10 things

10 things that I'll miss (and not miss) about BKK

1. Thai food

It's gotta be Thai food in Thailand. Why? It's hard to go wrong where every Thai has an opinion of what constitutes to 'tasty food'. You find cheap and good food everywhere you turn, anytime of the day,. Not only is Thai food more expensive in other countries, it loses that authentic taste. Why? Maybe the ingredients are hard to come by, maybe the chef had to cater to the local taste, maybe not being in an environment with good tasting Thai food makes you lose your taste.

On the other hand, Thais love sweet and won't blink twice to add sugar into everything. I admit some does bring out the flavors, but the coffees, teas, and fruit juices are too sweet, I can't finish it all. Ok, Green Curry is supposed to be a little sweet, but it still should not taste like dessert!

2. Traffic jams

NOT miss, of course! It once took me almost an hour and 180thb to get to someplace, where previously took me only 15mins and less than 70thb. You can't disagree: being stuck in a jam helps build patience. The solution: Motosai (Thai for motorcycle taxis)!

Faced with a jam, these marvels weave in between stalled vehicles and gets you to your destination. Works best for short distance of about 2km. No doubt dangerous, but when was the last time you had wind in your hair, zipping past flayed tempers and so above it all... I once transported 1 backpack, 2 carton boxes, and 2 large shopping bags all on a motorcycle. Every second I was afraid some cars might bump into one of my items and I fall hopelessly flat on the ground. No accident till date, touchwood, that's because I raise my hands to perform a wai at every passing Brahman shrine.

3. Cheap drinks

Beer from the supermaket: SGD1/can, or at the bar: SGD4.50/small bottle of beer, are you jealous yet? On the flip side though, wines are very expensive here. Yes, maybe the beer was brewed locally and hence cheaper, or that wine is seen as a luxury good, and thus heavily taxed. I can't believe the prices they put on certain bottles! Fortunately though, I seeked out a few Chilean labels that provided me constant good company. Ah, on a non-alcoholic side, I just love SOONTRA and it's offering of healthy delicious beverages!

4. Service

A lot has been said about Thai hospitality and generosity so I will not say more here, but at most locations, you are really treated as a distinguished guest and it feels nice. You can't get a lot of that in SG, where the most you get is "if you don't want it, just leave it". Ok, maybe nowadays the pinoys have improved that somewhat. Foreign talent! Well, I did say "most locations". If your server is having a bad day, you can't imagine the sour face you get. But I'm more amused than offended really. The tones of voice and language takes off on a different direction, I learnt enough 'street' Thai to counter back if necessary!!

5. Weather

Hot BKK? Sure it's hot... but at least on regular days it's still not as humid as SG. I enjoy being able to walk 5 mins without being sticky all over. In April however, when temp can reach the lower 40ish degree C, it's not a good time to be out in Thailand. It's like standing behind an A/C blower all the time. Well, perfect excuse for an all-out water party, Songkran!!

6. Shopping

Did I mention you can get almost everything you want here? And cheaply! Beautiful handicrafts, exotic plants... Plus I can get real Spanish chorizo here! For some reason, Spanish meat imports are banned in SG (need to check on this), until recently they allowed import of jamon.

On the other hand, I'm not too happy about some of the things they put on sale. You've probably seen the cute puppies and kittens at the pets section in Chatuchak, but have you considered what goes on behind the scene? How are the pets treated? What do you think they do with grown up kittens and puppies that were not sold and now less saleable? Or sale of endangered animals. Press cards, ISIC cards, those are debatable... I don't think they harm anyone. Though nothing related to shopping per se, but it brings me to talk about the beggars on the streets. We ALL know that they are ALL part of a syndicate, but it still tugs at your heartstrings when you see disfigured women singing a lonesome country tune, or the leg-less man crawling on the dirty street, pushing a coin bowl along. Shopping for good karma? Drop a 10baht....

7. Thai architecture and traditional art

From the gentle sloping roofs of Northern Thailand to the steep slopes of Central Thailand of Thai temples, kalae, kinara, prang, chedi, garuda, there is no other city with it's unique architecture that we can quickly put a finger to and say 'Thai'! Not just only temple architecture, but also to turn-of-the-century 'Victorian' houses incorporating Thai elements, or even humble wooden houses that Thai somehow adds a little humour and character to it. Think Oasis spa Chiangmai, M.R Kukrit's house, or small wooden houses lining Amphawa floating market. Beside these, we can go into another chapter on traditional art and crafts,

intricate weaving of ethnic hilltribes clothing, to modern art of contemporary Thai artists. Art and beauty is in the heart of every Thai, who take just a little more time to make it a little more pretty and presentable. Look out for your hot towel and tea at the end of massage, or the sweet smelling jasmine garlands offered at shrines.

8. Air pollution

NOT like. Well, to be honest, after the first day of arriving in BKK, you get used to the soupy diesel fumes-filled atmosphere they call air here, you'll be ok. Always keep a tissue in hand. But I do feel my lungs a little more fatigued easily these days, yes yes I haven't done much cardio exercises these days either, but that's not the only thing. If SG can be perfect if it's not too hot, then BKK has another step to go to clear up its air. Personally, if I ever think about living longer term in Thailand, I would probably like to live in other cities besides BKK.

9. Grace

Grace you see from the traditional dancer's movements, in the small steady steps of your receptionist and her graceful wai. Grace in allowing cats and dogs to co-exists on the same soi with humans, Thais who do not believe in culling and ill-treatment of strays. Grace in accepting some realities in life, such as a patient face in a traffic jam. Grace in a language that when spoken softly and slowly, is almost like a lullaby.

10. Truly international

SG always prides itself as a world-class city, but the type of people you find in her is just so stale! Expats (western or Jpn), 'foreign talents', badly-dressed and badly-behaving Sgreans... doesn't quite cut it. In BKK, I observe a slice of plentiful types of people - obnoxious Russians, clueless backpackers, families on holidays, farang with their Thai lovers, rich, poor, fat, thin, bargain hunters right down to the last 5 baht, upper crust Thai society with fanciful titles, humble poorer Isaan workers, darker skin, lighter skin, smooth, hairy, tall short, square face, slender face, rough facial features, or smooth androgynous features....... they all make up what Thailand is. Sure they may not all be "high-value" people, but who needs an engineered human-scape?

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After all that's been said, Thailand will never be far from my heart. It's the second place where I travelled independently, and learnt a lot about society and human nature, it's where I was proud to discover another side of me, it's where I cried when leaving after 2 months internship in Banyan Tree abt 10yrs ago, it's where it still calls out to me, "Come back, na!"

"Khrap.... ja klap maa mai khrap". (Yes, I will come back again.)