As expected, 6 months into my stay at Bangkok, I already miss my home in India terribly. Part of this is because of the lockdown in Bangkok. Part of this is because I never really wanted to leave India and had to do so because I was unhappy with my job and this was the best option I had, then.

What I Miss about Home

1. Although Thailand has some of the biggest malls in the world, I miss my Ambience Mall. I miss looking forward to weekends to go to Ambience Mall.
2. Although Bangkok has some of the best restaurants in the world, I miss dining at Pizza Express, Daryaganj, Chili’s, Mamagoto, Sodabottleopenerwaala and Burma Burma.
3. I miss going to Cyber Hub on the weekends.
4. Although Bangkok has some of the best bars in the world, it is missing a microbrewery culture which was so popular in Gurgaon and Bengaluru. I miss drinking craft beer.
5. Living in my own house and doing what I want with it.
6. I miss Connaught Place, although, I hadn’t been there for many months even when I was in Gurgaon.
7. Miss Hotstar India. Hotstar Thailand doesn’t have as many shows, especially from HBO, FX etc.
8. Sorely miss Amazon. Lazada/Shopee are disgusting and I use them only because I am forced to.
9. I miss having the electrical switches the right side (For India) up.
10. I miss the few friends I have.
11. Miss the prevalence of online services like online doctor consultations, online medical test bookings & online booking of household services.
12. I miss driving my own car.
13. Lastly, I miss a sense of belonging.

What I don’t miss

1. The horrible air quality most days of the year.
2. The unnecessary and tiring bureaucracy in every aspect of life.
3. The forced religious indoctrination in everyday life.
4. The lack of respect for animals and even pets.
5. The high cost of fuel, electricity and cooking gas.
6. The high cost of food at restaurants.
7. The filth omnipresent everywhere.
8. The utter disregard of Indians towards their country and their countrymen/women.