A slower rhythm for modern life Bangkok · Thailand
A Sunday Notion← Journal

Places · Homecoming Journal

The First
Day Home

Bangkok, where I was born and raised—and the familiar first day I return to, again and again.

Bangkok
Thailand

Lotus buds held before the temple buildings.
Lotus buds held before the temple buildings.

A place I look forward to

There have been countless plane rides back to Bangkok. Whenever I can take a vacation to see my family, it is still the place I look forward to.

I was born and raised here. Coming home is about seeing the people I love, but it also brings me back to a familiar plan. The first full day begins with a temple visit, continues across the river, and ends with food in Chinatown.

Gold against the Bangkok sky.
Gold against the Bangkok sky.

The next morning

The next morning, I visit Wat Phra Kaew. I pray for good luck and bring my wishes with me. It is the one part of the first day that stays consistent, however long I have been away.

A flower garland in hand.
A flower garland in hand.
Looking closely at the temple’s gold and mosaic details.
Looking closely at the temple’s gold and mosaic details.
Hanuman on the gate at Wat Phra Kaew.
Hanuman on the gate at Wat Phra Kaew.
A mural worth pausing in front of.
A mural worth pausing in front of.

Across the river

Then I take a boat across the river to visit a few more temples and eat local food. The day moves from one familiar stop to the next, with time for a meal I always look forward to: khao khluk kapi.

A boat passing on the river.
A boat passing on the river.
Colorful Chinese porcelain and seashells adorn Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Colorful Chinese porcelain and seashells adorn Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.

A favorite taste of home

Khao khluk kapi is one of my favorites. There are many things I want to eat when I am back, but this is a dish I make room for.

Khao khluk kapi—a favorite meal on the first day back.
Khao khluk kapi—a favorite meal on the first day back.

Chinatown, in the evening

In the evening, I walk through Chinatown for street food and Chinese desserts. After a morning of prayers and an afternoon by the river, it is the last part of a day I know I will look forward to on the next flight home, too.

A Bangkok street scene along the way.
A Bangkok street scene along the way.
Song Wat Road, a historic riverside street in Bangkok.
Song Wat Road, a historic riverside street in Bangkok.

A Sunday notion

Some places invite us to find something new. Home lets us look forward to what is familiar: the people, the small rituals, and a first day we are happy to repeat.