BKK

Bangkok was my home for five years. When there was no where else to go, I’d get on a last minute flight to Suvarṇabhumi and then spend my off-time – long-weekends, typically – de-stressing in my apartment. While work was stressful at times, living on the road eventually caused persistent stress. Sure, it was fun at first, but, like with many consultants, hotel-life gets old.

Choosing Thailand was an easy decision. It had a looser visa policy than other countries in the region. It was – and still is – one of the more developed third-world countries, which has many benefits in itself, such as banking procedures and internet connectivity. Its central location put many other cities within a four-hour flight. And it, specifically, Bangkok, had a vibrant nightlife. Airfare was usually quite reasonable in Southeast Aisa. Getting a last-minute one-way ticket to Bangkok was typically around $100 USD on AirAsia.

Flying home wasn’t an option. My heart wasn’t there. My employer would have footed the bill for my round-trip tickets once or twice per month but being stateside wasn’t worthwhile. Those extra three days per trip were meaningful. I don’t think I would be who I am today without breaking away.

It was easy to find me in Bangkok. On most nights, I’d go to the same dimly lit spot on the second floor of a bar on one of the popular sois and relax to an endless stream of hip-hop music with a bottle of Singha in hand. My spot was near perfect for me. It was at the middle of a long wall, which was as far away from the bar as it was from the bathroom. It came with a raised table that let me lean on the wall and rest my arm with a full stage view. Not many patrons frequented the second floor either.

I took my time there for granted towards the end. If I had known how fleeting it would be, I would have been at my spot rather than spending half of my time at home in theory. Well, maybe not. Change was forthcoming. I was making plans to move on. That’s how I was. None of that matters though. I would not spend my money on a trip back to Bangkok without you guys. It’s not worth it.