|
Takero Mori, a soft-spoken diplomat, draws on the similarities between
Japan and
Thailand Leisure
travel for the Mori family means activities geared around their young
daughters, says Takero Mori, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan. Since
coming to Thailand two years ago, they have travelled to a number of
provinces in Thailand.
``My children and my wife just love the countryside, but travelling with
three- and seven-year-olds in toe is not easy. We have to make sure that
outdoor activities we pursue are not too strenuous for them,'' he said.
Mr Mori, who joined the foreign service in 1989, has a bachelor degree in
liberal arts from California, USA . His first overseas posting was to
Geneva,
Switzerland, where he
worked for four and a half years.
But it took him over two years before he was able to enjoy Switzerland.
More accustomed to the American culture, he found it difficult to get used
to the Swiss climate and people.
Among the countries that he fell in love with in Europe was
France. He found the wine
and French culture exceptionally exotic.
Coming to Thailand was a pleasant surprise, said the diplomat with a
smile. He travelled to Thailand with his family without any preconcieved
notions about the country, but once here he enjoyed the posting immensely.
``We feel right at home in Thailand because both our countries share a
number of cultural similarities. As an international tourist destination,
Thailand offers a perfect blend of great food, culture and entertainment for
tourists from all walks of life,'' he said.
Have your leisure travel habits changed much since coming to Thailand?
In fact, in Japan my family rarely travelled too far from
Tokyo, where
we live, for the simple reason that it is very expensive. However, for
holidays, we do make an effort to visit my wife's parents who live in Chiba,
a two hours ride from downtown Tokyo. Chiba is popular for its Narita
airport.
In Thailand we have become more adventurous. There is also so much to
explore.
This is your first posting to Southeast Asia; what similarities do
Thailand and Japan share?
Japanese and Thai people are very hospitable by nature. Especially in the
countryside, I find locals to be full of hospitality. I think that they are
very accommodating and welcome foreigners. They have such a pure heart that
they tend to trust people easily.
However, hospitality is one big reason why Japanese people love coming to
Thailand. Japanese people, like Thais, are soft spoken and not
confrontational.
Which provinces in Thailand have impressed you most?
So far I have found Samut Songkram to be an interesting destination to
visit. It was there that I ate mang da thalay (horseshoe crab) for the first
time. While the province is better known for its coconut plantations and
sugar-making, I was surprised to find the delicacy on the menu for the sole
reason that it is an endangered species in Japan.
Another of my family's favourite leisure destination in Thailand is
Phi Phi Island. It's just breathtaking. The entire island is a
masterpiece. The tropical fish dishes that can found on the menu are just
delicious, my kids loved it. It was sad to see the devastation tsunami left
behind, but I am confident that tourists will start coming back to the
island again. It's really worth a visit.
You have a stressful job. Which is the nearest leisure spot you like
to take your family to unwind, and how would you spend your time there?
Pattaya is probably the nearest place for us to visit. I like to take my
family to Jomtien Beach because it has become cleaner and there are a number
of restaurants to choose from. It's a great place to relax and unwind with
the family. On longer vacations, we like to travel further, but with the
children we have to see that they are comfortable doing it.
On a typical day in Pattaya, our girls like to swim and play on the
beach, and at night time we eat at a nice restaurant. We like to stay at
hotels that have many activities for children, and one place that we have
found good is
Pattaya Park Beach Resort. For myself, I unwind by eating good food and
taking a good swim in the sea. I also love northeastern dishes.
Which province are you planning to visit next, and what type of
transportation would you be taking?
For myself, I would like to take the first class air-conditioned train to
Chiang Mai. We normally fly, so I think my family would like the
experience of travelling by train. I like Chiang Mai for a number of
reasons, but what comes to mind is the tranquillity that can be found on Doi
Suthep. I never tire of going there, it's just a great hideaway. The people
and food are other factors that draw us to the province time and again.
You call yourself an ecotourist, how would you rate the national parks
you have visited in Thailand?
I love being near nature and have found the national parks here much more
pristine than the ones in Japan, so I would rate it very highly. My
favourite one so far has been Kaeng Krachan National Park in
Phetchaburi Province. I also like the province because visitors can
appreciate both historical and natural sites there.
We sometimes go trekking, but with kids, it is better to drive and see
the wildlife. I find national parks in Thailand to be both educational and a
nice place for families to spend time together. I would like Thais to keep
their forests as pristine as possible.
You are a golf enthusiast; how do you find Thailand as a golf
destination?
Thailand is a great place for golfers, even for guys like me who has a 36
handicap. The golf courses I have been to so far give you good value for
your money. I can afford to go driving everyday in Bangkok, but in Japan
it's very expensive, about 20 baht per golf ball.
The golf courses here are a challenge to play on. I am not surprised that
Thailand is becoming recognised for having top-standard greens. I would,
however, love to play on
golf
courses in Hua Hin. I believe they are among the best around.
Give our readers tips on where to purchase cheap goods in Tokyo?
As I'm a lover of classical music, I normally head to Ochanomizu market
where shoppers can purchase used CDs.
Ochanomizu is relatively cheaper than other shopping places and is best
known for musical instruments, including a variety of items such as rare
acoustic guitars, used instruments and audio gear.
Why do you think Thailand is a popular leisure destination among
Japanese travellers?
First of all, the people are so friendly and accommodating. Secondly,
Thailand is a very laid back country to live in. Your unique culture is also
very fascinating.
When my parents were here, they told me that Thailand reminded them of
their younger days. In particular, they enjoyed rubbing shoulders with the
middle-class crowd found in the marketplace and parks.
|
