Thailand was my most recent journey before the pandemic. We had all heard of COVID-19 by the time I arrived in what was once Siam, and everyone in Australia was panic-buying toilet paper. However, nobody envisioned that COVID-19 would seemingly bring all of our lives to a grinding halt for more than two years. On 26 Feburary 2020, I originally flew to Thailand on a one-way ticket and told my friend Jo I would probably be back on 10 March, about a week and a half later. I thought about extending my trip and going to Bangladesh and Bhutan, or perhaps staying in Thailand until about 19 March. I found a cheap ticket back to Australia on 11 March but then Australia closed their borders on about 16 March. The result is that I stayed in Australia for more than two years because nobody was allowed either in or out unless they had a valid reason with a lot of documentation. In retrospect I ask myself what would have happened, or could have happened had I been stuck in Thailand. I think it would have been very challenging but I probably would have found a job teaching English and become an expert on the food. I also likely would have gotten so used to the heat and humidity that it would have been a difficult adjustment going back to a cold place.
Thailand called again because a flight from Johannesburg to Perth would have cost about the same as flights from Johannesburg to Bangkok and then from Bangkok to Perth, so it's essentially a free stopover. I enjoyed Bangkok and Chiang Mai so much last time that I wanted to do them again. I called Jo and I asked her to send me a list of Thai "essentials" so I don't make the same mistake as last time of only eating pad thai and sweet and sour chicken. Red curry really stood out earlier after the long, overnight train ride. I was supposed to stay with a CouchSurfing host tonight but he asked if I could come tomorrow since he wasn't feeling well, so I booked a private room at 9 Hostel for only about $11 (US). The owner was kind enough to let me check in early, so I put my bags down, switched on the air conditioner, and slept like a rock for a few hours.
Thailand is one of those countries I could happily eat my way through. There is so much good stuff on just about any menu that I would want to order at least five or six dishes but wouldn't have room in my stomach for all of them. Chiang Mai is one of my favourite cities as there is so much to see and do and it's great for delicious food and cheap massages. Despite the heat, both cities are great places for going for a walk or a bike ride after a delicious lunch and a cold beer.
As far as food, here are Jo's top suggestions as well as my favourites: yellow curry isn't too spicy but green curry definitely is. Basil chicken is yummy, as is chicken with ginger and shallots. Fried fish is also amazing! Red curry is definitely my favourite, but I'll be feasting well whilst here. Thailland is the perfect place for a food safari!
