A Trip to Finest

by Devara Agtwanadien Zuswana (Indonesia)

I didn't expect to find Thailand

At the moment I received the Letter of Acceptance of the conference I had apply for, I realized that it would be my first solo travelling. Ever. This time I would go alone without any companionship. To be true, I do enjoy befriending with people I have just met. It is just very easy for me to come up with a topic to start a conversation with, hence I had worry less for that. My arrival was around the lunch time and the airport was so empty. First thing first, food to the rescue. Local culinary is always what I am down for therefore I immediately check what I could get from the convenience store nearby. Then, I realized that this travelling would not be as easy as I thought it would be. I grew up under a very religious environment, so I am wonted to live the life according to what my religion told so which is shaped me into a very principle human being. I live my entire life lowkey based on what I believe proudly but Indonesia is one of the biggest country with Islam as a vast majority in it, thus for me and my family, it was just so easy to eat everywhere we go. Although, back in my hometown we lived happily in the diversity we have, I forgot that I am the minority in Bangkok, Thailand. For those who does not know, a Moslem, person who are Islam, is prohibited to eat or drink certain foods such as pork, blood, alcohol, and many more. Growing up where everything is very easy for literally every single religion that exist to eat out, this whole situation I have found in Bangkok amazed me in so many ways. I need to worked even harder to keep up with everyone paces, to be more adaptive, and actively do the research which food I can and not eat. This situation was so new and I was beyond excited to do it. Another thing to be excited about was our hostel was located very close to the famous Khao San Road. First day, I made some friend to went out on a dinner together immediately. My friend is a Vietnamese and we shared the same interest. We both are Street Food Enthusiasts. We went for a stroll and I am beyond happy. The vibes, the food, the people were something we should down with. Because it is Street Food, I had to be more careful with what I am going to have for dinner. I remember precisely that Thai is famous for the seafood and vegetable dishes! My first meal on my first day in Bangkok was the Fried Spring Roll. A bunch of vegetables wrapped inside the rice paper, fried, and served warm. Best. Dinner. Ever. The next day, I had the lunch on the University cafeteria because from what I have heard they sell a Halal Food. They sell a delicious Hainanese rice served with a Thai Chicken and this thing blows my mind. They told me how grateful they are to be there and help the Moslem student at the University to eat properly while being away from home. Until now, I wish both of them nothing but blessing. Down for the dinner, my Vietnamese friend asked me if I want to take a stroll to the ‘real’ Khao San Road which famous for the night life. I did the stroll and had nice dinner at the nearest Khabaab stall that make me the happiest that night because it was another Halal food. Even though I had it so late because it placed in the corner of the road. I was worried over nothing the whole trip. Everyone living with respect and appreciation towards the diversity and I did not expect to find myself. My truest self in Bangkok. I would never know that I could still having fun with friends all around the world without breaking my own principles and beliefs towards the Almighty God. I realized that, being adaptive does not mean you have to change. It is just fascinating to finally know, I am who I am wherever I go in this world.