At long last, the dive gear arrived. We packed for the trip and took the Skytrain and MRT out to Hualamphong Station. The train was old, not what we expected—we all had visions of a private compartment for four, with fold-up bunks and a sliding door for privacy…Orient Express, it was not. We did each get a bunk, replete with linens, pillow, and blanket, and a privacy sheet to slide across your bunk. They did provide (not free) one meal (not that good, but we’ve had much worse) and beer, so I was OK. After everyone retreated into their bunks it got pretty quiet. I don’t know how much actual sleep I got on the train, but at least I was able relax and walk around if I wanted.
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