The circle is complete. We’re back in Asia’s City of Angels after being on the road for six weeks. It’s been a great trip, although part of me wishes we had more time to travel and the other part of me is so excited to get home I can barely stand the wait any longer.

When I first came to Bangkok five years ago, I hated the place. Each subsequent return has done little to keep me enamored. Bangkok has always kept me a little out of my comfort zone, despite having been here over a dozen times. It’s hard to see the beauty in a hot, big, dirty, smog-filled city when there are so many wonderful islands and beaches to explore. In the past, I’ve used Bangkok as a means to an end. There’s always something happening here. The shopping is out of this world and I can always get where I need to go from here.

So I have to admit I was pretty surprised this year to note that my feelings for Bangkok have changed again, as all new things do when you start to familiarise yourself with them. The insanity of Khao San Road doesn’t seem quite so insane anymore. In fact, it’s way more laid back than it was five years ago. The city doesn’t seem so big and imposing. I’ve finally found my rhythm here and have truly come around in a full circle in more ways than one.

For the time being, my heart is content. I’ve seen everything I wanted to see on this journey and I’m coming home with dazzled eyes and a fresh outlook on everything. Returning home for the first time in almost two years is the only thing I have in mind now. Wish me a speedy journey friends. I’m coming home.