First Time Bangkok

Lisa and I have known each other for almost 15 years, during which we have shared countless memories, experienced ups and downs, and ultimately been there for each other more than ever before. Lisa has always been my shining light at the end of the week, the kind of friend who shows up at your door with a bottle of wine instead of advice. She is someone who is there for you even when she herself is running low on strength, and she makes each day a little more beautiful simply by being herself - inside and out.

We were like sisters, or even almost the same person. We were fascinated and annoyed by the same things, rarely had arguments, and were seldom of different opinions.

It was a good time.

Eventually, it was time to say goodbye and we both went our separate ways. Even though we maintained exemplary contact, we lived in two different worlds. She pursued her education, built her life at home, had different problems, and had different experiences. I spent 8 months thousands of kilometers away in Australia, learning to appreciate different things, falling in love with adventure, freedom, and the simple life.

After such a long time, we met again in Abu Dhabi and I returned home. Slowly, routine set in again. We saw each other as often as we wanted, experienced the same things again, but our perspective had changed. We had both changed.

Our interests, priorities, and attitudes had not been the same since then, and as much as we enjoyed our time together, there were moments when we had to admit that it wasn't the same as before.

There were moments when I was afraid that the time apart had been too difficult a test for our friendship. Would we still be able to have good conversations in the future? Would we still be good for each other?

But Lisa, we wouldn't be such a damned good team if we hadn't overcome this hurdle as well. It may be valuable to face life together, but it's damn priceless to still be unconditionally there for each other, even when the things that brought us together are miles away and we are still walking our own paths hand in hand.

My darling, you are definitely not a backpacker, you drive me crazy when you take two hours to get ready, and I don't know anyone who analyzes and interprets every little thing as much as you do. And yet, you are more important to me than ever before. Nothing has changed about Lisa and Vreni. And if we could survive Bangkok together, not much else can throw us off.

I love you.