Yilan to Thailand

Sitting in a perfect Bangkok hotel I realise I am awaiting a fresh start in Taiwan. I will go back to a new job, a new town, new people and food. I am curious about what lies ahead and disappointed to leave Thailand so soon. I will be exploring Bangkok for the next few days, soaking every new sensation in. Just listing some of the food available here should demonstrate my point. Appetizers such as layered spinach, parmesan and cashew baked into a heavenly gooey tower or lobster, calamari and shrimp salad if you want something a little lighter. Red, green or yellow curries are served with seafood, tofu and chicken, fresh fruit smoothies, yummy Thai beer, lemon crepes with brown sugar, oh my! For breakfast, I run down from my wicker room and eat fresh fruit with yogurt and homemade granola. .. I could go on on, and perhaps I will in another blog. All of this delicious food is served at the Shanti Lodge, a piece of heaven recommended by another foreigner. The rooms are cheap, the food divine and the atmosphere is so calm and relaxing it is hard for me to leave the open air restaurant with its beautiful wooden furniture and orchid strewn walls. But the rest of Bangkok is interesting too. I went to a muay thai fight last night. It was fun and exciting but a little disturbing when one of the younger fighters got knocked out and left on a bamboo stretcher.

Generally speaking this city seems to be less intense about work and creating a structured society when compared to Taiwan. It is a relief to leave the monoculture for awhile. I know many people don't like Thailand because it is filled with expats from every curve of this earth but I am enjoying every face that walks by. Asian, Arab, North American, European, African, a little slice of everyone is here. It is great to speak English instead of Chinglish or a strange game of essential charades.

Nearly four months in Asia and I feel like I am just beginning to understand parts of it. It was a hard decision for me to leave my job, but I am delighted I did. I didn't come half way around the world to be mistreated or work for an employer where the contract fluidly changes in only their favour. The school I worked for was in sharp contrast to the hospitality and curiosity of most Taiwanese people. Anyway, I have spent too much time and energy on that school. Now I will enjoy my solo journey in Bangkok, every English sentence exchanged and every bite of simple delicious delicacies.