Today will be a long day on the bike; an all day affair. We are riding out of the mountains towards the center of Thailand. I have been so focused on the twists and turns of the roads in the mountains that I have not had my usual wondering rambling road thoughts. I actually love this state of mind I get when riding. I go from one topic to another exploring some deeper, making resolutions with others, and making no sense with most.
I will start this mind chain with a conversation Pierre and I had about what food each country is known for. It was pretty universal what we thought each country offered and then we got to the U.S. How about the U.S.? Hmmm… Burgers and Fries? Pierre shook his head. Pizza? No. We are known for supersized everything; I agree. Large portions. Our packs of gum are bigger. Candy bars can’t be big enough. Bags of chips say 20% more!
Our meal portions are twice the size as served here; this translates to smaller plates, bowls, glasses and mugs. Even though I am a small meal snacking kind of girl this takes some getting used to. I look at the meal and think.. ‘This isn’t going to be enough’ and it always is. The only time this theory does not work is when it comes to ice cream. (:
Then I got thinking about how amazing the fruits and veggies taste, and their bright colors. The right portion of something nutritious and tasty leaves you satisfied. Bananas, oranges, strawberries, Avocados, coconut water, and even the rice tastes better. It is almost as if we supersize stuff because we are never satisfied or our body didn’t get what it needed.
This ties into how you can learn a lot about a culture through its consumption of food and how it is acquired. Thailand’s culture is based around its agriculture. There are few big name grocery stores and most food is purchased from the farmer or an individual who purchased from a farmer. Morning ‘farmers’ markets are bustling with locals getting their provisions for their store, food stall, or domestic life. This is done every morning so it is the true meaning of farm to table on a daily basis. Many markets are happening simultaneously and not just in the morning but all day long and during the evenings.
Thais take a lot of pride in their preparation and consumption of food. Not just in the streets or store fronts but you can see it in the fields as well. During the height of the sun I have seen up to 50 workers under an enclosure eating together from large pots and woks cooked over an open fire. Riding past peoples homes I have noticed neighbors come together to eat lunch, again sharing the same fire and spirit of community. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing a meal; not just growing, harvesting, and preparing the food they also have to collect the wood, build, and maintain the fire. This is easier done as a collective. I feel we westerners have become so disconnected from where our food comes from and how it is prepared. We have disconnected from nature. I want to bring more awareness to these efforts in my daily life. The efforts of so many to bring food to my table.
As these thoughts are running through my head I come to a stop light and look over to my right to see no driver in the drivers seat. It surprised me for a second until I remember the steering wheel is on the other side of the car. I can’t seem to get used to this. I have been on this bike for almost a month now and have not sat in a car so have not got familiarized with this. It surprises me every time. Especially when their is some small child on an adults lap, it looks like they are driving.
This then gets me thinking about how when adventure bikes pass me and see my packs strapped down they give me a straight armed thumbs up. The ‘two down’ sign we use in the states does not apply here. Two down meaning keep the rubber side down. Well wishes for a safe ride. No introductions but just a quick passing and an acknowledgement of a common interest. Thumbs up it is!
Ready for this jump? So, of course this leads to my fingernails. They have never been this long and they are driving me crazy! I need to go to a 7/11 and get some clippers. 7/11’s are Everywhere! They are the true convenient store. You can buy phone cords, nail clippers, my seltzer water and gum, and personal products; but no gas. KFC is another popular store; the Thais love them. It is crazy because the Thais have the freshest crispiest fried chicken.
See how the mind strings things along? This can go on for miles. I wonder if you can buy Carnation condensed milk at 7/11? Thais use condensed milk for everything! Smoothies, coffees, fruit juices, teas, soymilk, drizzled over baked goods, and in some of their cooking. You have to specifically ask for ‘ Hwaan Nit Noy’ little sugar please. Or you will be jacked for hours. My mom always had Carnation on hand and now I am not sure what she used it for. But I remember the empty cans.
I am not sure what thought connected condensed milk with gangs of dogs but here we are. Walking down the dark alley ways at night in the states your fear may be getting snuck up on by some random person. Here it can be dangerous to walk the streets at night because the dogs that are usually friendly during the day become gangsters at night. Up to 20 dogs can emerge from a temple and nip and bark and follow your heals while you do your best to calm your heart rate, show no fear, and get ready to become big and mean if needed. I haven’t needed to do this yet, but I have also stayed away from the temples at night. ( were they are welcome to sleep )
My ramblings did not stop here; but my writing about them will. I just thought it would be interesting for me to put these thoughts down and share them with anyone interested. Anyone still there? (;
