Ever since I started university, we stopped travelling to Thailand during that period, so Christmas went back to 'normal', whatever that means. We're home, the family comes together, it's cold outside - the usual.
And I love it - I love Christmas and the whole holidays. But I was four years old on my first visit to Thailand, and since then we've been there regularly. Thailand has practically always been a part of my life - and I miss it. I miss the wave of humid heat that greets you as soon as you leave the airport. I miss the sound of the Thai language. I miss the noises and smells of Bangkok streets. I miss the peace and calmness of a temple, and the bustling business of the shopping centre next door. I miss the Christmas songs they play over and over, even after the new year. I miss the kitschy Christmas decorations. I miss the fake trees and the ability to put them everywhere - I once saw a decorated tree inside of a big fish tank. I miss the smiles of Thai people, and the way they ooh and aah in a group. I miss the food, and the way it is shared, even in restaurants. I miss the markets where you can buy everything you don't need. I miss the fact that there is always something new to explore behind a corner. I miss the cool coffee shops where you can get overpriced sweet ice coffee in modern surroundings, and for a second you could be anywhere in the world. I miss the announcements on the Skytrain and the underground. I miss the people, and their positive energy. I miss sitting in a taxi, exhausted after a long day, being stuck in traffic for over an hour and listening to the radio. I miss our friends, and exploring new things with them. I miss the beaches. I miss Thailand.
Ten years ago the horrible Tsunami destroyed so many lives, not just in Thailand. We were in Bangkok during that time, so we weren't affected physically. But it still left a mark somewhere, somehow. I feel connected to Thailand. So much so, that I start to see similarities between Thailand and wherever I am all the time. The Christmas market in Sopron reminded me of Thailand. Kalymnos as a whole reminded me of Thailand. I'm starting to think that places don't have anything to do with Thailand, I just try to create a connection in my mind, to feel closer to a country I love that sadly is quite far away. I also seek out traces of this country everywhere I go - London being the perfect example. While I was studying there I visited the Thai temple in London, Wat Buddhapadipa. It's is amazing how authentic it feels - like a small piece of Thailand, in Wimbledon.
On my latest London visit we went to a restaurant called East Street, just off Oxford Street. It does a variety of Asian food, also Thai of course. I walked in and the smell of Thailand welcomed me. It was a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by all things Thai, but also slightly sad, knowing I'm not actually there. Nostalgia would probably be a fitting description.
The food was excellent and, considering you are in central London, almost cheap. The atmosphere was lovely, nothing fancy, but not too hectic either. And the big bonus - on the ladies toilet they were playing recordings of the announcements from Bangkok airport. I felt right at home!
This was just one of my new London discoveries from my last trip - I will write about the others very soon.
