By Lilly (certified alley-napper and loop enthusiast)
You think a good map shows you where to go.
In Thailand? A good street hides a little.
There’s a special kind of charm to the alleyways here — ตรอก (trok) they’re called. They twist.
They change names halfway.
They shrink and expand depending on the mood of the buildings.
I once walked a trok that had three cafés, two shrines, and one grandmother feeding nine cats — all within 20 meters.
Some say it’s poor planning. I say it’s perfect forgetting.
Thai culture doesn’t always prioritize straight lines.
It allows for curve. For pause. For wonder.
We don’t always ask, “How do I get out?”
Sometimes, we ask, “What haven’t I seen yet?”
And that makes all the difference.
So next time you’re in a trok and feel like you’re looping — don’t panic. Look for laundry.
Look for incense.
Look for me.
I’m probably watching you from the roof.