Farewell to 'So Samsen!'

Walking around the streets on a Sunday morning, on our final day in Bangkok, I was philosophical about our future, thinking about what happens next, as we both embark on our new future together in Australia. This is the next leg of our lifestyle break, but it could also be the key to our future. Bangkok has given us a valuable holiday before we knuckle down and rebuild our life together, and it has also given us an insight into life in Asia that we wouldn't otherwise have seen. It is also a period we have thoroughly enjoyed and would love to dip in and out of again periodically.

The streets were relatively quiet, rather like they are on a Sunday in the UK, and it was relaxing, just strolling around enjoying the colourful scenery, listening to the sounds of this wonderful city and being together as a couple once again, in a place we both love. Only six hours away from Perth, Western Australia, it is nice to know we can come back whenever we want.

Of course, if there is one reason to return, it's to visit Aom, Hui and Hong at 'So Samsen,' a restaurant we visited every day whilst staying in Pranakorn. The three ladies who work there have been a valuable lifeline for us, as we left our family behind in the UK. 'So Samsen' really has been the home from home that we both needed after such a terrible few months before we departed the UK.

Once again, Darrell and I sat in our favourite spot overlooking the street. The cat, fed by the staff at 'So Samsen,' looking plumper than ever, laid down beside us, as she has done every time we have been there, making us feel even more relaxed than ever. Part of the reason for our return to this small restaurant is the cat, who has really played a surrogate role in the interim, while we are without our beloved felines. As she nuzzled around our legs, waiting for the next piece of food to be thrown to her, the heavens once again opened up and the rain came down.

Unlike the UK, I absolutely love the rain in Thailand, it's warm and welcoming after the heat of the day. The thunder and lightening, which can be animated and severe, just adds to the strange nature of this place. This country isn't like anything I have experienced before, just like the staff at 'So Samsen;' you just wouldn't get this kind of service and one to one contact with people, who were genuinely happy to see us, in Britain or indeed anywhere else.

As it was our last night in Bangkok, we spent more time than usual sat in the bar after another delicious meal. This was proper home cooked fare, not like the food you get in a comparable Thai establishment in the UK. The different tastes and aromas are wonderfully aromatic and really do leave a lasting impression; so much so, I would return to the Nuovo hotel, just to be able to visit 'So Samsen' again.

As we left, we gave each of the staff a big hug. Now I know it isn't the correct thing to do, in this COVID era, but it seemed right at the time. These are people who work hard every day, harder than any of us work - cooking, serving and making our holiday more memorable. We have assured them we will return when we are able, and look forward to seeing them all in the future. This little restaurant in the heart of Bangkok made us truly believe in people again, especially after being treated so badly in the past. It would be lovely if more people were as genuine as them, but for now we will settle for the care they showed us, when we needed it most!

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