Hoping to Return

Balaclavas, guns, machetes and chanting. These people were fighting. Fighting for something they believed in, something that made them angry.

Confused, scared, and excited; we were in the middle of a protest. We waited patiently for our driver to come back after asking directions to our sleeping quarters. He left the doors unlocked, keys in the ignition and our luggage in full view. We sat in the back of our green taxi, trying not to bring attention to ourselves, hoping that they wouldn’t notice a white blonde-hair girl, and a Spanish-looking boy staring, wide-eyed, at the excitement around them.

The streets were buzzing. Jeeps, trucks, microphones and pans were being used to create the noise that they wanted the government to hear: the noise of the people. They wanted to shut down the city, close the streets, the airports and the rivers. And we were in the middle of all the action.

Our taxi driver returned and still didn’t know which direction to take. We couldn’t continue ahead without driving into the crowd, and we couldn’t remain stationary without the fear of becoming their hostages. Yet, there was still so much amazement in this adventure we decided to take. From a peaceful town in New Zealand, to the bustling city of Bangkok. How did I end up here? I wanted a change, to have an adventure around the world, get lost in the cities, the foods, and the people. I wanted to explore the world, different cultures, and meet people.

We walked through the crowds of people blowing their whistles, selling merchandise, and dancing to the music in the streets. Bangkok was turned into a city where the people united, as family, against the powerful. It amazed me that no one paid close attention to us, yet we were so thrilled by the dazzling lights, the strange smells and the rats climbing out of gutters. We were saddened by the young children running to us with their hands open, begging for a few spare coins.

Three days went by and the protest still hadn’t died down. Grenades were being handled and the opposition were getting hurt. Bangkok became a violent city. The news flashed images of fear, viciousness and restlessness. Friendly tuk-tuk drivers were afraid to take us to the temples. They said the roads were blocked, protesters weren’t allowing anyone through, and he feared for our safety. This man was kind, thoughtful and beamed smiles of happiness.

We have the memories of a lifetime from the city of Bangkok. And I hope to end up here, again.