Someone wise once said :

“Life is like a book, and those who do not travel, merely read one page of it.”

I, for one, couldn’t agree more. 

For the past 2 days, I have been exploring the tropical islands of Thailand.  I have experienced its history and culture through the famous Alangkarn extravaganza… taken a speed boat to Coral Island, and done para sailing in the waters of Pattaya…  witnessed the night life at Walking Street (at 1 am!)… and enjoyed an evening at the Hard Rock Cafe… I have even watched elephants slam-dunk a basketball and fed milk to a live tiger !

Needless to say, the itinerary was exhausting, but exciting.  While work has kept me very very busy this whole month, the trip to Siam has come as a much-deserved respite. 

On a personal note, it’s amazing how a single-minded focus on “tourism” can transform a city so completely.  I wish we could take a leaf or two from their book and improve our own cities.  I have seen the benefits first hand, in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.  There is no way Bombay can become the New York or Singapore of India !  For a long time to come.

I am looking forward to my next visit in Bangkok, this December… and reading more than a page.  So should you.