Birthday in Bangkok

Here's my prescription for a good birthday in Bangkok:

Start with a refreshingly hot morning run. If possible, find a park or green space. If not, go with the busy road near your hotel. You may have to have landmarks like "the first canal past the small garbage dump," but it's great to start the day with your blood moving all the same.

Next, answer numerous calls from friends and family in the United States. Really, it reminds you of how many great people are in your life.

Follow that up by a lengthy breakfast with assorted Peace Corps volunteers. Share experiences of living and working in Thai culture -- no one understands it the way they do. If breakfast goes until noon and the wait staff has already set up for lunch, that's ok.

Ride the river taxi and sky train for all afternoon transportation. They are cleaner, cooler, and have better views than the busses.

Hang out in air-conditioned shopping malls and if you can find some fake designer clothing that fits you, buy it!

Spend the late afternoon and early evening sitting by a pool with a book. Or, go in the pool if you feel up to it.

For dinner, head to the all-vegetarian Italian restaurant you've been hearing about for a year. Enjoy garlicky, cheesy food with red sauce and red wine. Reminisce about past birthdays with someone you love.

When you go to sleep, ignore the fact that you are now 29 (or will be in an hour, if you choose to account for time zones). Or, pretend that 29 isn't really that old.