It’s amazing how different two places within one country can be. Koh Lanta and Krabi, down on the narrow Kra Isthmus in the southern part of Thailand, are chill beach paradises. The pace of life is slow and leisurely, and many locals appear relaxed even at work. Life is simple in these areas.

Bangkok is a whole other animal. This city is dirty and smelly, but most of all, alive. People sell all kinds of street food throughout the metropolis. Buddhist temples cover the city, especially in the old town. Locals are still friendly, but they’re on a time crunch here. Ya gotta make money. But there’s a quiet charm to it all. Bangkok feels like an up-and-coming Hong Kong, but with more warmth. The surrounding skyscrapers in the distance allude to its continuing modernization and development—but you can still disappear into tiny alleys far removed from any tech.

Two completely different places in one country, an hour’s flight apart. If such distinctions can exist within such a “small” area, as part of one national identity, how different can the various parts of the world get? Incredibly so. Diversity is one of our species’ most beautiful traits. Let’s experience it and celebrate it. It’s a crazy world and I absolutely love exploring it.