Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/606819
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2015/2016 44 Why just eat Thai food when you can learn to cook it as well? Cooking schools are located throughout the country and range from quick half-day sessions to weeklong programs. To reach the Amita Thai Cooking Class school, I hop on a Thai long-tail boat, called a Ruea Hang Yao, for a wild ride through Bangkok's Chao Phraya River and adjoining inland waterways. Along the way we pass by people's homes and temples, large and small. Today, I'm the only student attending this half-day cooking lesson with its out- door cooking stations. I visit the herb and spice garden first with Tam, the resident owner/teacher. She demonstrates how to prepare and cook the four courses—then it's my turn. By the look on her face, I think she either sympathizes with my lack of culinary prowess or she is just worried I don't slice off a finger when cutting up vegetables. Despite my limited talents, I do surprise myself with four traditional Thai dishes that include green curry chicken and a mango salad that are actually edible and robust with flavour. THE SPIRITUAL TOUCH Thailand is a very spiritual place where you cannot escape the strong and mesmerizing influence of the Buddhist culture. Bangkok's Grand Palace built in 1782 houses many buildings including the magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Giving alms to Buddhist monks is a very common prac- tice here even among visitors. You just need to get up before sunrise but it's worth it. Ultra luxurious hotel spas, ranging from spacious, well-appointed couples' spa suites and peaceful gardens to island settings and mountainous spa retreats are found throughout Thailand. Ko Lanta, Ko Samui and Phuket are the more popular islands for spas. My body is in tactile heaven at Bangkok's S Medical Spa as two skilled therapists work their magic on my stress-worn body. While luxury spas and spending days at one are wonderful, sometimes all you need is quick relief without all the bells and whistles. For the price of a couple of beers many places throughout the country offer both body and foot massages for less than CDN$20. Have FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Intricate floral floats impress spectators at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. Chris Ryall A luxurious spa suite at S Medical Spa is set up for two guests. Chris Ryall The magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha is housed on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. FUNFUNPHOTO/Shutterstock OPPOSITE TOP: A Thai woman carries a bowl of chrysanthemum petals at the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival held on the first weekend of February. Chris Ryall