This travelling stuff can be hard work

January 7th, 2002 at 12:00am

So I’m in Bangkok – the busy, crazy, dirty, bustling capital of Thailand. A far cry from my quiet bungalow and the stars on Ko Lanta. This travelling stuff can be hard work, but I made it here so that’s what matters.

Luckily yesterday went fairly well. While I was in Trang I met a guy in the internet shop who had seen me earlier in the day with my bicycle and anyway we wound up going out for a drink to chat and swap travelling adventures. Jan (that’s the guy) and his girlfriend travelled for 2 years and so he had a lot of great stories and some good tips as well. It was a nice evening finding good company in a strange city.

Today I woke up early to cycle the 4 km to the airport. Well, the Thais told me it was 4 km but it wound up being over 8 km with one wrong turn… luckily I left early enough that I had plenty of time for the 30 minute ride.

At the airport I decided to try a new approch with the bicycle – that is to simply walk right up to the check-in with the bike – no box, no nothing, just looking like I know what I’m doing and amazingly it worked!! They took my bike over the counter just like a normal check-in piece AND they didn’t even charge me extra. So wonderful! Dealing with getting a box and dismantling the bike is such a hassle. I picked it up in the baggage claim in Bangkok no problem. Then I took the airport bus for the 1-hour ride to downtown Bangkok (decided not to ride in the insane traffic here).

All was going well until I tried to get a room at the New Siam Guesthouse and they refused to let me stay when they saw I had a bike. A true reflection of how hardened the Thais have become from all the backpackers here. No matter to them to turn someone down – surely another tourist will be in for the room and it’s too much trouble to deal with someone with a bike. Why exactly I couldn’t tell you but I found another place to stay so it was ok. Oh how I wish I was at the Reggae Bar tonight…

Entry Filed under: Bangkok,Thailand