A question I get asked frequently by friends and family, both back in the Netherlands as well as here, is when I intend to move back to the Netherlands. It’s a question that in the beginning would surprise me, but it has been asked so many times that I now automatically answer back – “I won’t go back. Why would I?”
No place on earth is perfect. Living in Amsterdam has good sides and bad sides. And so does living in Bangkok. And the same applies to any other place on earth – city, beach, country side or in the middle of a forest, every location has advantages and disadvantages. So why am I so decided?
My life back in Amsterdam in 2005 and before was great. I was near my family, I had great friends, I loved my job, had a great place to live. There really was no logical reason to even consider leaving … and yet there was that feeling that I needed to move to Asia. And I decided to follow that feeling. It was scary and exciting …. and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
My life now in Bangkok in 2010 is equally great. I’m far away from my family and friends in the Netherlands, and this can be hard at times. But I’ve got great friends here, I love my life and I love my job(s). I’ve got a great place to live. But contrary to back in 2005, there is no feeling that I need to move.
I’m not saying I will never leave Bangkok. But going back to live in Amsterdam is not very likely. At the moment, Bangkok feels like my home.