Goodbye Thai Food

I’m leaving Thailand this week for an undetermined amount of time. (This is the part where I have a mini-anxiety attack…)  Though I will miss just about everything, cheap & delicious Thai food is pretty high up on the list (you know, along with this guy, and views like this and this).

I’ve eaten dishes you can easily find back in the States (though not near the same price!) like phad thai and tom kha gai…

Made to order phad thai

...incredible khao soi and fresh tropical fruits...

 

Khao soi…my love…Magical Mangosteens

...easy Thai basics like khai jio (Thai omelette, often with minced pork), khao ka moo (slow-cooked pork leg over rice) and simple noodle soups….

 

Khao Ka MooSimple broth with rice noodles and pork

...fried fish for breakfast...

 

The remains of a healthy breakfast of fried fish, rice and Pepsi…naturally

...too many buffets and mugata (Thai BBQ)...

Fixins’ for mugata

...then I’ve eaten stranger things, like yum khai yieow maa (black egg salad), goong che naam bplaa (raw shrimp) and congealed blood...

 

Yum Kai Yieow Maa = delishmmm…blood...and I didn’t die

...all washed down with lots of cha nom yen (Thai iced tea with sweetened condensed milk), Leo Beer (my Thai brew of choice) and Sangsom (Thai whiskey)...

 

Thai iced teaThe infamous Sangsom…is it whiskey? Is it rum? Who cares, it’s cheap!

...and sometimes finished off with a sweet treat like mango with sticky rice, a banana rotee (like a fried crepe) or bua loi (rice flour balls in warm coconut cream).

 

Mango and sticky rice – probably one of the best things you will ever tryBua loi – strange, but yummy

I’ve been completely spoiled by the choices and availability of tasty dishes made in seconds for a couple bucks.  I’ve eaten way too much sugar and oil and fried chicken and fish, but yet have not gained weight or (that’s what happens when you’re constantly sweating in the heat or having South East Asian tummy troubles).  I’ve taken cooking courses, had incredible dinners with about 100 ingredients made for me in my house, and found my favorite little spots to go for certain dishes.  While I’m looking forward to many foods from home and being able to use an oven for the first time in more than a year, it’s going to take a while adjusting to the different eating patterns, foods, preparation and dumping fish sauce or crushed chilies on everything set in front of me.

Goodbye Thai food…

for now.

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Today’s interview is with Ellie Geronikolos, 26-year-old flight attendant.  Based in Toronto, Ellie is always on the go, but somehow managed to also find the time to create MissAdventures , an all-girls travel show.  While many travel shows are run by people traveling long-term, MissAdventures tries to show other 20-something women, with full-time jobs and limited budgets, how they can still make a travel a part of their life.

How often do you travel just on your own and not for work? Any opportunity I get. I live for travel, and as soon as I step off the plane in uniform I get back on without it.

How old were you when you made your first big trip or visited another country? I was 9 years old and I went all the way across the ocean to Greece. I was in awe of everything. From the food being served on the airplane, to the kids my own age living such a different life than mine. That trip definitely ignited my travel obsession.

Where has been your favorite place to travel? This is such a hard question because I love so many places for different reasons, and everyday my answer changes. My answer today though would be Bali. I have never seen such a beautiful landscape with one of the richest cultures. I fell in love with the people and the place the moment I got there.

Least favorite? I would have to say Barcelona. Only because within a couple hours my friends and my belongings all got stolen. It’s an amazing city, but my time there was a little tainted.

Hostel or hotel? I am a hostel kind of girl. I don’t necessarily love the sharing of washrooms and low lighting, but it’s the best for meeting new people. I love getting advice from other travellers, and just being in a more social environment. Plus, who needs all those hotel amenities when you came to explore!

Good book recommendation to read while traveling: I am a sucker for guidebooks.  I don’t want to miss out on anything, so I cram my head with all the tips I can get.

Best music for long bus rides:  I usually fall asleep on buses, so anything mellow. Perhaps some Frou Frou.

Why do you think it’s important for our generation to travel? There are a zillions clichés or quotes that I can use here, but for me it’s just about seeing the world. Opening up your mindset. I know, personally, I figured out what I wanted and who I was by seeing what else was out there.  I became independent, spirited, positive and gained knowledge. I don’t think a person can lose from travelling.

One travel tip: Pack less, you are always going to buy more than you thought.

What’s something you wish you had known before:  When I was younger I wish I knew how much fun travelling solo could be. It always seemed so scary, and then you do it once and you realize how much fun and relaxed it is. Not to mention, it really opens you up and forces you to be social and involved.

What is the most important thing travel has taught you? I would have to say that the biggest lesson I have learned is to never take anything for granted. I have had the opportunity to visit places all over and meet people and really take into account how much I have, and how lucky I am.

To learn more about Ellie and MissAdventure,s check them out on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also follow Ellie’s personal Twitter handle.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for the Gen Y Wanderers interview series?  Let me know in the comments or on Twitter!

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Chiang Mai is definitely on the tourist trail – and for good reason.  The city is a good jumping off point to explore the hills and jungles of northern Thailand, discover delicious, cheap food, enjoy milder weather and even pop on over to Laos.  It also is a major expat center, being home to many NGOs, foreign English teachers (the city has three major universities along with several international schools), missionaries and retirees.  In fact, U.S. News and World Report consistently mentions Chiang Mai as a desirable place to retire, even naming it one of ‘The World’s Top Retirement Havens‘.

At Chiang Mai’s famous temple, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

While the guide books give you the lowdown on what to do here, there are several resources that will give you a more local perspective on the place with hangouts, directions, news and profiles.

Pure Chiang Mai

This newly-launched site is producing an impressive list of places to go eat, drink and play in the city along with several insider guides, tips and suggestions like this and this.  The site is run by expats who want to create a resource for others who are living in and constantly exploring Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai City Life

The go-to English magazine for expats, City Life is published monthly featuring in-depth stories on Northern Thailand, personality profiles and expat news and events.  You can read the articles online and also check out the events calendar for updates.

Chiang Mai Mail

With the language differences, it’s often difficult to know what the heck is going on around here. Chiang Mai Mail is the first English language newspaper serving the north of Thailand.

One Stop Chiang Mai

This site is geared toward travelers, but written by local writers who really know the area.  There are also sections about living here with a service directory and notes on Thai culture.

Open Chiang Mai

Similar to One Stop Chiang Mai, Open Chiang Mai is a travel site produced by people who live in the area and includes sites, activities and news.  The site focuses on posting videos to better show you the places and things its talking about.

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