It's been almost two months living on theBside here in Vancouver, and I can summarise it pretty easily by saying we love it. There aren't many days that we don't stop to comment on how happy we are with the city, the opportunities it offers, and our life in it.
Thailand, though, is still in our hearts. It's a corny way to say it, but it's true. People and places, sounds and tastes, they are always with us. I am on constant alert to the sound of Thai, listening to every non-English conversation in public places. I once interrupted a pair of women talking at the driver licensing office to simply say hi and ask where they eat. Thailand has that effect on a lot of people, I suppose.
A couple of weeks ago, we went to U&I Thai for some som tam (ส้มตำไทย). Anyone who knew us in Thailand knows that this was our comfort food, something we had at least once a week. It made us happy, made us feel settled and gave us the chance to reflect on all that was happening in our busy lives. Much of our travels were spent looking for and comparing som tam, trying to find the very best one. Not eating som tam regularly here has probably been the most difficult part of our move. Seriously. Going for som tam was part of our routine, part of our relationship to the neighbourhood, and just plain old delicious.
We were hopeful but simultaneously skeptical when we went to U&I Thai. When we ordered and the waitress left the table, I don't think either of us was expecting the surge of emotion that followed. I don't know if it was the opportunity to speak Thai again, the smile of the woman who took our order (because there is nothing like the warmth of a smile you sometimes get from a stranger in Thailand), or the memory of all the times we went to the som tam stall in the หมู่บ้าน (muu baan), but as soon as she left the table, we both were overcome with a surge of emotion and couldn't talk. Tears welled up unbidden and a few trickled down our faces.
Later, after a really amazing meal (both for taste and nostalgia), we asked where they find papayas green enough to make som tam. Khun Oi, the waitress returned a few minutes later with the name, address, and phone number of the market where they shop. She even gave us the name of her boyfriend who works there. It may seem like nothing, but it meant more than I could ever explain. We both barely choked out a thank you.
So, yes, I love my new life here, but there is a place in my heart where Thailand lives. เมืองไทยอยู่ในหัวใจผมเสมอ
Thank you, U&I Thai. Your food and your welcome are very special.
No comments:
Post a Comment