My man, you want ping-pong show?

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"My man, let me take you ping pong show!"

Those were the first words spoken to me (and again 20ft down the street) as I got out of my cab at Khao San Road (the backpacker hangout). Maybe wandering around as a tired and lost looking young guy wasn't the best idea...

Rewinding to when I left on Wednesday, after the pre-departure briefing from my parents the night before, they dropped me off at CLE for my first of 3 flights. The flight to Toronto went well, just a quick hop over Lake Erie. However, the flight from Toronto to Tokyo was literally the longest 12 hours of my life. I watched 3 movies (Hallpass, Just Go With It, The Mechanic), took 3 naps in between, ate 3 meals...it was like being stuck in a dentist's chair for 12 hours; just awful. The last flight from Tokyo to Bangkok was actually very pleasant. Thai Airways definitely has there shit together w/ comfy seats and great food.

The crowded street full of travelers, food carts, clothing stands, etc. made it a bit rough to lug my duffle-on-wheels (Thanks Ralphie) and I probably looked every bit the part of the stupid American. Eventually, I made it to the D&D inn if only because they had the biggest sign on the street.

After checking in, I settled down in my room for a few minutes before heading out to do a bit of exploring around the area. Basically, Khao San Road is like the Bourbon Street of Bangkok...anything goes. I didn't really have the energy to get into the bar scene, so I went to 7-11 for a road beer as I wandered around. Wandering up and down the streets I saw pretty much everything you'd expect from a large Asian city...food carts of fried bugs, people speeding around on mopeds, fake rolexes for sales, thai hookers, the whole shebang. Eventually I got tired of the whole ping-pong show sales pitch I was getting every 10 steps so I headed back to my room thinking "Do I really look like a guy that'd be into that?"

Up early this morning for no reason, so I headed to the rooftop pool to chill and read until I had to checkout. After that, I headed to the mobile phone store and after waiting almost an hour behind some cockney English wankers, the guy had just sold out and told me to come back in 2 hours. So that leaves me here...killing time while I wait to get a phone.

Hopefully the phone sitch works itself out before I have to go get on a train tonight to head down to the islands. Should be about a 9hr overnight ride, then I hop on a ferry for a 2hr ride to Koh Tao. Saying I'll be happy to finally be there would be like saying I'm only mildly amused by LeBron's collapse in the NBA Finals.

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Comments

[Kara]

yo yooo travel hoe
hi bro bro! I am so glad that you have had an interesting time so far. You are going to have a great time! Be safe and enjoy yourself, you deserve it! xo- poob