Chapter 1: Nostalgic Beginnings

This narrative continues from my previous blog entry, detailing my recent experiences in Thailand and my return to Bangkok after many years.

After a wonderful visit with family in Dhaka, we set off for Thailand, flying from Dhaka to Bangkok. Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport felt strangely familiar, as I had traveled through there numerous times during my decade-long stay in Bangkok. It was a reminder of how much time had passed since I last lived there, specifically since my departure in 2011. Although I had returned to Thailand a few times, I hadn’t spent significant time in Bangkok, a city I cherished as my second home. This trip was unique, as I had the chance to reconnect with both old and new friends.

Once we exited the airport and I began conversing with taxi drivers in Thai, a wave of happiness washed over me. Opportunities to practice my Thai had been scarce since I left, and I often worried I would forget the language. Speaking it again was a delightful experience.

As we journeyed from the airport to our hotel, I noticed some familiar sights, which evoked a comforting sensation of being back in this vibrant city.

Chapter 2: Revisiting Cherished Memories

During the initial days in Bangkok, I revisited places that held special memories from my student days. These locations were both nostalgic and enjoyable, reminding me of late nights spent with friends while enjoying local Thai drinks or indulging in the unique experience of "beer with ice"—a local custom worth exploring!

After a couple of days, my wonderful travel companion, my wife, departed for a yoga and meditation retreat in Koh Phangan. This left me with four days in Bangkok to reconnect with friends and soak in the city's atmosphere. It was a truly special time, offering me a new perspective on a city that had both changed and remained the same. While the locations had not altered, my experiences were different due to the absence of friends who had once shared those memories with me.

The key takeaway from my return to Bangkok was the recognition of how much I cherished my college years there. I learned to appreciate those fond memories while also letting go of the past. I began to embrace a new version of Bangkok—one that had much more to offer than I had previously realized.

Chapter 3: Embracing Local Culture

Some things, however, remained unchanged. My favorite pastime in Bangkok was to find a busy locale, order delectable Thai cuisine at a local eatery, and simply observe the world around me. I relished these moments in between meetings with friends. I also enjoyed riding motorbike taxis, navigating the skytrain (BTS), the underground train (MRT), and experiencing the vibrant colors of the city’s taxis and tuk-tuks.

I had the incredible chance to reconnect with friends—some from my time there and others I had met over the years. Discussing life in Thailand and Bangkok proved to be immensely enjoyable. A week is hardly enough to grasp everything Bangkok has to offer, so hearing locals share their stories and reflecting on my past experiences was fascinating. Perhaps I romanticize my feelings due to my deep affection for the city, but for someone like me, who has lived in six different cities across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America, this experience was incredibly fulfilling.

As my time in Bangkok drew to a close and I prepared to join my wife in Koh Phangan, I dedicated my final day to appreciating the city with immense gratitude. A sense of closure enveloped me as I let go of the version of Bangkok I had known over a decade ago—one characterized by hustle and the pursuit of a career in hospitality. This marked the end of an era, filled with joy and thankfulness.

Chapter 4: A Fond Farewell

Bangkok and Thailand will always hold a special place in my heart. However, my appreciation has evolved to recognize what the city represented in my past and the time I spent there from 2008 to 2011. It's a bittersweet farewell, but I look forward to future adventures. Goodbye, Bangkok. Until we meet again.