Motorbikes are zipping past me. Some filled with entire families on one seat. I watch as they squeeze their way through the tiny cracks between cars. My inner monologue is screaming, “Stop!! You won’t make it, someone’s going to hit you!!!” I breathe a sigh of relief as I see them narrowly pass on with no fear. This is Thailand. 
A grandmother guides her toddler granddaughter’s palms into the “Wai” position. She is motioned to give a slight bow to me. I’m smiling as I witness this tradition of deep respect. Even the youngest are taught to honor their elders. And in so everyone is taught that they belong to a community. This is Thailand. 

I’ve only been here for two short weeks. Yet my mind has been incredibly challenged by my new environment. Everything that I fear back home seems to be so blatantly apart of Thai culture. I have no choice but to make a fool of myself while trying to navigate through the night market. I have no choice but to clutch to the back of a strangers motorbike as we zoom into town. Everywhere I go I can hear whispers about the “farang”. Yet the normal anxiety of so obviously standing out is starting to bother me less and less. I have no choice but to be comfortable in my own skin. No choice but to trust myself. 

This adventure is just starting and I’ve already been lucky enough to roam the ruins of Ayutthaya. I’ve relaxed (and burned) in the sun at Hua Hin beach. I’ve been chased by a revengeful monkey and stayed up far too late partaking in the nightlife of Bangkok. But in reality, I have yet to even dip my pinky toe into all this country has to offer. I know there are far more experiences waiting to jolt me back to life again. Times that will force me to see life outside of my own comfort and perspective. But I’m ready to brave-face it through the difficulties and unknowns. For this is Thailand.