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World-Traveler Introduces Library Patrons to the Wonders of Thailand

Bill Helmuth presented "Face and Places of Thailand" Wednesday at Darien's Indian Prairie Public Library.

At age 8, Bill Helmuth wrote The Treasure of the Inca Temple, an 80-page story that launched his interest in world travel and cultures.

It should be no surprise that his fascination led to a 20-year career with Time Life Books—one that offered an opportunity to live on four continents and visit more than 100 countries.

Helmuth shared his knowledge and experiences in Thailand Wednesday night courtesy of the He highlighted some facts and history and peppered his monologue with personal stories of people and culture.

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"It’s always the people behind the places that give a country its culture,” Helmuth said. The personal relationships he developed over the course of his business dealings enabled him to experience more than the average tourist.

Thailand, located in Southeast Asia, was known as Siam before 1950.

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It’s largely Buddhist and is home to more than 33,000 Buddhist Temples, although all major religions are represented. Bangkok, Thailand is home to one of the most famous of shrines called Wat Phra Kaeo, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The dome-shaped architecture is called a stupa; it is representative of Buddha’s body, mind and speech.

Helmuth noted the diversity of the landscape—jungles, villages, marketplaces, cities, skyscrapers and these Buddhist Temples—and relayed the satisfaction of exploring each. 

In his experiences with Thai people, Helmuth found them to be warm, kind and mostly welcoming.

Helmuth also contrasted the excitement of metropolitan cities like Bangkok and the exhilaration of seeing elephants in the wild.

Snakes are prevalent in Thailand and among the beautiful produce, meat and merchandise being sold outdoors by street vendors are snake markets. Drinking snake blood is a cultural practice there—although it might not appeal to many tourists.

Another acquired local taste might be that of the King of Fruitsthe Durian fruit. It has a sweet, creamy taste, but it has a strong odor that is repugnant to those unaccustomed to it.

Helmuth found a more pleasant smelling experience in the flower market, where tropical species, including orchids, lotus and hibiscus, create “a symphony of color delights" in his words.

Helmuth ended his program by telling the audience of his favorite starting point for each new adventure: the library, where he researches his destination.

Coincidentally, the library was also Audrey and Harry Lesner’s first stop to learn about Thailand. They gleaned information from Helmuth so that they could begin planning a two-week trip to Thailand for the summer.

Married for five years, the Lesner's goal is to visit each continent before they start a family. They have already traveled to Africa, Australia and Europe.

Holly Laspina attended the program out of personal interest.

“My son lives in China, and he and some friends will be visiting Thailand for two weeks,” Laspina said. “I wanted to get a first hand account of where he’ll be going.”

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