As I sit here reflecting on the incredible journey that the last three years have been, my heart swells with a mix of emotions that words can hardly capture. Three years ago, I made a life-altering decision to leave the vibrant streets of Bangkokโthe place I called home for four yearsโand embark on a new chapter in Germany, chasing my dreams in software engineering.
Although I was offered an opportunity in London, UK, I ultimately chose Germany instead. When making decisions, I consistently prioritize my choices with deep thought, including those involving my own brother, Mintu Shahjada, for additional consideration.
๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ธ๐ผ๐ธ
You were more than a city to me. You were a collection of memories filled with smiles, the smell of street food, and the vibrant energy of a city that never sleeps. It was in your glow that I grew, laughed, and learned the true meaning of life. Leaving you was not just a physical departure, it was bidding farewell to a piece of my soul embedded in your rich culture and the hearts of the wonderful people I had the privilege to know.
At balcony, the place I called home for four years, night before leaving. Bangkok, Thailand, 2021
๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐ป๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ธ๐ผ๐ธ, ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ ๐ฎ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐น๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฒ. The city sparkled with a thousand stories told through shimmering lights. The night wasn't just a part of the story, it was a lively mix of laughter and musicโa nighttime dance where the city's pulse echoed in every busy street and lively corner. As I think back about those moments, I find myself desperately missing that vibrant atmosphere even now.
๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฎ๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ in Chon Buri Province, an extension of the wonderful city of Pattaya, holds a special place in my heart. I didnโt forget you. I spent many precious moments there with my closest friends. The beautiful beaches of Jomtien echoed with our laughter and shared stories almost every night. Na-Jomtien, with its peaceful charm, became a canvas for the memories we created together.
๐ง๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐, ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ธ ๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ถ๐, I'm really thankful for all the wonderful experiences in Thailand, especially in Bangkok. It's like my life has been painted with so many different colors here. And when it comes to emotions, there's a special set of feelings just for my best friends who made my life like a beautiful masterpiece.
๐ง๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ธ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐!
Dedicated to all of you - Polina, my love for you is unwavering; Alina, your affection runs deep; Nikki, maybe my partner in crime? Arthur, you mirror my best friend; Olga and ะะฝะฐััะฐัะธั, youโre home (Eva too); Ilia, the heavy-hearted farewell masterโhow do you do it?
Marcus, those office staircase talks on science and lifeโIโll try your hairstyle soon. Aleksei, coding genius; Carissa, teamโs heartbeat; Somsarit, ever-reliable; Oam, thriving in the USA with kids; Chisty, youโll never know my cooking chaos when you arrived. Jaman, Lamia, Three Musketeersโfreezer beef soon? Gevin bro, you are truly amazing, Jayedะะฐัะฐะปัั, JuliaYu-riMithunOitejjho I didn't forget you guys too mate, Tik Noppawan my friend, any human resources or cultural department should snatch you up immediatelyโyou're the perfect match for it, and many!
Your influence in my life is like a guiding light that will always stay with me, growing even stronger with time. As we go our separate ways, the absence will be deeply feltโa testament to the strength of our connection. But perhaps, somewhere, someday, our paths will cross again.
To everyone who has been part of this journeyโthank you for being my pillars of support, my cheerleaders in moments of doubt, and my companions through this rollercoaster of life. Until we meet again, my beloved Bangkok, you will always be remembered and deeply missed, living on in the echoes of my heart.
Berlin
You welcomed me with open armsโa city pulsating with innovation and endless possibilities. Adapting to a new language, culture, and weather while forging a path in software engineering has been both challenging and exhilarating. The late-night coding sessions, the highs of overcoming obstacles, and the fellowship with brilliant minds have shaped me in ways I never imagined.
This unforgettable journeyโI have to share it someday. Who knows?
Embracing each culture along the way has made me consistent, confident, and truly unfuckwithable.
Missing you, #Bangkok
As I share these thoughts, Iโm currently living in Frankfurt, Germany, cherishing every moment of this chapter in my life.
