Being back in Portland, I’m trying to remember all the good things about Thailand. Like all new cities, at first Bangkok was overwhelming and kind of scary. Then, I became more confident and ventured a little further each time. I miss it, but it was time to get back. With the school year starting next week, it’s time to get serious about life. There are important choices ahead to be made.

Yet, before I forget, a quick list of things I don’t want to forget about Thailand:

• The endless row of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers asking where I was going at all hours of the day.
• Indians asking if I wanted a suit tailored.
• People asking if I was Thai by saying, “I think you Thai people.”
• The convincing sales pitch, “Hey you, get a tattoo!”
• The best pad thai in the world is at Sun Moon Star on Had Yao beach, Koh Phangan (past the marts, up the hill, on the right). The only other visitors were one dog, one cat, the cook, her husband and precocious little daughter. When I close my eyes, I want to be back there, watching the sunset and swatting away the mosquitoes.
• The best curry is at Mr. Yim’s Vegetarian food stand along Soi Rami Buttri. He opens pretty early, closes around 10pm, and I think he may be closed on Sundays.
• There is a wat (temple) around every corner. Truth.
• Businesses using towels in lieu of floor mats to dry your feet off from the rain. Or, even better, wrapping floor mats with towels!
• Bangkok in the rain. When it rained, it rained. I miss hiding out from the rain with random Thais.
• Fruit for 20 baht, fruit shakes for 30 baht. Basically, around a dollar, or less than.
• Laying my sarong on the floor of a ferry, using a water bottle as a pillow, and having an impromptu nap.

When it was good, it was really, really good. I miss you, I miss you, and with enough luck and more wishing, see you again.