Thailand Travel Journal
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Train to Chaing Mai, Nov 7th
Didn’t feel well this morning. Went to pick up the tickets at Liberty Travel. Stopped at the drug store for some Immodium and some Norfloxacin at the suggestion of the druggist. No prescription needed. Only had toast and coffee for breakfast. My usual travel problems. Went to the hotel and lay down until it was time to go to the train. So hot
.We went to lunch at the noodle house. I only had a coke because I didn’t want cramps on the train. We caught bus#1, after three tries, to the train station. It is an art getting on a city bus with a backpack. They do not stop long and you have to almost get out in the street to catch them. The lady conductor indicated when we should get off. It is a problem knowing where you are as some of the street signs are written in Thai or none at all. Lots of Soi’s.
16:14hrs
Sitting in the train station with a young musician from Laos. He helped us find the station and get across the busy street. He just put up his hand and walked out in front of the traffic. We followed right behind him. He is heading home to Laos. Also talking with a Buddhist monk who speaks very good English. The monk warned us to be careful of strangers and not to accept anything to eat from anyone especially chocolate. He said there are many bad people in Thailand. The young Laotian bought me a can of orange pop, my favorite. The monk assured us this was a very good person. A torrential rain storm just hit and lots of rain is coming into the station. Pauline is out walking around and had to get a tuk-tuk back. She is really wet. The ceremony with the King is on the river now. It is on the big TV screen in the station.
Boarded train around 1700 hrs The monk said to think that my body was not hot. but it was very hot and sweaty. That type of thinking will take more practice. The train is air conditioned but there are lots of fumes.
1806hrs
Train beginning to move. Hope the fumes clear up. Nice new clean train, roomy seats one on each side. I have the upper bunk. There is a Thai lady in the opposite seat. she is very sleepy. Dark already. Ordered fried rice for dinner.
Suddenly the porter arrives to make up the bottom bunk for the two Thai women. leaving Pauline and I without seats. We had to climb up into the upper bunk where we were finally served supper. Thought it a little inconsiderate but when in Thailand go with the flow. It was more comfortable then sitting anyway.
Not a very good sleep. the train was bumpy and noisy, stopping many times on the way. Up a little after 0600hrs.
Train was late and didn’t arrive in Chaing Mai until after 0800hrs. Took a cab to the Top North Guesthouse. The hotel people in Bangkok had suggested this hotel to us. It looked Ok so decided to stay. 300b a night. Double room with bath and fan, on the bottom floor. It had a nice swimming pool and a restaurant on the grounds. It was conveniently located just inside the moat of the old city.
Top North Guesthouse
15 Moon Muang Road, Soi 2
Chaing Mai, Thailand
tel: 213900,214648