Last days in Bangkok

Bangkok marked the beginning and the end of our 101 days trip through Southeast Asia. We realize how lucky we were to have enough time to explore such a beautiful and interesting part of the world. Yet we knew there were a few countries left behind without visiting. Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and Philippines will make a good excuse to pack our bags and go back again to Southeast Asia.

Traveling for 101 days can be an unrealistic timeframe for a lot of people, for us was just the starting point for new upcoming journeys.

Before going back to Europe we spent one week in the capital of Thailand doing what we like the most. Catching a public boat and cruising the Chao Phraya River during the sunset. Visiting Chinatown and blending with locals. Afternoon coffees at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC) always ending with free artistic expositions and last but not least, walking through unknown places without any destiny just to discover what goes beyond the next corner.

The highlight came when our local friend invited us for an afternoon tea menu at the Erawan Tea Room of Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, a stylish Thai restaurant with the nostalgic feel of a bygone era. The perfect meeting spot to escape from the hustle bustle of Bangkok. Experience authentic Thai cuisine meanwhile drinking exotic tea and admiring the views for the famous Erawan Shrine, one of the most sacred places in Thailand and where the god Brahma golden statue rests.

It was a special afternoon prepared by the Chef Kriengkrai Jakkhujuntorn who gave us a comprehensive explanation of the ingredients in each and every plate.

Starting with Karawek Sod Sai (Deep-fried Minced Chicken with Chinese Sausage); Chor Muang Sai Poo (Steamed Flower-shaped Dumpling Filled with Crabmeat); Look Chin Goong Tod (Grilled Shrimp Ball Skewer) and finishing with a variety of desserts such as Kanom Fugthong (Pumpkin Dumpling); Khao Niew Mamuang (mango with sticky rice), Mini Chocolate Coated Sesame Roll; Chocolate Lamington and Mixed Fruit Tart. Definitely, a rich meal in flavors and textures leaving us completely amazed.

On the ride back to the hostel, we had time to digest and think about all the experiences during our travels through Southeast Asia.

Five countries in 101 days, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore Malaysia and Cambodia. Visiting exotic landscapes, sleeping in strange beds and dreaming about new destinations. Hours on airplanes, buses, and boats meeting travelers and friends from all around the world. Sharing stories and meals with the power to evoke memories of smells, colors, sounds, and sights of paths we crossed that we will miss in the coming year. All of it inspired us on finding our way to a new adventure.



