Falling Love With Thai Culture

Thailand, known around the world for having the hottest capital, never being colonized by a European power, and for its beautiful culture. The main reason for me wanting to visit Thailand was through the stories of my friends that have moved here. I have been told that the Thai people have a level of respect that the USA does not have.

This country represents everything that a country in Southeast Asia would be. A beautiful mixture of South and East Asian cultures, it’s hard to ignore the influences. From the way that the people look, the food they eat, and the language, you can see East Asia and India. Buddhism here is somewhat unique to other Buddhist majority countries. With the strong Hindu and traditional Chinese beliefs making a big impact on the local culture.

What I enjoyed most about Thailand was the food. Me being an enjoyer of Indian food, you can see it in the local cuisine. They have curries here that are somewhat similar to the Indian counterparts. Indian curry is almost like a stew, while Thai curry is more light. In Indian curry, you get more blasts of flavor. Thai curry doesn’t pack the same punch. Yet, that doesn’t mean that it is not good. Thai curry is still very favorable. You also see the east Asian Influences in the noodles. If I stayed in Thailand for a month, I’m sure I would gain a few pounds.

The temples are what took my breath away. I heard they were beautiful but seeing them in person was another thing. From white marbles to all the beautiful designs, you can tell they put a lot of effort into their temples. It’s clear that Thai people are very proud of their culture.

Lastly were the traditional dances. There are 6 different forms of traditional dances in Thailand. I got to see a few. I don’t remember exactly what dance styles I watched. However, it was beautiful hearing traditional music and seeing the people dance to it. It made me feel like I was truly in Asia.

I can see why my friends love it here. The cost of living is cheap. The weather is usually hot year around. A lot better than living in New York City. Not to forget about the awesome food. This country is a place of smiles.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!Thank you so much for your support!!

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In my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

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October 17, 2020 7

Top 5 things to do in israel

Israel, a beautiful small country in the Middle East and a place I wanted to go for a while. This country has been in news for many controversies and issues. To my Muslim friends, they still call Israel Palestine, and to my Jewish friends, it is Israel. Regardless of the current politics, this country is still very beautiful and a great place to go on vacation. This post will inform you of the top 5 things to do in Israel.

1)Visit the beaches

Beach in Israel in things to do in Israel

When we think about Israel for most, beaches aren’t on our minds. However, Israel really has some really nice beaches that you have to visit. From the dead sea to the mediterranean sea, you will be blown away as to how beautiful the beaches are. If you like beach weather and lifestyle, then you should visit Tel Aviv. With skyscrapers near the beach, it will remind you of the gold coast Australia. So, if you are into beaches then Israel has a few just waiting for you to visit.

2) Visit the Eilat’s barrier Reefs

Eilat’s barrier Reefs in things to do in Israel

things to do in Israel — another photo Eilat’s barrier Reefs

Australia has the Great Barrier Reef and Central America has Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. So, Israel has the Eilat’s Barrier Reef. Although not as big as the world’s largest and second-largest, Eilat’s Barrier Reef is still worth the visit. There are many snorkeling trails and you can even scuba dive here. This nature reserve and the national park were listed in the New York Times as a place to go in 2019. There is even a public aquarium here that is actually the biggest in the Middle East. Yes, it is even bigger than the ones in Dubai and Qatar. So, this is definitely something that should be on your list of things to do in Israel.

3) Do a historical and/or religion tour

Israel is home to religious sites for 3 religions. Including two of the world’s largest religions. Picture you walking in the steps of Jesus and where he was born. If you are Muslim, you can visit the Dome of Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Which is the third most important religious site in Islam. Needless to say, there are tons of Jewish sites for you to visit. However, If you aren’t into any of those religions, you can still learn about history. There are tons of historical sites here that are waiting for you to visit. There are Roman ruins here that you can explore.

4) The Street Food

Israel surprisingly has some of the best street food that you can eat on a global scale. The street food here is safe to eat. So, you don’t have to worry too much about getting food poisoning. However, you should always see them cook the meat properly and reviews, if they have any. When it comes to food, Israel is very interesting and diverse. Since this is a country that many Jewish people came from all over the world to relocate, the food scene reflects that. Also with the new immigrants, you can see it in the food. From North African to European dishes, there is something new for everybody to try. There are street food tours for you to take. This is definitely something for you to cross off your list of things to do in Israel.

5) visit the Red Canyon

Just outside of Eilat, Red Canyon is a place you want to visit. If you like hiking and seeing rock formation, this is the place to go. Similar to the grand canyon in the usa, there are many tours to take. It’s warm year-round, so you can definitely go hiking during the winter. If you want to learn more about the Red Canyon, here is the link. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Israel.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!Thank you so much for your support!!

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In my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

October 14, 2020 6

Seeing The Scale of Bangkok And Getting lost

We all heard that Asian countries are developing cities and skyscrapers at a rapid pace. However, seeing it in person gives more meaning to that statement. So, Bangkok is big and about the same size as the city of New York City. Yet, I never have seen so many cars in bumper-to-bumper traffic in my life. The beauty in the chaos is what I love about Bangkok Thailand.

After I went to see my first Buddhist temple, I was completely out of energy. The sun of Bangkok Thailand mixed with jetlag, I had to go back and sleep for hours. Somehow, my body sleep schedule started to match the local time. The sun was setting, staying up watching all those marvel movies on the plane actually paid off. The sunsets here are so beautiful, it reminded me of my time watching the sunsets by the Nile river.

Getting back to my accommodation ended up being a journey. So, picture yourself tired and you are just itching to lay on a bed. Out of nowhere, your tiredness made you miss your stop and you were 9 stops aways. Yeah, that was me. Like a drunken person, I stumbled off the train and started walking toward what I thought was the opposite platform. In a zombie state, I sat down and counted the many stops I missed not realizing that I was nowhere familiar.

Not evening looking at the stop’s name I got off. I was tired and was only thinking about laying on a bed. It wasn’t until I was off the train that I saw the mistake I just did. I went on another line and I have no idea where I was at. However, I was super tired and just couldn’t do another train ride. A taxis cab became my favorite option. Found a cab, gave my address and I was out. I woke up around 30 mins later to find us stuck in the infamous Thailand traffic.

Seeing Thailand in a taxi is a must-do. You get to see the city in a whole new light. Bangkok is big like really big. What was about 9 stops took us almost an hour. Seeing the buildings, car traffic, and the people made me realize how similar this city is compared to New York City. I used to think Thailand was underdeveloped. However, it’s very modern. Being the hottest Capital City in the world with great culture and people. I can see why Bangkok, before COVID, was the most visited city in the world. It is world-class without world-class prices.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe and travel safe everyone! Much love!

If you want videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

My underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Some links for each hope you all enjoy! Here are links to hotels and other deals. Hotels, make sure to click here. Apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here and villas click here. ALso bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links.

October 10, 2020 8

Top 5 best things to do in amsterdam

Amsterdam is a city that is known throughout the world. Most people go to this city for activities that are illegal in their country. This post will not highlight those activities. So, be ready to learn about this city in a new light and I’m not talking about the red ones. There are a lot of awesome things you could do in this city but most people overlook it. This post will be more family-friendly. This is the list of the top 5 best things to do in Amsterdam.

1.Taking a Canal Tour

To show the canal of best things to do in amsterdam — A picture of the canal

to show the canal again for best things to do in amsterdam — Another picture of the canal

So, I can not talk about Amsterdam without taking a Canal Tour. You have not experienced Amsterdam if you have not done this activity. Best to do it in spring or fall, but summertime is not so bad. Sometimes, the canal gets frozen over in winter. So, you can not take a tour when it does. Picture you seeing the beautiful city at night and the lights reflecting on the water. You get the real European feel when experiencing the canal tour. This is another activity you must cross off on your list of best things to do in Amsterdam.

2. Visit Vuurtoreneiland

to show the resturant for best things to do in amsterdam — a view of the restaurant

to show the restaurant again for best things to do in amsterdam — Another view of the restaurant

to show the best things to do in amsterdam — drinking wine on the island at the restaurant

There is a small island that you can visit. It is off the coast of Durgerdam. You take a boat ride to visit this island and it is definitely worth the trip. Once on the Island, the only main attraction is the restaurant. Best that you go during the spring and/or fall to enjoy more of this island. However, the restaurant is indoors and you can still enjoy the view of calm moving waters while eating your food. Drink your wine with amazing views, while eating your choice of food and being in a relaxing atmosphere. This island is a must-do on your list of best things to do in Amsterdam.

3. Visit Albert Cuyp Markt and test your bargaining skills

Albert Cuyp Markt best things to do in amsterdam — a view of Albert Cuyp Markt

an other Albert Cuyp Markt best things to do in amsterdam — A view of people buying at Albert Cuyp Markt

Albert Cuyp Markt with flag of best things to do in amsterdam — Albert Cuyp Markt with the nation’s flag

I’m sure you heard about the middle eastern markets but the Dutch have Albert Cuyp Markt. The products are more food and dairy. However, if you are a foodie, this is the best place to find international treats and food. While you are in Amsterdam, this is one of the best places to find the best prices on food in the whole city. You can find stalls that sell clothes and other touristic items. Keep your eyes open and you will be able to find some awesome bargains to bring back home to your loved ones. The market is open on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. From 9 am to 5 pm, you will see the stalls open for you to go shopping.

4)visit Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum best things to do in amsterdam — the outside view of Rijksmuseum

inside of Rijksmuseum best things to do in amsterdam — An inside of view of Rijksmuseum

If you are into Museums and learning about history, Rijkmuseum is the place for you. There is a lot of museums to visit here in Amsterdam like the Anne Frank Museum. However, the biggest and grandest one of them all is Rijkmuseum. Rijkmuseum has the country’s finest art just waiting for you to see. Join the 2.4 million visitors a year. While here, you will explore Dutch’s history and culture while enjoying your time in a great atmosphere. It will cost you about 20 euros to get into this museum but it will definitely worth the money.

5) Relax in Flevopark

inside of Flevopark showing the beauty of nature

Seeing the beautiful colors of Flevopark

When you are exploring in a city, sometimes you need to take a break to relax. Away from the hustle and bustle, Flevopark is a great way for you to sit and relax. Located in the eastern part of the city, you can enjoy your time at the tennis courts, walk on the many trails, watch nature and/or get away from the noise of a global metropolis. There are plants and animals here that you can’t find in the other parks in Amsterdam. There is also an outdoor swimming pool in this park that you can take a quick swim in. Of course, the swimming pool is only open when the weather allows it to be but if you are into jumping in cold waters during winter, there is always the canal. You might get arrested though. Flevopark, the nature reserve is worth it.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe and travel safe everyone! Much love!

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My underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

October 7, 2020 5

Visting A Buddhist Temple For The First Time

It was my first day in Thailand and I had to see a Buddhist Temple. I couldn’t wait to rest up. My main reason for coming to Thailand was to experience the Buddhist culture. There was no time for no sleep. I was in a city of 33,902 active temples.

I asked around and there was a temple nearby to where I was staying. Well, not too close but like 5 stops aways. My imagination was running wild. I kept thinking about the monks in the mountains training martial arts. Of course, I was wrong about that.

After about 30 mins, I found the temple. Constantly reminded of Thailand’s sun. It was about a 15-minute walk from the train station. With the sun, it felt like it was twice as long. It was snowing back home in New York. The change of weather can affect you in mysterious ways.

You are greeted with a Buddhist Statue. I had my video camera out. An employee of the temple told me to turn off my camera. However, he did explain to me about Thailand and it’s culture. I learned that Thailand was never colonized by Europe like all its neighbors. So, a lot of the Buddhist temples here have no European influences.

The further I went inside, the more colors I saw. The 20 foot Buddhist Statue stood tall. You can tell that the locals here really care about their religion. The Statues are well kept and you see tons of donations. Sadly, I didn’t see anybody praying. It seems like this temple was more of a tourist attraction. Tried to remember and find the name of this temple. However, after looking at about 100 temples none look like this one. I truly wished I could remember the name of this temple. Since it was the first one I have been to. Thai words are difficult to remember for me.

There was a back entrance to the temple. I walked towards it to find another big statue. Looks like Buddhism and the Buddhist culture really like images of buddha. Every different compared to Islam. I noticed that all the statues in the temple were made of out gold. Made me wonder if gold is considered holy in Buddhism. Thailand has been good so far. Couldn’t wait to visit more temples and the country.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe and travel safe everyone! Much love!

If you want videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

My underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.