Larry Fitzgerald
Visit to Thailand

The finale of my Asian trip was a visit to Thailand, the land of smiles..... and that characterization is an understatement.. in Bangkok, the capital, I visited life on the river Chao Paya, a Thai farm, many of the elaborately designed Thai temples, the ruins of the ancient capital Ayuttaya, and the Grande Palace and its grounds. In the northern mountain city of Chian Maiup near Burma, I viewed the hill tribes with their ornate costumes and friendly smiles and spent a day at elephant training & conservation school in Lampang, Thailand. The elephant is such a beautiful sensitive and intelligent animal that I adopted a group of them... the experience was wonderful-- learning to ride on the mountainside and in the rivers, bathing them and teaching them commands and tricks. Believe me just getting up on top of an elephant which  weighs  4 ton and stands 12 feet tall is an accomplishment of its own.

The temperatures dropped from a brutal 98 degrees and humid in Bangkok to the 80's mountain air of northern Thailand and back to the high 90's and ocean beaches of Phuket, a small island off the southwestern coast of Thailand... Beautiful beaches, coral reefs and limestone cliffs and caves were most interesting with 2 days of boating  and relaxing on the beach.

The accommodations and hospitality of the Thais is unsurpassed , perhaps the best in the world.  Le Bua in Bangkok offered one of the Capitals tallest and certainly most beautiful buildings. Its rooftop bar and dining offered breathtaking 360 degree views of this charming city of over 14 million people ... and i thought New York and Chicago were big!

In Chiang Mai, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and its recreation of ancient villas was really an experience.  Outdoor showers, lush gardens amidst rice field paddies took me back in time. My final night I had a private dinner  with Thai musicians and classical Thai dancing in a rice paddy setting.

On Phuket Island, I stayed at Banyan Tree resort and got a wonderful reception and candlelight dinner with GM Francoise Huet and his staff.. There were fireworks and delicious Thai seafood.... &  my villa?....it is "off the chain" as my Cardinal teammates would say -- my own 2 pools,a lagoon view, and the best spa treatment I could ask for.. teakwood surrounds me from head to toe and the workmanship and design of the villas is simply elegant... but that is the Thai way.. very creative, extremely hospitable  and always fun loving. It’s only about 12,500 miles from my childhood home in Minneapolis, halfway around the world. The beauty, wonderful people and serenity make me yearn for another trip to explore more in Thailand..Sawasdee Kap, as the Thais would say...  !

Comments

Posted by Steven SmithMar 4, 2010 8:52 PM MST

Very cool, Larry. Be safe.

Posted by Michael Gilbert Mar 4, 2010 10:05 PM MST

Fitz you look tiny compared to that elephant!! I am so glad you are having the trip of your life you deserve it. You work more than any one I know and trust me it shows. God Bless.

Thailand

Posted by Suchada SinghaprichaMar 4, 2010 11:43 PM MST

Glad you had fun in Thailand and now you have me as one of your fanclub..I forgot to ask for the authograph for my son!!!! Hope to see you in Thailand sooner. Suchada

Thailand

Posted by BillMar 5, 2010 9:45 PM MST

My friend is from Thailand and she is so thrilled you visited her country and that you enjoyed it. She loves to tell people about Thailand and how beautiful it truly is. I'm glad you got a chance to visit there and it seems like you enjoyed it.

Posted by Jeff Beraznik, CuttersMar 6, 2010 12:38 AM MST

Larry, it sounds like you had a good trip -- safe travels back...it was good seeing you at Anquan's event. We hope to do more with our breast cancer awareness initiative in 2010 and it would be great to support your amazing efforts as well. I hope all is well, Jeff.

WOW!

Posted by JAE Mar 6, 2010 10:45 PM MST

Woww! I am very impressed that you came to Thailand . :))) สวัส�ี�รั� = Sawasdee kap. ^^

Thailand

Posted by Johnny JetMar 11, 2010 9:48 AM MST

Great job Larry! Good to see you promoting int'l travel.

Posted by BraydenMar 16, 2010 4:15 AM MST

Looks like fun man. Can't wait til' the 2010 season.

Posted by CherriceMar 27, 2010 9:23 AM MST

Looks like a great time. How was the elephant ride....details.

Site

Posted by Halftime HuddleMar 27, 2010 9:24 AM MST

Halftime Huddle likes the site Fitz. Enjoyed the everything about it.

Nice Heart

Posted by Parthenia RichardsonMar 27, 2010 9:30 AM MST

Hi Larry - I would like to say what you are doing for the kids fitting them with hearing aids is truly a blessing from GOD. Like you I started a non-profit in Maryland to assist the military widows and singles mothers get on their feet and be able to become self-sufficient. I love to see when people step back from themselves and give from their heart to others. Take care and have a wonderful day! Parthenia Richardson CEO/Founder The Warford Foundation http://thewarfordfoundaion.org twitter @thewarford

Thailand

Posted by Brent RosencransMar 27, 2010 9:31 AM MST

Thanks for sharing Larry.

Posted by Mike MayMar 27, 2010 9:32 AM MST

Very interesting to see different cultures in person and have that experience of interacting with them. A lifelong memory for sure, and something that will give you a whole new perspective on world events in general. Great trip and keep up the good work!

Posted by PetraMar 27, 2010 9:48 AM MST

Love your "report" about our trip; make one wanna go... and right on with the pics Mr. Fitzgerald ;) And all that on top that you are a "charity person" and the #1 receiver. Can I ask whats NOT perfect with you, lol? Keep that spirit

thailand

Posted by ricky andersonMar 27, 2010 10:34 AM MST

Thailand looks beautiful and I hope u enjoyed yourself...I want to visit one day to see the different things life has to offer

Glad to see this! I'm Thai!

Posted by NatMar 27, 2010 10:59 AM MST

Sawatdee ka! Hi, I came across your tweet via @TheRealJordin :) I am Thai!!! And I live in Bangkok :) It's great to hear that you had a great time here. :D Hehe. And wow you went to so many places, from the north to the south! That's awesome!

awesome pics!

Posted by Joel SpurlockMar 27, 2010 11:08 AM MST

Awesome pics- great blog on the trip. :)

Pic's

Posted by Norma LopezMar 27, 2010 11:11 AM MST

wow what great pic's! i love the one with the elephant lol that is awesome!

Incredible!

Posted by KathyMar 27, 2010 11:13 AM MST

That's so awesome, Larry. The elephant ride looks like so much fun to ride and you're right, they are super intelligent animals. Sawasdee kup for sharing your journey with us, even though I wish I was there too ;) Love ya Larry!

Posted by Eddie NopakunMar 27, 2010 12:19 PM MST

I'm glad you had a great time in my home country. I plan to go back in December myself from Chicago and hope to have just as much fun as you did.

fun

Posted by Adam FeranMar 27, 2010 12:54 PM MST

I wish i could go to Thailand. One day, when I am as good as you, I will be able to go. :)

Posted by Melissa FullerMar 27, 2010 6:28 PM MST

Great photos and description of what's been goin on with you the past month or so. Hard to believe where you were the horrific tsunami had last graced the images in my mind of that area, now I have a better rememberance of Phuket! Life goes on. God Bless and be safe in India.

larry

Posted by joeMar 27, 2010 7:34 PM MST

thats awsome man you deserve the vacation .dont hurt yourself though .i dont wanna hear you got hurt jumping off a cliff or something i would cry lol

Thailand

Posted by BarbMar 27, 2010 8:24 PM MST

I love how you describe Thailand. It sounds breath taking! It's not a place I would have considered visiting, but now it seems like a must see wonder. Keep up the good work, helping kids and I can see why you start with "land of the smiles" Teakwood head to toe huh? Yep..making me yearn to visit. Thanks again for taking us along with you. Much respect and FFF!

Thailand

Posted by JennelleMar 28, 2010 8:24 AM MST

This must have been an amazing trip. The people and sites seem inviting and friendly. This gets me excited for my trip to Asia next year!

Thai Trip

Posted by Alan KouchhaMar 28, 2010 3:11 PM MST

Sounds like you had a blast man! Now your in India. Like I said before, you're traveling more in a few weeks then I will in my life lol. Anyway bro, keep it safe, and the next season is right around the corner my man, cant wait.

Posted by ShannonApr 1, 2010 12:59 PM MST

Thank you for sharing this part of your life with your fans. Those are some great pictures and the description of your visit had me feeling very blessed with such goodness of life.

Amazing

Posted by DanApr 8, 2010 12:39 AM MST

Man, what a life. At least you appreciate it. I've never even been out of the US. GO CARDS!

go cards

Posted by EvanApr 8, 2010 8:55 PM MST

i cant wait to see you play in the 2010 season CARDS WILL GO ALL THE WAY

Yea, Fitz!!!

Posted by DarlaApr 12, 2010 6:55 PM MST

Hey Fitz, love hearing about your travels. I was fortunate enough to live in China as a teen for a year & travel abroad. Can't get the real experience from a book. My daughter & I are huge fans, we'll see you in Charlotte for the 2010 season, CAN'T WAIT! WE'RE GONNA GET OUR TICKETS ASAP! lOVE YA, darla & danielle, xoxoo

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