BK (as in Bangkok, not Brooklyn)

I am finally in Bangkok, a.k.a. the Big Mango. When I got off the plane this morning, I was hit with a rush of hot air, and that sweet, musty smell that this country has--a combination of jasmine flowers and slightly fermented fruit. Feels so good to be here. Been walking around all day with a silly grin on my face.

I was in Thailand four years ago, and it was a magical time for me, both personally and as a writer. (Long story; read chapter one of my book. Don't you love that? Promoting a book that's not even close to finished yet!!!) Anyway, I spent three months here alone, writing and basically coming into my own as a person. So it's a special place for me. Plus, I am a big foodie, and this is definitely a food town. Meals are spiritual experiences here. Instead of saying "How are you?", people greet you by asking, "Have you eaten yet?" The food is that exquisite. (More on that later. Trust me, you will be hearing more than you ever wanted to know about Thai cuisine.)

But it's more than just the food. It's the sensual weather (scorching hot with occasional thunderstorms), the gentle customs (every single person who meets your eyes on the street smiles at you), the packed alley markets (flowers, fruit, silks), the fragrant air (incense and chili smoke), and the frenetic street life (motorbikes, tuk tuks, taxis, a couple million people). Nothing has the power to move me like Bangkok. OK, maybe New York. But still.