Nostalgia and Resilience: My Five Years in Bangkok
Born away from my motherland for 44 years and now I return to Thailand. Why not? It's like a migratory bird that wants to fly back home to visit the old hometown before it takes its final journey. It feels great to be back.
Returning to Love and Nostalgia
As I embrace aging and find joy in it, saying 'All old men were once a youth, but not all youth will live to be old men', it's a bittersweet reality. Many die young, and so I plan my return to find solace and memories in the place I call home.
Initial Months in Bangkok
The first few months in Bangkok in 2018 were like a honeymoon. Meeting up with old university mates and exploring parts of the city brought back the love for the city and its culture. There's a nostalgic feeling when I remember the simple pleasures like the 20 Baht coconut ice cream in Chatuchak market and a bowl of noodles for 40 Baht. This period was filled with joy and the humble pricing made everything affordable.
Challenges and Realities
Soon, the honeymoon period ended. The reality of living in Bangkok, including experiencing floods, is marked by frustration and disappointment. The city's upgrading efforts were marked with inefficiency, as seen in the endless sidewalk construction delays. Even the authorities, like a cop on his motorcycle, causing more disorder than order by honking on the sidewalk, added to the displeasure.
Trial and Tribulation
In my 11th month in Bangkok, life took a turn for the worse. While I was living in Sukhumvit Soi 38, a hub for comfortably living without street vendors or the chaos of open sidewalk spaces, I faced my first encounter with a crime. A pickpocketing incident on Silom Road left me with a 3,000 Baht loss, but the incident at the local police tent was even more disappointing. The response to my report was not the one I expected. The officer's words, 'Sir, you are the fifth today, do you really want to make a report? The foreign gang is harder to catch,' summed up the challenges of navigating the city's bureaucracy and justice system.
The Accident and Recovery
Exactly a year and a tenth of my time in Bangkok, a life-altering event occurred. I was hit by a drunk motorcyclist, leading to an ambulance ride to the hospital and a long recovery period. The operation saved my left leg, but six months of recovery followed, including three months on a wheelchair and three months of limping.
Resilience and Appreciation
Life in Bangkok is filled with both love and challenges. It takes resilience and a willingness to appreciate the small things, like the simple food or the slow journey of sidewalk construction. This journey is a reminder of the city's resilience and its people's perseverance. Whether navigating through traffic or law enforcement, Bangkok is a city that leaves an indelible mark on those who call it home.
Welcome Back to Bangkok
Five years have passed since I returned. It's not for the busybodies or those who don't mind their own business. Living in Bangkok means being a part of a community that has seen the worst of governance and policing. But for those who can appreciate it for what it is, Bangkok is a city that is truly awesome. Welcome back to Bangkok, to a city that may hurt you but leaves a part of you in return.