Xinnian kuaile (Happy New Year)

I'VE JUST RETURNED from a wonderful holiday in Thailand over the new year, and, my God, what a fabulous country.

- JAMAL MECKLAI

We hadn’t been there in over 10 years and it’s so much better than I remember—of course, I used to drink a lot, so that may have something to do with my memory.

The best thing, of course, is the people—sweet, smiling, friendly, helpful. Then there’s the food—one of the best chefs in Bombay had told me that Bangkok is the culinary capital of the world today, and he was right in spades, and at every price point. And, of course, there’s the infrastructure—not quite Chinese, but leaves us way behind. And, finally, and best of all, clean air and water—I saw a skyful of stars after what felt like decades.