the site is not having more time to explore the less seen parts of the country. It is difficult to know where to begin in describing another country as diverse as Thailand. Each aspect of life is different, whether it is the food, the religion, or even something as simple as the general demeanor of the people. The easiest way to explain my trip is to go through the highlights of my experiences. Food Do you like seafood? Have you ever eaten a fish that looks at you? Perhaps you have eaten shrimp with the legs and head still attached? No? Well, not only is this the type of food eaten by Thai people, it is consumed for three meals a day, every day. At first, I found it difficult just to look at, never mind actually eat it. After about three weeks of attempting to avoid eating the food, one of my group partners blindfolded me and fed me the food I had been dreading to allow anywhere near my mouth. As soon as I tasted the deep-fried river 43
unpacked * Fall 2012
Lunch in Kanchanaburi prawn, I instantly regretted not trying the food earlier. The seafood in Thailand is fresher than any seafood I have ever tried. Each area in Thailand has their own twist on food and different spices that they put in the food. To anyone who reads this, my advice is to try whatever is put in front of you and close your eyes if you have to. I promise that the fish and shrimp served in the United States are incomparable to the fish and shrimp found in Thailand. It was worth every bite and I encourage anyone who reads this to not judge what you see by the looks and try whatever is put in front of you. Buddhism Buddhism accounts for 95% of the population found in Thailand and it produces some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. If you were to drive across Thailand, you would see thousands of Buddhist temples. On every temple, whether it is the King’s temple in Bangkok, or the local temple found in a small village in Kanchanaburi, there are beautiful depictions of Buddha and amazingly intricate designs woven inside and out on each temple. If you ever find yourself in Thailand, these are sites that cannot be missed.