I love people. They can be so entertaining sometimes. While I’m primarily an introvert (I’d prefer to read a book in a quiet nook than party hard), I also really enjoy a genuine, masks-off conversation.

So when I had a conversation with a guy in the sauna at the gym today, I was ready to learn something new. And learn I did. (FYI, when you’re half nekkid in a sweltering room with strangers, it’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation.)

The guy (I think he said he name was Raul or Rollo, although he looked like neither) had traveled for most of his life. He had just returned from a trip to Antarctica a few months ago, finally able to check it off his list of visiting every continent in the world. He said he had a great time playing with the penguins for his 21-day stay. (And seriously, how many people can say that?)

So what do you ask a man who’s been all over the world? Why, where’s the best place to live, of course!

The answer? Bangkok.

That’s right. Bangkok. Although to be honest, London was his first response. He really, really loved London, but said it’s just too expensive to live there. (I nodded my head in agreement, having no whit of a clue, of course.)

Bangkok, however, is where his heart was and where he’d  choose to settle down, if he had it all to do over again. He said he loved the Thai people, emphasizing how kind they are.

I was surprised. I would have thought his answer would be related to the exotic cuisine. (I know MY answer for most-wanted locales would be closely tied to my stomach.) But no, it was their HEARTS that he highlighted. Kind of a refreshing motive for his answer, really.

So that’s today’s “Wisdom of Strangers” entry. I’ll be sure to provide further reports on Sauna Conversations in the future, as they come about.

Kevin