The Last Day in Trang
November 12 marked my final day in Trang. It felt like I had been here for a very long time, though in reality, the days had passed quickly, filled with encounters and memories that made each moment full.
The morning was busy. I spent time finishing small tasks, organizing my notes, and reflecting on my stay. By noon, I had already drunk six bottles of water. For breakfast, I chose to eat outside. The spread was simple but generous—sweet coffee, cornflakes, and slices of bread, all free for guests. There was also orange juice, milk, and water available, making me realize once again how thoughtful and generous the hospitality here could be.
Writing a Letter of Thanks
Since it was my last day, I decided to return once more to the bar that had welcomed me so warmly. But I didn’t want to just drop by. I wanted to bring something more personal—a letter of thanks.
Saying “thank you” aloud is always meaningful, but words fade with time. A letter, on the other hand, is like a time capsule, preserving feelings long after the moment has passed. I thought that one day, if they happened to open that letter again, it might bring a smile back to their faces.
It wasn’t about wanting to be remembered myself. Instead, it was about letting them know how much their kindness and their invitation had meant to me. They gave me warmth, meals, laughter, and a sense of belonging. I wanted them to know that I had truly felt grateful for all of it.
Arriving Early
Around six in the evening, I left for the bar. I had originally planned to arrive at seven, but curiosity led me to take the back road, which cut the journey from fifteen minutes down to just five. That meant I arrived a little earlier than expected.
When I walked in, I was greeted with coffee almost immediately. Once again, the couple who ran the bar showed their endless hospitality. Soon after, the wife handed me a small plate of something unfamiliar. It turned out to be steamed banana—simple, yet incredibly delicious. Somehow, it tasted better than eating a banana in its natural state, as if steaming had brought out a sweetness and richness I hadn’t expected.
A Family’s Words
I stayed for about two hours, enjoying the food, the warmth, and the company. When it was finally time to say goodbye, I handed them the letter. They smiled as they accepted it, and I could see they were happy to receive something so personal.
Then the owner looked at me and said, “You are not my real son, but you are family.”
The words struck me deeply. My chest tightened, and I nearly cried. I have rarely been told something like that in my life, and in that moment, I felt the true weight of belonging. Traveling has often made me grateful for small encounters, but today, that feeling grew even stronger.
One Last Meal
After leaving the bar, I went to the local market to find dinner. I ended up choosing something simple—egg rice. It was cheap, and I could add the toppings of my choice. The amount of food was measured using a cup at the counter. I filled it to the brim, laughing to myself at how such small details made meals here unique.
With the food packed, I returned to my hotel. Sitting in my room, I thought back on my days in Trang. Just two days ago, I had wondered if I had stayed too long. But now, I realized that staying longer had been the right choice. Because I stayed, I experienced encounters that might not have happened otherwise.
Travel often brings the unknown. Perhaps if I had left earlier, I would have met new people somewhere else. But what matters most is the truth of the present moment: that staying longer gave me the chance to meet these people, to feel this warmth, and to carry these memories with me.
And to this city, I can only say one thing: thank you.
Even the streets felt safer here, with fewer stray dogs than other towns. It’s a small detail, but one that made me feel more at ease.
