Comments on: Chiang Mai, 10 Years Later: The Impossible Search

By: Nora

Nora — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 19:35:22 +0000

In reply to Megan.

Hi Megan,
Ooh….tracking Moo down after 20 years (and even recognizing the Thailand you once knew) will be an even greater challenge than my 10-year lapse was! But how magical it could be if you do find her.

You will most certainly see a different Thailand from the one you knew. I think given the pandemic, you won’t find much of anything to be “too touristy”, but you certainly would find it to be considerably more developed and “Western” (to use your term).

Bangkok isn’t my speed, but I have spent time in both the north and the south of Thailand, and I like both (for different reasons). But Chiang Mai has a special place in my heart. I haven’t been to Chiang Rai, but from what I know of it, that’s a place that might be up your alley.

By: Megan

Megan — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 02:34:42 +0000

It’s so funny that I came across this today. 20 years ago (although it seems like yesterday), I was teaching ESL in Bangkok and met a wonderful lady named “Moo.” Much like TJ, this was obviously not her real name. We kept in contact for a while but lost touch. I’m planning on returning for the first time in late 2021. I would love to see my old friend again but it is very unlikely I’ll be able to track her down. I’ve got a couple of clues and am going to try. Im a little worried that the Thailand I remember (I also taught in more rural areas in the South) is too Western and touristy these days. I’m thinking of spending time in the North, since it’s not as built up (outside of Chiang Mai). I fell in love with Thailand because of the people and hope I’ll be able to see more of their kindness and culture.

By: Tim

Tim — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:16:26 +0000

In reply to Nora. Glad you got to reconnect. Too bad it wasn't in person. I've dreamed of returning to Chiang Mai but unfortunately haven't gotten around to it. Hopefully, someday. Wouldn't mind spending some time on the Thai beaches either. :)

By: Nora

Nora — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 12:18:08 +0000

In reply to Tim.

Hi Tim,
Ha ha – Chiang Mai “all grown up”!
Would you believe I found TJ – or rather, he found me – on Facebook after I posted this article?! Too bad it happened days after I left. 🙁

By: Tim

Tim — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:23:28 +0000

Hey Nora,
I have fond memories of Chiang Mai from 15 years ago. Hard to imagine it “all grown up”. Glad you got to visit under better circumstances than last time. Sorry you didn’t find TJ.

By: Nora

Nora — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 06:29:31 +0000

In reply to Amanda Kendle.

Hey Amanda,
I love the idea of writing a “missing person” post! One day….hopefully you’ll find her! 🙂

By: Nora

Nora — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 06:28:21 +0000

In reply to Rob.

Hi Rob,
Indeed, going back is always different. The worst thing anybody can do is to try to recreate the past. Good thing I was in no mood to recreate dengue fever – ha ha!!

By: Amanda Kendle

Amanda Kendle — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:48:34 +0000

Oh, I wish you’d found him! But I’m glad you looked.
I have a “lost” friend in Japan, even have a big blog post about her like a missing person!, still think I will find her one day – so you just never know.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 06:19:58 +0000

That was different. Sounds like you had an interesting time ten years ago, I’m glad your present visit went better even if you couldn’t find TJ.

Going back is always so different.