Based on the 2 months I've lived in Bangkok, here's a list of some of the things I love about this city:
1. The Skytrain. It's new, it's clean, it's air-conditioned, it's fast, and it gets me to most places.
2. Cheap and delicious street food. Anytime. Anywhere.
3. Cheap taxi rides. Taxi meters start at a dollar here, and the numbers take awhile to go up, so I can easily go 10 miles for about $6.
4. My apartment! I share a 1-bedroom w/ my boyfriend w/c is more than enough space for the both of us. It came fully furnished, and we have a maid that comes and cleans, does our laundry, washes the dishes, and has given us little gifts here and there (nightstands, my dresser, pillows, fresh sheets, a mug for our toothbrushes, etc.) - and she's uber nice! Although, we can't understand a single word of what the other person is saying.. except maybe "ok". Our place is also in a perfect location. It's 5 minutes north of Lumpini Park and 5 - 10 minutes south of the string of malls in central Bangkok. There's also a grocery store a block from us. Living here is so comfortable and so incredibly convenient.
5. Lumpini Park. It's big and really quite beautiful in its own way. It offers a nice break from the urban environment and gives people a bit of nature for unwinding. My favorite part about it is the aerobics classes scattered all over the park. It's random and wonderful.
6. Kinokuniya Bookstore. This is my safe haven outside my apartment. It has the biggest selection of English books out of all the bookstores I've been to in Bangkok. It's no Borders or Barnes & Noble (I miss them dearly!), but, for now, it has quenched my thirst for books in a foreign country.
7. Siam Square. I have found my fashion haven. The clothes here are incredibly cheap but also happen to be very fashionable at the same time. A combo that is hard to come by, especially in Chicago.. unless you want your wardrobe to be 90% Forever 21.
8. The movie theatres. Going to the movies here feels like an event. Oh, and VIP movie viewing (reclining seats, free drinks, blankets) for about $9? Priceless!
9. Street bars. Cheap drinks, and having a bottle of beer on a teeny tiny table set up on the sidewalk is a wonderful and unique drinking experience!
10. The people. Even though I can't really communicate with Thais quite yet, I get good vibes from them. They're nice, smily, and laidback. They don't stare like Filipinos do (haha!), but aren't crazy about personal space either. They're soft-spoken and not loud or domineering people, just really chill. I like it. Quite refreshing. :)
