As we cooked, Oppa shared stories about her own travels and the people she had met along the way. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself feeling more confident in the kitchen with each passing day.

"Anything," I replied, intrigued.

On my second day in Chiang Mai, I stumbled upon a small cooking school that offered classes for travelers. The school was run by a friendly woman named Oppa, who had a passion for sharing her knowledge of traditional Thai cuisine.

The next day, I decided to download a few episodes of a cooking show that Oppa had recommended to me. As I sat in my hostel room, watching the episode titled "The Backpacker Chef S2 Ep...", I felt grateful for the experience I was having.

As I stepped off the bus in the small town of Chiang Mai, Thailand, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and freedom. My backpack was loaded with everything I needed for the next few weeks of travel, and I was ready to take on the culinary delights of Southeast Asia.

I signed up for a two-week course, and Oppa took me under her wing. She taught me the basics of Thai cooking, from preparing fragrant curries to stir-frying vegetables with precision.

I promised, and Oppa shared the recipe with me. As I took notes, I realized that cooking wasn't just about following a recipe – it was about sharing love, culture, and community with others.