Day 3 (6 Jan) Posting

Play day.

After two days of work, our group decided to unwind for the day. Doi Suthep was the first stop of the day and we spent our time there as tourists. The compound was impressive, bedecked with intricate religious artefacts and engravings. Personally, I have always liked visiting heritage sites for they tend to contain something precious to the natives who would dedicate themselves to the upkeep to the site. This subsequently allows the site to withstand the test of time. There is beauty in that and I admire that beauty and dedication.

Though not a religious person myself, I offered a lotus and a lighted candle. For the most part, I was just following Fye’s instructions when it came to observing rituals, from walking three rounds around the golden mount to offering a long prayer before drawing lots. I may not understand the specific rationale for each action but when it comes to such matters, I believe that harbouring sincerity and respect in one’s heart is more essential. These to me are qualities which transcend language, cultural and even spiritual boundaries.

The rest of the time for the day was OTOT and we decided to travel together as a group. It really helped that Fye was with us; she recommended to us a small and cozy restaurant tucked in one of the small alleys of Nimmanhaemin Road. The lunch we had at Kiat Num shattered the stereotype I had of Thai food which I used to regard as overly spicy, sour and harsh on the palette. From the mouth-watering salted egg squid to savoury green curry chicken, I relished every bite. That meal was immensely satisfying. It also taught me a lesson on generalisations.

We spent much of the rest of the day wandering Maya Mall. It was a large international shopping centre, with prices and wares reminiscent of those back home. The shopping mall was a youth magnet as well and I saw many students dressed in uniform roaming the walkways. They were mostly found at the arcade and cinema though. At least now it seems that most youth, regardless of where we were born and raised, have a penchant for games and movies. On my part, I indulged in Air Hockey and Guitar Hero and unleashed a fervour for gaming I never knew I had. Perhaps it helped that I knew that this was a once-off event; that after this day I would go back to working hard again. I left the arcade a little more wistful; gaming had never been a large part of my teenage years because I had spent too much time studying. What more have I missed out in that formative period of my life?

Conflict arose on our way back to the hotel after dinner. Our group was split into two factions: those who wanted to return to the hotel and those who wanted to visit a bar. No one wanted to appear forceful or inconsiderate and offend anyone from the opposing faction and went with “anything”. For a good twenty minutes, we stood next to the road deliberating. In the end, it was decided that we head back to the hotel and those who wanted to go for any activities afterwards can proceed from there. I was a little annoyed at the delay but also guilty of it since I had chosen to wait for someone else to make a decision. This was just one of the many times when I refused to consider the possibility of taking a stance and assume leadership and responsibility. There were times when not doing anything was the best solution. However, that was not one of those times. In any case, I need to make more of an effort to develop myself in this area.