Page 16 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens - March '20

Page 16, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens

Thailand, Land Of Many Splendors

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, one of the most spectacular in Asia. The province of Phang
D.S., Palm Beach Gardens Nga, with its strange shaped limestone mountains jutting
Travel Leaders out of a placid sea, is simply breathtaking. So too are the
Thailand is without islands, Phuket and Samui, located on either side of the
a doubt one of the Thai peninsula.
world’s most stimulating The central plain is the heartland of the nation – the
and rewarding travel Thai settled in this area due to the rich fertile land located
experiences. A proud here beside the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries. Even
and ancient kingdom, it today, it is known as the “rice bowl” of Asia.
is located at the heart of Thailand’s beauty lies in its architecture, its land and its
Southeast Asia. Thailand, people, and offers the traveler a unique experience never
or Siam as it was called to be forgotten.
for many centuries (and sometimes called today), has a Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
unique, astonishing and colorful culture, set apart from having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans,
all other nations. seas and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel
This uniqueness is greatly due to Thailand’s location, from the north are renowned for their hospitality, and have Leaders, his family owned and operated agency, is located
at the crossroads of Asia. In former times, merchants, great local pride because their area was once home to the at Mirasol Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building
wayfarers and adventurers from all corners of the globe Kingdom of Lanna. This area has many cottage industries A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been
would come here in search of their fortunes. As a result, specializing in silverware, wood, silk and clothing. The serving the travel needs of the South Florida area for over
this green and pleasant land came to inherit the best of forests of the area are ideal for trekking, particularly in a quarter of a century. Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or
untold influences and absorbed them in a culture and way search of the hilltop villages, and visitors enjoy rafting the Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
of life that today are distinctly and unmistakable Thai. region’s many rivers. Here you will also find the camps Photos by Don Kiselewski
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to where the young elephants are trained to
have been colonized, leading to a rich culture. There is work in the jungles.
very little of Europe in this exotic land that acts as the Isan, the region to the northeast, is a
backdrop for the American musical, The King and I. vast sprawling plateau of some 20 million
There is an overwhelming influence of Buddhism, habitants, most of whom work on the
visible in the many thousands of ornate temples which land in some way or another. The area is
dot the land; in the ever-present sight of saffron clad relatively inaccessible from the rest of
monks leaving their ascetic lives in the midst of a bustling Thailand and as a result, has developed
21 century; and in the gentle attitude of a people who its own culture. The people of Isan are
st
have internalized the teachings of their religion, making friendly, easygoing and always ready to
Buddhism a part of daily life. party. The northeast is also rich in Khmer
Located 9,600 miles from Palm Beach going almost temples and ruins, evidence of the influence
directly over the North Pole, Thailand has an area of that Kampuchea once exerted on this area.
513,000 square miles, making it about the same size as Referred to as the Eastern Seaboard, the
France. It adjoins Laos and Cambodia (formerly known east coast is known for its long shoreline. Maya Bay
as Kampuchea) to the east, Myanmar (formerly known as On a two-hour drive south from Bangkok,
Burma) to the north and Malaysia to the south. one can find some of the most beautiful
The country does not have the multiplicity of languages beaches in the world. Oil, natural gas and
found in Indonesia and the Philippines nor one as complex their related industries are developing
an ethnic mixture as Malaysia. Thai is the first language of around a deep-water seaport in this area.
at least 85 percent of Thailand’s population of 60 million The south of Thailand is completely
and is understood by almost everyone. Thai is one of a different from the rest of the country. It is
large cluster of languages in all bordering countries as thick with jungles, spectacular mountains
well as in Southern China and Northern Vietnam. Unlike and numerous offshore islands. The south
Malay, their languages are non-syllabic and tonal. finds itself economically, ethnically and
The country’s unique character can also be seen in politically apart from the rest of Thailand.
the numerous festivals held throughout the year. Always Its wealth comes from traditional industries
colorful and joyous affairs, Thai festivals are a celebration such as rubber and tin, while tourism has
of life itself. But then, the Thais are incredibly happy injected considerable money into the local
people themselves; an easygoing nature and ready smiles coffers in recent years.
never fail to enchant visitors. No wonder the Thai people Scenically, the south region ranks as Sanphet Prasat Palace
are often said to be the country’s greatest asset.
Thailand is also blessed with many natural assets.
Its long coastline boasts some of the finest beaches and
tropical isles in Asia. The deeply forested hills to the south
and north are simply magnificent, as are the national parks
scattered across the land. Palm Beach Beauty Salon
The north is a mountainous area whose jungle spills
over in Laos, Myanmar and beyond into China. This part
of the country enjoys temperatures that are much cooler
than the rest of Thailand. The land and temperature mix
produces apples, strawberries and peaches as well as 10%
vegetables normally seen in western markets. The folks

OFF

Family owned & operated since 1988 Tues.

New clients only

Susan

Swafford

formerly with Beauty To Go
The Kiselewski family taking advantage of
activities offered in Banff, the Canadian Rockies. 561-312-0457
Summer break or the winter holidays,
we can help you create your family memories.

We are located at 11360 N. Jog Road, Bldg. A, Suite 102-6
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33418 Info@PBGTravel.com 4595 Northlake Blvd., Suite 113
TravelLeaders.com/PBGFL $
(561) 694-9696 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Products starting at 69
“We help you see the world . . .”