Balmy, Palmy south east Asia - Emails of August 2011

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Dirk Jan




I will go to the Netherlands tomorrow morning (night trains all booked out already)




Of course I'll also have email when I'm over there, so if you need anything booked, I can still do that (pending being offline when travelling of course).




Mel




We are in Hat Yai, in the Cathay Guesthouse. There is a ladyboy sitting in the corner of this room, like a guardian of the book swap. I should be able to get all the good books, because most of the other guests are western guys, who are giving the ladyboy a wide berth. Lucky (s)he isn't in the internet corner. That would really hinder the other guests.




Today we bought lunch in the market, and hung around at a really nice cafe beside it. We will go there together, when you are here. I think, you would like it.




Hat Yai tips for you




When you get off the bus at Hat Yai bus station, pay around 50 Bahts to get to the Cathay Guesthouse. There will be tuk tuks etc waiting at and outside the bus station. Me and Lydia payed 80 between us, so you will likely be able to bargain them to 50.




I am glad to discover we have had no use for the umbrella, since our first day in Bangkok.




Bangkok accomodation crisis




Apparently, the reason for the shortage of accomodation in Bangkok is there is a full moon comming up. Hopefully, there won't be the next one when you or all of us are next in Bangkok.




A waitress got an a real strop when a backpacker girl fell asleep at the Gecko bar. She loudly screeched at the girl that she has insulted Thai people. She(the waitress) really shouln't have taken it as an affront to Thai people, since most backpackers spend most of their time in Bangkok exhaused with jet lag and long distance bus fatigue, and there was the accomodation shortage.




Lydia also fell asleep at the Gecko bar, and when the waitress started giving her the look I quickly explained I had to wait for somebody to check out so we could get a room. This is how I found out there are also rooms for rent at the gecko bar.




Dirk Jan




I arrive in Bangkok on the 28th. To Chumphon on 29th, to Hat Yai on the 30th, to KL on wednesday the 31st.

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