Concepts of time are crucial when traveling abroad. Especially here in Thailand. I never thought of myself as a rushed person or a super on time or 'anal' person. But after spending a weekend trip in Bangkok with Thai friends I realize that my concept of what 'on time' means is very different or more loosely used in Thailand.
So before we even embark on our trip to Bangkok, we sit waiting at PIH (Paradornparp International House) for some friends to finish printing out papers, then we get a call, two members of our party our at the apartments by Seven Elven but will be there soon. Our Song Tao driver out of concern for us, tells us that we have 20 minutes to go until our Bus departs, he assures us he can make it in 15min. So when time passes, they are still not there and it is 12 min to go...I start to worry. Really panic.
I felt so helpless so furious, how could they do this? I spent money on a ticket and I might miss the bus. My friends trying to smooth things out. "Don't worry, its Thai time!" and "We could always catch another bus"--The first thought made me consider, what is Thai time?
Well they came and we made our bus. Throughout the trip we were late to everything--Late leaving to the beach, late coming back from it--late going to JJ market, late coming back! Even though this weekend had its stresses, I noticed that as the weekend reached the end my frustrations and anxieties towards 'Thai Time' disappeared and I was able to enjoy myself. No matter what time we got there :)
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