A Visit to Mr. Viktor Melamed
(Part 2)
The Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Thailand in Bulgaria, Viktor Melamed, continues his fascinating story about his travels, favorite places around the world, Thai culture, and the magic of Africa. In the second part of the interview, we talk about unusual souvenirs, Thai cuisine, the best time to visit Thailand, and destinations that are still waiting to be discovered.
Conversation about travels, Thailand, and Africa
I'll stop at the most interesting place because the sequel follows.
Expect a conversation with Viktor, who closed the distance and emotionally immersed us in exciting adventures.
13. What is your weirdest souvenir and where is it from?
Victor Melamed: „My strangest souvenir is a Peruvian mate drinking vessel that depicts childbirth. An incredible piece of ancient Inca culture.“
14. Thais love very spicy food. Are you used to it?
Victor Melamed: „Actually, I fell in love with Thai food precisely because it's spicy, completely natural, and exceptionally healthy. As for the spiciness, I impress the Thais because I eat even spicier food than they do. In Bulgaria, spicy food is revered, which is why Thais also like spicy fried beans, for example.“
15. What is the question about Thailand that you've never been asked, but would really like to hear?
Victor Melamed: „Wonderful question! Hahaha, well now... You know, no one has ever asked me why Thailand doesn't have an astronaut yet. Yes, I haven't been asked that question. And its answer is worth knowing. Thailand has so many things, such a developed country, and yet no astronaut. If I have to improvise, I would answer that they themselves are so firmly grounded that they would find it difficult to overcome gravity.“
16. What is the most suitable season for Visiting Thailand?
Victor Melamed: „Well, everyone knows that. The months most preferred by tourists for a vacation in Thailand are from November to March. This is the high tourist season in Thailand – warm, dry weather, and pleasant seawater temperatures. But if you ask me personally, I would say that Thailand is welcoming every month of the year. As long as you have the desire to visit, don't hesitate and don't be a slave to stereotypes.“
Is it better to organize your trip yourself or to use a travel agency?
Victor Melamed: „Both options are good. Young people arrange their own trips and thus have freedom and choice. The older generation, as well as a considerable portion of families, still rely on travel agencies, which for the most part offer truly good quality and price deals. If you are still concerned about the long route, the unknown land, or want to be taken care of, do not hesitate and trust tour operators.“
18. What is your favorite resort in Thailand?
Victor Melamed: „Koh Lanta Island. I won't say anything more about it, for fear of spoiling the idyll of this place.“
What other destination excites you greatly?
Victor Melamed: „Africa. And more specifically, Southwest Africa and all the countries in the region. This part of the world has a different type of magic, but no less impactful than that of Asia. From there, the world still seems pristine and uncorrupted. This, of course, is an illusion, but a pleasant one.“
Which country will you visit at the first opportunity?
Victor Melamed: „Thailand. As soon as the travel embargo is lifted, including for honorary consuls.“
21. What is your unfulfilled travel destination?
Victor Melamed: „Australia and New Zealand. Get ready, you won't get away with it.“
Gratitude to Viktor Melamed
A heartfelt thank you to Viktor Melamed for being my guest. I wish him robust health, new adventures, and many more inspiring journeys. I eagerly await his next book and the new stories he will share with readers.
Thank you for kindly providing the photos from Mr. Viktor Melamed's personal archive, which reveal beautiful, exotic, and inspiring corners of the world to us.
See more Author Viktor Melamed here
