Share the World

Intense smells of fried fish, barbecued pork and durian cling to my sticky skin as I venture through an outdoor maze of tastebud utopia. Even at night, the air is thick with heat and engulfs everything within its' reach. The fire-like temperatures teamed with the many diverse sights, sounds and aromas, all work to manufacture a true melting pot of sensory awareness. The rows upon rows of busy food vendors and high-octane crowd, work very well to intimidate the oncoming foreigner. Surprisingly, this once overwhelming experience over time, became the same one to bring me comfort. After months of living in a place where irrationality might as well be considered a widespread disease, it was the sole piece of consistency I had remaining in my life.

I follow a familar route through the many rows of vendors, beyond this the world is a blur. I slide by an assortment of shiny, seasoned insects, a delicacy I will never quite understand. Next, a colorful carriage of exotic fruits as the sweet smell of mango sticky rice beckons my will. I diligently refrain from acting in support of this hindering craving before arriving at a small stand, adorned with vegetables, deep fried rice balls and pork skins. It was here that I was welcomed by a small, aging Thai woman with dark skin a familiar smile. With nothing more than a simple exchange of greeting, "Sawasdeeka", she quickly begins work on my dinner, a vegetarian version of 'yam naem kaao tot'. Now looking back on it, I sometimes feel guilty for never having attempted to tackle the significant language barrier that had stood between us, but somehow even with those few words still survived an impressive accordance of minds. A harmony supported by one universal affection.

In a chaotic world brimming with diversities, food is one of the astonishing elements that continues to binds us all together as human beings. The love for food is one shared by all people regardless of race or nation. It has the power to defy all borders and to unite cultures of the world. Anywhere one can enjoy this simple satisfaction beyond the need for translation. In Thailand, the people and cuisine have shown me that happiness and comforts of home can be found in the most unexpected of places. For me this place was among a crowded night market, bursting with life. From this unifying experience I have learned to appreciate simplicity in this ever-evolving world, to slow down and above all, to enjoy every last bite.