Peoplescape: Bangkok

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

PEOPLESCAPE
I didn't do much of the touristy offerings of Bangkok, in fact, stayed mostly inside Adventure Hostel, but the experience is just as enriching given the people I had the good fortune to reconnect and connect with.

strangers are friends you haven't met yet

Mike Chong
Mike, a Singaporean client-turned-friend based in Chiang Mai, who learned I was in Bangkok, messaged me to join him in Chiang Mai where I could stay again in his luxurious Nawa Saraan Hotel for 2 weeks! If that wasn't good enough, he offered to buy my remaining Bitcoin Cash to ensure I have transport money for Chiang Mai. Whoa! You gotta love the guy. He has just become my client-turned-friend-turned-white knight. Although I didn't meet him here in Bangkok, he was instrumental in shaping my Bangkok experience.

Eunice
We did yoga in Indonesia, explored the cafe scene in Singapore, took me to her hometown in Malaysia and now, we reconnect in Thailand - karmic entanglement through space and time. Somehow, Eunice has been looking after me here - inviting me for dinners, introducing me to friends, giving me a metro card, etc. This is something I dearly appreciate about her. Through the years, our friendship has deepened. Having given up the corporate life to pursue her bliss, she's now steeped in Buddhist tenets of love and compassion. Always true to herself, she walks the narrow path. I am greatful to meet such a life and be part of her karmic path.

I somehow feel that Mike, Eunice and me are karmically entangled somehow - yes, the 3 of us are friends although we haven't been together yet as we met each other separately.

Chai
Chai and I go a long way, back to my UP days as a mountaineer. We don't hang out much, but we stay connected through the years. I thought I've seen the last of her when I left Manila, but then we reconnected in Cebu where we immersed ourselves in our yoga practice. Here in Bangkok, I was just surprised when she messaged me that she's based here already. We had dinner to catch up on how our lives have taken shape since the last meetup. I'm sure we'll reconnect at some point again. Like some people in my life, Chai seems to be a recurring constant - in a beautiful way.

Zelong
Since my last visit to Bangkok where Zelong went the extra mile to help me find lodging in the dead of midnight, I have always regarded her as my Good Samaritan at Adventure Hostel. She's one of the reasons why I feel at home at the hostel. I'm glad she stayed with the coming of the new owners. She's always helpful and always professional. I wish her luck in her new venture to Phuket. Will miss you here at Adventure Hostel, Zelong!

Marrisa
Marrisa was also a long-term hostel guest but we didn't really talk until later. As an American, she was the only guest I could have a comfortable conversation with in English at the hostel as most guests were Thai. We'd catch each other in the kitchen and have passing conversation. We bumped into each other in the street and walked along Chatuchak Market for good eats and chat. It was good having her as a buddy in the hostel.

Kansuda Kunlachat
Kansuda is a local I met in previous visit. We would keep in touch every once in a while but we find time to connect whenever I visit Bangkok. This visit is no exception. We bought street food and had it on my hostel roof deck where she updated me on her social work - a noble service to humanity. It was a fitting last-hurrah before catching my train for Chiang Mai.

Ending Thoughts
I am blessed for the wonderful people I keep and the wonderful people I meet. Sometimes, I wonder what good thing I must have done in a previous life to deserve them.

--- TheLoneRider
YOGA by Gigit | Learn English | Travel like a Nomad | Donation Bank

Next stop: 15 Days in Bangkok

Bangkok Map

Bangkok, Thailand

HOTEL

Adventure Hostel Bangkok - N7 BTS train stop, dorm rooms, great for solo travelers, laundry, roof deck, entertainment center, kitchen, all-day tea-coffee, fridge, clean
1541 Phahonyothin Rd. Payathai

RESTAURANT

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - N7 BTS train stop, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, clean & hygienic, fresh green leafy vegetables
195 Soi Pradipat 19, Pradipat Road, Phayathai

SPA / WELLNESS

Bangkok Float Center - experience a surreal sensory immersion as you effortlessly float on 10 inches of water, 5-stars from 524 Tripadvisor reviews
99/6-9 SHOW DC Retail and Entertainment Mega Complex (4th Floor)

 GYM| YOGA

Now's Fitness Bangkok - gym equipment, yoga, Muay Thai, boxing, fitness trainer, cafe, healthy food
726 Soi On Nut 14 Rd, Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250

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