The VIP Treatment

The value of “face” is an important trait in Thai culture. This does not have any western connotations of superficiality, but rather respect for oneself and others.

We were shown such hospitality today by our host Mr. Chuphan Chivaratanond and his wonderful assistant Phun of Thai Orchids Co. (www.thaiorchids.co.th).

With just a day’s notice arrangements were made to take us to see several important botanical destinations. First we went to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, an hour south of Bangkok. As we headed towards the coast, the city gave way to more modest dwellings and eventually the countryside. Along the way there were examples of agriculture and hectares of flooded areas we assumed were rice cultivation, but were really for salt farming.

Pictures of Thailand’s floating markets are easy to find, but nothing like the experience of being there. We ate our first food stall food and threw caution to the wind and sampled fruits that don’t exist at home. Durian, dragon fruit, mountain apple, pummelo, longan and rambutan. We also tried some bite-sized morsels that were made from tasty yet mysterious ingredients.

Next our hosts took us on to see part of their orchid farm. Working at a botanical garden could never have prepared me for the utter delight of seeing 50 hectares of orchids. All 50 hectares were covered in shade cloth. There were knee-high piles of cut Dendrobium blossoms being prepped for shipment to Europe.

As far as the eye could see there were orchids. Another special Euphorbia variety was very colorful and eye-catching. The company has a guesthouse with a dock overlooking the irrigation lagoon, and these structures were surrounded by Thai bonsai and epiphytic vines whose aerial roots were trimmed into aerial hedges. Needless to say, this area was a goldmine of ideas for the new exhibit.

We left the orchid farm and traveled on to an important botanical and cultural site named ‘The Rose Garden’. Our hosts treated us to a feast of Thai dishes that balanced flavors and textures so artfully. Garlic, ginger, basil, coconut, shrimp, fish, and all things we have at home in the states, but prepared in such a way that the tastes of salty, sweet and sour were all represented.

After lunch we viewed a cultural show that incorporated a Thai wedding, Buddhist monk ordination, Muy Thai boxing, martial arts demonstration and traditional dance.

The gardens were a mixture of formal, edible and woodland. Some interesting combinations were orchids growing off of pine trunks, aloe companion planted with banana and an interesting vegetable named “Cockroach Blossom”. Fortunately we learned the name of the vegetable AFTER we ate it!

Thailand has been amazing so far; in no small part because of the hospitality we have been shown.

Tomorrow should yield some exciting photos from the Royal Palace complex.