Bitter Bangkok sweetens over time.

I seek out an old favourite Lebanese restaurant. Even after poor service in a quiet restaurant, I still love their fattoush salad, hummus, veggies and mouth watering garlic dip.

Lumphini Park, a green refuge amongst the skyscraper backdrop, offers cute swan paddleboat rides and giant monitor lizards. The one slinking into the drain pipe could battle a small crocodile. Turtles bask in the sun as we pass under low bridges.

By evening, tourists and families are replaced by local and expat joggers. Some exercise at the outdoor gym. Mid-winter. My Canadian heart greens with envy.