Reader Submission: A dream that ended in a nightmare
In 1994 I went to Thailand for the first time with my husband and daughter. What an adventure, a kind of dream that ended in a nightmare.
After 7 fantastic weeks I noticed that my husband had very yellow eyes. To make a long story short, we came home on March 4 and he was admitted on March 9. He finally died on March 4, 1995 of bile duct cancer and was buried on March 9. Exactly one year later.
The first few years I didn't think about it, but one day I wanted to go back, if only to get rid of that "nasty" feeling about Thailand.
I have been going back every year in February for years now. Five years ago I looked up the resort where we stayed at the time and where my then 7-year-old daughter played with the daughter of the owner of the resort. She had even stayed there. Armed with some old photos I went by and yes she still recognized me. This was so special, the daughter was also present and they were so happy with the photos from 94. Every year I go back with great pleasure together with a friend.
What a wonderful country it is, the sun, the sea, not to mention the food and delicious shakes. And how it has changed. Crowded, too many tourists, the "cheating" practices, not to mention the prices. You don't have to go there anymore for the cheap, that's for sure. But for me, the food and the climate always beat all other holiday countries. So in the summer somewhere in Europe, but as soon as I get home in September I don't know how fast I have to start searching the internet for my next Thailand trip.
Submitted by Patty
I can well imagine that struggle dear Patty. It's good to hear that despite everything you were still sold to Thailand.
Thailand is still cheap, despite the expensive baht. Just don't go to the super tourist hotspots. There are plenty of other nice places in Thailand. Also much less busy and you mainly meet nice people there
Glad you made this trip again, despite the bad memories and the loss.
It does not seem strange to me that the Thai lady recognized you. Sometimes I think it's built into good Thai. (there may well be exceptions). It is wonderful to be treated like “family” again.
Hope you will make many more trips to beautiful Thailand.
Patty, it's nice that you picked up the thread again and now have pleasant experiences and memories of Thailand again. It was of course not Thailand's fault that your husband unfortunately died, but I can well imagine that for the first time in resort got a big lump in your throat. As you also indicate, a lot has changed over the years, but many fun and tasty things remain. Have fun with your further holidays and enjoy life, even though it is sometimes difficult.
Everyone has memories of certain places. Sometimes nice and sometimes which you don't want to experience. You did well to confront yourself and to realize that Thailand was not to blame for the illness and death of your ex-husband. Life goes on and also to write about it helps in processing. Occasionally doing what our heart tells us is also a good remedy because life is short.
Hopefully life will continue to be kind to you and your loved ones and enjoy the moments that will always be there.