Everything Is Better In Bangkok?

I have now been living in Manila, the Philippines for a month. It's been a busy and interesting month which I've divided between work, making friends and establishing routines. Mostly it feels as if I'd been here for much longer.

Maybe I have. Before me moving from Bangkok to Manila had been made official, during one class my Thai teacher showed me a test online where it can be checked who you were in your previous life. If the test is any reliable, I've returned to my previous home country. I used to be a powerful and rich Filipino in the past. Male - which surprises me even less.

Perhaps it's thanks to my previous life that I've adjusted quickly to living in Manila. But can it explain why there is this one phrase that is stuck inside my head? It is meant as no offense to Manila, even less so for the Philippines but feels more like a mere notion. Everything is better in Bangkok.

I have met great people, made friends, enjoy the new challenges at work, am living a comfortable and interesting life in Manila. I can't really complain about anything, feel no need to say or think anything negative about Manila. Life is good, I'm happy, enjoying the experience. But I don't need time to golden my memories regarding Bangkok.

My first notion in Manila was that it seems so empty and quiet. There are no people or food stalls on the sidewalks. People sit calmly in the cars. Traffic jams offer familiar sights and honking of horns is almost music to my ears - but where are the mopotaxis? Non-existing, here the only option is to wait or walk.

The first proper cultural shock I experienced when I was searching for a pineapple man. Not only that I had to look for one but that I didn't find any! There was one guy selling raw mangos but that's it, no other fruits are available on the streets. The weekend markets and grocery stores sell fruits but get this - you've got to peel and cut the fruits yourself! And this in a country that employes people to open doors everywhere, serve you put shoes on in a store and lift your shopping bag on your shoulders. One doesn't really have to do anything here on one's own - other than peel the fruits.

The problem with fruits is all the more relevant because the food here is eatable at its best. Of course I knew everything is going to be a downgrade after Bangkok but the one thing I can find nothing positive to say about in Manila is food. Soaked in oil, lacking in taste (don't even dream of chilies), overpriced. The impact of the States here is apparent in many things but especially in the Filipino diet. There is no corner without a fast food restaurant but ever heard of healthy food? Veggies? The missing fruit service bottom lines my misery.

But since I had no expectations, I will forgive that. And since it seems to rain, like, all the time (everything is better in Bangkok) no one would stay outside selling fruits anyways - even in Bangkok not. And my colleague has stuffed the freezer at the office with Finnish rye bread so who am I to complain about anything?

Blame the holiday season? Whereas Thailand celebrates every and any ever invented holiday with a thrilling intensity, except for Christmas, the Philippines seem to concentrate mainly on Christmas. I remain hopeful that the never-ending playing of Christmas carols will not be never-ending and that the excessive decorations (States, even you can't compete) will be taken down sometime. Christmas would seem appropriate for Thais, as Buddhists love peace and quiet. But the catholic Philippines has taken the holiday to a new level. Never could I even have imagined how many different versions of Jingle Bells it is possible to make (nor would I have cared to find out). Have to admit though, it's puts a smile to my face to see Santa Claus wannabes and reindeer and sleigh decorations in the +30 C heat. Still, and this might be just me, the Christmas spirit avoids me.

I've understood that the charisma that Metro Manila lacks can be found elsewhere in the city and country. So far I haven't had the time to go explore the country (but very much look forward to) and have been lacking the courage needed for the adventures the remoter parts of Manila could and would offer. That will later make another story.

Interesting, how a city itself can evoke emotions and at its best give thrills and joys. I never got bored with Bangkok, never stopped admiring it's little wonders. Same with Berlin before that. And Leipzig, San Antonio and Turku. Same same but different. Not only the people and experiences but the cities were something special. Perhaps it's easier to fall in love with a new, exotic place that has the scents of an adventure in the air. Nothing new gets taken as granted, unlike places born into. Perhaps before born in Pori I was born in Manila. And therefore in all their familiarity they don't make my heart beat faster?

I love Bangkok, just the way it is. The heat and humidity, the smells and noises, the crowded streets, it's polluted but honest air of being what it is, sincere and genuine. I've saved the memories in a special place in my heart. Now it's time to give Manila and Philippines their chance!