When Bangkok got FIZZed

I love reunions so much. Its a great feeling having two of my worlds come together and it makes for some great stories. Plus, I love that feeling of like you've never been apart from someone although it has been so long -- and I feel that especially with my camp friends. After seeing Harriet (Oasis) and Kayley (Nimbus) this year already, it was time for my third Camp Sealth reunion: this time with Anna (Fizz). The last time I saw Anna was at my last summer at Sealth, back in 2012. And although we lived relatively close to each other back in the UK,  our schedules never quite matched up until oddly now, when I'm living 5000 miles away and she's about to embark on a 3 week adventure around South East Asia.

Mak and Fizz reunited in Bangkok.

When Fizz told me that she wanted to meet up in Bangkok, I made sure I had time to go down there, even if it was just for a day trip. I met her at her hotel where, later that night, she would set off with a tour group and explore all around South East Asia. This gave her the perfect opportunity to explore Bangkok for the day, which she wouldn't get opportunity to on the tour, and to reminisce about our amazing summer at Sealth and what she's been up to since then. As much as I don't like being a tourist, especially after living here for almost a year, it was nice to be able to do it with someone but share my experiences with her as if I was a local...a strange feeling really.

Our first port of call, after wandering around aimlessly for 20 minutes until we finally found a place to grab a coffee, was to head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, undoubtedly the most famous outdoor market in the world, and one I have now been to many times. We walked around there for a bit, got lost multiple times, but browsed obscure alleys and corners of the market that I had not seen before (after all, the place is so big that people do offer maps for people to get around). After that, we made our way over to the other side of the city and up the Chaprao river to visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho (the reclining buddha). Once again, my teacher ID got me into Arun for free but I was foiled at Pho...again. Nevertheless, it was cool for Anna to see these things that I had become accustomed to; sometimes I forget how truly unique Thailand's cultural heritage is - there really are some beautiful landmarks around the country. Unfortunately the day was cut short as I had to get back to Korat and Anna had to get back to the hotel. But for the stuff we did do, and the great conversations we had, it was a great day catching up with her -- it had been almost 3 years since we last saw each other and a lot had happened since then.

Anna exploring the wanders of Bangkok before touring the rest of SE Asia!

Anna, I hope you have the most amazing time on your tour around Asia, and keep me posted on your adventures. Seriously, this girl has been so lucky -- I'm very envious on all the places you've been visiting...and Vegas after Asia too! Stay safe. It was great seeing you again.