Living in Bangkok, Thailand | One Year and Counting
So, it has been exactly one year since the big move to Bangkok. Coming from Kuala Lumpur and having traveled to pretty much every city in South East Asia, you would think that this African/Motswana/chocolate/black (whatever you want to call her) girl has this side of the world figured out. But nope it has been one hell of a ride and I still get those random 'but is that normal here?' moments.
Here are 10 questions and answers that don't even come close to portraying the joyous intensity of the journey, and I sure hope you enjoy!
1. Why did you move to Bangkok?
First, let me satisfy your curiosity and answer that 'but why Bangkok?' question you are probably asking yourself. I will keep it short, I promise!
So, as any other normal fresh grad, I jumped at the chance of working in start ups - I mean who wouldn't? The thought of seeing companies start from scratch and you being a part of building and creating this next awesome thing, the ambitious souls you meet who turn into great friends - it is all too surreal to turn down!
Nobody warns you to pace yourself though, so in between the long hours, the crazy parties, you wake up one day unable to recognize that person starring back at you on the mirror and then you know: something must change... and that is how Bangkok came into the picture.
So in a nutshell, Kuala Lumpur was a place I stepped out of my comfort zone, got to know myself a bit better, lost myself and grew beyond measure. The caterpillar turned into a butterfly and the butterfly had to spread its wings to a new 'home'!
2. What was your first thought when you stepped out of the airport?
Well, it started in the taxi. I obviously had no freaking clue where I was going, just my friend's address and phone number. So yes, I showed the lady driver my address she nodded her head and started helping me load my luggage. Seemed we were off to a great start.
It was a pretty long drive and I was a bit unsure of what to think just by looking at the streets. While debating whether I was already 'homesick' for KL or not, my lady driver friend asked me something in a foreign language that sounded heavenly haha. I guess she was lost (no, we were lost) and she spoke no English - let's just say it was quite a trip.
By some miracle we found the condo I was staying at and since it was late afternoon, I was ready to explore the city. That did not pan out so well, first night and I was on the verge of tears yearning to be anywhere else in the world.
Luckily, I had (I still have) friends who calmed me down and told me to give the city a chance to grow on me. Two weeks tops they said. Ok, I can try to do that; if it doesn't work out, I'm out!
Again, by some miracle, after two days, I started falling in love with the odd tranquility that lingers in the air that I still can't put my finger on. The people where out of this world friendly (despite the language barrier), and she had me right then right there; yup, this was my Bangkok too.
3. Do you speak Thai?
Well, no. I am ashamed to admit this though so here comes an excuse: I did try to learn but I guess I just need more time. It is a beautiful language that really sounds like a sweet song and I can't even croak to save my life, so, yes, more time.
4. What do you think about the Thai culture?
Tricky one! There are some things I understand, some things I am yet to understand and some things that I have given up all hope in ever understanding. I suppose this happens everywhere you go unless you are home, yes?
5. Let's talk about Thai food...
I absolutely love the sweet and spicy twist. Food here has got personality - I am still training myself to handle the super spicy stuff though... you watch!
If we are picking favourites, I would have to say papaya salad does it for me - Som Tum (Mai Phet of course).
6. Your frustrations so far?
I would have to say the language barrier - I wish I could just take a huge bite of the Thai language, digest it and wake up fluent haha
On a superficial level though, there are two things that drive me up the wall!
a. Make up
I am convinced this is the land of snow whites and rosy pink princesses. Like really, what is the deal with make up - finding something for my tone is like finding a needle in a haystack sheez! I am brown, I love my brown, I want to make my brown beautiful - can you help a girl out and stock up on those deep foundations and powders?
b. Hair
You know what? Let's not even go there, I may start getting way too emotional!
c. Traffic
I will never own a car, a motor bike or a bicycle while I am here!It is C R A Z Y
7. What do you love most about Thailand?
The people - God I love the people. I think this is truly the city of angels - the person I have become here is somebody I am proud of and that I believe is because of that serenity that's in the air along with a smiling face at every corner. There may be chaos but because of that thing in the air, it is still so still.
8. Do you see yourself living in Bangkok after 5 years?
mmhh I don't plan that far ahead haha
9. What do you do for fun?
I think that the best thing about Thailand is that despite the esteemed nightlife, there are still a lot of activities to do during the day as well.
I travel to the beaches and islands.
I shop (walking closet here I tell you) from Rod Fai market to Emporium, this girl shops alright.
I eat - I love discovering new places to stuff my face!
I dance - clubs galore here and I live right next to the hub of hubs haha
Museums and art - it is all here!
10. Has it been a year well spent?
HELL YES! And I would do it again.
Got your own experiences to share? Let's hear it! :)
Here are 10 questions and answers that don't even come close to portraying the joyous intensity of the journey, and I sure hope you enjoy!
1. Why did you move to Bangkok?
First, let me satisfy your curiosity and answer that 'but why Bangkok?' question you are probably asking yourself. I will keep it short, I promise!
So, as any other normal fresh grad, I jumped at the chance of working in start ups - I mean who wouldn't? The thought of seeing companies start from scratch and you being a part of building and creating this next awesome thing, the ambitious souls you meet who turn into great friends - it is all too surreal to turn down!
Nobody warns you to pace yourself though, so in between the long hours, the crazy parties, you wake up one day unable to recognize that person starring back at you on the mirror and then you know: something must change... and that is how Bangkok came into the picture.
So in a nutshell, Kuala Lumpur was a place I stepped out of my comfort zone, got to know myself a bit better, lost myself and grew beyond measure. The caterpillar turned into a butterfly and the butterfly had to spread its wings to a new 'home'!
2. What was your first thought when you stepped out of the airport?
Well, it started in the taxi. I obviously had no freaking clue where I was going, just my friend's address and phone number. So yes, I showed the lady driver my address she nodded her head and started helping me load my luggage. Seemed we were off to a great start.
It was a pretty long drive and I was a bit unsure of what to think just by looking at the streets. While debating whether I was already 'homesick' for KL or not, my lady driver friend asked me something in a foreign language that sounded heavenly haha. I guess she was lost (no, we were lost) and she spoke no English - let's just say it was quite a trip.
By some miracle we found the condo I was staying at and since it was late afternoon, I was ready to explore the city. That did not pan out so well, first night and I was on the verge of tears yearning to be anywhere else in the world.
Luckily, I had (I still have) friends who calmed me down and told me to give the city a chance to grow on me. Two weeks tops they said. Ok, I can try to do that; if it doesn't work out, I'm out!
Again, by some miracle, after two days, I started falling in love with the odd tranquility that lingers in the air that I still can't put my finger on. The people where out of this world friendly (despite the language barrier), and she had me right then right there; yup, this was my Bangkok too.
3. Do you speak Thai?
Well, no. I am ashamed to admit this though so here comes an excuse: I did try to learn but I guess I just need more time. It is a beautiful language that really sounds like a sweet song and I can't even croak to save my life, so, yes, more time.
4. What do you think about the Thai culture?
Tricky one! There are some things I understand, some things I am yet to understand and some things that I have given up all hope in ever understanding. I suppose this happens everywhere you go unless you are home, yes?
5. Let's talk about Thai food...
I absolutely love the sweet and spicy twist. Food here has got personality - I am still training myself to handle the super spicy stuff though... you watch!
If we are picking favourites, I would have to say papaya salad does it for me - Som Tum (Mai Phet of course).
6. Your frustrations so far?
I would have to say the language barrier - I wish I could just take a huge bite of the Thai language, digest it and wake up fluent haha
On a superficial level though, there are two things that drive me up the wall!
a. Make up
I am convinced this is the land of snow whites and rosy pink princesses. Like really, what is the deal with make up - finding something for my tone is like finding a needle in a haystack sheez! I am brown, I love my brown, I want to make my brown beautiful - can you help a girl out and stock up on those deep foundations and powders?
b. Hair
You know what? Let's not even go there, I may start getting way too emotional!
c. Traffic
I will never own a car, a motor bike or a bicycle while I am here!It is C R A Z Y
7. What do you love most about Thailand?
The people - God I love the people. I think this is truly the city of angels - the person I have become here is somebody I am proud of and that I believe is because of that serenity that's in the air along with a smiling face at every corner. There may be chaos but because of that thing in the air, it is still so still.
8. Do you see yourself living in Bangkok after 5 years?
mmhh I don't plan that far ahead haha
9. What do you do for fun?
I think that the best thing about Thailand is that despite the esteemed nightlife, there are still a lot of activities to do during the day as well.
I travel to the beaches and islands.
I shop (walking closet here I tell you) from Rod Fai market to Emporium, this girl shops alright.
I eat - I love discovering new places to stuff my face!
I dance - clubs galore here and I live right next to the hub of hubs haha
Museums and art - it is all here!
10. Has it been a year well spent?
HELL YES! And I would do it again.
Got your own experiences to share? Let's hear it! :)
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