Khaeng Khoi

I was born in Khaeng Khoi, Saraburi, about 1.5 hours northeast of Bangkok. Known for its railways and train engineering, my early memories revolve around my cousins and family there, particularly my cousin Wow. She often jokes that her life was over when I was born because, being seven years older, she was tasked with babysitting me instead of playing with her friends. Even after 45 years, she still playfully holds onto that grudge.

When I returned to Khaeng Khoi, I was struck by its rural nature, with some old stilt houses still standing and passed down through generations. Although my family had replaced the stilt house where I was born with a newer, larger home on the same property, the remnants of the old foundation were still visible. Ya-Ya even showed me the spot where my afterbirth was buried, a tradition believed to keep a child close to home. Guess I was rule breaker early on and it didn't work for me, since I left Thailand at five years of age. It was nice to see the town where I could've easily grown up at, and while humbling, I'm eternally grateful for the upbringing I had in the States. I definitely would not have had the same opportunities growing up as an Air Force brat as I would have if I stayed behind in Khaeng Khoi.

Transportation

Getting around in Thailand has been efficient and easy. Once we landed in Bangkok, I was guided on how to use a Kiosk que to assign us for a waiting taxi to take us to our Condo. It was shortly after we got into our taxi that I was introduce to the chaos that is Bangkok traffic. Drivers here make their own lane and execute turns as close as 2 inches of separation between another vehicle and/or scooter. I've become a knuckle driver passenger witnessing the fast and furious techniques that drivers around here manage as the standard norm. I did observe during my time here so far, that the drivers actually slow down to for one another and have not seen an accident, so obviously this system as chaotic as it seems, works. I'd also like to express that I will never ever complain about traffic in the States again.

Sawadee Ka Bangkok!

It's been a few days in Bangkok and one word I keep saying to myself is "overwhelming". It's full-on sensory overload but in a good way. Once we landed and made our way to customs, Ya-Ya turned around and said to me, "Welcome home baby". Immediately became teary eyed but held it together as we proceeded through customs. I will point out that entering through customs was the most expediated, organized and efficient process coming into any country that I've traveled to. Also, queuing a taxi at the airport was amazingly easy and quick through a kiosk line that assigns you a driver.

The condo I booked at Sky Villas (adjacent to the Ascott) in the Business District, is amazing and very happy that I booked a 2 bedroom/2 bath for the time that we're here. Lots of activity and just walking distance to Top Market where we do our grocery shopping and grab most meals at the food court. This is located at the Empire Tower The Empire | Asset World Corporation.

Heading to Kaeng Khoi (Northeast of Bangkok), district of Saraburi. Will see my family whom I haven't seen in 45 years and like most things I like to do, I will be eating very well. I will have section dedicated to all the food experiences later next week. Meantime, enjoy the initial pictures of the last few days touring Wat Pho, Wat Arun and Wat Traimit in Chinatown.