After spending some time in my hometown, Kozhikode, India, I have finally returned to Chengdu. My international flight back began in Bengaluru. I hadn't been through the BLR International Airport since its major renovation. I was impressed by the new terminals and amenities. The flight took me from Bengaluru to Bangkok and to my final destination, Chengdu.

While in Bangkok, I learned some exciting new flight route information. Thai Airways is launching direct flights between Bangkok and Kochi, Kerala, starting March 31, 2024. This will provide a convenient one-stop option for traveling between Chengdu and Kerala. Now, I can fly Chengdu - Bangkok - Kochi for visits home rather than going through Bangalore or Chennai as in the past.

Even after arriving safely back in Chengdu, there are lingering effects from my trip to Kozhikode. I still catch myself thinking in Malayalam from time to time. After speaking almost exclusively in my mother tongue for several weeks, suddenly communicating in another language is a strange feeling. In these first few days of adjusting, it feels like part of me is still back in Kozhikode.

Overall, it was wonderful to reconnect with family. And I'm grateful for new flight options that will make future visits more seamless. While it takes some readjustment each time, Chengdu will always be my home away from home.