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Published: January 4th 2019
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Watching the Boats Go By
Our favorite pass time activity for working through jet lag upon arrival in Bangkok is to observe the constant activity on Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s primary waterway, from our riverside hotel. Forty hours is a bit extreme, but this is the reality that comes with living in a relatively small city in cental Canada, one which is definitely not a hub for any airlines. Anyone who lives here knows that direct flights to anywhere are rather limited. Consequently, it takes us about the same amount of time to get from Regina to our overseas connecting flight in Vancouver, as it does to complete the overseas leg of the journey from Vancouver to Bangkok. But the ten hour stopover in Vancouver allowed us a short family visit, and as the overseas flight was smooth, uneventful, and leaving just after midnight, our biological clocks and now exhausted energy levels provided the perfect conditions for sleeping most of the flight.
We arrived Bangkok mid-afternoon, safe, sound, and well rested, and were able to manage a relatively decent night of sleep, only to wake up the next morning to news of tropical storm Pebuk, set to ravage the island of Koh Phangan in southern Thailand that we are scheduled to fly to in exactly two days. Deja vue scenarios are now playing in my head, as this same island suffered massive flooding two years ago, only a few days before we were scheduled to arrive. We ultimately went anyway, arriving in time to experience glorious weather along with the flood restoration process, but also consequently enjoyed the benefits of having our resort almost entirely to ourselves, as most tourists had fled the area, providing at least a few tourism dollars to the economy in the process. We are monitoring the ever changing situation, consulting with island residents as well as taking in news reports, and will make our decisions on the basis of information received accordingly. Such is the reality of travel in these times.
This situation brings to mind a comment made recently by one of our travel blog readers who admired “the fluidity of our lives”. I very much appreciated the comment, as it caused me to reflect upon why I am so drawn to this lifestyle. Fluidity is one of the distinct benefits of travel - one which is very important for me - because it helps me part, for at least a little while, from the structured regime I consistently create for myself when pursuing my numerous goals and projects. It provides a sort of balance.
In the meantime, we are resting in Bangkok, and over breakfast this morning we had the unique pleasure of witnessing the King of Thailand pass by in his riverboat, along with an entourage of more than thirty boats preceding and following his yacht, clearing the waterways of all traffic. In addition, police were stationed all along his route, including four at our hotel. It was quite unusual, but unfortunately no pictures were allowed to be taken of the event.
All in all a good start to a trip which already promises to be surprisingly eventful, and a world away from the minus 27 degree reality we experienced upon our recent departure from the other side of the planet. These contrasts, unexpected delights and dilemmas are what make travel so intriguing.
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Susan
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Fear Not
Good for you two for heading into the storm... which are frequently blown up in any case. I admire your enthusiasm for travel and life in general. xo