Well being back in Chiang Mai has been a blessing and a curse. Some of the bonuses include the best Thai foods during our 2 weeks of travel, really cheap accommodations that are quite clean and spacious inside (the last 5 nights we've spent a total of 1100 Bhat...which is equal to $31 US dollars...and not to mention how much we save on food every day), beautiful mountains in the distance, good shopping and Thai massages, and did I mention the best food ever!!!! So, yes, we are definitely enjoying our time again back in Chiang Mai.
The longer I travel, however, the more I really see what's going on around me, which is exactly what my travels are all about: gaining perspective on life outside of North America. And sometimes seeing the things around me is difficult. In Chiang Mai we see SO many locals dependant on tourism for survival...there are people selling you food, clothing, flowers, trekking tours, flights, rafting, Tuk Tuk rides, sight seeing, elephant rides, and on and on...the list is endless.
Now, I understand that these people need to make a living resorting to selling 'things,' yet it's still a sad sight to witness a significant portion of a population dependant on this way of life. And the fact that I am traveling as a tourist of course just adds to the conundrum I face when I pass a soul on the street: am I helping this person by being present in their life (i.e. buying food, drink, sandals, etc.), or I am fueling this particular way of life that creates a dependency on travelers such as myself and Briana? Tough to decide if what I am doing is supportive or destructive in the whole scheme of things.
Also, there is just so much waste with all the goods being sold in plastic bags that it makes me sick to think about all the other cities/towns worldwide with practically millions of vendors doing the same thing working day after day after day after day. I mean the thought of all this 'stuff' being sold is totally overwhelming because where does it all go? The fact of the matter is it's not really going anywhere, well, perhaps its ending up IN us long term if you really start to think about it. So, if we are one with everything (as many spiritual mentors suggest), we are all these plastic bags being sold by all these vendors:) Ha...what a concept!!!!
Okay, enough philosophy for now...just some random thoughts passing through that mind of mine:)
I promise next post to be a little more uplifting :)
Love to you all!
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