A New Chapter in Bangkok
September 30. Good morning from Bangkok.
Yesterday I finally managed to take a photo of the Long Luck Guesthouse sign, the place that will be my base until around October 10. This time, my stay is longer than usual. The reason is simple: a new travel companion will be joining me on October 9. Until then, it feels easier to stay here rather than drag the trailer around the busy streets of Bangkok. I’ll share more about that later.
For now, today is a rest day.
Strolling Near the Guesthouse
I wandered around the neighborhood with no plan. Near the guesthouse, I found grilled chicken for just 10 baht—about 44 yen. Simple street food, but incredibly tasty. Later, I joined another guest for a little “sweet tour,” hopping between stalls in search of desserts.
Eventually, I returned to a place I already loved: the smoothie stand. It costs 50 baht here, more expensive than the street food but still far cheaper than in Japan. They offer around ten flavors; today I tried lemon. The vendor recommended passionfruit and mango, both of which I plan to try soon.
Meeting a Friend After Two Years
The highlight of the day came when I met a Thai acquaintance I had been messaging for nearly two years. We had exchanged countless messages, but this was our first time seeing each other in person.
Strangely, it didn’t feel like a “first meeting.” Our long conversations had built familiarity, and now, face to face, it felt natural—like we had always known each other. What impressed me most was his Japanese. It had improved so much since we first connected. His effort and dedication were clear, and I deeply admired that.
We sat together in a café, catching up, before heading out for a meal.
A Bowl of Ramen in Bangkok
To my surprise, we ended up at a small food stall selling ramen. Could this really be ramen, here in Bangkok? I had to try it. For just 40 baht—about 177 yen—I ordered a bowl.
The noodles were thin, topped with slices of pork, and the broth was light and refreshing. It wasn’t the rich, heavy ramen I knew from Japan, but it was delicious in its own way.
In fact, I felt grateful for this experience. Eating ramen with a local twist, rather than simply searching for “authentic” Japanese ramen abroad, gave me a sense of discovery. It was a new layer of travel—finding joy in difference, not just similarity.
Exploring the City Together
After the meal, my friend guided me through Bangkok. We visited an old district where the streets seemed to whisper stories from long ago. Just a short walk away was the flower market, filled with color and fragrance, a lively contrast to the stillness of the old town.
As we walked, I tried another skewer of grilled chicken—similar to the one I had eaten in the morning. This time, I ate it slowly, savoring the flavor while strolling through the bustling streets.
Ending the Day with Mango
To close the day, we returned once more to the smoothie stand. This time I ordered mango, and it was perfect. The vendor, a broad-shouldered man with a warm smile, blended it with care. The smoothie was rich, refreshing, and exactly what my tired body needed.
As I sipped it, I felt grateful: for the reunion after two years, for the food, for the kindness of a friend who showed me his city. Bangkok is already beginning to feel less like a stop on the map and more like a place of connection.
