When I think about our favorite place, it should be somewhere nice, quiet, scenic, and memorable. For me the first place that comes to mind is a simple place in my home country.
The Dusit Zoo, which is the predecessor of the Zoological Park Organization under the patronage of the royal king of Thailand, was established in 1938 by the Municipality of Bangkok. Formerly Dusit Zoo was a part of the Royal Garden Palace of King Rama V with the local name of "Khao Din". The Prime Minister of Thailand during the era of King Rama VIII, asked for the land to set up the zoo for the public, which was granted by the king. Then the government established the zoo afterwards.
As I remember, my parents took me here when I was young because this was the only zoo in Bangkok at that time, and it was only a 10 minute walk from my home. However, as I had gotten older, I slowly stopped going to the zoo. Because this place was not suitable for teenager anymore, it was for families and little kids who would like to see wild animals.
Why did I return to this place? I returned during a day of major crisis in my life, when I felt very confused. While many other people choose to rely on their friends and consult their family during such times, I didn’t. I was afraid to let others in on the secret that I struggled with my emotions. I tried to be isolated; nevertheless I am not calm enough to do so. I just started walking aimlessly, wondered from place to place. For whatever reason, I ended up walking into the Dusit zoo.
The Dusit Zoo, which is the predecessor of the Zoological Park Organization under the patronage of the royal king of Thailand, was established in 1938 by the Municipality of Bangkok. Formerly Dusit Zoo was a part of the Royal Garden Palace of King Rama V with the local name of "Khao Din". The Prime Minister of Thailand during the era of King Rama VIII, asked for the land to set up the zoo for the public, which was granted by the king. Then the government established the zoo afterwards.
As I remember, my parents took me here when I was young because this was the only zoo in Bangkok at that time, and it was only a 10 minute walk from my home. However, as I had gotten older, I slowly stopped going to the zoo. Because this place was not suitable for teenager anymore, it was for families and little kids who would like to see wild animals.
Why did I return to this place? I returned during a day of major crisis in my life, when I felt very confused. While many other people choose to rely on their friends and consult their family during such times, I didn’t. I was afraid to let others in on the secret that I struggled with my emotions. I tried to be isolated; nevertheless I am not calm enough to do so. I just started walking aimlessly, wondered from place to place. For whatever reason, I ended up walking into the Dusit zoo.
I just laid down on a piece of lawn, and watched many parents playing and picnicking with their children. Since the Dusit zoo is a public zoo, admission fee is pretty cheap so that everybody can come, rich or poor. Then as I paddled a boat in the zoo’s lake besieged by a bunch of iguanas, I come to the realization that there was no class in this place, for everyone was enjoying themselves. I saw a Dad pointed at a monkey and tried to explain something to his daughter; I witnessed a group of kindergarten students listening to their teacher attentively. All kids there were excited to learn. Everything was new for them to explore, it was very refreshing to watch.
At that moment I had reached a moment of clarity. I realized that happiness was all around me in the zoo. It was a place that really demonstrated the love from all parents including mine. I was reminded of the things that I had taken for granted and encourage me to go on with my life. I always keep this place in my memory.
At that moment I had reached a moment of clarity. I realized that happiness was all around me in the zoo. It was a place that really demonstrated the love from all parents including mine. I was reminded of the things that I had taken for granted and encourage me to go on with my life. I always keep this place in my memory.
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