Synchronicity: Arriving in foreign city at the time of a disaster

Bombing at Erawan Shrine 1 year ago; TV image

I arrived in Bangkok on a Monday evening one year ago, just 30 minutes before the horrific bombing took place at Erawan; one of my favorite holy shrines in Bangkok which I visit as often as possible. I probably sat on that particular bench, where the bomber took off his backpack which caused the implosion, on a number of occasions. This place has such a strong spiritual energy. The mere thought of the disaster sent chills through my body during that hot night-and still a year after.

Erawan Shrine: a place for prayer and conemplation

The sound of the implosion shook the car slightly as I was arriving into the Central Business District in Bangkok  from the airport. What had happened? The sky looked particular somber that night.  After checking into my hotel room my TV showed the disaster that had happened when someone, I believe still unidentified even after one year, imploded the holy site.  It can be quite a terrifying experience when you find yourself alone in a foreign city where you do not understand the language at all.  However everyone I met were extremely supportive, although shocked and horrified.  I was going to visit our office in Bangkok the following 2 days and a few colleagues were checking into each other via WhatsApp. This is such a great tool when you are traveling.  Everyone were rattled in disbelief that anyone could cause such a horrible disaster at a holy shrine visited by thousands daily in prayer. Thankfully no one from our office in Bangkok were injured, although one of my American colleagues was very close, shopping for food across the street for an office reception the following day.

Bangkok at night that night seemed very somber, near Chong Nonsi BTS (Sky train)

I have a fascination of Bangkok by night. The massive BTS train structures, the silent lanes of cars lining up, grid locked, stop and go. I am intrigued by how the neon lights at the CBD add that layer of mystery and reflections. It became a tense week, but the following days I felt safer seeing so many police officers at every major building or important infrastructure.

Bangkok at night near Chong Nonsi BTS station

Thankfully the second attempt at bombing the Sathorn Taksin bridge at the river landing of Chao Praya and BTS only 2 stops from my hotel near Chong Nonsi BTS (sky train) failed. It felt somber and too much of a close call, as I also frequent that area often to go along the river in a long boat or water bus. The Thai people were all wonderfully supportive and caring while the government was on high alert all week. What a horrible thought that someone would bomb sites that are so dear to all and/or holy, symbols of world peace and some of the most popular tourist sites-tourism being Thailand's major income source.

Bangkok noir: neon signs across from Chong Nonsi BTS reminds me of timing and synchronicity

“I arrived in Bangkok on a Monday evening one year ago, just 30 minutes before the horrific bombing took place”