Returning to the Land of Smiles

I had almost forgotten how much I missed this place. How much I missed the feel of my bare feet padding along the cool stones of the temples. How much I missed the exploding flavors of each Thai dish that hit my tongue, How much I missed the humidity that filled my senses with each breath, but most of all how much I missed the smiles on each and every persons face.
Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily lives, that the actual meaning of life has been forgotten. Being back in Thailand I remember what life truly is: Life is beautiful. Life is all we have, and the Thai people have a special way of knowing and showing that. Through their unconditional giving and endless smiles. They know how to keep smiling at all times; during times of unbearable pain and sorrow, during the great times, they just keep smiling. I have been through some of my best and worst times with the people in this country, but I know what will always keep me going is the smiles. There is just an amazing comfort to find in the Thai people. A comfort that I have yet been able to find in America.
It has been a privilege to be back among my Thai friends and family. Although I feel like I have been gone for ages, I was welcomed back like I had only been gone for the afternoon. Things are the same here, and I can’t help to think and wish that they will always remain the same. That untouched beauty and the smiles, I hope they never fade.