As much as I crave Thailand’s beaches and anticipate the overwhelming presence of Bangkok, what I miss most are the quiet neighborhoods of the north. Northern Thailand, with its distinct culture and dialect, is where I grew up. Riding my bike to the corner store for a 5 baht bag of ice and rushing home before it melted. Watching the rice grow green and tall, then flying kites on the dry paddies after the harvest. Swimming in the river in the heat of the day and bringing stones back home for painting. It’s hard to explain why this way of life still means so much to me. It’s easier to talk about elephants and beaches. But these neighborhoods will always feel like home.
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