So many people have asked me how it’s been living in Bangkok so far. But I’m a forgetful person, so every time my answer is a little different.
The shortest answer is, it’s been good.
Which is a cliché, I know, but it’s true.
It’s also been interesting, and challenging on the health front still. But the health thing would have been an issue back home too. Larry – the name that Mark my colleague has christened my cough with – comes and goes as he likes, but he goes away for longer periods now. And when he does come to stay he doesn’t stay for very long too. That, is largely due to really good doctors I’ve found here in Bangkok at Huachiew TCM Clinic. In fact, I’ve been such a regular that the nurses smile when they see me. The aunty in the cafe also knows what I want for my morning breakfast. And the lady at the market downstairs knows I will go to her for some veggies before I leave. It’s not the regular place I would frequent that I had in mind when I moved here, but it’s somehow comforting to have this routine.
The difference between KL and Bangkok isn’t huge.
Both are big cities with terrible traffic jams. The choices for public transportation aren’t always that fantastic, KL less so. But because Bangkok has grown haphazardly, it’s reflected in the layout of roads and structures. The drivers here are seriously skillful at navigating tight corners and just going along tight roads. I would never want to drive here. Give me KL any day.
The difference between my lifestyle in KL and Bangkok has been huge.
For a start, I no longer have to drive to work. That has been my biggest source of stress for the longest time. Is it going to rain? Is there going to be an accident on the road which is gonna get me caught in traffic for 1 hour? What time MUST I leave by? Being able to walk around 5 minutes door-to-door from where I live to where I work is like this…
I now cook, because while Bangkok has a lot of food options, low fat, non spicy meals are a bit hard to come by. If there are zhap fan (mixed rice) type stalls here, it’s usually overladen with grease, and pretty spicy. Larry don’t do spicy very well.
Communication is a challenge. I know it’s possible to get by with English, but I hate not knowing stuff. Like what’s it saying on the packaging or labels, or does that mean discount or is there some kind of promotion?!?! All this kiasu stuff. So I’ve been attending Thai lessons with a group of other newbies.
My new workplace is great. The community is great. The location is fantastic because it’s near to public transport and a mall.
Bangkok has 7-11’s and ATMs everywhere, so for me, although I’m living in a pricier area of town, I am paying for the convenience of getting around. Maybe if I knew the place or language better, I would move out further, but ….then it’s back to the issue of commuting. Plus my new church is also in the area and walking distance.
I do have a guest room, and in my 3 months and a bit I’ve hosted some of my fitfam, Yuvy pumpkin and most recently my mum, aunt and two of their friends as one whole group. And coming up in December, a low fat ketupat is coming to visit too. In between there’ve been just meetups with friends/family coming for weekend trips to Bangkok: Uncle Ed and family, Simon, Eilyn, Beren & Shen…. I don’t have to miss home that much.
Much to be thankful for I have.
Now if only Larry will go away and NEVER come back.
learn and live 