Welcome to my travel blog! My name is Hathaikan, and I’ll be writing about my experiences throughout various portions of the world that I have previously visited! I hope this blog inspires you to travel and ,if not, to gain knowledge about other cultures and traditions 🙂
Adventures in Spain
In the summer of 2018, I attended a program called Middlebury Interactive Languages, located in Granada, Spain. Initially, my parents wanted me to further my knowledge about the Spanish language and culture, so they thought the best way for me to do that was if I was fully immersed in it. It was a month long program where I was required to speak Spanish 24/7, while living in a college setting with other individuals, who were also aiming to better their skills in this targeted language.
A portion of the program required us to go to class for 3 hours. However, we were permitted to go out into town and interview locals during these classroom hours. We completed various activities, where we had to talk to random people, and I found that all the residents were very kind and were always more than willing to answer our questions, unlike those in the United States.
The lifestyle was much more relaxed, even when it came to eating meals. One night my RA took us out for tapas, which are basically small portions of food, usually shared amongst those at the table. Instead of picking out one main course for each person, we ordered multiple tapas for the group. We ended up spending 3 hours at the restaurant talking, eating, and genuinely enjoying each other’s company. Overall, the lifestyle in Spain was much more laid-back and centered around the quality of life, in comparison to the rushed daily schedule in America.
Fantasies in France
After I had finished the Middlebury program, my parents decided to fly over and explore Europe with me. Our first destination was Paris, France. I had always dreamed of going to the City of Lights, and I was fortunate enough to live out that fantasy. These few days we did a lot of sight-seeing, such as taking an Eiffel Tower Tour, climbing the steps of Notre Dame, and visiting the Palace of Versailles.
The sights that I experienced were beautiful, to say the least. The sparkling lights on the Eiffel Tower truly made me feel like I was in a movie. However, Paris isn’t as magical as people make it seem. Sure, it is stunning, but it also very dirty. In addition, there were so many tourists that it made it hard to get the true Parisian experience. On the other hand, I did get to try a French delicacy; escargot (snails). My mom and I ended up loving them, and I would encourage you to try new foods and broaden your palate; you never know what you might like!
My favorite place that we visited in France was a small town, located along the French Riviera, named Èze. It was at the top of a mountain and you had to walk up a steep incline to get through the town, but trust me when I tell you that it was worth it. The town itself has an extremely charming medieval theme that transcends you to a destination that you would think you could only see in your dreams. If you are thinking about traveling to France, I would highly recommend that you take a day trip to this extraordinary village.
Unforgettable Experience in Italy
Once we spent a few days in France, my parents and I flew over to Venice, Italy. My dad surprised us with a water taxi that took us from the airport to the hotel. Traveling through the canals and glimpsing at the buildings, rich with history and charm, was truly a surreal moment that I couldn’t believe I had the privilege to experience. As we approached our destination, I had realized that we were staying at the Hotel Rialto, named after the oldest bridge spanning across the Grand Canal. The room was beautifully decorated, and we had a balcony with a view of the bridge. At first, I didn’t want to leave the hotel, but I had no idea what was awaiting me in this marvelous city.
After we had settled down in the hotel, we decided to get lunch across the bridge. The restaurant was right on the canal, so we had the most beautiful view while we dined. I ordered a bed of homemade pasta topped with seafood, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that it was the best pasta I’ve ever had. Since my step-dad is Italian, there wasn’t much food that I wasn’t already familiar with. However, I knew that I would never be able to get anything like this at home.
The next day we took a ferry to an island named Murano. At the time, I wasn’t aware of the significance of Murano and what it was famous for. It wasn’t until I glanced at a couple of signs that I realized this was where people from around the world would buy their glass decorations, ranging from vases, cups, statues, and much more. We attended a glass-blowing demonstration and got to see the process that one has to go through in order to achieve such exquisite artwork. I was in awe, and it was most definitely a magic-like experience.
Lastly, we made our way to the island of Burano, which was my mom’s favorite destination throughout the entire trip. The canals were lined with colorful row houses that would leave anyone speechless. The bright colors on the buildings were unlike anything I had ever seen before, and it was as if I had jumped into my 1st grade coloring book. It’s so rare to see structures painted with such vivid colors, and it is something that I’ll never forget. Overall, Italy is one of those sites where beauty lies around every corner, and I guarantee that you will not be disappointed if you ever get the chance to visit.
Visiting Home: Thailand
This past summer I was finally able to return to Thailand after 12 years of being away from home. I had the opportunity to catch up with some family and relearn some aspects about the origins of my background. Our first stop was Rayong, where my Aunt, Uncle, and cousins lived. I got to meet my 5-year old and 2-year old cousins for the very first time, but I unfortunately forgot the majority of my Thai, so the language barrier made it very difficult to communicate. Although, fighting each other with bubble guns did not require much talking. They took us to restaurants where we had the chance to eat traditional Thai food, which we could never find in a restaurant back in the states.
After we spent a few days in Rayong, we headed over to Khon Kaen, my mom and I’s birthplace. I got to see my grandparents for the first time since I left. We were all extremely emotional and beyond excited to see each other. After we all hugged and laughed, my Grandma started to touch my hair. I looked over at my mom with a confused expression on my face. That was when she told me that Thai people preferred straight hair and lighter skin. I wasn’t aware of the beauty standards in Thailand, and I found it interesting as to how they reflected those in Korea. In addition to this I also got to see the village, and it saddened me when we passed some houses that were merely made up of a few boards of wood. It truly opened up my eyes and I never felt more appreciative of what I have.
Lastly, we flew to the island of Koh Samui. I lived there with my parents for a few years, but I was so young that I couldn’t remember much about it, and I didn’t know what to expect. I can tell you that I was anything but disappointed when we arrived. The stunning, blue waters and white sand beaches looked like something straight out of a magazine. We got to visit the old house we used to live in and the restaurant that my parents had previously owned. I also persuaded my mom to go with me to an elephant sanctuary, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thailand is known for their elephant rides, but through research I discovered that most places abused their animals. The sanctuary was a remarkable site, and it was such a comforting feeling to know that I was supporting such an amazing cause. This entire trip had reintroduced me to my Thai culture and traditions, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had the chance to visit home. Â
Hathaikan's Travel Blog 