Greetings from Bangkok! Okay, well technically I’m not in Bangkok anymore, but I was when I first penned this post. Unfortunately I fell off the grid for a few days and didn’t get the chance to upload, but you’ll hear more about that next week. For now — Bangkok.
I returned back to the Big Mango just a few weeks after last leaving in order to attend the very first TBEX Asia. I’ll be writing more in the future about this conference and the milestone that speaking at it was for me, but suffice it to say I feel humbled by how far I’ve come since I first eagerly attended TBEX in North America back in 2012. More — much more — on TBEX later. I’m already looking forward to the 2016 edition in Manila!
Other unrelated highlights of the week included a shopping spree at Chatuchak Market for my new apartment on Koh Tao, a beautiful run through Lumphini Park, and unexpectedly hanging out with a huge contingent of my Koh Tao family who also just so happened to be in the city (not that I should be surprised — I can’t go anywhere without bumping into this crew!)
Next week, I’ll be checking in from my PostBEX tour to Trang and Satun, a new corner of Thailand for me. Between now and then, you’ll be reading about my time in Tennessee — posts I’m so excited to share! Wishing you a wonderful week from wherever you’re reading. And now, onto Photo of the Week…
Photo A
Eating all the things in Bangkok
Photo B
Looking over over the city from the Sofitel So
Photo C
Kicking off TBEX Asia
Photo D
Recharging at the Sofitel So Bangkok
Photo E
A brilliant keynote from the inspiring Jodi at Legal Nomads
Photo F
Fireworks over the Chao Phraya River
Which your photo is your favorite?
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Nice photos! I like the last one the best 🙂 The reflection on the water is just awesome!
Petra @ The Global Couple recently posted..The best day hikes in the world
It was a fun little surprise — luckily I was already standing right by the river, so I was in the prime position!
Photo B – that pool looks so inviting! I just booked my hostel for my first visit to Bangkok. Not as nice as So I am sure but it looks like a funky retro place and has a pool 🙂
Katie recently posted..Spectacular Alaskan scenery on the Harding Icefield Trail
Bangkok has some AMAZING hostels. Which one are you headed to?
I’m heading to the RetrOasis in Sukhumvit 🙂
Katie recently posted..The Big Trip: Month Four Round Up
Nice! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
That hotel pool though- that can’t be real!? I thought these only existed on Greek Islands… Not city’s centres! London totally needs one. Looking forward to hearing about all of this.
Photo D is my pick. Because luxury. That bath tub. Woah.
Sarah recently posted..Exploring Tate Britain: Unusual finds
I know, right?! I think they did such an amazing job making the pool feel like an extension of the park below. It’s magical!
I meeeean, as far as rooftop infinity pools go, it doesn’t get much better than B.
Seriously. It might be my favorite one in Bangkok!
A. I’m mad for mango and cool for coconut. Craig does not like either of these which made travelling in Thailand pretty tough. His loss! Have a mango and sticky rice on me girl!
Gemma recently posted..Your Guide to the Sunshine Coast, BC
Whoa! I can see how coconut is kind of an acquired taste but I was sure that mango was universally beloved. Well, hey, more for us 🙂
Oh wow- B looks perfect to me!
Joella recently posted..A Million Prayer Flags in KÄngdìng
Yup — take. me. back.
I’m going to go with Photo E because Jodi’s speech was so inspiring and intelligent. Also, congrats to you for your speech. It’s pretty amazing how far you’ve come since 2012. You should be so proud of yourself Alex 🙂
Justine recently posted..This Expat Life: Month 14
Thank you Justine — I’m blushing. Sometimes I feel like I’m still swimming upstream and haven’t moved the needle much, so I really appreciate milestones like this for reminding me how far I indeed have come. And yes, Jodi’s keynote was amazing. She could give a TED talk!
As a dancer myself I have to go with Photo C. They’re beautiful!
Sanura recently posted..History & Charm: A Day in Charlottesville, VA
It was a treat to see two nights in a row! It’s actually kind of hard to find traditional dance like that in Thailand as a tourist. When my family came I wanted to bring them to see something like it and all I could find was straight up cheese — nothing traditional like this performance was.
Even though I’m allergic to nuts and I dislike sticky mango and rice, I still love the photograph and that of the Sofitel So in Bangkok. I’ve been to the Sofitel in Vietnam and it was amazing.
Bangkok was also my first Asian destination ever, 16 years ago and I never looked backed! Congratulations on your lovely achievements. 🙂 🙂
Victoria@ The British Berliner recently posted..The secret of eating & drinking in Warsaw – How to make pierorgi and eat it!
Actually, it was mine too! Changed my life, arriving in that airport!
Oh, wow, teach me how to take firework shots like F! That’s incredible!
Leah recently posted..Ulcinj, Montenegro: The Little Coastal City That Stole My Heart
Top Tip: Take 64 shots, delete 63 of them. At least that’s what I did in this case 😉
I’m choosing photo E Alex. Love fireworks.
Steve recently posted..Helsinki – A Photo Essay
Me too. Always such a visual treat!
Nice fireworks pic! I wish I could do night shots like that one! 🙂 I like the river boats as well by the way! I missed them when I was in Bangkok.
Dominique recently posted..Athens – Thunderstorm at Acropolis
They are one of the best ways to travel in the city… no traffic and a nice cool breeze!
Photo A. That mango looks divine. All of these photos make me so nostalgic for Bangkok!
Britt recently posted..10 Meals in Melbourne for Under $10
I miss it already! Probably won’t be back for a few months… already looking forward to it!
All gorgeous photos, but for me it’s a tie between D & E – E because I love Jodi’s blog, and love it when my favorite bloggers cross paths 🙂 And D because THAT BATH TUB. I feel more relaxed just looking at it.
Mary B recently posted..What People Think They Know About Iran
Jodi is amazing. She was an incredibly inspiring speaker!
Indeed, you have come far! I’m proud of you too, Alex. As a follower for years, I’ve seen how much you’ve grown, and you stay a constant inspiration. A high-five and a hug from Denmark <3
Miriam recently posted..I went to King’s Landing and took the Iron Throne
You made my day, Miriam. Thank you so much for your kindness… and, as always, for reading 🙂
Hi Alex,
I just loved the coolness of photo d….
and can’t wait to hear all about tbex!
I’m going through a few challenges which are seeing me hold on to travel blogging with my finger nails, so it will be interesting to read about the conference.
🙂
Janice Stringer recently posted..Is it all about the View?
Sorry to hear about that Janice! We all go through it at some point. TBEX definitely gave me a renewed energy for blogging. Maybe I can pass on some of that inspiration.
If it can rub off on me… i’ll grab hold off it with both hands!
Janice Stringer recently posted..Is it all about the View?
What is it about mango and coconut that make me want to do yoga and ‘be healthy’ starting now? Congrats on your speech!
Julie recently posted..Our Path To YouTube Stardom
I actually started my own healthy kick yesterday! Here’s hoping I can make it last…
Photo A – I can’t wait to try mango and sticky rice when I get to Thailand! Photo B is nice too….wondering if I should change my reservation from the W to the Sofitel?
Leigh recently posted..My Review of Grand Canyon Rafting – Lees Ferry to Whitmore Wash
Ah, I’ve ALWAYS wanted to try the W! It’s on my short list for Bangkok hotels left to try… though I’m also pretty excited to return to the Sofitel So again someday soon.
TBEX sounds so amazing! I have to go with D because that tub is calling my name.
Kacy recently posted..Five Fun Things to do in Urbanna, VA
I wouldn’t mind a soak in it right now… I was all too happy to go home early one night and watch Nashville in it!
I’m just so jealous right now. Bangkok is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world. I know that you are not technically in Bangkok at the moment but still, And Sofitel So… come on, your are killing me here…. =) I am currently staring out the window and all I see is rain and 50 shades of grey, and not the sexy kind of grey=) Well, at least I can live through your photos. Thanks for that =)
Sanna | Owegoo recently posted..7 Wonders of the World | Great Wall of China
Anytime, Sanna! It makes it twice the fun to live it once and then relive it here…
I’m so in love with infinity pools, but haven’t had a chance to swim in one yet. Having that in mind, I’ll go for the second photo!
Anca | Globaloud recently posted..Why I don’t like taking too many travel photos?
Ah, I love me a good pool… especially of the infinity variety! Hope you make a splash in one soon!
Photo A-ll of the things for sure! Coconut milk ice cream, sticky rice and mango – the stuff dreams are made of!
Jenny @ Till the Money Runs Out recently posted..Discovering the Cenotes Near Merida, Mexico
Actually, it was just plain’ ol coconut milk… but now you’ve made me want an ice cream!
Photo B!! It doesn’t even look real, it looks so perfect!
I was so excited to have a sunny morning! It was overall a pretty cloudy and smoggy week, so that was such an exciting development…
I’m torn between A and B. I love mango, sticky rice, and coconut more than anything else in the world, but that pool and that view! Wow!! I’ve looked at how much it costs to stay at the Sofitel So, and it’s somewhere I can only dream of being able to afford! You are one lucky girl 🙂
Kiara Gallop recently posted..An Awesome Two-Week Thailand Itinerary
I am indeed. It was a wonderful thank you from the organizers for all the work we put into our presentations… a much appreciated thank you!
Very pics pics. Last time for us it was to be between Bangkok and Phuket…and we chose the later. We will have to make one more trip to Thailand…so finish what we didn’t see.
Rekha Rajan recently posted..Most beautiful rivers of the World
There’s always a good reason to come back to Thailand. I love it here so!
Wow…. amazing photos!!
I choose the B!! Spectacular… 🙂
Frances recently posted..Tour 4 days in Marrakech
Thank you! Seems like the reader favorite this week 🙂
You always make picking so hard
B. That is just a happy happy place! Nothing better than the pool/lounger/view combo!!
E. I LOVE conferences and congrats on speaking this year and the big journey you have taken to get there!
F. Magical. Looks like one of those nights you just feel so alive 🙂
I love conferences too! So great to connect with like-minded people and get inspired. Such a good time!
I choose Photo C – that’s a fun, amazing and energetic way to start a conference.
Rashaad recently posted..Home Sweet Home – Graduation
Agreed! It was a great kickoff event.
Mango sticky rice please! I keep trying to describe it to my boyfriend but I can’t do it justice… Photo D is definitely the fav though, nothing like a deep soak!
Lauren recently posted..Wanderlust Worthy Passport Covers for 2015
Agreed. It was the perfect way to wind down post-conference.
Great pictures. Always love south east asian countries. Traveling to these countries are very affordable. Thailand is definitely one of them.
I love all the luxuries that are out of my reach at home but very affordable in Thailand… weekly massages among them!
There are many great things that Bangkok could offer. From great foods, wonderful views they also have this amazing feast that you surely would enjoy when you travel Bangkok 🙂 Great post!
Thanks Marie. It’s a city I could return to over and over again. It just never gets old!
I’m embarrassed to admit how long I spent staring at your picture of mango sticky rice. The cravings are very real right now so I’m going to have to go ahead and say that that’s my favourite.
Amy M recently posted..Air BnB: My 1st Experience
Go ahead and print it out and stick it on your wall… don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone 😉