Monday, September 22, 2008

On leaving Bangkok.

Last week, after a year of residency, Bordeaux and I packed up our belongings and handed in the keys at our Bangkok apartment. It was a change we'd been preparing for over the past few months, but it wasn't necessarily an easy one.

Over our last week in the city, we revisited a few favorite spots. We had dimsum at Vanilla Garden, shopped for t-shirts at Chatuchak, and sipped chaa yen at the Erawan Tea Room (pictured above). It served as a reminder that we had it pretty sweet in Bangkok. The food in Bangkok is unquestionably among the best in the world; the shopping is amazing; and the city has such a personality and a distinctive sense style.

Perhaps saddest of all was leaving our apartment behind. We'd found a great little space that suited our needs perfectly, was close to the BTS and a friendly local wet market. It wasn't perfect in every way- the kitchen was practically nonexistent, and the karaoke across the street was a pain- but it was our first home together, and we were both very comfortable there. We've packed up our favorite things (the lamp above, included) and shipped them on- so hopefully they can serve us where-ever we next call home.

For the next few months we'll be traveling nonstop- and while I'm excited about seeing new places and searching out new foods and styles, I am rather sad about what I'm leaving behind. Though there were certain things I didn't like about Bangkok- the pollution, namely- I didn't leave the city glad to be rid of it. The past year has been incredible, and I only hope I can take some of what I've learned and experienced with me.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

happy travels, Xander! i'm sure you'll find many more incredible places. :) can't wait to see your photos and hear about your experiences! xo

dee said...

You have shared so much with us...I can't imagine how hard that must be to leave. Bittersweet probably. I loved Thailand and can't wait to go back. Can't wait to see more photos:)

Ange said...

Good luck and happy traveling! Can't wait to see where you end up next... and all those photos - keep 'em coming!

Prêt à Voyager said...

wow. so hard to believe! i'm so thankful i made it to bangkok while you guys were still there :) i anxiously await your new journeys and adventures (and am quite jealous too)!

best of luck!
anne

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your future travels! I'm so glad I've been able to explore Thailand through your blog ... and also get to eat dinner at the Vanilla Garden with you!

Yoli said...

Xander thank you for giving of yourself so generously through this blog. I have come to yearn for Bangkok through your postings. I am also sad to see you leave this place. I have grown attached to it through your eyes and words.

I wish you happy travels and new excitements to you and your partner.

Anonymous said...

Happy travels, X. Can't wait to see where you land. Love to you and B.

coolwaterworks said...

Good luck on your travels Xander...
Thanks for giving our eyes a feast of Bangkok... :)

kristine said...

where you going? Tell us, tell us!! Come to central america! :)

Anonymous said...

Bangkok I'm yours.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it so hard to leave your first apartment??? And such a lovely city that we will actually be flying into in 5 hours! I wish you the best, and how was the book on your side table? I can't remember the title, but I keep picking it up at every book shop!