Imagine

In 2018, in an e-mail to a well-traveled friend, I wanted his opinion:

Try to imagine what you were thinking and feeling about your time in Bangkok in those early years living there.  Then imagine you had to move back to the USA at that point.  What would be ten things you would miss about Bangkok?  E-mail your list to me and I will send you a reply with mine, without reading yours first.

The response:

Women, the cool nights from Oct-Feb, walking the streets, sandwiches at Four Seasons, the Chao Phyra river, Chinatown, Khao San, Sanam Luang, Yannawa district, the river taxis, the coups, surviving in an alien evironment, The San Saeb canal taxi, Ramkamheng

My list:

*the carnival type atmosphere on the streets.  Something unique to see any moment.

*rooftop bars and amazing skyline views

*the food courts.  They have more options than restaurants in most countries.  and inexpensive.

*massages - the variety, and at the price you can get it.  what a great way to relax

*eye candy - gorgeous ladies everywhere

*magnificent temples and buddhas - other-worldly, coming from South Alabama

*the fact I don't have to drive - taxis, the bts, now the subway.  wow.

*the heat and humidity and how walking in it keeps me sweating, and thus ultimately in better shape

*the ease in which you can escape to a beach or island or fly to a another city or country.  Bangkok is a fabulous hub.

*the exotic fruits (durian, mangoes, papayas), and the food in general.