My Beloved Taxi
I was away in Bangkok for three days during my Raya Holidays and it was one of the most heart breaking and tounching holidays that I have experienced. I went there with a spontaneous mindset and do whatever that I wanted to do with my mom, sister and some relatives.

The best experience that I would love to share was the time when I was taking taxis with my family members. Even though it is true that some Thai taxi drivers do con tourits by not turning on the meter, nonetheless,when I put myself in their shoes, I understand what they are going through...they are forced or molded into such people.

One of the taxi driver,unfortunately, I cannot remember his name gave me an insight of a typical taxi-driver life. Wake up at 5am,drive himself all the way from his hometown,which is usually in another city to Bangkok and start picking up customers till 5pm in the evening. Lunch? Some skipped their lunch, or perhaps, let me rephrase that, prefer to have dinner only.

He was really kind to us, at first, we thought that he was cheating us by dropping us at the wrong place. But, wait, he only misunderstood us. Or shall I say, he is a Thai he knows the area better than us. We wanted to go to the Palace, but we ended up in the Palace where the King lives. He explained in his very good English about the current King's contribution. We asked him questions and he answered, who can ask for a better taxi-driver in Bangkok?

Lastly, I told my sister that even though we, my sister and I do not have much money, we should tip him. And my cousin ended up giving him a Big big tips! Thank you taxi-driver, you totally make me love taxis now...

Aside from that, my sister and I did not encounter any nasty taxi-driver. Nonetheless, at certain times, I really wished that my relatives including my mom would pick up some Thai words such as Sawadeeka, or Chai instead of Asking do you understand English to some poorly spoken Thai taxi-drivers. I told them several times that this is not an English speaking country...

I witnessed some things that I wont see in my country, Malaysia and will only read them on books, and see them online. Those vivid images of the children lining up the streets of Bangkok,opposite the shopping malls,made me cry. I was in tears and my sister was questioning me, "Are you crying because of the kids, begging for money and food...?" And I nodded with an obvious look!!!

I love Thailand, I thought mingling with Japanese was fun. But living in Thailand was one of my most desire thing that I want to do before I die. Plus* I love Thai songs, melancholy yet romantic...

Shirley McSalad